The Shields: 2009 In Review

What a year 2009 has been for Ryan and I and our families. We have so much to be thankful for. Here is a glimpse into what 2009 looked like for us:

January: Jameson traveled overseas to study for a semester in London. He was able to sightsee all over Europe and came home with lots of good stories!

March: Big surprise for Ryan and I in March! We found out that we were expecting our first Child! A very sobering, yet exciting moment for us!

April: Ryan's brother, Spencer, returned safely home from Iraq after a years tour. We were so happy to see him again!

May: I turned 25! Ryan and I celebrated by going out for dinner and enjoying a cozy night at home to ourselves! Last year to celebrate birthdays just the two of us!

June: Ryan celebrated his 28th birthday, and we traveled home to Des Moines for Morgan and Brent's beautiful wedding!

August: Ryan and I celebrated 1 year of marriage! We spent our anniversary in Kansas City doing some shopping, gambling, and eating! I was 26 weeks pregnant.

November: We welcomed Jack Ryan Shields into the world! A day that he will never remember, and we will never forget!

(try not to judge...this pic was taken about 30 min. after he was born. Yes, I know I'm lookin' a little rough!)

December: Our first Christmas together with Jack. We spent almost 2 weeks in Iowa traveling around to see family and friends.

We are so blessed, and trust that God has amazing plans in store for us in 2010! Happy New Year to all!

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Christmas List

Well....my mom and sister and other various family members have started asking what Ryan and I want for Christmas this year....so I began thinking, and here is my Christmas list thus far: *Dance Dance Revolution for Wii (Don't laugh, it's actually really fun) *Dancing With the Stars for Wii *Waffle Maker *good quality chef's knife *fun dress socks to wear to work *black boots with pointed toe *brown boots with pointed toe *Dressy winter coat *Wall Flower refills (for home and school) Ryan and I aren't shopping for each other this year since we are honeymooning over New Years. We are going to Las Vegas, and I can't wait!

9 1/2 Hours

9 1/2 hours until my sweet baby girl goes in for her third open heart surgery. This isn't just any surgery. It's a big one. This surgery would be a big deal for a 40 year old. So you can imagine the seriousness and high risk on a 3 week old. I am nauseous and scared. I pray with all my heart that her little body can handle the intensity and recovery involved with something this big. The nurses have prepared us for the worst, which I am thankful for, but am remaining optimistic and strong in faith. They have told me that she will be VERY sick for several days following her surgery. She may even come back to her room in the PICU still on bypass. Even if she doesn't come back on bypass, she could still go back on it a few days later. In addition to all her machines and medicines now, she will also come back with a pacemaker, and possibly the ECMO (bypass) machine. Lia opened her eyes today, and looked around the ...

Praising God!!!

Lia has had a REALLY good 24 hours! She passed her carseat test! Has taken ALL her feedings orally! Feeding tube is OUT! Breathing treatments have been cancelled! Ryan and I have started a 24 hr PCS (parent care status) where we are completely in charge of all feedings and medications. The nurse will only check on us periodically. This is done to make sure we will be able to handle everything at home. NO MONITORS! I just walked into our bathroom with Lia...simply because I COULD! Pharmacy has come to talk to us about all her prescriptions, and how to administer all medications. Got a basket ready for all the 'skimming' supplies I'll need for home. Arrangements have been made for follow up care with cardiologist and pediatrician! Discharge, yes, I said it, DISCHARGE scheduled for Tuesday! Ok, I'm crying now that I just typed that! Once again, thank you for all your continued support and prayer! Don't we have an amazing God? These oral feedings r...

The Shields Family

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