Hi girls,
I'm sad that I won't be seeing you, however, can I tell you how thankful I am for this blog?! I'm currently sitting in a session at a Technology Conference in Copper, CO where we are talking about blogs. :) Hooray! I am sitting here, I can read our blog and write to you.
So, here are a few details to wet your appetite for Sapphire 2009. We are going to storm Breckenridge! It seems to be the best town for us to base in. There are lots of shops, lots of ski runs, ice skating isn't far and tubing is just around the corner.
I should have some specific dates for you to begin looking for plane tickets into Denver by next week. Denver is the closest airport, but you could look into flying into Vail, which isn't far either.
Take LOTS of pictures this weekend for me. I've got a page in the works for Joe's wedding! Get those baby girls together so we can get the 2nd generation documented. :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wedding bells
Adam, Violet, and I spent the day in Laguna Beach yesterday with my niece Anna and her brand-new fiance, Justin. I had to blog about their getting engaged because I know a lot of you have met Anna a few times and probably remember her from my wedding.
I'm extremely excited and thrilled for her as Justin is a great guy and obviously loves her very much. And he got her an amazing ring, which always helps too. But quite honestly, I'm having a hard time getting it to sink it that my little niece is getting married. And that I live so far away from everyone during all of this.
They haven't set a date yet but are thinking of December '09 in order to wait for Justin to finish school and save up some money. They're already more responsible than I was -- we sort of just jumped in and hoped we wouldn't have to live on the streets. Luckily, all has worked out so far.
Anyway, we had a great time hanging out, even though it was incredibly hot. Laguna is gorgeous. It's funny how all the beaches around here can look so different for some reason.
Ok, gotta run ... I'm so excited to see you girls in just a few days!
I'm extremely excited and thrilled for her as Justin is a great guy and obviously loves her very much. And he got her an amazing ring, which always helps too. But quite honestly, I'm having a hard time getting it to sink it that my little niece is getting married. And that I live so far away from everyone during all of this.
They haven't set a date yet but are thinking of December '09 in order to wait for Justin to finish school and save up some money. They're already more responsible than I was -- we sort of just jumped in and hoped we wouldn't have to live on the streets. Luckily, all has worked out so far.
Anyway, we had a great time hanging out, even though it was incredibly hot. Laguna is gorgeous. It's funny how all the beaches around here can look so different for some reason.
Ok, gotta run ... I'm so excited to see you girls in just a few days!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
first major injury
Hey girls, I just wanted to post a few pictures of Seth with his first big injury. We're all quite proud of the manly wound and it's one to go in the baby books. =) It actually happened last week, but I just got the pictures from mom and dad. Seth got his first set of stitches on his forehead. We were at my parents house and I had just left to go pick up Josh when my mom called me about a mile down the road and said "everything's under control, but Seth bumped his head and it might need a couple stitches." So I turned around and went back to see how he was doing. His head was gashed open and it was so deep you could see right down almost to the skull. yuk! Apparently, he was running into my dad's office where uncle Dan was waiting to tickle him and then he would run out into the foyer where my dad was waiting to hit him back into the office with a pillow. So, dad hit him with a pillow and bounced him headfirst right into a marble coffee table. Everyone felt pretty awful. We weren't mad though because even if we had been there, we would probably have just been waiting on the other side of the room to hit him with another pillow. lol... I'm just glad I wasn't there because I think when his forehead popped open I would have freaked out at all the blood. My dad put in the stitches, which was nice so we didn't have to make a trip to the ER. So, Seth got 5 stitches in his forehead and is forever manlier from it. Josh took the stitches out yesterday and it looks pretty good. I don't think it will scar too badly long-term. So, anyways... here are a few trophy pictures from Seth's first set of stitches. The one of him playing guitar with Daniel was him and Dan singing the "Papa hit me with a pillow and I busted my head open" blues. (Seriously, Daniel taught him a whole song so that he could sing it to my dad and rub it in.) But the guitar session seemed to cheer Seth up. Well, I can't wait to see you girls in just a few days (except Jamie). =( Hope you all are having a good weekend.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sapphires storm DC in 7 days!
Hey girls, can't wait to see you all in a week!
Seeing that we are going to all be together (minus Jamie - so sad), it is only fitting that we set aside some time for Sapphire lunch and pampering. From what I see (wk-end schedule on previous post) the best time for this would be Saturday afternoon. I'm thinking a light quick lunch with possibly some manis and/or pedis if time permitting.
There is a mall adjacent to our hotels (how convenient for us), so I was thinking we could meet up around 12:30 at the Marriot and hed over to the mall. We should be able to make it back to hotel by 3ish to get ready for the wedding, which starts at 4.
I know it will be kinda a quick thing, but at least we can set aside some time for us. It just wouldn't seem right if we don't.
Well, hope this works for everyone. Let me know if it doesn't work, or if you have a better suggestion.
Love to all - see you in a week!
Seeing that we are going to all be together (minus Jamie - so sad), it is only fitting that we set aside some time for Sapphire lunch and pampering. From what I see (wk-end schedule on previous post) the best time for this would be Saturday afternoon. I'm thinking a light quick lunch with possibly some manis and/or pedis if time permitting.
There is a mall adjacent to our hotels (how convenient for us), so I was thinking we could meet up around 12:30 at the Marriot and hed over to the mall. We should be able to make it back to hotel by 3ish to get ready for the wedding, which starts at 4.
