Monday, January 19, 2009

2/3 of the way done


I put together the baby furniture on Monday. One of the cribs was broken. I have to wait to get a replacement part and it will all be done. Only took 4 min to put the crib together. The changing table took longer. So far this baby thing is a snap, for me that is. Michele on the other hand throws up a minimum 2 times a day. Growing babies is tough stuff.

Friday, January 16, 2009

1 Year Down

40 more to go. Thanks again Ryan.

-Neal

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Time Flies

It seems like more than a year ago that the transplant happened. One year ago Neal and I and Ryan and Leslie had so many emotions running through us. Neal and I could barely sleep due to anticipation, fear and thoughts of a new life, a second chance you would say. The days leading up to the transplant, Neal was cleaning things around our house that had never been cleaned! I guess we were just trying to find a way to pass the time more quickly. I was more anxious for Ryan and Leslie, because this was all new to them. Neal and I were veterans of being in the hospital and having surgeries, nor did we really have a choice on this surgery. We did not want to continue the dialysis route, it was too brutal. Ryan and Leslie were voluntarily getting into this. I am sure Ryan and Leslie had their own list of emotions! Neal always told me (and I never believed it) that being nice to people would pay back someday. I have to admit he was right in a bigger way than I could have imagined. Thursday we are headed out to a nice dinner with Ryan and Leslie to celebrate the one year anniversary of the transplantation of 'Lil Ryan. This will be a tradition we will carry on for many years.

Saturday, January 3, 2009



We have had a great holiday season. We headed to Cleveland to see my extended family for Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving, we were able to have all of our immediate family down to our place for Thanksgiving. We made it up to see Neal's family in December. While in town, Neal was able to catch a very cold Browns game with his family at the stadium. We are very thankful for the wonderful year we have had. For Christmas we got the flu or something else just as horrible! Neal had to spend a couple of nights over at OSU, but was freed on Christmas Day. As Ryan reminded us, that was nothing compared to some prior Christmas'.

Other than the flu or food poisoning Neal picked up for Christmas, his health is better than ever. Neal met with the oncologist in December and had another ultrasound and Lil Ryan is looking great. Ryan is fully recovered also. He had an appointment for a routine physical and everything looks great.

You cannot repay someone for giving you your life back. Try to tell Ryan and Leslie that! One of the first things Neal told Leslie immediately after the transplant was "Tell Ryan thanks, now Michele and I can start our own family". Well that time has come. We are so excited of the news that we are expecting twins. The babies will be here in July. We got to see them again on the 2nd and they were kicking and moving all over the place. We could not have done this without our completely selfless friends. Thanks McHenry's for giving us our life back! 2008 has been an amazing year and 2009 should be just as exciting!

Stacy made us a special pie to celebrate the babies. It was delicious! Perhaps we should have moved the large knife from the picture. I could not help but post a picture.


Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Burn After Reading

More like Burn Before Watching. Nothing like a comedy with no jokes. I know it was packed with superstars but it can still suck. Believe me it really sucked. One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Don't rent it.

Monday, December 15, 2008

It's a girl


We saw her on tv and just had to have her. A third dog. We are just asking for trouble.