Counting our Blessings

Tonight the Hanou / Burns / Kerschen families are counting our blessings and holding each other a little tighter.  We are recovering from a horrible ordeal with the happiest of endings.  My brother-in-law, Rob and his brother, Andrew went on their Annual Hut trip this weekend to Aspen. Hut trips are common year-round fun for Coloradans.  These 10th Mountain Division huts, built in the 1930's and 40's to help train military troops for combat in high altitude, are rentable through the Forest Service.  There is no road in or out of these huts, access is only available by foot, or snowmobiles.  Rob and Andrew and two of their friends, Dan and Matt, hiked to the Goodwin Green Hut outside of Aspen Saturday and were to return to their car Monday at noon, by 5pm when their wives and girlfriends still hadn't heard from them we began to worry.

These four men are all experienced hikers. They have hiked this exact hut trip the last 5 years in a row. It is a very extreme trip, some huts are easier and more "family friendly", but these guys are in to the challenge of the more extreme climb and adventure. The mountains between Aspen and Crested Butte are very steep. If you get turned around it is very easy to get lost. That being said, their departure day - was a complete white-out. The area received an estimated 40 inches of snow creating very dangerous conditions.

After calling the forest service Monday afternoon we were informed that Search and Rescue won't begin a search until hikers have been missing 24 hours.  It had only been 5 and we were sick with worry.  Mike, wasted no time.  He is very modest about his roll in bringing Rob and Andrew home safely, in fact he is still beating himself up a bit for not being able to find them sooner, however, I think I speak for all families involved when I say, just having Mike up there gave us piece of mind in the 48 hours that followed.  Without him being there, our feelings of helplessness would have been much stronger. 

Mike contacted a few friends who live in the Vail/Aspen area and organized his own search.  Michael (a groomsmen in our wedding and the reason Mike and I met 8 years ago!), John and Sean are experienced mountain men with good equipment and access to snowmobiles.  Mike left in the middle of the night, equipped with excellent Topo maps Ian made for him; picked up Michael and met John and Sean in Aspen at first light.  They hiked and canvased the area for 10 hours before Casey, Meaghan and Sara (the other wives) were finally able to get the Sheriffs office to send a trooper out. 

At 5 pm yesterday, Michael finally spoke directly to the sheriff and convinced them to get the official search started.  Mike was exhausted and utterly disappointed that his full day of hiking and trekking through 40 inches of fresh snow turned up nothing.  When he called to report that he and Michael were on their way to the Search and Rescue office to meet with the sheriff's department and the Mountain Rescue, we were ecstatic.  Finally, some help, but by now it was getting dark, again.  The night before had dropped to 5 degrees, we were praying that Rob, Andrew and crew had made it back to their hut and spent the night safe and warm.  We were confident that they were going to hike out and meet up with Mike Tuesday morning.  Now we knew they were about to spend a second night in the woods, probably sleeping in the snow.  It was very hard to keep our spirits up. 

I picked up Casey and Meaghan after work Tuesday and took them to my house, they had been home alone all day struggling with who to notify and counting the minutes.  Ian and Kim came to our rescue with food, tabloid magazines and the best distraction of all, a two and four year old!  Together we talked about all the possible scenarios Rob and Andrew could be facing, careful not to let ourselves think the worst; avalanches and injuries.  We kept our spirits up by talking about things we would say to Rob and Andrew when we talked to them again, joking that the boys were "grounded". 

Search and Rescue finally made it to the hut on snowmobile at 9:15 Tuesday night. Rob & crew had been at the hut, signed the log book, and did not leave any personal belongings. Good news because that proved they made it to the hut on Saturday and had only been missing since Monday. Bad news, because that meant the search was called off for the night.  We would know nothing more till morning. 