I know it will be kinda a quick thing, but at least we can set aside some time for us. It just wouldn't seem right if we don't.
Well, hope this works for everyone. Let me know if it doesn't work, or if you have a better suggestion.
Love to all - see you in a week!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Colorado
Hey girls,
Colorado is very iffy for us this year. Chances are we will not be able to do this one for financial reasons. If we just get lucky and are able to save some extra cash it might work out, but I don't really see that happening. Josh can't really moonlight his second year and I doubt I will be doing a ton of extra work at home with having the baby, etc. My due date is Nov. 30th. So, if we are able to make it, I should be fine traveling at the end of February and and will definitely have baby #3 in tow, not sure about Seth and Lilah. We would probably try to unload the older two on mom and dad. =) So, that is where we stand on it.
So it has been an exhaustingly busy week because Vanessa and her husband and baby and Josh's mom have been here since last Monday. My house is full of people and stuff and I'm starting to go a little stir crazy. But josh has been working ALLLLLLL the time, so the company has been nice. I got the flu this past weekend. Let me tell you, that is not fun when you are pregnant and already sick. But Vicki and Vanessa were a big help with the kids. Much appreciated. The kids and I are going to King's island on Wed. with my family, which will be fun. Josh has to work of course. It was an interesting and stressful weekend in that on top of the flu and all the company, Josh was offered an ER residency position at his hospital. We had been very interested in switching specialties for better hours and more family time and because ER allows way more time for moonlighting and is one year shorter program. Several months ago Josh had mentioned it to someone when he was particularly frustrated with surgery. Since then, he has kind of found his niche in surgery and his attendings and chiefs have been going out of they're way to point out his strengths and have been telling him that he's really talented and has a good future as a surgeon. On Saturday Josh got to remove a gall bladder solo and did a really good job and his superiors were impressed. Immediately after, ER called to offer him the spot. They had an open spot and and knew Josh and a few others were interested in it. So the ER chiefs and attendings had a meeting and unanimously voted to offer the spot to Josh. It was quite the ego-boosting day, which let me tell you is much needed these days as a lowly intern. =) So anyways, we had the weekend to decide and Josh feels (as do I, much to my chagrin) that he is supposed to stay in surgery. We will probably regret this decision for the rest of our lives. You don't even know how much easier our lives would be like immediately if we switched. But we feel like God wants us to stay in surgery and so I will continue to be a surgery widow for the next 10 years of my life. Please pray for us that we don't regret this. The hours will be more bearable if I know we are doing what god wants us to do. Well, that's the update for us these days. love you girls!
Colorado is very iffy for us this year. Chances are we will not be able to do this one for financial reasons. If we just get lucky and are able to save some extra cash it might work out, but I don't really see that happening. Josh can't really moonlight his second year and I doubt I will be doing a ton of extra work at home with having the baby, etc. My due date is Nov. 30th. So, if we are able to make it, I should be fine traveling at the end of February and and will definitely have baby #3 in tow, not sure about Seth and Lilah. We would probably try to unload the older two on mom and dad. =) So, that is where we stand on it.
So it has been an exhaustingly busy week because Vanessa and her husband and baby and Josh's mom have been here since last Monday. My house is full of people and stuff and I'm starting to go a little stir crazy. But josh has been working ALLLLLLL the time, so the company has been nice. I got the flu this past weekend. Let me tell you, that is not fun when you are pregnant and already sick. But Vicki and Vanessa were a big help with the kids. Much appreciated. The kids and I are going to King's island on Wed. with my family, which will be fun. Josh has to work of course. It was an interesting and stressful weekend in that on top of the flu and all the company, Josh was offered an ER residency position at his hospital. We had been very interested in switching specialties for better hours and more family time and because ER allows way more time for moonlighting and is one year shorter program. Several months ago Josh had mentioned it to someone when he was particularly frustrated with surgery. Since then, he has kind of found his niche in surgery and his attendings and chiefs have been going out of they're way to point out his strengths and have been telling him that he's really talented and has a good future as a surgeon. On Saturday Josh got to remove a gall bladder solo and did a really good job and his superiors were impressed. Immediately after, ER called to offer him the spot. They had an open spot and and knew Josh and a few others were interested in it. So the ER chiefs and attendings had a meeting and unanimously voted to offer the spot to Josh. It was quite the ego-boosting day, which let me tell you is much needed these days as a lowly intern. =) So anyways, we had the weekend to decide and Josh feels (as do I, much to my chagrin) that he is supposed to stay in surgery. We will probably regret this decision for the rest of our lives. You don't even know how much easier our lives would be like immediately if we switched. But we feel like God wants us to stay in surgery and so I will continue to be a surgery widow for the next 10 years of my life. Please pray for us that we don't regret this. The hours will be more bearable if I know we are doing what god wants us to do. Well, that's the update for us these days. love you girls!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Colorado '09
Here are my thoughts on the reunion for '09....
I thought we had agreed on inviting the men to this one because of the skiing... I figure that they are the ones that want to ski the most. So... if Chris can get away from work...we'd love to have him!!
Definitely bring the babies!!! I'm going to need some cuddle time with each of the girls. Plus, they are Sapphires too!! :) I'm looking at getting us a house that will have a bedroom for each family. No details solidified yet, but I'm working on it.
As for dates... I thought I would just check and see what the cheapest was. Julie, I can't remember when your due date is, and I know that you all coming is still up in the air, but when would the earliest that you could travel?
