Beautiful Bird

Recently we've been having a special visitor to our feeders- a gorgeous Red-Headed Woodpecker. The most stunning (in my opinion) of the woodpecker family, we have been pleased by his return every day this past week. These pictures do not do his coloration justice!

Snow

Snow, snow, and more snow has been the theme of this year here in Iowa. People are saying they haven't seen this much snow in 40 years- and we're near to breaking the record! All that to say Iowa has given her worst to Jayakar since his arrival. But he's been a real trooper, and is now our number one snowblower man!
Jayakar made his first snowman the other day- says it's an Indian snowman, which is why it's so skinny!

Snuggle Bug

Cyrus continues to be a real joy for our family. He is a very obedient dog- and what a snuggle bug! Works fine for me- after all, both pregnant ladies and young puppies need lots of sleep!
If he can't snuggle with a human, he's happy to settle for his four legged buddy. Couldn't resist posting this photo- you are seeing a typical 'Aragorn look'- the tongue sticking out is a common sight :).

Six Months Pregnant!

As I pass my six month mark and enter my third trimester, it continues to amaze me how time flies! The baby still seems a long way off…and yet time has rushed by to this point. I am- finally!- looking pregnant enough to show in a photo.

My health is excellent and I am enjoying having lots of energy. I continue to remain very active, and try to help out with as many chores as possible around the house. Daily walks with the dogs, weather permitting, help me stay refreshed and in shape.

Cyrus the Mastiff

With the sale of our dogs in India, it was agreed by all family members that we would acquire a new puppy after our move to the States. Jayakar and I purchased our new family member on the 31st of January- an English Mastiff we named Cyrus.

He’s five months old, and I can’t tell you what a blessing that has been- ease of housebreaking, less chewing, and old enough to train. He has the Mastiff’s calm and willing demeanor, and is truly a healthy and happy gentle giant. Yes a giant at five months- he’s already about 26 in. at the shoulder and I would guess 100 lbs! But then, his dad weighs in at 220 lbs and 36 in at the shoulder- so we have more to look forward to!

The Mastiff breed is ancient and can be the world’s largest in size, so we wanted to name him something powerful and from antiquity. We chose Cyrus, after the great Persian king mentioned several places in the Bible.

He’s already become a beloved part of our family (as you can see in the photos of him with each family member), and we are looking forward to the years ahead.

Jayakar's Here!

Jayakar arrived in the United States on the 22nd of January. We were very excited to be reunited! His biggest shock were the temps that greeted him- for a while we were down at the zero farenheit mark. But he has adjusted remarkably well, and now forms a part of the snow removal team our family has to be from time to time.

We are so grateful to God for bringing Jayakar safely to his new home. There were no glitches or mistakes, and Jayakar was processed through customs without a question. The only flaw in the whole thing was a long delay in Chicago O'Hare airport- but to those who travel, that comes as no surprise.