Sorry for the lapse in time

It has been a crazy ride the past few weeks... but at least things are coming to a halt, hopefully.

We're in the preps for this wonderful little miracle of a baby to be born, and can't seem to dig our way out of tragedy. It stinks - especially since I know my husband is hurting, but all I can do is give him a hug. And even that is barely due to the blossoming baby bump that stands between us.


April 14 - on the cusp of the morning of April 15, Rob's maternal grandmother passed away. She had been suffering for a while, and I had a feeling that time would be short... just because of her inability to breathe well and her heart condition. We went to see her when she was in Hospice care and, and when Rob said "We'll see you later, we love you", she shook her head no. I felt so bad for his mom who always wears her heart on her sleeve - I didn't even know where to begin to try to help ease her pain, so I settled on a hug.

Shortly prior to this tragic time, we had found out that Rob's paternal grandfather was diagnosed with aggressive liver cancer. They were trying to treat it with the implantation of radiation seeds...but it wasn't looking good.

May 1-11 - Rob and I departed for the Disney Wonder's inaugural cruise to Alaska. We were so excited - this was our baby moon...and a celebration of our 7 years in marital bliss all wrapped into one exciting trip. On the trip, we met a great couple from across the country and vowed to stay in touch - which reminds me, I should find their email addresses and send them a hello.
The trip was filled with a magic that only Disney can create. We had a wonderful time seeing Alaska - and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. We did a few excursions through the cruise line and were not disappointed. I was overjoyed to get the chance to see/photograph Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and Whales all in their natural habitats... we also saw Bald Eagles and tribal totem poles. It was a really enjoyable trip and we returned home refreshed and rejuvenated.

May 15-20 - Rob had to go to Jacksonville, FL for work. He had to depart to train a coworker on their systems. I always hate it when he goes away on work trips - but I enjoy the time I get to spend with our animals.

Late on the evening of May 17, we received word that Rob's grandfather had been called to Heaven to join the angels. I didn't know how to react to not being able to hug him when he told me. We had both held a strong hope he'd be able to meet his first great grandchild.

All during this week, Rob's mom has been in the hospital with a staph infection - at least the last I heard they were able to get her infection under control and it was responding nicely to the medications. I pray every day the poor thing can find relief from the onslaught of infections and get strong again... at least stronger. She is such a good person - she doesn't deserve such struggle.

Now we have a week in Chicago for funerals coming up. Maybe once they are over, we can settle back into a "normal" pattern and finish preparing ourselves for the arrival of our son.

I started the prerequisite Prenatal classes this week. Rob was unable to go with me... I don't know why they make you go through these things these days. No one ever made my mom go through classes like this and she had three super healthy and normal children naturally. But, to make them happy, I will go. Ugh!

That's about it in a nutshell... welcome to the craziness known as my life lately.