Take lots of pictures during the wedding!! I can't wait to hear all about it.
I thought we had agreed on inviting the men to this one because of the skiing... I figure that they are the ones that want to ski the most. So... if Chris can get away from work...we'd love to have him!!
Definitely bring the babies!!! I'm going to need some cuddle time with each of the girls. Plus, they are Sapphires too!! :) I'm looking at getting us a house that will have a bedroom for each family. No details solidified yet, but I'm working on it.
As for dates... I thought I would just check and see what the cheapest was. Julie, I can't remember when your due date is, and I know that you all coming is still up in the air, but when would the earliest that you could travel?
Take lots of pictures during the wedding!! I can't wait to hear all about it.
Friday, June 06, 2008
various
Hi ladies,
hopefully you all got my email already :) I'm just thrilled to pieces tha we're having a little girl. So nice to finally call the baby "she" or "her" instead of just "it". I'm going to embrace the temptation and buy a little girl outfit this weekend, probably hang it in her room or something.
So tonight we took our two 'kiddos' to West Lake in Davenport. We met up with two other couples who have labs and let all the dogs go swimming. This was Nobu and Fujiko's first ever time swimming. They LOVED it and we had a blast watching all 4 labs swim until exhaustion. Lots of laughter was had by all. We'll definatley be doing more of that this summer.
Concerning DC, we are available starting Friday afternoon to do whatever. I went ahead and reserved a rental car. And though we have seen much of DC two years ago, we'd still be interested in seeing some sites if everyone else is interested.
Concerning the next official reunion in Colorado, is this supposed to be one where the men are invited, or is it just a girls event? Either way, Chris will likely travel out west with me since just this last week he officially hired his new partner who lives in Colorado (i think around Denver). This partner, Peter, will not be moving to the Quad Cities so Chris and Peter will do lots of traveling back and forth for several years. So, if it IS or ISN'T a guys event, Chris will go out and probably work for most of the weekend or week, whatever. But anyway, Praise God that Chris has found a partner. Jamie, i think originally i told you i'd fly into whichever airport was closer to the location of our reunion. But, Moline recently added a direct flight into Denver so I will likely fly into Denver airport. What about kids/babies at the colorado reunion? am i thinking too far ahead? yeah Jen, get through DC and childbirth... THEN think about February!!
Oh, and i don't think i posted this, but May 30th was Chris' last day working for Fidlar. He now works for himself and his own company! the new company hasn't technically been formed but they 'close' on it mid June. Did any of you know that it's "double points weekend" on 'Call of Duty 4 - X-Box 360 Live' this weekend?!?! well, apparently it is, so i will be spending a lot of alone time this weekend while Chris racks up the points. perfect time to shop for little girl things :)
hopefully you all got my email already :) I'm just thrilled to pieces tha we're having a little girl. So nice to finally call the baby "she" or "her" instead of just "it". I'm going to embrace the temptation and buy a little girl outfit this weekend, probably hang it in her room or something.
So tonight we took our two 'kiddos' to West Lake in Davenport. We met up with two other couples who have labs and let all the dogs go swimming. This was Nobu and Fujiko's first ever time swimming. They LOVED it and we had a blast watching all 4 labs swim until exhaustion. Lots of laughter was had by all. We'll definatley be doing more of that this summer.
Concerning DC, we are available starting Friday afternoon to do whatever. I went ahead and reserved a rental car. And though we have seen much of DC two years ago, we'd still be interested in seeing some sites if everyone else is interested.
Concerning the next official reunion in Colorado, is this supposed to be one where the men are invited, or is it just a girls event? Either way, Chris will likely travel out west with me since just this last week he officially hired his new partner who lives in Colorado (i think around Denver). This partner, Peter, will not be moving to the Quad Cities so Chris and Peter will do lots of traveling back and forth for several years. So, if it IS or ISN'T a guys event, Chris will go out and probably work for most of the weekend or week, whatever. But anyway, Praise God that Chris has found a partner. Jamie, i think originally i told you i'd fly into whichever airport was closer to the location of our reunion. But, Moline recently added a direct flight into Denver so I will likely fly into Denver airport. What about kids/babies at the colorado reunion? am i thinking too far ahead? yeah Jen, get through DC and childbirth... THEN think about February!!
Oh, and i don't think i posted this, but May 30th was Chris' last day working for Fidlar. He now works for himself and his own company! the new company hasn't technically been formed but they 'close' on it mid June. Did any of you know that it's "double points weekend" on 'Call of Duty 4 - X-Box 360 Live' this weekend?!?! well, apparently it is, so i will be spending a lot of alone time this weekend while Chris racks up the points. perfect time to shop for little girl things :)
DC trip prep...
Jamie - so very sad you will not be joining us in DC, but we are all looking forward to the trip to Colorado in February. Last week of Feb should work for us. If Aaron is still at Toyota the last week isn't always the best time to go, but February is usually a really slow month, so it shouldn't be a problem. Although, chances are he won't be at Toyota by then (fingers crossed).
For all those making the trip...
I was in DC last weekend and managed to get the low-down on the weekend plans, etc. It looks like the wedding will be formal to semi-formal, so cocktail/sun dresses are a go. For the guys - probably a tie, but a jacket is not required.
