Moving

I get the keys to my new place today.  I was anticipating to be one-way excited for this - and I am excited - but the move will be very bittersweet for my little family.  We moved in with Uncle Chris on July 25th of last year and this time has been the happiest in my life - and the most stressful.  Many of you know that the company I was working for shut down six weeks before Aiden was due.  Luckily, old employers helped out, but that was very stressful and I think contributed to the stress of the delivery.  Aiden was born, early and small, but intact and without all the debilitating problems we had anticipated.  Truly a blessing.  During the next two weeks, there were several gang-related activities in the complex I was living in, and Chris graciously offered to have us move in with him until we could find somewhere more appropriate for Aiden.

On July 19th of last year, Aiden went to Primary Children's for emergency surgery on an inguinal hernia that had caused more-than-normal havoc.  After 24 hours, he had not stabilized, so they went back in to see if they had nicked a bowel.  His appendix had burst and he was filling up with infection.  After another emergency surgery, we were at the hospital for another week.  During this time, my family went on vacation - and during that time, Smedleys and Uncle Chris surprised me and moved me from my apartment to my new home.

Chris has given up his home for my little family.  He gave us the master bathroom with the HUGE room, walkin closet and jetted bathtub.  It has been perfection for my family.  We have truly been blessed to be there.  And while I have tried to contribute, Chris has been so tolerant of the crying, barking (yes, the dog was there too...) mess, mess, mess... and has been a blessing for my little man to be with.  He has tolerated baby socks left in the washer and dryer, night terrors at 4am, and another surgery (Aiden's... not mine...), me teaching cello lessons in the living room, and my cooking - probably the worst part of it all.

I guess I am posting this because I love my brother and will never be able to repay him for helping my little family when we needed it.  We are moving to another grand adventure - to which I am hoping we will be successful - and will be happy to involve him in this as well.

We love you!!