Worth It

Yesterday afternoon we went to a NICU reunion for NICU grads, their families, their docs, NNPs and nurses. About 800 people had RSVP'ed for the event, so it was quite a sight. This was one of the sweetest experiences for both Chris and me.
Most of our married life has been spent with Chris in med school, residency and fellowship (10 years out of 14). I'm ashamed to admit that at times I griped about the long hours (particularly during fellowship--at one point in preschool when Abs was asked what her daddy liked to do she replied "work") but like anyone whose husband works a lot of hours I learned that you can spend your time complaining and be miserable or you can decide to deal with it. I dealt with it. It helped, too, that Chris tried to be home as much as possible. And I also have to admit I have griped about the six-figure student loan debt we had to take out for Chris to get through med school. But I also realized that this has always been his dream and I was more than happy to do whatever would be required to make that happen. He does the same for me.

Yesterday was worth it.

Now, you have to know that I don't see Chris at work. I know his partners, and quite a few of the NNPs and nurses, but that's it. I meet him for lunch when possible, but it's not like the NICU is exactly a "bring your child to work" kind of a place.

The minute we walked into the reunion, I heard, "Dr. Stapley." And I started meeting all of these parents whose children Chris had cared for. Some had children in the NICU for months, some a few weeks, some had a twin who'd died, most had children who were only 1 or 2 lbs when they were born. Chris had a story for every baby. I had to choke back the tears more than once.
To see the children Chris was able to help, to see their smiling parents, to see everything come together--the answer to why we've sacrificed so much--it was truly overwhelming.

Yes, everything, everything was and is worth it.

Here are a couple of families:

I only met a fraction of the people Chris spoke with because the kids only had eyes for the inflatables and bird show and cupcakes.

Lisi took on the inflatables--she powered through even the older-kid one.

Kierst helped out with a "magic trick" during the bird show. She loved every minute of it and even got to hold and pet birds afterwards.

Abs overcame her fears and held a miniature parrot for the first time (no pic-I was holding Lisi who was also holding one). She also enjoyed the sweets.

It doesn't get much better than this.

Preschool

It's hard to believe that Analise is already old enough for preschool. Of course, since school started for everyone else 2 weeks before, she has been ready since August! Analise is VERY attached to her "kitties" (you don't want to know what I went through to find the orange one when we thought we'd lost it) and decided to throw a fit once she learned they couldn't go with her. But thanks to her two big sisters who bend over backwards to make her laugh she was all smiles when we headed out the door. Needless to say she loves preschool (especially the painting) and her teacher!

First Day of School

There's something special about the first day of school...kids up early...kids excited for school...mom making breakfast on a weekday...
Chocolate chip pancakes--yum!
No idea why Abs is in her Christmas jammies...

Kierst ready for 4th grade!! Abs ready for 1st grade!!

Analise had her backpack on, too, ready to go.

Last Days of Summer

Even though summer has officially been over for two weeks (since school started), I'm still officially in mourning. I already miss getting up in the morning having the whole day to pretty much do whatever we want, even if that means just swimming all day. I also miss having everyone at home!!

Here are some of the final pics of summer:

At Deanna Rose Farm

Gardner Water Park

Powell Garden--fun but waaay too hot. The kids were melting outside. They had an exhibit where you could touch monarch butterfly caterpillars. You could also watch the butterflies emerge from their cocoons.

Catching bugs

Cooling off in the fountain afterwards. I forgot swimsuits but it was so hot I couldn't not the kids get wet.

Independence Center.

Seattle--Part 2

With the cousins at Andrew's baptism.

Snoqualmie Falls

Chris had to look for vugs in the rocks. Not quite the same as Southern Utah!

Eating ice cream at Boehm's. Yummy!

Lake Sammamish--the kids' favorite part of our trip. And I would have to say it was mine, too. Riding behind the boat with my nieces was a blast.

Fruit roll-up break!

At Trophy Cupcakes in Ballard-what I consider the best cupcakes I've ever had.

A, B, & C eating lunch.

We saw boats coming in and out using the locks at Ballard and even spotted a large school of salmon.

Mount Rainier on the way to Enumclaw to visit the Decker clan.

What I love about visiting my mom's side of the family is that they always make you feel welcome and you always have a good time!

Before we left Seattle, our nieces taught us how to play Rock Band.

If Chris weren't a doctor...

I know I've said it already, but Seattle was fantastic. The kids loved seeing their cousins and are already begging to go back. Thanks to Lind, Cressida, & family and J & K & family and everyone else for all their hospitality and good times!! We can't wait to see you again!

One More Thing Checked Off

Today I checked one more thing off my summer list. Does anyone else have a summer list? I love making lists and my summer one always includes freezing blueberries and peaches. I did the blueberries on Saturday and we picked up a 1/2 bushel of peaches from the city market to freeze. (We'd planned to pick our own, but it was 98 degrees on Saturday--waaay to hot to be outside picking peaches!!) And as of 20 minutes ago 10 bags are peeled, sliced, sugared and sitting in my extra freezer.

There's just something that I love about canning and freezing and making jam and salsa and everything else. When my in-laws lived nearby we would always go to their house and pick peaches and apples from their orchard and beans and tomatoes from their garden. We spent hours and hours together putting up all those fruits and veggies. (I missed you, today, Julie, as I scrubbed the peach juice off my counters!) I love the feeling of having food set aside--good food that can be enjoyed all winter long when you can't get the same thing fresh--good food that can take care of your family no matter what happens to the economy.

Of course, we're thinking that 10 bags aren't enough, though (and if you've had freezer peaches you know what I'm talking about!), so we might get another box or two on Saturday...

BHE-Best Hubby Ever

This is my bragging post. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I think the world of my husband. And he continually surprises me by finding more ways to express his love to me. The lastest one being last night. He took me to a day spa where I spent 90 glorious minutes getting a massage and then we went to dinner. Today I feel so relaxed that I feel like I could take on the world, or at least take on potty training Analise.