For those in town Thursday night, the guys will be going out for Joe's bachelor party. We are still working out the details, but it looks like they will be heading downtown to a comedy show, dinner and possibly a club afterwards. We should have all the details for that, including estimated costs sometime this weekend (look for it via email Julie, Kim & Liz). Us girls are on our own that night, which means girls night in? Maybe we could get take out and rent a movie on-demand in the hotel. Just an idea.
Friday is wide open for those who don't have husbands involved in the wedding, so enjoy the sites of DC. For Liz and I, Joe is taking the guys out in the afternoon (he didn't have the details yet on time/place etc), so looks like you and I are on our own. Maybe you could join me on the jaunt to BWI to pick up Steph and Shawn? Then the rehearsal dinner is at 7, which means the rehearsal will probably start sometime around 5. I think he is sending invites for the rehearsal this week or next. I'm thinking we could skip the whole rehearsal thing and go straight to dinner at 7. We have plenty of time to work out the details. Unfortunately Joe could not invite all the out-of-towners the the dinner - about 70% of the wedding guests are coming from out of town. :)
Saturday is also wide open for those not involved in the wedding. Notes for Liz and I - I think Joe said pictures will start around 2ish, but they are doing all the bride and groom pics after the ceremony. I'm guessing the guys will start getting ready around 1 or so. So I guess you would have the morning to see some sites.
Then of course, Sunday is free for all...
For those coming back to my place on Sunday. I'm anticipating that we will leave DC sometime after dinner. Julie - are you planning to stay in DC on Sunday night, or come back to PA for the night? We would definately have a room for you.
Well, guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted as I get more info.
Can't wait to see you in 18-21 days!
For all those making the trip...
I was in DC last weekend and managed to get the low-down on the weekend plans, etc. It looks like the wedding will be formal to semi-formal, so cocktail/sun dresses are a go. For the guys - probably a tie, but a jacket is not required.
For those in town Thursday night, the guys will be going out for Joe's bachelor party. We are still working out the details, but it looks like they will be heading downtown to a comedy show, dinner and possibly a club afterwards. We should have all the details for that, including estimated costs sometime this weekend (look for it via email Julie, Kim & Liz). Us girls are on our own that night, which means girls night in? Maybe we could get take out and rent a movie on-demand in the hotel. Just an idea.
Friday is wide open for those who don't have husbands involved in the wedding, so enjoy the sites of DC. For Liz and I, Joe is taking the guys out in the afternoon (he didn't have the details yet on time/place etc), so looks like you and I are on our own. Maybe you could join me on the jaunt to BWI to pick up Steph and Shawn? Then the rehearsal dinner is at 7, which means the rehearsal will probably start sometime around 5. I think he is sending invites for the rehearsal this week or next. I'm thinking we could skip the whole rehearsal thing and go straight to dinner at 7. We have plenty of time to work out the details. Unfortunately Joe could not invite all the out-of-towners the the dinner - about 70% of the wedding guests are coming from out of town. :)
Saturday is also wide open for those not involved in the wedding. Notes for Liz and I - I think Joe said pictures will start around 2ish, but they are doing all the bride and groom pics after the ceremony. I'm guessing the guys will start getting ready around 1 or so. So I guess you would have the morning to see some sites.
Then of course, Sunday is free for all...
For those coming back to my place on Sunday. I'm anticipating that we will leave DC sometime after dinner. Julie - are you planning to stay in DC on Sunday night, or come back to PA for the night? We would definately have a room for you.
Well, guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted as I get more info.
Can't wait to see you in 18-21 days!
:(
Hello beautiful women! I've been missing you girls lots lately. So, I started working on our scrapbook. I'm not sure if that is helping or not, but it is fun to see your smiling faces everyday. I do need more pictures... or at least pictures that you want to include. If you have some on Snapfish, could you send me a link again. I can't remember how to get to them. :) I have all the Kodak ones... and I'm picking through to find the best ones.
Now for some sad news... I won't be making the trip to DC with you all. We are just unable to do it finiancial this summer. Plus, Nick and I have decided that this is our "Summer of Rest". We are trying to stay low key and not travel too much. (Plus, I think I may be ovulating that weekend and Nick won't be able to come with me.....) So... take lots of pictures, send me lots of stories and have a drink (or soda) for me while you are all together.
We are planning to head up to Breckenridge this July to find a place for our ski trip. We'll be letting you know as soon as we find a place. :) I'm doing my best to keep in with a reasonable budget. Any votes for the last week of February as our week to go? That will be right before the Spring Break crowd shows up. I'm not able to ditch school the first week of March at the moment (huge state test stuff). I think all the babies will be here by then and everyone will be able to travel.
Let me know what you think! Enjoy DC and Joe's wedding!! I can't wait to hear stories. Love you all!
Now for some sad news... I won't be making the trip to DC with you all. We are just unable to do it finiancial this summer. Plus, Nick and I have decided that this is our "Summer of Rest". We are trying to stay low key and not travel too much. (Plus, I think I may be ovulating that weekend and Nick won't be able to come with me.....) So... take lots of pictures, send me lots of stories and have a drink (or soda) for me while you are all together.
We are planning to head up to Breckenridge this July to find a place for our ski trip. We'll be letting you know as soon as we find a place. :) I'm doing my best to keep in with a reasonable budget. Any votes for the last week of February as our week to go? That will be right before the Spring Break crowd shows up. I'm not able to ditch school the first week of March at the moment (huge state test stuff). I think all the babies will be here by then and everyone will be able to travel.
