Introducing...William Andrew Athens

Yesterday I had one of the top two experiences of my life. I got to help Katie and Andy with the delivery of their new baby. After about 20 hours of labor including two hours of pushing Wills (that's what I'm calling him) arrived into this world. Weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds and measuring 22.5 inches long, he was here at last. Katie did an amazing job, even though by the end she was exhausted, I was hoarse from counting and Andy had new muscles in his forearms he made it. There is nothing better than holding a new baby especially when it is your own or the child of your child. I hope he is ready because today is the day he meets his uncles and aunt. I hope the hospital is also ready for the onslaught of the McNeil hurricane. Sometimes we aren't ready for the new phases in our lives (like being grandparents) but all you have to do is see those cute baby eyes and alien shaped head and know that it is the right thing.

Beware There Could Be Ice

A beautiful snowy night, below freezing temps, a dog with a bad eye, who can't walk because he has on one of those vet collars, early morning when the dog has to go outside, what does all of this equal up to? A slip off the front porch and a *****broken ankle, the week before Christmas. Yes, this is what happened to me on December 16th. I knew right away that it was broken only to have Jay take me to the ER to have it confirmed. It was finally my time to go to the emergency room. I didn't want a turn. It took the insurance company until the 23rd to let me have surgery approved and on Christmas day I went in and had a plate and eight screws put into my ankle. I came home the same night and there really hasn't been too much pain. Yesterday I went into the Dr. for the first time after surgery and he put me into a walking boot but the staples don't come out until next Thursday so I can only put about 25 lbs. on it. This is stupid accident for a mom with five kids at home and a job to have but I'm doing great and going back to work on Tuesday, so I don't lose my mind. 

The dog? He had surgery on the 16th and is doing pretty well. At least he can run around and isn't worried about slipping. Dumb dog.