Double Wave

Our kid is awesome. Love you.

Update

I just got home from a 10-hour workday, but I felt the need to post an update for all of you.

Before I say anything, I need to say thank you all SO much for your prayers and support. I'm already looking at my thank you list and wondering how I am going to repay everyone for their generosity and kindness. Please know in the last week, you have given me and my family the strength we desperately need.

The details. Last Friday night my parents were in a car accident. Heavy snow was falling in southern Iowa and Dad lost control of the car causing him to serve into oncoming traffic. My dad's car was T-boned on the passenger side by a '77 Buick. Dad was only in the hospital for a couple of days but will be having surgery this Thursday. Titanium plates will be placed in his face around his right eye in order to fuse the 5 broken facial bones. Dad is currently having double vision since the muscle around his right eye is impeded by the broken bones and swelling. We are praying the surgery restores his ability to track and see properly.

Mom absorbed most of the blow. She is still in the ICU. Mom has flail ribs, a lacerated liver, a fractured pelvis, bruised lungs, and had a collapsed lung the night of the incident. Mom was sedated and placed on a ventilator. However, over the last few days she has made some small steps towards recovery. She is no longer being heavily sedated but obviously remains on Morphine. She can raise both arms, grip with both hands, and wiggle both feet and toes. Both chest tubes have been removed. An external pelvic brace is in place with bolts running through her bones to keep everything in line for proper healing. The medical staff has been trying to wean her off the ventilator. She was taken off the ventilator yesterday morning but was re-incubated last night due to breathing difficulties (my understanding is the pain was just too much). However, I spoke with my dad this evening and although Mom can't speak, he said Mom was able to smile and show general concern for my dad's well-being. He said it was apparent Mom did not want him to leave her side. Bittersweet.

I was able to go back to Iowa this past week to be there for my parents. I know later on my mom will have few, if any, recollections of my being there. But I'm thankful I was able to support my dad and help him handle all the details. I've mentioned this on Facebook, but when I stepped on the plane yesterday to head back East...I really did leave a huge chunk of my heart back in Iowa.

I love my parents. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:4-9

Kev-Bot

Kevin visited last week.

Bro-ing down ensued. Norah liked it. Sushi was eaten.

Short post for today... There's more to write when I have more time.

Stay Gold, everyone.

MMK

Just an Average Day...

...in the life of a UNH Hall Director. I thought I'd share this video I filmed and edited for the department's recruiting efforts to advertise a typical work day for HDs.

There's a lot that I think I could have done better with it, but I guess I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out. Enjoy!

Stay Gold!

MMK

She Gets Around

Things have been crazy busy around here for the the past few weeks. We've been adjusting to Sarah's new work schedule and my job has been uncharacteristically administrative. I've also been helping to teach a leadership development class/workshop on campus, so that's been taking time out of the week on top of everything else we have going on. There's one week left before the students leave for spring break, though, so things should slow down significantly after the next few days.

MK started this blog, and I thought I'd finish it up. Some pictures and videos for you all:


One last couple picture before the death of the beard.

This really is how Norah and I say "I love you" to each other. I'm proud.

Our first true homemade pizza. Spinach and mushroom = delicious.

I had a random craving for Shrimp Scampi.

Dad - you got us hooked. Best. Seasoning. Ever.

Model pose.

A quick family picture before Mommy and Daddy head off to dinner & a movie. What a fun night!

This face says it all = trouble.

...but this face makes it all better. My little angel.


And one last update to leave you with:



Yes, our little one is officially mobile. EEEEEK!

Love and miss you all.