Here are a of our wonderful photos of the occasion.
A Family Photo
Friday, December 28, 2007
What a Wonderful Christmas
We were down in Morton, IL to celebrate Christmas with family. Rarely are all my siblings and their spouses and children and my parents all together in one place. It was a blast to be there and share Gwyneth's first Christmas with them.
Here are a of our wonderful photos of the occasion.
A Family Photo
Here are a of our wonderful photos of the occasion.
A Family Photo
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I'm a Brit! Officially!
On my way to the British consulate in Chicago
It's official - I'm a British citizen
My niece Lauren - helping her auntie celebrate with a raspberry tart that has flags of both the Star Spangled Banner and the Union Jack!
It's official - I'm a British citizen
My niece Lauren - helping her auntie celebrate with a raspberry tart that has flags of both the Star Spangled Banner and the Union Jack!
Monday, December 3, 2007
It Could Happen to You
Yesterday I found out to my dismay that those incidents that you hope you never are a part of can indeed happen. I’m glad that I was prepared in the sense that I knew what to do – well, sort of.
We had around 14 inches of snow fall in Two Harbors over the past two days. Of course once it stops, everyone gets out their winter boot, shovels, mittens and snow blowers. Our next door neighbor was one of the many that sprang into action.
I had just changed Gwyneth’s diaper and was ready to head downstairs when I heard someone shouting outside and a snow blower running. Snow blowers are scary to me. I always think of limbs getting sliced open…or worse dismemberment, so I hurried to a window, thinking I should check, but figuring I was just overreacting. Unfortunately, I wasn’t just overreacting, but my next door neighbor was lying on the ground and my other next door neighbor was kneeling next to him on the sidewalk. I shouted to Wes to call 911 and passed Gwyneth off to him and dashed out the door in my slippers into knee deep snow.
I tried to wake him up, tried to get a pulse, tried to feel his breath. There was nothing. I gave him two rescue breaths to see if that would get him going. Nothing. I asked the neighbor that had found him if he knew CPR, he didn’t. I was just about to start on my own when another neighbor ran up and we began CPR together. He did the chest compressions while I breathed for my neighbor. The rescue squad arrived and took over. I stood back, next our neighbor’s wife who came outside when she heard the commotion. I put my arm around her as she wept and asked me what she would do without him; I held her up. I asked her if she wanted me to pray for him, she did and so I prayed aloud, asking God to come and to heal. The rescue squad pulled out the defibrillator and tried to jumpstart his heart. It worked and our neighbor took in two deep breaths, but remained unconscious. They transferred him to the ambulance and I brought his wife into her house so she could get her things to head to the hospital. The police officer on the scene offered to take her to the hospital. I asked if she would like me to meet her there. She said she would like that.
I got to the hospital and stood by her in the ER bay as they stabilized him and arranged for helicopter transport to a larger hospital. I did my best to encourage her, reminding her that her husband was really strong, that he was taking some breaths on his own, that he now had a pulse. I was dying to say, “it’ll be okay,” “he’ll be fine,” or “he’ll pull through this,” but couldn’t because I didn’t know if that was true – no one did. I left shortly before they life-flighted him.
I got to be the hands of Jesus to her. It was a privilege. I was even a bit proud to know that in the situation, I knew what to do and I knew how to be a comfort. I did an important job and I did it well.
Wes received a phone call from his wife late in the evening. She said that the prognosis was not good, that there seemed to be brain damage, and that they were going to reassess his situation in 24 hours to determine whether or not they were going to continue with medical intervention. When Wes told me that news, I felt crushed. I felt so much responsibility. The “what if’s” ran through my mind…especially, what if I had started CPR without any hesitance, without any assessment. What if that minute would have saved his brain? Right away, God reminded me that he’s the sovereign one, that no one enters this life or leaves it without his allowance. Regardless, my heart is heavy. I’m begging God for a miracle.
