...and to all a good night.

Where do I begin? It has been a bit crazy at the Brown's since the last update. We have had lots of fun playing and reading and visiting with friends and family. However, we have also been to the hospital twice (both for Shane), and have had excitement that was not as welcome that way. I am happy to report that things are looking well now, as we close out 2010 and head into a new year.

(Adaline playing in daddy's boots / reading a book)

Shane's first hospital trip was about 3 weeks ago when he was experiencing very bad stomach pain. It started on a Sunday night after he came in late from working on his car. He was unable to sleep at all and threw up all night long. He thought it might be related to the antifreeze somehow, but drove to the emergency room at 5 AM only to discover they needed to take out his appendix. Luckily, it did not burst and he was able to come home after only one night stay in the hospital. He has been resting up pretty well from that and was unable to lift anything over ten pounds for 6 weeks...but we shortened it to 3 because of my high risk pregnancy. My doctors seem to think that was a fine idea. It was probably the best time possible if it were to happen, because we had the holiday to help with the burden of work and rest time. Months from now would have been extremely difficult.

The following weekend, Emily and Craig, Anna and AW, and Lindsay (some friends from college) came to visit us and brought along the kids. Four old roommates, three with little girls, makes for some fun times. Adaline had a wonderful time looking at baby Laurel and playing with Kay. It will be so fun to continue getting them together to play as they grow up...and fun for us parents as well.

(Adaline admiring Laurel / Kay and Adaline giggle on the couch)

Then came Christmas! Along with Christmas came family, snow, and another trip to the ER. Shane's parents flew in from Texas to visit for the holiday and we had a great time together. They arrived on Christmas eve and we went to my parents for a nice dinner. All was well! Christmas morning we all woke up, and Shane complained of sleeping funny on his arm. It was numb...ten minutes later, still numb and more of his body was heading that direction (other arm and hands, tongue). Then he started to lose his ability to speak correctly and was disoriented (couldn't sit right, tried to get water without a cup). He was beginning to scare us and we headed back toward the hospital. He was showing signs of stroke, but after much testing and a MRI, the result was a complex migraine. He was given pain meds and sent home to bed. He stayed in bed all Christmas day and that night, but woke up the next day much better. We did our Christmas a day late, but Adaline didn't know the difference...this year.

(Adaline enjoying her new big girl table and some fun activities with Shane and Grandpa)

(Shane all warm in his new down jacket...ready for a trip out in the beautiful snow)

Here are some videos we have taken of some of Adaline's favorite things...eating and bouncing on the furniture.) :)