YAY Friday!

Over the past couple of months, I have been in the process of trying to get my license to practice in Arkansas. It is the most annoying experience! Last month I took the National Counselors Exam which puts me one step closer to getting my license so now all I have left is my oral board exam. Sounds like fun! I've got my fingers crossed that I will do that in March and be done with this mess.

Now although it has been nice to have some time off after three straight years of graduate school, I am starting to get bored. Not to mention that I can't sit around and think about all the challenges ahead. So, I managed to wiggle my way into substitute teaching in one of the school districts in town! Today was my first day and I am proud to announce that I survived the Jr. Highers! It was exciting and rewarding to have contributed to society again!

I am thankful for Friday and looking forward to the weekend although the dread of Monday's appointments are in the back of my mind. YUCK!!

The Story

OK, so I had mentioned earlier that there is a specific reason that I am starting this blog now. Her name is Avery Mae Keirsey. She is still hanging out in my belly but will soon make a much anticipated arrival into this world. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she will be very sick. During our 20 week ultrasound, we were told that she may have some issues. One month later we were on our way to meet with a high-risk OB in Little Rock. Fears confirmed, she was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Basically, she has a hole in her diaphragm which is allowing for parts of her digestive system to creep up into her chest cavity. The condition is very serious and she will require surgery quickly after birth. Now on top of that, we found out last week that she also has a heart defect. This one is called Double Outlet Right Ventricle. Not really sure how to even explain that in English.

So over the past couple of months we have been dealing with craziness. I am not even sure that I can explain all the emotions that have come and gone. What I can tell you is that we have been showered with love and support from close friends and family as well as strangers. I am so touched by all of you who have offered to help in any possible way. I am so grateful for the prayers, thoughts, karma, chi, and good vibes!

So I will tell you that the way that I feel about all of this fluctuates in ways that I cannot explain. Tonight I feel OK. Tomorrow, who knows. I found out today that we will be meeting with both general pediatric and thoracic surgeons on Monday as well as the OB whom we have already seen. I am terrified. I have no idea what they are going to say and I am not sure that I am prepared for what they are going to tell us.

I guess that is it for now. My goal is to keep you all updated as best I can. Again, I so appreciate the outpouring of support and I am hopeful that we will handle whatever comes our way.

Just Practicing.

I'm still trying to figure all this out so be patient with me while I play! I'm making cookies for my husband's birthday tomorrow AND trying to keep Kaitlyn out of the kitchen AND trying to play on the computer. As you can imagine, it is fairly commical.

Here we go.

Well, this marks the beginning of my contribution to the blogging world. I have thought about doing this for awhile, but for some reason, I put it off. I have to be honest, there are specific reasons as to why I am starting this blog now. More to come on that later but for now, I look forward to sharing some of the snapshots from our lives.