Finding words to update…

Greetings from a hot and humid, yet beautiful Boston!  It’s been a great month since we have touched base… In that time we have flown back from Uganda, gone to Virginia for a beautiful Anniversary celebration, went to the ER for another malaria scare, said goodbye to Derek who flew back to Uganda and have been to California and back…. And now we wait!

              After many requests for a 'bump' picture: 32 Weeks and counting

 

Saying goodbye to Lis after a short but wonderful 12 hours together

Many of you covered us with prayer as we flew from Uganda, thank you.  At 32 weeks pregnant, we were a little concerned about comfort on our 16+ hour journey home… however, we did not expect to be flying with Malaria as well!  Derek woke up on Sunday morning (we flew Monday morning) with Malaria L Thankfully, we were able to get treatment and continue on to Entebbe to catch our flight.  Derek was a champ and stayed strong even while driving.  We felt so blessed that this was diagnosed before we left Uganda where treatment was easy to attain versus in the states where it brings in infectious disease docs and lots of bloodwork ( we found that out later, first hand).  We also were just so blessed with a relatively comfortable flight to London; however, upon landing in Heathrow we were told that we had missed our flight to Boston.  This was devastating to me as I knew Lisa was waiting in Boston just to see us and would fly out the next morning… so I began praying.  They let us get off the plane quickly to ‘try’ to make the flight… many nice individuals informed us we had been deplaned and offered to rebook us, but that did not stop this stubborn traveler.  So at 32 weeks pregnant, we decided to run through the airport to reach our gate.  We reached our gate at the final boarding call, got on the plane, sat down and… made sure I was not in labor.  As much as we love our British friends, we were not so excited having a Brittish child J  It was been a crazy 25 minutes from when we got off the plane til we boarded the next one.  We were so blessed to make the flight and to be hugging Lis 6 hours later!

30th Anniversary Celebration

The next week included doctor’s appointments and a trip to Virginia to celebrate Laura and David Leache’s 30^th anniversary!  What an amazing blessing it was to be home for that celebration.  We love being around those who are loving marriage, even 30 years in! What a gift.  After a wonderful, meaningful celebration, Derek began to feel sick.  It was starting to feel similar to Malaria, so the next day we loaded up the car and started heading for Boston.  Derek was flying out the next day.  However, as we drove, the symptoms got worse and Derek was feeling horrible, so instead of going straight home, we diverted to the ER.  We wanted to rule out malaria.  The ER actually loved it, they thought Derek was a very fun case and after vials of blood, and 5 different doctors, we were cleared to go home and keep a watch on the symptoms.  Because of this, we did not feel it would be wise for Derek to fly, so he pushed his flight back and we got him back to full health.  It appears to have been a viral infection, we were very thankful!

Sister time

Seeing Derek leave is never easy; however, we are so thankful it is just for a month and then the next time he is home we will be having a baby!  As Derek took off to Uganda, Baby J and I left with my mom for California.  We were on the Island for the majority of the time, but did get to sneak in 2 days with my Grammy and Gramps in San Diego.  It was awesome to be on the Island as a family (all except Derek) and just have time to reflect and be still.  The time in San Diego was also such a blessing to be able to be with my Grandparents.  I cherish that time.   I flew back to Boston on Wednesday, getting in a few hours before I was 36 weeks and officially grounded J No more flying until after the baby comes. 

The cutest nephew, loving being at camp

Loving family time on the island

Baby J and I are now in Boston, enjoying being home and all the comforts that brings!  We are anxiously awaiting Derek’s arrival next week and are praying that Baby J does not get too excited to come before then.  We saw the doctor today and all is looking good, he just said that baby J has a big butt… oh man.  So other than the ultrasound tech saying s/he had big cheeks and lips, I guess we can now add a big butt to the list J

We will check in soon.

Clearly ready to get out