Let me know what you think! Enjoy DC and Joe's wedding!! I can't wait to hear stories. Love you all!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
More plans
It sounds like most everyone has already made their travel plans, but I thought I'd post just in case...
I just booked the Marriott for us and got it for $63 / night with our AAA discount. They also offer a rental car discount for booking through Hertz where you get a free tank of gas, which is actually kind of a big deal right now with gas prices being so ridiculous.
Now if someplace just offered free babysitting services, we'd be all set... :)
I just booked the Marriott for us and got it for $63 / night with our AAA discount. They also offer a rental car discount for booking through Hertz where you get a free tank of gas, which is actually kind of a big deal right now with gas prices being so ridiculous.
Now if someplace just offered free babysitting services, we'd be all set... :)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
our plans
Hi girls,
We are flying in Friday to IAD airport (Dulles) at around 2:20, and leave Sunday from IAD at around 2:20. Will be a short trip, but we've seen all of the DC sites so didn't need extra time to spend in town. We are staying at the Marriott and are seriously thinking of getting a rental vehicle. In fact, I'm supposed to be checking out those prices right now. So, if anyone else is using IAD close to the times we are, you're welcome to ride with us!
A guest has just arrived at our house, i must go...
We are flying in Friday to IAD airport (Dulles) at around 2:20, and leave Sunday from IAD at around 2:20. Will be a short trip, but we've seen all of the DC sites so didn't need extra time to spend in town. We are staying at the Marriott and are seriously thinking of getting a rental vehicle. In fact, I'm supposed to be checking out those prices right now. So, if anyone else is using IAD close to the times we are, you're welcome to ride with us!
A guest has just arrived at our house, i must go...
Friday, May 23, 2008
So excited!
OK, so I'm so excited to see all of you plans in writing. I can't wait to see you all and spend some time together. It should be a fun weekend, especially since none of us are actually in the wedding, which leaves plenty of time for play.
I thought I would post our tentative plans and try and answer some of the questions you guys have. Aaron and I are planning to make the drive down to DC on Thursday morning. Aaron is planning the bachelor party, which will be Thursday night, and I wanted to let you all know that your husbands are more than welcome to join the fun. I'll let you guys know the plans when we have them set in stone.
Those flying in may want to check into taking the trains from the airport and maybe sharing a rental with one of the other couples. This may help in keeping the costs down. Aaron and I will have a car and Josh and Julie are driving as well. Another money saving tip, Marriott gives AAA discount on top of the already low rate that Joe got, so if you have AAA you can get the room for like $70, and I think it includes breakfast (not sure about that though). The date to book by for Joe's rate is 6/5, so make sure you do it before then.
Jamie - It really isn't hard to get to DC from Baltimore. It's basically all highway if you are driving, and like I said, you may even be able to take the train down.
Julie - It's totally OK for you guys to stay at our house Tuesday night. You can stay as long as you wish in fact.
Steph - I'm planning to come down on Thursday now, so I'm not sure if we will be able to pick you up, but I know that Chris & Jen are coming in on Friday, but I don't know what airport. The train may also be an option.
For those of you staying around afterwards, I think we are going to come back to PA sometime Sunday evening. Aaron has to work on Monday (its the last day of the month), but we plan on staying in DC for most of the day to do some site-seeing and such with the rest of the gang. I'm taking off work the rest of the following week, so feel free to come up and stay as long as you want.
Well, guess that's all for now. Call or email if you guys have any questions.
I'm so excited to see you all in June! 5 weeks and counting...
I thought I would post our tentative plans and try and answer some of the questions you guys have. Aaron and I are planning to make the drive down to DC on Thursday morning. Aaron is planning the bachelor party, which will be Thursday night, and I wanted to let you all know that your husbands are more than welcome to join the fun. I'll let you guys know the plans when we have them set in stone.
Those flying in may want to check into taking the trains from the airport and maybe sharing a rental with one of the other couples. This may help in keeping the costs down. Aaron and I will have a car and Josh and Julie are driving as well. Another money saving tip, Marriott gives AAA discount on top of the already low rate that Joe got, so if you have AAA you can get the room for like $70, and I think it includes breakfast (not sure about that though). The date to book by for Joe's rate is 6/5, so make sure you do it before then.
Jamie - It really isn't hard to get to DC from Baltimore. It's basically all highway if you are driving, and like I said, you may even be able to take the train down.
Julie - It's totally OK for you guys to stay at our house Tuesday night. You can stay as long as you wish in fact.
Steph - I'm planning to come down on Thursday now, so I'm not sure if we will be able to pick you up, but I know that Chris & Jen are coming in on Friday, but I don't know what airport. The train may also be an option.
For those of you staying around afterwards, I think we are going to come back to PA sometime Sunday evening. Aaron has to work on Monday (its the last day of the month), but we plan on staying in DC for most of the day to do some site-seeing and such with the rest of the gang. I'm taking off work the rest of the following week, so feel free to come up and stay as long as you want.
Well, guess that's all for now. Call or email if you guys have any questions.
I'm so excited to see you all in June! 5 weeks and counting...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Katie update and trip plans
Ok, Katie had her MRI this past Tuesday, and thankfully, the report was generated very quickly. I met with her pediatrician today who was able to explain the portions of the report to me that I did not understand....