Our families were obviously distraught, no one slept Tuesday night, Ian was cursing himself for not going up to help, Casey and the girls were helpless in Denver, Mike was sleeping alone in a Glenwood Springs Hotel room wishing he could hold me.  Casey and I took our cell phones to bed with us and talked each other to sleep in the dark.  Finally morning came.   Casey and the girls drove to Aspen, Ian and Rob & Andrew's friend, Scott also drove to Aspen.  Casey and Meaghan contacted a private helicopter company and Search and Rescue gassed up two of their planes but it was snowing again and visibility was too poor for flying.

Finally at 11:45 AM Wednesday, literally 48 hours after their expected return, the Aspen Search and Rescue team located all four men safe 8 miles from the hut in the wrong direction.  They were closer to Crested Butte than Aspen.  So unfortunately, Casey and the girls had to drive to Crested Butte, which in good weather would be a 2 hour drive, but both passes that take you there were closed, turning their drive into 6 hours.  What a happy 6 hours that was for them!  I haven't heard from Casey since she met up with Rob again, but I imagine they're holding each other pretty tight tonight just as the rest of our families are too.  We're anxious to hear Rob's side of the story, but confident we will all sleep sound tonight.  This was our first encounter with the Colorado Search and Rescue Department, we have EXTREME respect for what they do and plan to make a Christmas Donation to the organization, but I really hope it was our last personal encounter with them!

Costa Rica...ahhh

It has taken me over a week to post about our wonderful trip to the "Rich Coast".  We came home a little too relaxed I guess!  What a great babymoon we had!

Mike and I l feel as though we had 2 vacations within one trip.  We spent our first half of the week inland, visiting Arenal, swimming in hot springs, taking daily seistas (ok sometimes twice daily!), hiking, eating delicious local food (they call it "typical" food), exploring small villages, and attempting to converse with Spanish speaking locals.  The volcano in Arenal is still active.  Supposedly, you can see sparks coming from the volcano on a clear night, but, you guessed it, the two nights we stayed in La Fortuna were cloudy!  We were fortunate enough to get a clear glimpse of the volcano during the day:

We took a hike around Arenal, our hike was not even close to the caliber of hiking Mike and I are used to doing.  As much as I hate to admit it, hiking while 7 months pregnant (in humidity especially) is not easy!  But, the scenery was so beautiful, we weren't disappointed!

We followed a trail map to a waterfall, a couple of suspension bridges and a few other key points.  Also, listed on the map was a house.  We're still not sure why there was a house in the middle of the national park, or who the lucky occupant was.  But, as we approached the house, a cat walked up to us on the trail. I was very skeptical of this "kitty" but it took a quick liking to Mike brushing up against his leg.  I, on the other hand was hiding behind Mike.  I kept saying, "Are you sure it's just a cat?"  Mike said, "Of course, I'm sure".  Just then the cat meowed - but this was no normal meow - the kitty growled at us!  Needless to say, my hiking speed picked up a little at that point!  Here is the quick snapshot we were able to take as we sped away:

And here is what we discovered after a little research when we got home:

The "kitty" Mike was petting, was actually a Margay, or a miniature Ocelot.  It is about the size of a house cat, only more muscular, larger eyes and it DOESN'T have a collar!  After talking to some locals and reading up on local wildlife in a gift shop, we discovered, that this cat is very rare and near extinction, most locals have never seen one, and it just walked right up to us!

Our very wise friend, Margee was in Costa Rica last fall and highly recommended we visit the Tabercon Hot Springs, saying it's well worth the high cost of admission.  Mike raised his eye brows as he handed over the almost $200 we spent to enter what we both would normally consider a tourist trap but in the end we feel, Margee was right.  It was money well spent!  I thoroughly enjoyed floating in the water, soaking up the sun, seeing the beautifully landscaped surrounding gardens, going down the water slide (yes, Mike dared me to do it - I drew quite the reaction let me tell you!) and Mike relaxed with a few cocktails in the swim-up bar.  We had the best Sea Bass ceviche for lunch!  Margee was right, it was sensational!

 

Like I said, this was two vacations in one.  After spending two a a half days staying in small privately owned motels like this one:

where a local Tico woman made us breakfast every morning and spoke nothing but Spanish (when we explained we didn't speak Spanish, she spoke faster!). 

