Today's the Day!

A quick update on Shelly... she has been hit hard the past week with chemo to prepare for the bone marrow transplant today. JC flew down to Gainesville on Monday and underwent the peripheral blood stem cell retrieval process yesterday. They collected enough stem cells (more than 29 million!) that he doesn't have to do it again today.  So he's done and will be able to spend today with the family while Shelly undergoes the transplant.

These have been maajor answers to all the prayers!  Please keep them coming for fast recovery and no rejection issues for Shelly, continued good health and growth for Tegan and safe travels for Nick as he makes trips back home and to work. 

I may be a biased aunt, but Tegan is one of the most beautiful little babies I've ever seen!

Toon Tuesday: A Little Political Humor

Wordless Wednesday: Family Photos

Last Christmas, my siblings and I got our Mom a family photo session.... it only took 10 months, but we finally had them taken this past weekend!  Here is one of my favorite shots from the morning.

 

 

My co-worker and friend, Lindsay Mitchell, took them for us.  Thank you Lindsay!

Sending Some Love

Many people have asked for an address for Nick and Shelly. They will be at an apartment in Gainesville for next three months. The address is 4700 SW Archer Road, unit #5, Gainesville, FL 32608.

Shands Hospital offers a way to send some love as well. You can send an email message to Shelly here: https://ufandshands.org/send-patient-message. This is a great way to send her and her family words of encouragement--and great for her scrapbook! So let's bury her in a pile of well wishes!

They also have a baby registry on Amazon.com. Tegan will be in the hospital for a few months still so for right now an online baby shower is in the works. Right now all the love, support and prayers are needed to get Tegan big and strong!

Tegan grabbing onto Daddy's finger

She's Here!

We have a healthy beautiful baby girl!  Tegan Sophia was born on 10/11/12 at 6:08 pm at 2 lb 12 oz and 15 1/2 inches long.

 

 

For such a tiny little thing, she's coming out fighting (just like her Mama!)... she is not intubated and is breathing on her own. Not all the tests are back yet, so she's not out of the woods, but so far everything looks good.

 

Now onto recovery for Shelly and preparing for the bone marrow transplant.  Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and well wishes, please keep them coming!

 

 

Thursday Thirteen

1. This week has been a busy one, sorry if you've called, texted or emailed and I haven't responded.  I will eventually get back to everyone!

2. Happy birthday to my big brother Buck!  He turned 39 yesterday, hard to believe next year he'll be 40. 

3. What do you consider "old"?  I have friends that freaked out turning 25, others at 30 and then others at 40.  So far, none of these numbers freak me out.  To me, 70 is old.  Scary, considering my dad isn't far from it, but he is FAR from old in my eyes!

4. BIG things are happening today!  As soon as I get the go aheadl I will be sharing!

5. JC hopped on a jet plane this morning to go to Florida.  He has his bone marrow donor evaluation tomorrow.  Please send some extra prayers that all goes well and he's cleared to donate to Shelly!

6. Monkey was very matter-of-fact that she would be going with JC today.  Poor thing was a bit broken hearted when she couldn't go. 

7. Our summer volleyball team had our last game last week.  This saddens me.  I'm going to miss seeing my team every week!

8. We are taking family photos next weekend, as long as the weather cooperates.  What color schemes do you like to see right now?

9. Two of my favorite people are getting married on Saturday.  I can't wait to celebrate their day with them.  Congratulations Josh and Leah!

10. And because of this wedding, the Abbey family will be coming home!  I'm looking forward to spending a little time with them before they have to head back to Oklahoma. 

11. I've found a new love for the chilly mornings.  Mint Hot Chocoloate.  For two reasons, I refuse to by the pre-made mint hot chocolate packages.  One, we have a Keurig coffeemaker so those while I would buy the k-cup, I don't like the loose powder.  Two, I'm kind of a tight ass with my money... which yes, sort of contradicts the Keurig thing.  So, to solve this problem, I've been making regular hot chocolate (from a k-cup) and putting one small drop of mint extract in it.  Top with a little milk and it's amazing!

12. I got a new pair of boots.  They are Ferrini's... I've never owned a pair of those before, but so far, I love them!

 

13. I'm seriously considering chopping my hair off.  I adore this cut.  What do you think?

 

 

Wordless Wednesday: Puppy Love

My parents got a new puppy last week, she's a 10 week old Pyrador - a cross between a Great Pyrenees and a Labrador, and she is ADORABLE!  The girls have fallen in love of course!

Wordless Wednesday: Budding Photographer

Monkey wanted to be on the opposite end of the camera for a change... besides us being a little out of focus, she didn't do too shabby!