The MacKays

I love Jim and Betsy MacKay for so many reasons. They are dear to my heart. They live in Portland, OR and graciously agreed to let me live in their daughter's bedroom (she wasn't using it!) for about a month when I started my residency at PPMC in 2002. Matt stayed on in DC for his job and came about 6 weeks later. The MacKays did not know a thing about me except that Bob and Cherry Raley knew me and The Raleys are good friends with the MacKays since they went through medical school together many years ago in Dallas. Jim actually graduated from the residency I went to!

I will never forget my first day of residency. I awoke in Sarah's room, had a little pity party because I missed Matt terribly, put on my clothes, grabbed my new white coat and walked upstairs. Thankfully, Betsy was there and helped me get a bowl of cereal and calmed my nerves. The last thing I remember saying to her was, "I hope I don't kill anyone today." (I didn't).

I also spent every Thanksgiving with them because I would send Matt to Austin to go hunting since I was usually working. They are both foodies and had an amazing spread at their house every year and made me feel like one of the family. I try to call them every Thanksgiving to check in.

Their oldest child, Andrew, has Down's Syndrome and they have handled it with such grace and humor. He just turned 40 and came along on their visit to Houston and Austin. They spent about 2 hours with me before they headed to the Raley's for the night. I am so glad they got to meet my kids. And Matt saw them briefly, too.

Thanks, Dr. and Mrs. MacKay for all you did for me.

Well Child Checks for Alivia and Will

I took Alivia and Will in for their 5-year and 3-year well child checks today with Dr. Dawson. They passed with flying colors and were really good. They both got one shot and did not even wimper. Although Alivia did save her band-aid to show me how much blood loss she endured after the shot was given. :-)

Here are their stats:

Alivia:

43.75 inches (75-80%)

44.25 lbs (75-80%)

Will:

39.75 inches (90%)

39.75 lbs (90%)

Dr. Dawson was struck how they both were "squares" and essentially had the same numbers for height and weight - curious, indeed. Dr. Dawson asked if I had any concerns or questions, and after thinking awhile, I honestly could not think of one thing. Praise God!

Sisterly Love

Alivia really loves John. They have a special bond already. When she gets in her booster seat in the car she always makes sure she pokes her head from behind the seat so that John can see her and give her a giggle. She likes to hold him and usually does so about once a day. She willingly will get his paci or pick up a toy for him when he needs it. She is a great mother's helper.

PS. John is 10 months old now!

Delayed Valentine's Day

Matt scheduled a surprise Valentine's Day outing last night. It was lovely to get away for a nice dinner and de-compress about the day over a good meal. We went to Parkside on 6th Street. We tried raw oysters for the first time (hmmm, still not sure about them), and split fried calamari, lemon risotto and a steak with fries. Yummm. We were going to go to a hip bar nearby, but around 9 pm, Matt said, "I'm tired. . ." I was glad he said it first because I was thinking it, too!

I can admit that I love Matt now more than when we first started dating because of the history between us and life's journeys we have shared - medical school, DC, Portland, residency, Remy, international travel, Austin, starting a new business. . . oh and three kids!!!

Beautiful Winter Day at the Ranch

Matt and I got up this past Saturday, realized it was going to be a gorgeous day, packed up the family and headed out to the Ranch for a few hours. It was so much fun. The kids are really starting to enjoy it out there and I will be anxious to have John start walking so he can join in the fun. We had a picnic lunch on the porch, made a fire, roasted marshmallows, read books, and walked around the property. What a great escape. It brings back good memories for me everytime I am out there. Bertram is where I learned to fish and drive a car! By the way, can you see the pic of Alivia holding my Cabbage Patch Doll? My mom took them out there and Alivia thought they were great. So funny.

Fellowship Boys (without Dugan)

We are blessed to be part of a Fellowship group that meets about twice a month. Our friendships have continued to deepen and we rejoice in the fact that we share life together and live so close to each other. The Schoolers had us over for a Superbowl Party and I managed to get a pic of almost all the guys in the group. We are missing Matt Dugan. . .

From L - R: Rob Truss, Ryan Schooler, Matt, and Scott Davis

John's 9 Month Stats

Height: 26.75 inches (20%)

Weight: 20 lbs 14 oz (55%)

Head: 44.25 in (25%)