In thinking about this, and talking to people, I realize that not all people know CPR. I know realize the importance of knowing it, committing it to memory and internalizing it, because, like it happened to me, it could happen to you.
Here are some simple instructions:
CPR - CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
IT CAN BE AS EASY AS A- B- C:
A - AIRWAY
• Place victim flat on his/her back on a hard surface.
• Shake victim at the shoulders and shout "are you okay?"
• If no response, call emergency medical system -911 then,
• Head-tilt/chin-lift - open victims' airway by tilting their head back with one hand while lifting up their chin with your other hand.
B - BREATHING
• Position your cheek close to victims' nose and mouth, look toward victims' chest, and
• Look, listen, and feel for breathing (5-10 seconds)
• If not breathing, pinch victim's nose closed and give 2 full breaths into victim's mouth (use microshield).
• If breaths won't go in, reposition head and try again to give breaths. If still blocked, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
C - CIRCULATION
• Check for carotid pulse by feeling for 5-10 seconds at side of victims' neck.
• If there is a pulse but victim is not breathing, give Rescue breathing at rate of 1 breath every 5 seconds Or 12 breaths per minute
• If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions as follows:
• Place heel of one hand on lower part of victim's sternum. With your other hand directly on top of first hand, Depress sternum 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Perform 15 compressions to every 2 breaths. (rate: 80-100 per minute)
• Check for return of pulse every minute.
CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED UNTIL ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE.
(http://www.spodek.com/Claims/CPR.htm)
We had around 14 inches of snow fall in Two Harbors over the past two days. Of course once it stops, everyone gets out their winter boot, shovels, mittens and snow blowers. Our next door neighbor was one of the many that sprang into action.
I had just changed Gwyneth’s diaper and was ready to head downstairs when I heard someone shouting outside and a snow blower running. Snow blowers are scary to me. I always think of limbs getting sliced open…or worse dismemberment, so I hurried to a window, thinking I should check, but figuring I was just overreacting. Unfortunately, I wasn’t just overreacting, but my next door neighbor was lying on the ground and my other next door neighbor was kneeling next to him on the sidewalk. I shouted to Wes to call 911 and passed Gwyneth off to him and dashed out the door in my slippers into knee deep snow.
I tried to wake him up, tried to get a pulse, tried to feel his breath. There was nothing. I gave him two rescue breaths to see if that would get him going. Nothing. I asked the neighbor that had found him if he knew CPR, he didn’t. I was just about to start on my own when another neighbor ran up and we began CPR together. He did the chest compressions while I breathed for my neighbor. The rescue squad arrived and took over. I stood back, next our neighbor’s wife who came outside when she heard the commotion. I put my arm around her as she wept and asked me what she would do without him; I held her up. I asked her if she wanted me to pray for him, she did and so I prayed aloud, asking God to come and to heal. The rescue squad pulled out the defibrillator and tried to jumpstart his heart. It worked and our neighbor took in two deep breaths, but remained unconscious. They transferred him to the ambulance and I brought his wife into her house so she could get her things to head to the hospital. The police officer on the scene offered to take her to the hospital. I asked if she would like me to meet her there. She said she would like that.
I got to the hospital and stood by her in the ER bay as they stabilized him and arranged for helicopter transport to a larger hospital. I did my best to encourage her, reminding her that her husband was really strong, that he was taking some breaths on his own, that he now had a pulse. I was dying to say, “it’ll be okay,” “he’ll be fine,” or “he’ll pull through this,” but couldn’t because I didn’t know if that was true – no one did. I left shortly before they life-flighted him.
I got to be the hands of Jesus to her. It was a privilege. I was even a bit proud to know that in the situation, I knew what to do and I knew how to be a comfort. I did an important job and I did it well.
