Mission Accomplished

Jake is home from surgery (shots above are pre-and post) and resting comfortably. It took a little over 3 hours, but the doctor was very pleased with the results and says we will be too once all of the "impressive" swelling (as he put it) goes down. Hopefully with a lot of TLC and some good pain meds, Jake will be back in the swing of things soon. For now, no exersaucer or bounceroo--ouch! In 10 days we'll go back to have the stent and stitches removed, and then just occasional checkups after that. Thanks for the prayers! Now back to check on our little patient...

What a Weekend!

The past weekend was full of friends, family and fun! First, the kids and I went to drop off some things at my friend Anna's house. (We've known each other since junior high.) It's been many years since our days of sleepovers, quoting "When Harry Met Sally" (when it first came out), rocking out to Rick Astley (please don't repeat that), etc., but she now lives right next door to where she grew up. As I stood talking to her in her new yard, with 3 kids in tow (2 mine; 1 hers) and one on the way (HERS), I couldn't help but picture "junior high Anna and Laurie" looking over at the 30-something version of us and vice versa. My minivan full of kids was junior high Laurie's dream come true, despite the fact it wasn't a Delorian and Harry Connick Junior wasn't at the wheel. :-> Still, I could almost see my younger self beaming back at me (braces and all) from our old stomping grounds.

Later that night, E's parents arrived for a few days. E and his dad assembled the kids' new swing set (which a delighted Grace calls her "park.")


















And with temporary live-in babysitters (it was nice while it lasted), E and I also got to take in a play (starring another childhood friend), run errands, etc. in preparation for Jake's Baptism.

Which brings us to today. We enjoyed a wonderful service, where we celebrated Jake's life and Drew's memory with beautiful hydrangeas on the altar and some very moving commentary. The pastor talked about Drew looking down from heaven as we promised to raise Jake in our Christian faith. Another bittersweet milestone, but one we were blessed to share with many of those we love.














Friday is Jake's highly-anticipated "boy surgery" (http://newsfromthenestnj.blogspot.com/2008/12/jake-update-and-back-to-office.html) barring colds or other sickness. Please pray that everything goes well and that his recovery is swift.

Oh, and some very happy news...a new Melson cousin has arrived! Colin Gabriel Melson was born yesterday, at home, to Alan and Emily. Mom, baby, and the rest of the family are doing great!

Time for some rest! Junior high Laurie would probably have a few more hours in her, but I'm pooped! :->