Surviving Winter

As I type this, it is the middle of spring break, and there is SNOW on the ground! AHHHH! I am so ready for spring to get here! I want warm temps, green grass, Easter, and the countdown to summer. It's so hard to be excited for those things with snow on the ground and 20 degree temps!

Ryan took a few days off this spring break, so we have been enjoying having him around. We tried a couple new restaurants, Gusto Pizza and Mad Meatball, took the kids swimming, went sledding, had a movie night, and tomorrow we head to Iowa City for Lia's rheumatology appointment.

Our March Madness brackets are all filled out, and we're excited to watch lots of basketball over the next couple of weeks. A little sad that neither the Hawkeyes or Panthers are in the tourney this year, but at least we'll get to watch Iowa in the NIT.

To keep busy this winter, we planned a weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City with our friends the Rodriguez's! They live in Wichita, so Kansas City is the perfect meeting point. We had so much fun catching up with them.

We also have celebrated some big birthday's around here! My mother in law turned 70, and we celebrated with a family dinner and painting night. Plus, my niece, Finley, celebrated her FIRST birthday! She's such a cutie. Lia turns 5 in two weeks, so we're busy planning her Trolls themed party, and Jack starts spring soccer on Monday night! We have a lot to keep us busy around here. I just began 8 weeks with a new student teacher, and Ryan is busy with work as always.

Here are some photos for you to enjoy!

Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City

Board painting for Diane's birthday!

Enjoying some Gusto Pizza with this cutie!

My family at Finley's birthday!

Lunch at Mad Meatball

Sledding fun in Peasant Hill!

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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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