In Loving Memory

Baby Moran happily and peacefully spent a little over 40 weeks in the safety of Shannon's womb. Unfortunately, it was not meant to go beyond that. On Sunday, Shannon's water broke, and with it came hemorraging that led her to the hospital via ambulance. The baby lost too much blood too quickly, and did not have a heartbeat by the time they got to the hospital. Shannon delivered a beautiful baby boy on Sunday afternoon, Liam Jordan, 6lbs 7oz, with great thick reddish hair. I had the honor of meeting him briefly and wow did he look perfect. It is strange thinking back to Shannon holding him, and yet it didn't seem strange at the time, it just felt like the right thing to do to be with them. And now they are home with very empty hearts. I can't even fathom how Jory and Shannon are feeling or coping right now, because, as just a good friend, I feel like absolute crap. I can't sleep (which is rare for me) and can't stop thinking about what an unfair situation this has become. It is always said that things happen for a reason, but I sure can't accept that right now. My prayers for strength and hope go out to the Morans and the Keenans. I am reassured that they have a very strong support system. Sorry for the dismal post, but I just had to say it all.

The condidion that caused all of this from what I can understand is called velamentous cord insertion and is a complete fluke. Still not fair. And donations can be made in Liam's honor to the photography service that took pictures of Liam in the hospital. Caution, the website for the photography is sad in itself.

Hope

I was able to catch some of the address today between patients. I really do love hearing him speak. It does give me hope for our nation.

Getting ready for vacays!

So excited to finally have some new vacation plans on the books. Our last real vacation was back in June 2008 when we went with the entire Wellnitz crew to Maui. So now we (the husband, kid, and I) are officially going to San Francisco in March. Technically, I have a medical conference the first 2 days, but then we get the rest of the weekend to visit with Josh, Erin, and Abbie, and have fun in the East Bay. We are staying at a swanky place in the city. We will probably make a little day trip on Friday, then a get together with the SMC girls Saturday night at Erin's. Thanks to Erin and Josh for letting us stay at their place for the weekend and to Kell for offering to pick us up at the airport and use her car!

The next trip we are looking into is to Denver to visit Monica, Ron, and girls in May. We thought about Mexico, but with planning to be preggers real soon, that just didn't seem to fit into the plans. And seeing as how I am a delinquent sister for not visiting in the years they have been in Denver, it should be a great trip.

Let the planning begin.

What a difference a year makes

Petie up at Mt. Hood in January 2008

Then in December during Arctic Blast 08

Being cute for the camera in January:

Now with his big boy look:

I can't believe how fast it's gone!

Birthdays and Christmas and Arctic Blast 08 Come and Go

We had a lot to celebrate this past December. Petie turned 2, we had a nice family party on the 27th. This was after much waffling and the decision to start celebrating his birthday with friends every June. Talking with other Christmas babies (thanks Natalie) this should be just fine. With Christmas Eve, Day, and then a family birthday party, then New Year's, another friend party just seemed like overkill. We'll see how it goes.

Here's the cake, yes, I got all home ec and made it myself:




The cake got rave reviews by a certain 2 year old:




Here's the fam on Christmas Eve at Jims.

And Petie enjoying Artic Blast 08 on the top of Greg and Shannon's car. We are beyond glad to see the white stuff finally leave.

For the rest of the pics, just go here: www.jillkevinwellnitz.shutterfly.com and enter password: wellnitz.

Jumping on the blog bandwagon

I am trying out a few different blog hosting sites to see where I want to start this thing. I figure it will just be a lovely little site for family and friends to visit if so inclined. Photos, video, the usual antics of the little guy, my own ramblings, etc. We'll see how it goes...