We drove west to the Pacific shore to meet up with Mike's dad and sister who were in Costa Rica attending the Michigan State Medical Conference.  Cathy, actually was presenting at this conference, not just attending.  The all-inclusive hotel we stayed at for the remainder of our trip was not a small privately owned motel, to say the least! 

We gorged ourselves with delicious food 3 times a day, caught up with Cathy & Dad and best of all got to spend some good 1 on 1 time with our niece Layla who we don't get to see often enough.  Cathy wasn't able to bring Johnny on this trip because he can't get a US passport until he's been with Cathy for two years. 

Mike, Cathy and Dad ziplined through the trees with a bunch of their medical conference friends, but Layla and I had to stay behind.....ziplining is one of many activities Costa Ricans consider me too fragile to partake in. 

Apparently, in Costa Rica I can have a cocktail (practically every bartender offered me a drink), but I can't paddle boat, kayak, horseback ride or, get this, snorkel.  Seriously, I think my pregnant belly would keep me afloat better than most of the overweight people they did rent too!  Fortunately, Bill & Vicky Hughes were at the Medical Conference too and Vicky loaned me her flippers and snorkel gear.  We saw all sorts of cool fish but best of all, when we came out of the water, we saw monkeys swinging from the trees right there on the beach!  Sorry, none close enough to take a picture of.  But I did get a great picture of Layla trying on the flippers too...

There is so much more I could tell you about our trip but this post is already longer than I wanted it to be!  We ended our vacation back in San Jose, ironically, our friend Heather was there for a night too (she's a flight attendant for Frontier!). We met up with her on our last night, closing out an awesome vacation!

 

New Chapter, Old Friends

It's hard to believe 12 years ago this summer, Erica Savino and Courtney Hanou got in a teal green two door Mercury Cougar and drove west!  The car had Erica's name detailed on the driver's side door - I kid you not.  We were fresh out of college, eager to start a new chapter in our life and most of all, we were confident we could always go home to mom and dad if our big move to Colorado was a flop. 

Well, I guess we're here to stay!  Erica & Darren Wright are expecting their first, a little girl anyday now. Even though Erica and I don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, it's so nice to know she's only a phone call away.  I'm so happy we're beginning another new chapter together....

Milestone

Today I am 26 weeks and one day pregnant.  I realize that is not a milestone to most pregnant women, but to Mike and I, it marks a significant anniversary.  I was 26 weeks and one day pregnant with the boys when we found out they were gone.  The last few mornings, while I lie in bed, I roll over on my back and turn this little girls world upside down.  It seems to work - she gets all disoriented and flops around inside me.  She may be uncomfortable but Mike and I just smile at each other knowing she's doing alright in there. 

There are so many differences between these two pregnancies.   We thought today would be a good day to reflect back a little and point out the positives of this pregnancy:

• I eat and drink like a normal person!  I'm not bound to drinking a gallon of water a day and adding protein powder to EVERYTHING.
• I have normal Courtney energy so far - I workout at home or at the gym with Mike everyday, work is great, and I sill have energy to go out occasionally too.
• I can still put my own shoes and socks on! (But I appreciate that spring is on it's way and I can wear sandals soon!)
• My body and face still look like me - I'm not all puffy from the added protein and fluid.
• We aren't visiting the doctor every week (although it would be fun to see her more often!)

Some of you know this already, but Mike and I have decided on a name for this little girl.  We've been calling her Lillian from the get-go and it's stuck.  We both can't think of her as anything other than Lily.  So, rather than waiting until she's born to make this BIG announcement, we're telling you now because I can't refer to her as "little girl" anymore!  We talk to Lillian all the time and it's become very difficult not to type her name in this blog! 

****Father's Note:  We are still accepting bids for the middle naming rights! Whoever pledges the biggest 529 contribution gets the name! (just kidding)  Stay tuned for middle name possibilities coming soon.****

Finally pictures to go with last weeks post!