Basically, it's very good news overall. Her bleed is gone now...it has probably broken up and absorbed, which is exactly what it should have done. So that's great news! From what I can tell, there is seen to indicate that she has too much spinal fluid, or that the exit of the fluid is blocked. The pediatrician told me that these reports need to be read in conjunction with her growth chart. We want her head to continue to measure normally. So for it has. Hydrocephalus causes the head to become large beccause there is no where for the spinal fluid to go. So instead of Katie going back in 2 months, she will go back in a month just to have her head measured. But I think that is just more precautionary. The pediatrician stressed that we will just watch her now as we would any other infant.
The report did show something else completely unrelated, but it's not a problem unless it's in conjunction with other things. So that made us a tiny bit nervous, but that is fine as well. The pediatrician said it's something we never would have known about if she hadn't been premature. So everything should be fine. I don't really like the fact that we need to watch her head though. I didn't actually see my normal pediatrian today because he was at a conference, so I'm going to see what he says too when I go in next month. But really it's good news. One more thing we've overcome:)
As far as the trip to DC is concerned,all 3 of us are coming in on Thursday early afternoon until Monday. We're hoping to have some time to see the sights on Friday and Sunday. We haven't booked out hotel yet either, and haven't figured out yet if we're renting a car. But I'll need to look into that stuff relatively soon now that things are slowing down again. I can't wait to see everyone. And thanks again for the prayers. Everytime something pops up, it's like the first time. It's so good to know we have such amazing friends who keep us and Katie lifted up in prayer.
Basically, it's very good news overall. Her bleed is gone now...it has probably broken up and absorbed, which is exactly what it should have done. So that's great news! From what I can tell, there is seen to indicate that she has too much spinal fluid, or that the exit of the fluid is blocked. The pediatrician told me that these reports need to be read in conjunction with her growth chart. We want her head to continue to measure normally. So for it has. Hydrocephalus causes the head to become large beccause there is no where for the spinal fluid to go. So instead of Katie going back in 2 months, she will go back in a month just to have her head measured. But I think that is just more precautionary. The pediatrician stressed that we will just watch her now as we would any other infant.
The report did show something else completely unrelated, but it's not a problem unless it's in conjunction with other things. So that made us a tiny bit nervous, but that is fine as well. The pediatrician said it's something we never would have known about if she hadn't been premature. So everything should be fine. I don't really like the fact that we need to watch her head though. I didn't actually see my normal pediatrian today because he was at a conference, so I'm going to see what he says too when I go in next month. But really it's good news. One more thing we've overcome:)
As far as the trip to DC is concerned,all 3 of us are coming in on Thursday early afternoon until Monday. We're hoping to have some time to see the sights on Friday and Sunday. We haven't booked out hotel yet either, and haven't figured out yet if we're renting a car. But I'll need to look into that stuff relatively soon now that things are slowing down again. I can't wait to see everyone. And thanks again for the prayers. Everytime something pops up, it's like the first time. It's so good to know we have such amazing friends who keep us and Katie lifted up in prayer.
Our Trip
Ok so we've had our tickets for a while. We will fly in and out of Baltimore. We come in on Friday June 27 and we fly out on Saturday July 5. Ang - were you still going to try to pick us up on your way to the wedding? If not, we can probably just get a car and drive down ourselves. Jamie - I think it's pretty easy to get to DC from Baltimore, but I've never done it. That's just what I've heard from Joe in the past. I would love to see some of the sights in the DC area since I have never been there. I just don't know how much we're going to get in. I am REALLY looking forward to relaxing with my friends, as well! We've had such a busy schedule recently, its going to be great to catch up with you guys!
We are headed to Minnesota tonight and will be back to Tulsa on Monday evening. We almost didn't get to go. Apparently they thought that my neice had whooping cough, which spreads like wildfire, I guess. So since everyone that we were going to see had been exposed to it, we would probably catch it. Which in turn would make us take extra days off work until we weren't contagious anymore and we just couldn't afford to do that. I guess they are finding that the vaccines that we got when we were little have a tendency to wear off, or they just don't work sometimes. Which is what they thougth was going on with Madeline. Anyhoo...the good news is that she was tested and it came back negative for that, so we're good to go. :-)
I am so excited to see all you girls! And I'm can't wait to meet the new additions to our little group. See you soon! What is it - 5 weeks and counting??? Woo HOO!
We are headed to Minnesota tonight and will be back to Tulsa on Monday evening. We almost didn't get to go. Apparently they thought that my neice had whooping cough, which spreads like wildfire, I guess. So since everyone that we were going to see had been exposed to it, we would probably catch it. Which in turn would make us take extra days off work until we weren't contagious anymore and we just couldn't afford to do that. I guess they are finding that the vaccines that we got when we were little have a tendency to wear off, or they just don't work sometimes. Which is what they thougth was going on with Madeline. Anyhoo...the good news is that she was tested and it came back negative for that, so we're good to go. :-)
I am so excited to see all you girls! And I'm can't wait to meet the new additions to our little group. See you soon! What is it - 5 weeks and counting??? Woo HOO!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wedding Plans in the Making
Here are my thoughts on the wedding... I'm thinking about using my free air miles to make my way out there. I have nothing concrete yet. I am teaching at a technology conference the week of the wedding, but I think our final day is on Friday so that is when I'm looking to fly out there. I am thinking that I will leave Monday afternoon. If I fly in to Baltimore, will I be able to make my way to DC pretty easily? I wish I knew more about the east coast!! Let me know what you all think. :)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Wedding plans
Hola chicas,
So Adam and I just bought our tickets to DC. We ended up getting a pretty good deal, thanks to this website that Adam was watching which told us when to purchase. Anyway, we are getting in to DC on the Thursday before the wedding and are staying through the following Tuesday.
