This was NOT the plan!

I really didn't know what to entitle this post, but this one seemed the most accurate. The last few days have been very tiring and action-packed though not in the way that we had intended. Originally, we were supposed to be spending this weekend in Longview celebrating the arrival of our beautiful new niece, Abbott Clare. I can't even put into words how excited and anxious I was to meet her and how badly I wanted to be there to welcome her. Of course, sometimes things just don't work out the way we want them to. Thankfully, Abbott was born without incident on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:22pm. She is a healthy, happy miracle that has already blessed her parents and the rest of her family. That is the BEST news!!

Abbott Clare Koelling

9lbs 12ozs 21.5"

The very proud parents! Way to go guys!

My beautiful new niece!

As for everything else, well...it wasn't so great. I went to LR on Wed for an appt with an ENT. His diagnosis didn't come as a huge surprise, but his urgency did. He scheduled me for an outpatient sinus procedure to be done the very next day (Thursday). It became pretty evident at that moment that we wouldn't be making it to TX. I was bummed but still thought it might be possible to sneak in a quick trip on Sat if I felt up to it. Little did I know, I wouldn't be the issue. Suffice it to say, that Mason and Grace have been sick ever since my surgery. Grace has had it the worst. Her fever spiked several times to 105.5 and she was unable to keep any meds or liquids down. She was miserable and absolutely pitiful. Mason and Grace are still battling the virus but have (thankfully) made it over the worst of it. They are fever free and are gradually returning to a normal diet and routine.
It has definitely been a rough couple of days and I'm very glad to have it all behind us. I'm also amazed and really thankful that Anna Kate managed to stay healthy the entire time. I pray she and I will manage to evade this virus. It's a nasty one!
Thanks to all our friends and family for the prayers! Also, thanks to everyone who checked on me after my surgery. We are very blessed to have so many caring friends!
Also, please check out: http://emmyadam.blogspot.com/2009/07/our-first-day-home.html to read all about Abbott and see her pictures. I still plan on seeing the little peach just as soon as possible! Congrats to Em and Adam! Abbott is sooo gorgeous! We love you guys.

My sad Grace...this is how we spent Friday and Saturday

You can see how weak and miserable she was...poor baby!