Wes received a phone call from his wife late in the evening. She said that the prognosis was not good, that there seemed to be brain damage, and that they were going to reassess his situation in 24 hours to determine whether or not they were going to continue with medical intervention. When Wes told me that news, I felt crushed. I felt so much responsibility. The “what if’s” ran through my mind…especially, what if I had started CPR without any hesitance, without any assessment. What if that minute would have saved his brain? Right away, God reminded me that he’s the sovereign one, that no one enters this life or leaves it without his allowance. Regardless, my heart is heavy. I’m begging God for a miracle.
In thinking about this, and talking to people, I realize that not all people know CPR. I know realize the importance of knowing it, committing it to memory and internalizing it, because, like it happened to me, it could happen to you.
Here are some simple instructions:
CPR - CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
IT CAN BE AS EASY AS A- B- C:
A - AIRWAY
• Place victim flat on his/her back on a hard surface.
• Shake victim at the shoulders and shout "are you okay?"
• If no response, call emergency medical system -911 then,
• Head-tilt/chin-lift - open victims' airway by tilting their head back with one hand while lifting up their chin with your other hand.
B - BREATHING
• Position your cheek close to victims' nose and mouth, look toward victims' chest, and
• Look, listen, and feel for breathing (5-10 seconds)
• If not breathing, pinch victim's nose closed and give 2 full breaths into victim's mouth (use microshield).
• If breaths won't go in, reposition head and try again to give breaths. If still blocked, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
C - CIRCULATION
• Check for carotid pulse by feeling for 5-10 seconds at side of victims' neck.
• If there is a pulse but victim is not breathing, give Rescue breathing at rate of 1 breath every 5 seconds Or 12 breaths per minute
• If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions as follows:
• Place heel of one hand on lower part of victim's sternum. With your other hand directly on top of first hand, Depress sternum 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Perform 15 compressions to every 2 breaths. (rate: 80-100 per minute)
• Check for return of pulse every minute.
CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED UNTIL ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE.
(http://www.spodek.com/Claims/CPR.htm)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
This is Life
Last night as I rocked Gwyneth before placing her in her crib, I watched her eyelids grow heavy and felt her body relax. Her little body no longer easily fits on my lap, but instead her growing legs overflow, dangling off of mine. She was so tired and needy of rest. I was praying a prayer of a thankful heart as I gazed at her. Who knew that a baby could fill the chest with such overwhelming warmth and gratitude? There is such a depth of connection between a parent and a child. Although a child brings a person to a new level of exhaustion, there is a love that is daily renewed to a point of overflowing if the time is taken to watch your child sleep.
On a note aside from the emotions of it all, Gwyneth is changing everyday. She seems so tiny (although percentage based, she’s not a small baby) to be making such strides. She doesn’t look like she should be saying “uh-oh” yet, or standing by a bookshelf pulling off all the books with gusto, or feeding herself chopped veggies (cooked of course) and bananas, tugging on our pant legs to ask for a hug, or veering away from something when we tell her “no” when she crawls toward something off limits. I look at her and think that she should still be sleeping endlessly in our arms, not yet in a constant state of motion. I hear that this state just gets more frenetic.
On Sunday, we got a walk behind toy for her that converts to a ride on toy. She’s shown that she’s not quite coordinated enough yet to walk behind it (not a surprise based on my lack of coordination). She instead keeps her feet planted and pushes it forward, which if not supervised with a supporting hand, she could potentially end up bashing her only two teeth right out of her mouth. That would definitely defeat the purpose of the new toy, as there would be no fun in that. So, we popped it into ride on toy mode and pushed her around on it. She was so proud of her new wheels and sat so tall with a gushing smile on her face. When we’re not available to push her around, she enjoys playing with the extra “spinnies” on her toy and tipping it over to spin the wheels. I think this new toy may provide just as much joy to her as it does to us. It’s fun.
