El Tour de Tucson

   

I have been biking regularly for the last few years with a couple friends.  On November 20, we'll be riding 80 (or maybe 109!) miles in El Tour de Tucson, the largest ride in Arizona with about 9,000 riders. 

I've chosen the option to 'Ride for a Child' and raise funds for Tu Nidito.  Each year this agency helps more than 800 children who are grieving a death in the family, who have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, or who have a parent diagnosed with cancer.  I am paired with, Ben, who lost his older sister, and I'm really looking forward to doing this ride in his honor.

My goal is to raise $500 before the ride, and I am looking for sponsors to join me by making a contribution in my name.  You can see a picture of Ben, read more of his story, and donate online at my personalized rider web page.  (You can also donate by check if you prefer that method.)  All donations to Tu Nidito are tax-deductible, and 91% of every dollar goes directly to support programs for children. 

Thanks for your support!
-Andy

She's Here!

Brooklyn Isabella

arrived at 8:18pm

7 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/2 inches

Once her water was broken and active labor started (shortly after 5pm), it did not take long!  We walked the halls a bit, and then Kiara got in the tub at about 7pm.  At that point she was 6cm dilated.  Just an hour later, it was time to push.  It was very intense, but Kiara reached her goal of delivering without an epidural.  She was SO happy!  Now we are resting and enjoying some family time. 

Brooklyn, about 15 hours old

heading to the hospital (updated)

hospital parking lot, 5am

4:30am - Kiara had a regular OB appointment yesterday (Thursday) morning.  She was already at 5cm, although not yet in active labor.  She has been contracting and uncomfortable ever since her appointment, so we've decided to go ahead and head over to the hospital.  Because of the Group B Strep, she will need 1 - 2 rounds of antibiotics before it's safe for baby to be born.  (GBS is harmless for Mama, but very dangerous for baby.)  We appreciate your prayers, and will update as we can. 

9:00am - IV antibiotics, then slept for a couple hours.  Kiara was woken regularly by contractions.  It's great to have Laura as her nurse!

1:00pm - Walking to get contractions going further; hopefully doctor will agree to break her water soon.  Kiara doesn't seem to go into active labor w/o having her water broken -- just the same endless contractions she has been having for weeks. 

4:45pm - Water broken, so hopefully things will start progressing faster now...

8:18pm - Baby is here!!! 

follow-up...

Yesterday late afternoon Kiara and I had the follow-up appointment at the hospital - she had the second steroid shot for baby's lungs and an ultrasound.  Baby still looks great, but unfortunately her amniotic fluid levels, which were already a little too low, had gone down further.  They decided to admit Kiara right away for more monitoring and tests.  She is still contracting regularly, but they are hoping to get that under control with the new medication.  We'll keep you posted when we know more - thanks for the prayers.

-Andy

Update (Wed. afternoon):  The ultrasound looked good this morning -- fluid levels are up a little, baby's heartbeat and activity levels are good, and umbilical cord and placenta seem to be doing their job still.  We're waiting for a consult with the neonatologist and a tour of the NICU, just in case.  And praying these contractions settle down.  Kiara has internet now, so she will be able to update the blog whenever we have more news.  Thank you for your prayers!

Fabulous Forty!

A tribute to my (Andy's) parents who are celebrating
their 40th anniversary this year:

Wedding day - February 13, 1970...

(sweet handlebars, Dad!)

...and then came kids...

(Andy, Heather, and Jesse to start)

...and along with the 70's came the changing hairstyles...

(and gold curtains too)

...favorite family pastime, Sunday afternoon hikes in the hills...

(and there's the newest addition, Phil)

...and finally, last but not least, Amy...

(and there, pictured prominently, is another family favorite -

Ritz crackers and cheese)

Over the years, some things have changed - the gold curtains have been replaced, Sunday afternoon hikes have changed to Sunday afternoon naps, and the hair is not quite so long anymore.  But some things are still the same - I'm pretty sure there are still Ritz crackers in the cupboard.  And my parents are still in love, and still following the Lord.  I'm so thankful for their steadfast love and example of what a marriage based on covenant love is, and hope and pray they continue to celebrate many more years together.

...and now that you've put in all that hard work with us five kids,
you get to relax and enjoy a quiet house again...
except when the grandkids visit!