Crazy busy times

Whew, I'm having a hard time finding time to stop and catch my breath!  Let alone get some sleep :)

A few weeks ago, on Feb 23, Buddy was taken to the hospital for some infection issues.  His kidney infection, bladder infection, and inflamed gallbladder were making him a little under the weather.  Daniel & I went to visit on Sunday evening, just for a little bit.  Our short visit turned into us leaving at 4am, because his temperature spiked to 105, and he was transferred to the ICU.  We stayed there with Georgia to help her out.  Ever since then, it's been one thing after another - one step up and two steps back.  He's still in the ICU... and he's doing about so-so.  It depends on the hour of the day.  Sometimes he "loses it" (as grandma stella would say), and other times he knows exactly what's going on.  Today he has a swallow test and mini-colonoscopy.  Today is pretty crucial - the tests will reveal a lot about what the next steps are.  The Staley's have created a huge, amazing family.  There are a solid 25+ family members who have stepped up to help - taking shifts at the hospital - communicating to everyone what's going on - and keeping everyone sane.  It's been a tough road, but I'm so thankful to have been in this family for so long, and since day one (almost nine years ago), they've embraced me and we've been making fabulous memories this whole time.  I also have a really awesome family, and friends, who have stepped up with meals, hospitality, and moral support.  This has definitely been an emotionally (and physically) draining three weeks, but we're all in this together.

In between the craziness of shifts at the hospital, we also have a lot of extremely fun and exciting things going on.  You saw we finished up Abby's kitchen and celebrated Abby's first birthday.  This past weekend was the long-awaited wedding dress shopping adventure with Robin!  She planned a day where we would trek to Burlington, NC to visit Bridal Mart (I went there with no luck!) to hopefully find her dress, and the bridesmaid's dresses.  She picked me up on Friday, we enjoyed a delish DJs meal, and went down to Ebony.  We stayed up chatting with wandabear about wedding funsies and all of the decorating ideas they have.  [Let me tell you, this will be one beautiful and very fun wedding!]  After a good night's rest, everyone arrived around 8:30 and we we were on our way.  The good news is Robin found her gown - it is exquisite and she makes the dress beyond beautiful.  After we got the big task out of the way - she picked out all of the bridesmaid's dresses.  Check that off the list!  Not only did we get a lot accomplished, but we had sooo much fun doing it, the only thing that would make it even better if we made a trip over to Club Kryptonite.  Robin has a few really awesome girls standing beside her - and I'm very much looking forward to the next 6 months of planning & bridal events!  We laughed so much... and I'm still laughing today!  I'll have to post all about the Robin & Co. treat bags, sweets, and drinks I prepared for our trip - stay tuned!

Last night we celebrated my sister's birthday with our traditional birthday meal!  It was also daylight savings, and though we lost an hour, I love how light it is so late in the day.  That means we get to start playing lots of tennis after work, and spending time outdoors.  Yesterday, the weather was so delightful, we played tennis with our neighbors for about 3 hours.  The funny thing is, Daniel & I got sunburnt!  Ha!  I need to start remembering sunscreen

Keep Buddy in your prayers - and the rest of the family, as this is mentally draining.  We always hope for the best, but know that it's all in His hands.  xoxo