Thank goodness Cathy is a good mom armed with a camera!  She sent these along for us to post!

Happy Birthday Mike!

Today is my honey's 40th birthday!  We just finished the nicest long weekend in Summit County with Mike's brother and sister (and our adorable nephew Johnny!).  It meant so much to Mike that they came out to celebrate with him.  Mike, John and Cathy got to ski Friday and Saturday and they really enjoyed being together, just siblings.  Meanwhile, Johnny and I shared some quality time!  Well, I thought it was quality time, he thought I was standing in the way of him being with mommy! 
Johnny got to try skiing too!  Kim and Ian let us borrow Holden's skis and they fit Johnny perfectly.  Except for being bright pink, they were perfect!  Friday morning we let him test them out at Copper Mountain.  He got to ride the magic carpet and did pretty well skiing down between Mike, John or Cathy's skis.  But we noticed, he let them hold him up and on some "runs" he didn't even have both legs on the ground!  So when we took him out Saturday morning again, Mike insisted we let him go on his own.  Uncle Mike stood at the top (the top of a very short hill!!!) and taught Johnny to bend his legs and keep his head up - Uncle John stood at the bottom ready to catch Johnny (or pick up the pieces!) and Mommy caught the whole thing on video!  He did great, made it down in one piece and immediately said "Again, Again!" 
I wish I had pictures to share with you - but I am the WORST picture taker!  I really have to work on this!  I have only four months until Baby Girl Kerschen arrives - I'll have the camera and flip video in my purse at all times then.  In the meantime, I would post more blogs if I had pictures to go with our stories.  I'm a slacker!  Last weekend it snowed 6 inches or so here in Denver and Mike and I walked over to the park and went cross country skiing.  It was so much fun!  I'm sure I looked slightly ridiculous with my ski jacket getting a bit snug but it was a great workout!  As soon as we arrived at the park, I was cursing myself for forgetting our camera! 
My 2nd trimester is awesome.  So different from the couch lying I was told to do during my 2nd trimester with the boys.  I feel awesome, I ride the exercise bike here at home everyday if I can find the time.  And Mike and I joined the Rec Center up the street (a Christmas gift from Dad Kerschen!!!).  We've been swimming and weight lifting a few nights a week.  It's so much fun! 
Aside from this surge in energy we've reached another huge milestone in our pregnancy!  I have been enjoying Baby girl fluttering inside me for 7 weeks now. Every week she gets stronger and stronger.  Her little knocks coming from inside are so comforting.  Last week, I told Mike I'm pretty sure her kicks are strong enough for him to feel.  Mike said, he wanted to wait until his birthday to feel her move, it is her gift to him.  So he waited!  I can't believe he was so patient.  She kicks after every meal, when I lye down, when I first wake up in the morning (and sometimes before I'm ready to wake up!!!) and lately I even feel her just moving around for no apparent reason!  So last Thursday morning, I told Mike that since his family was flying in that day - technically it was the start of his birthday weekend!  She was really active that morning and Mike agreed he'd waited long enough.  It took a couple of seconds, and little girl told him Happy Birthday 6 times!  What a sweetheart, she made her daddy's 40th really special!

Mike's Girls Are Happy & Healthy!

YUP!  We found out today that we have a healthy, beautuful baby girl growing inside me!  Already, Mike refers to me as "his girls", saying things like "How are my girls?" and texting me that he loves his girls so much.  It's so sweet to hear!

Baby Girl Kerschen really is such a joy to watch!  Our favorite ultrasound tech is back from her own maternity leave and she gave us a video of the ultrasound to take home.  I was so grateful and couldn't wait to get home to watch it.  Then, I uploaded it and realized it's 25 minutes long!  She's not THAT exciting! And because the video is so long I'm unable to post it to the blog.  Hmmph.  Dad suggested posting it via You Tube....I'll work on that I'm not technologically that gifted :)

Love and Hugs to all of you.....It's going to be a wonderful Christmas this year!