We haven't booked a hotel yet since we weren't sure about the after-the-wedding plans. We don't have a lot of time afterwards, but would love to hang out as much as possible. We'll most likely rent a car since we'll have the baby and all the things that come along with her.
We just spent a lovely weekend with Adam's mom. She kept Violet in the room with her so Adam and I were able to sleep in, in the mornings. It was amazing. Better than sex. Really.
We also took Violet to the aquarium, which I'm sure she won't remember, but I loved it.
Violet's giggling and cooing pretty much nonstop now. I feel like she's almost ready to sit up on her own and she's sure giving crawling a pretty good try, kicking her legs and scooting on her tummy. I've started signing with her, just some basic words, like milk and dog. She hasn't really caught on yet, but hopefully within a couple months.
Love you girls and miss you lots!
So Adam and I just bought our tickets to DC. We ended up getting a pretty good deal, thanks to this website that Adam was watching which told us when to purchase. Anyway, we are getting in to DC on the Thursday before the wedding and are staying through the following Tuesday.
We haven't booked a hotel yet since we weren't sure about the after-the-wedding plans. We don't have a lot of time afterwards, but would love to hang out as much as possible. We'll most likely rent a car since we'll have the baby and all the things that come along with her.
We just spent a lovely weekend with Adam's mom. She kept Violet in the room with her so Adam and I were able to sleep in, in the mornings. It was amazing. Better than sex. Really.
We also took Violet to the aquarium, which I'm sure she won't remember, but I loved it.
Violet's giggling and cooing pretty much nonstop now. I feel like she's almost ready to sit up on her own and she's sure giving crawling a pretty good try, kicking her legs and scooting on her tummy. I've started signing with her, just some basic words, like milk and dog. She hasn't really caught on yet, but hopefully within a couple months.
Love you girls and miss you lots!
Friday, May 16, 2008
plans
Hey girls,
Ok, so Josh and I have settled on some plans for Joe's wedding. We are going to drive in (since our Skybus tickets are no longer valid) on June 24. We were planning to stay that night in PA if Angie and Aaron have room for us. If not, we can get a hotel. Just let me know Angie. =) And then I think we're going to head to DC a bit early on the 25th through the 29th. We wanted to see some of the sights in the Washington DC area. We are staying at the Extended Stay America in Fairfax the whole time because we got it on Hotwire for a really good price. We have to drive back to Ohio on June 30th. So that's it for us. Unfortunately, we can't hang long after the wedding with everyone. But Josh's work schedule simply won't allow it.
Liz, we're also praying for you guys and Katie and I'm sure everything will be fine. We're praying for good reports when Katie has the rest of her testing. And we've got all of our family and their churches praying for Katie. You will soon be on the other side of all this stress and will be able to just relax and enjoy the beautiful little girl you have been blessed with. I'm naming it claiming it! =) Seriously, we are and we love you guys!
Ok, so Josh and I have settled on some plans for Joe's wedding. We are going to drive in (since our Skybus tickets are no longer valid) on June 24. We were planning to stay that night in PA if Angie and Aaron have room for us. If not, we can get a hotel. Just let me know Angie. =) And then I think we're going to head to DC a bit early on the 25th through the 29th. We wanted to see some of the sights in the Washington DC area. We are staying at the Extended Stay America in Fairfax the whole time because we got it on Hotwire for a really good price. We have to drive back to Ohio on June 30th. So that's it for us. Unfortunately, we can't hang long after the wedding with everyone. But Josh's work schedule simply won't allow it.
Liz, we're also praying for you guys and Katie and I'm sure everything will be fine. We're praying for good reports when Katie has the rest of her testing. And we've got all of our family and their churches praying for Katie. You will soon be on the other side of all this stress and will be able to just relax and enjoy the beautiful little girl you have been blessed with. I'm naming it claiming it! =) Seriously, we are and we love you guys!
Making plans...
We're looking at about 6 weeks till Joe's wedding and the impromptu sapphires reunion, and yes, I'm starting to think about making plans. I can't wait to see you all and of course meet the newest additions.
So yea, I wanted to find out your plans. When are you getting in? How long are you staying? etc... I've actually heard from most of you, but not specifics. Jamie are you coming? I really hope so, cause if not, you'll be the only one we are missing.
OK, well email me or post it on the blog. Can't wait to see you all in 6 weeks!
Liz, you know I'm praying for you. God is stretching and molding you and Nathan into the parents you are meant to be. He has great plans for Katie and we are believing with you that she and you will get through all this stronger than you were before.
Love and prayers to all.
Ang.
So yea, I wanted to find out your plans. When are you getting in? How long are you staying? etc... I've actually heard from most of you, but not specifics. Jamie are you coming? I really hope so, cause if not, you'll be the only one we are missing.
OK, well email me or post it on the blog. Can't wait to see you all in 6 weeks!
Liz, you know I'm praying for you. God is stretching and molding you and Nathan into the parents you are meant to be. He has great plans for Katie and we are believing with you that she and you will get through all this stronger than you were before.
Love and prayers to all.
Ang.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
It's always something...
You all are going to be tired of reading our not so good news and prayer requests, but we have more...