Now, aside from Gwyneth, whom for the moment, our lives do at least partially revolve around hers, we have some other exciting news. My paperwork for British citizenship has gone through without a hitch. I am now ready to be sworn in as a British citizen (yes, I get to keep my US citizenship at the same time). On November 7th, at 10AM, I will be at the British Consulate in Chicago, pledging allegiance beyond just our Stars and Stripes, but to the Union Jack as well. This is a huge step forward in our plans to move to Northern Ireland. With my citizenship, Wes will be able to apply for a settlement visa, which will allow him to work in the UK and eventually apply for citizenship himself. I will also have a right to work in the UK without any problems, along with access to the socialized healthcare and even voting rights!
Our lives continue to move at “warp-speed.”
On a note aside from the emotions of it all, Gwyneth is changing everyday. She seems so tiny (although percentage based, she’s not a small baby) to be making such strides. She doesn’t look like she should be saying “uh-oh” yet, or standing by a bookshelf pulling off all the books with gusto, or feeding herself chopped veggies (cooked of course) and bananas, tugging on our pant legs to ask for a hug, or veering away from something when we tell her “no” when she crawls toward something off limits. I look at her and think that she should still be sleeping endlessly in our arms, not yet in a constant state of motion. I hear that this state just gets more frenetic.
On Sunday, we got a walk behind toy for her that converts to a ride on toy. She’s shown that she’s not quite coordinated enough yet to walk behind it (not a surprise based on my lack of coordination). She instead keeps her feet planted and pushes it forward, which if not supervised with a supporting hand, she could potentially end up bashing her only two teeth right out of her mouth. That would definitely defeat the purpose of the new toy, as there would be no fun in that. So, we popped it into ride on toy mode and pushed her around on it. She was so proud of her new wheels and sat so tall with a gushing smile on her face. When we’re not available to push her around, she enjoys playing with the extra “spinnies” on her toy and tipping it over to spin the wheels. I think this new toy may provide just as much joy to her as it does to us. It’s fun.
Now, aside from Gwyneth, whom for the moment, our lives do at least partially revolve around hers, we have some other exciting news. My paperwork for British citizenship has gone through without a hitch. I am now ready to be sworn in as a British citizen (yes, I get to keep my US citizenship at the same time). On November 7th, at 10AM, I will be at the British Consulate in Chicago, pledging allegiance beyond just our Stars and Stripes, but to the Union Jack as well. This is a huge step forward in our plans to move to Northern Ireland. With my citizenship, Wes will be able to apply for a settlement visa, which will allow him to work in the UK and eventually apply for citizenship himself. I will also have a right to work in the UK without any problems, along with access to the socialized healthcare and even voting rights!
Our lives continue to move at “warp-speed.”
Saturday, October 27, 2007
New Specs
Mom, you wanted to see a picture of me in my new specs, so here it is. I took it quickly using my mac. cam, so it looks a bit like a photo booth picture, but it serves the purpose and now you know what my new glasses look like. Hopefully wearing a pair of glasses that I actually like will keep my eyes healthy by avoidinge abusive and excessive contact lense use.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Just Swingin'
I've wanted to get this picture up for some time and was FINALLY able to get it formatted to upload onto the blog!
Monday, October 15, 2007
More Dells Pictures!
Here are a couple more pictures that for some reason I've been having a hard time uploading. I did finally get them up. I think that Gwyneth with her moose hat is one of the cutest pictures ever taken of her! She knows how to ham it up for the camera, and will often times even stop mid-cry if we take out the camera and change her tune to giggles and smiles.
Gwyneth now has two pearly whites and after our 3 hour mid-night session of wailing, I think another one is moving into position and getting ready to pop through. Needless to say, when the alarm went off at 5:40 AM, none of us were ready to get up. Knowing that Gwyneth was going to fall apart all day long if we didn't let her catch up on the lost sleep, I called in at work and daycare to say we'd be running and hour and a half late. Gwyneth woke up all smiles, but she's got it easy and gets two solid naps daily. Wes and I both woke up feeling exhausted and under the weather. It's all worth it though, and through the process, Wes and I are learning quite a bit of patience!
