Cow Appreciation Day

A month of Fridays ago, the Chick-Fil-A located in the Union, decided to do a "Cow Appreciation Day."  An email blast went out saying that customers could dress like a cow and receive a free meal or customers could choose to wear one cow item and receive a free chicken sandwich.  Well, who could resist?? =)

I painted a t-shirt, created a cardboard sign, used a food service glove for an udder and made ears for my costume.  The best thing - this cost me absolutely no money!  I had all the items, sans the headband, which I borrowed from my office mate.  Plus, working in Human Nutrition has its advantages.  The "udder" was courtesy of the department.  I simply added a bit of pink permanent marker for a little color.

I thought maybe I would get a free sandwich -- but I actually got the whole meal, for free.  I did see a few other folks dressed up, but mine was the only homemade version.  I believe that I was the only non-student type person who participated, but I decided that the Union was looking for some customers on that hot, July, Friday so I obliged!!

Daddy & Baby "L"

I must say - this pregnancy went much faster than the first!  It was hard to believe that the time had arrived to welcome our second little guy.  The day caught us by surprise, but I will save those details for another blog post =).  Nonetheless, we arrived, in a bit of a hurry, to the hospital - without the camera and other packed items.

After the delivery, Mr. Fixit made a trip home to bring the stash of stuff I carefully packed, by our front door.  Then we had the camera!  So, here is a picture of Dad with Baby "L."  He is peacefully sleeping, and, I am sure, looking forward to meeting his big brother!

Neighbors

The three of us used to be neighbors, once upon a time, and we had a great time in the process!  I was in Cowley County, "L" was in Butler County and "A" in Harvey County.  We were connected as mentors and mentees, and I know that I learned more than I could ever write in a blog post.  We were reconnected when we met to celebrate a special birthday for "A."

Even though we are not neighbors any longer, we have still found opportunities to connect and have fun.  Our lives have changed much from those days.  "L" and I are now married, and we both have kiddos.  We have switched careers and locations a number of times over the past 14 years, but are still connected through it all.  Thanks for the memories girls, and here is to many more years together!

Ice Cream Cone

While in the hospital, the babies are swaddled in these wraps and given little caps for their heads.  The idea is to keep them warm and help them feel secure.  Babies like to be swaddled, because it reminds them of their pre-birth environment.  So, our little guy donned a creamed colored swaddle blanket and a blue cap!

Mr. Fixit thought that the attire made Baby "L" appear to be more like an ice cream cone.  So, I thought I would snap a photo of the "ice cream cone" attire.   Being born takes a lot of energy, so he was rather tired after the whole event!

Party Crowd

I am so glad that my friend "A's" office decided to throw her a birthday party, because it was a fantastic way to connect with Extension friends from across the state.  Summer is usually the time when each Extension professional is trying to "manage the fort" so to speak, on the home front.  We just do not travel much to other places.

The crew gathered, nonetheless, to celebrate a big day.  A number of 4-H families pulled together to help out with food - including a roasted hog - decorations, and more to make the day special.  In the photo are a group of Extension ladies from across the state.  Happy Birthday "A!"

Olympic Carpet Sledding Contender

I L-O-V-E the Olympics!  I know it may sound silly, but I really do!  All the unique sports that you can only see once every four years, people from around the world gathering to participate in something together, and then there is synchronized diving.  I love watching diving!  The best thing is, the Olympics last about 2 weeks!!

Well, we had a power outage 2 days before the Olympics began.  Our satellite receiver would not work any longer, so I missed the first couple of days.  In the meantime, it seemed that "K" was ready to show off his skills.  One morning, as I was changing Baby "L," my Mom and Mr. Fixit witnessed "K" in the handstand position.  Then without any notice, he plowed across the carpet, with his head on the floor.  So, here is the result, folks!  I am not sure this is a sport for me, and we are working to convince "K" that it really should not be a sport for him either!!

Welcome Baby "L"!

The actual due date for Baby "L" was on Monday, July 23.  He made his debut on Tuesday, July 24.  I actually was in town, taking "K" to a Dr. appointment.  He had been running a fever, and then a rash appeared.  So, we went to check that out that morning.

After we left the Dr.'s office, I headed to the fairgrounds to give Mr. Fixit "K's" health update.  It looked like a viral infection that would need to run its course.  It had almost been seven days, so I hoped we were getting close to the end!  Then, it became clear that we needed to head for the hospital.

We dropped "K" by Sweet J's, and then made our way to the hospital.  We arrived about 11:00 a.m. and Baby "L" was born at 3:19 p.m.  He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19 inches long.  He was a healthy baby!

Mr. Fixit did the home duty with "K" and then had to work the fair.  So, it has been a long and, event filled, last 10 days.  Here is a peek at our new little guy.  We are excited to welcome him home!