Just when we thought we were out of the woods, we got some results back from some follow-up tests Katie had done. After Katie was born, they looked into many things, both because TEF kids can have many other defects, and because she was premature. She didn't have any of the other defects associated with TEF, but there were a few things they were keeping an eye on due to her prematurity. They discovered some things with Katie's head and kidneys, both of which were very common, and both of which typically resolve themselves. Her head had a grade 1 bleed, which is not bad and pretty common in preemies, and they say many full-term babies could be born with them as well, and no one would ever know. This type of bleed typically resolves itself and goes away. For her kidneys she had mild hydronephorsis (not sure on the spelling) of one of them, meaning one kidney was a big larger. Again, they weren't too worried about this, and Katie's system is working just fine and everything passes through her system. Well, she did have to have follow-up ultrasounds last week just to follow this stuff.
I haven't heard anything yet on her kidneys, and really am not too worried about they seem to work just fine. However, the head ultrasound indicated that she has large ventricles (the area that hold the spinal fluid). Her pediatrician said the reports from radiology were pretty vague, and he had several people look at them before calling me, and called some other specialists as well. Basically, the report was very vague, and we don't really know if this is a problem or not, so we need to get a head MRI done. They said it very well could be a normal variance, which is of course what we are praying and believing for. But because she already has the one defect, we can't ignore it and really need to look at it more closely. The doctor wouldn't give me any info as to what it could mean if it's not a normal variance. In looking things up and talking to some people, it seems that it could basically mean too much fluid results in pressure on the brain, and when that happens it's typically necessary to get a shunt put in to drain the pressure to prevent problems. I don't know much else. I don't know if this is something that develops, and that's why we didn't see if on the previous ultrasounds, and I don't know if it's related to the grade one bleed. I think I'm just in for a wait for a while, because right now the MRI is scheduled for next week, and it sounds like it will be a week and a half or so before I will know the results. Her pediatrician was very good about making sure the MRI was necessary before calling me, since it requires her to be under anesthesia. So of course, I am nervous, but trying very hard not to think about it, and to just believe it is all withing normal ranges. So please keep us in your prayers once again, and hopefully this will be the last time. Sorry to always be bringing rough news.
I know I seldom post good things, but we really are enjoying every day with Katie. She's growing so fast. She's got to be between 7 1/2 and 8 pounds now, and it's crazy how fast she grows. She's hit the stage where she's a bit fussy sometimes now because she's awake more, but doesn't really play yet. But she smiles a bit more and enjoys being on the ground to move around a lot. She's rolled from her stomach to her back twice, mostly because she hates tummy time:) And she's just now waking up, so I need to go. Thanks for your continued prayers. This is another big one.
Just when we thought we were out of the woods, we got some results back from some follow-up tests Katie had done. After Katie was born, they looked into many things, both because TEF kids can have many other defects, and because she was premature. She didn't have any of the other defects associated with TEF, but there were a few things they were keeping an eye on due to her prematurity. They discovered some things with Katie's head and kidneys, both of which were very common, and both of which typically resolve themselves. Her head had a grade 1 bleed, which is not bad and pretty common in preemies, and they say many full-term babies could be born with them as well, and no one would ever know. This type of bleed typically resolves itself and goes away. For her kidneys she had mild hydronephorsis (not sure on the spelling) of one of them, meaning one kidney was a big larger. Again, they weren't too worried about this, and Katie's system is working just fine and everything passes through her system. Well, she did have to have follow-up ultrasounds last week just to follow this stuff.
I haven't heard anything yet on her kidneys, and really am not too worried about they seem to work just fine. However, the head ultrasound indicated that she has large ventricles (the area that hold the spinal fluid). Her pediatrician said the reports from radiology were pretty vague, and he had several people look at them before calling me, and called some other specialists as well. Basically, the report was very vague, and we don't really know if this is a problem or not, so we need to get a head MRI done. They said it very well could be a normal variance, which is of course what we are praying and believing for. But because she already has the one defect, we can't ignore it and really need to look at it more closely. The doctor wouldn't give me any info as to what it could mean if it's not a normal variance. In looking things up and talking to some people, it seems that it could basically mean too much fluid results in pressure on the brain, and when that happens it's typically necessary to get a shunt put in to drain the pressure to prevent problems. I don't know much else. I don't know if this is something that develops, and that's why we didn't see if on the previous ultrasounds, and I don't know if it's related to the grade one bleed. I think I'm just in for a wait for a while, because right now the MRI is scheduled for next week, and it sounds like it will be a week and a half or so before I will know the results. Her pediatrician was very good about making sure the MRI was necessary before calling me, since it requires her to be under anesthesia. So of course, I am nervous, but trying very hard not to think about it, and to just believe it is all withing normal ranges. So please keep us in your prayers once again, and hopefully this will be the last time. Sorry to always be bringing rough news.
I know I seldom post good things, but we really are enjoying every day with Katie. She's growing so fast. She's got to be between 7 1/2 and 8 pounds now, and it's crazy how fast she grows. She's hit the stage where she's a bit fussy sometimes now because she's awake more, but doesn't really play yet. But she smiles a bit more and enjoys being on the ground to move around a lot. She's rolled from her stomach to her back twice, mostly because she hates tummy time:) And she's just now waking up, so I need to go. Thanks for your continued prayers. This is another big one.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
funny
I noticed the coincidence of the middle names as well. It's funny that they all have the same middle name. I think they're all named after family members as well. Ann is a popular middle name! And lovely... =) haha... Love you girls!
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