Gwyneth now has two pearly whites and after our 3 hour mid-night session of wailing, I think another one is moving into position and getting ready to pop through. Needless to say, when the alarm went off at 5:40 AM, none of us were ready to get up. Knowing that Gwyneth was going to fall apart all day long if we didn't let her catch up on the lost sleep, I called in at work and daycare to say we'd be running and hour and a half late. Gwyneth woke up all smiles, but she's got it easy and gets two solid naps daily. Wes and I both woke up feeling exhausted and under the weather. It's all worth it though, and through the process, Wes and I are learning quite a bit of patience!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Wisconsin Dells Adventure
We recently got to meet up with my parents for a visit in the Wisconsin Dells. Although I grew up in Wisconsin, I had never been to The Dells when I was old enough to be filled with awe and wonder at the sites that would send just about any child into a frenzy. I had always wondered what I was missing and it turns out that I had missed out on the mecca of waterparks, tripperish pool sculptures and mini amusement parks. We were lucky enough to stay in a hotel with it's very own pool sculpture - a dragon that had water spouting out of its tail. Travelling with Gwyneth was exhausting, as always, but we enjoyed the company of family and Gwyneth got to spend some special time with Granny and Grandpa Williams.
No Dells trip is complete without a little tour on the Ducks!
Of course there was a bit of pool time!
A hike we took in a nearby glen. Guess who threw rocks at a hornet's next...don't worry Gwyneth and I watched from a very, very good distance.
No Dells trip is complete without a little tour on the Ducks!
Of course there was a bit of pool time!
A hike we took in a nearby glen. Guess who threw rocks at a hornet's next...don't worry Gwyneth and I watched from a very, very good distance.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Ever thought about a collie?
That's a question we've been asking a lot of people recently. Wes and I have decided to pursue moving to Northern Ireland (we'll have to tell that story soon on our post) so that we can intern at the Belfast City Vineyard and eventually plant a church in Ireland (perhaps Cork or Sligo). There are just a couple hurdles to get over and then we will be free to leave. One of those hurdles is finding one loving home for our two collies that we are regretfully going to have to leave in the hands of another family. If you know of anyone that would benefit having two lovely dogs, please send them the following link from the Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue:
http://www.mwcr.org/referral.htm
You just can't find better quality dogs than these!
http://www.mwcr.org/referral.htm
You just can't find better quality dogs than these!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Gwyneth's First Video
Click here for Gwyneth's first video experience! She's laughing at mommy jumping and then decides at the very end to try some "jumping" herself!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Ireland! (You'll Notice a Lot of Green)
Daybreak and the Duluth Intl Airport as we begin our journey to Ireland
An unsuccessful nap in Newark, NJ during a 10 hour layover
The lane which became the base for our travels in Belfast
Nightie-night Gwyneth. Settling into the night in Brandon
View #1 from our room in Brandon
View #2 from our room in Brandon
Our friendly accomodations in Brandon, which belongs to the parents of Karen Kelly (one of our fabulous hosts)
Horse in the pasture. We got to watch him from our window as well.
Daytrip to Kinsale with Karen's mom Daphne
For some reason, I found this photo particularly funny with the girl running from the fountain as if it's about to explode...
Tribute to the Kinsale mariners lost at sea.
I didn't know that John Deere manufactured sale boats!!???
Gwyneth's Irish souvenir - a rain cover for her stroller
Our world traveler...traveling.
Our fabulous host, chauffeurs, cultural experts, guides, and wonderful friends Shane (with arm in sling after shoulder surgery) and Karen at Karen's parent's house.
Daphne and Mervin - Karen's warm parents and hosts while in Brandon.
Gwyneth analyzing the fountain in Galway
Galway
This is Louise. I rode her outside of Galway. She was beautiful, but to be honest, she wasn't very friendly or cooperative.
Outside of Sligo. Probably the most beautiful countryside we saw in Ireland.
The cows escaped some poor farmer's pasture.
On our way to Giants Causeway
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