The days before Christmas

Haven't been on in a while. We've been busy helping Jenna, Keith & Eli move into their new house, working and getting over a "bug". Oh and knitting my brains out. I decided to knit everyone Christmas stockings to hang here...along with 3 for Jenna & Keith to hang in their own home. I didn't even get my Christmas Letters out this year. I'm planning to do so after the new year.

We really miss having Eli here...and Jenna and Keith, too. What a blessing it was to watch the new family grow...in more ways than one. We feel blessed to have been involved in Jenna's pregnancy and of course to have had Eli here all the time!!! We will miss that so much but we're so happy for and proud of Keith & Jenna for buying and making their new home.

Chrissy & I went to IKEA outside of Cincinnati last weekend...had a nice drive and lots of nice time to talk. She found a table to fit in their dinette. Getting ready to have a dinner for her family the next day so she was excited that she found the one they wanted. Then Monday Jason, Chrissy & Grandma Dodok met us for dinner so we could see Grandma...she has a little crush on Kev. :-) Chrissy says she's harmless but I think she's a wild woman.

We're enjoying Jami's visit this week. She came in yesterday for the next week & a half. We went shopping today to finish her Christmas for Eli as well as the end of our stocking stuffers. What fun we had...Jenna & Eli came with us. He fell asleep in the cart so he couldn't see what we bought him. tee hee Anyway, it's so nice to just sit and talk with Jami. I so miss our chats. But it is fun to hear about her school adventures. Can't wait to go down for the next family day so we can try out their food.

Jami & Kevin just got back from the grocery so we'll eat well tomorrow. We decided this year to start a tradition of Christmas dinner at our house on Christmas Eve. That way the new families can have their own celebration in their own houses...especially now that Eli's here. We'll go visit them there if need be.

Our family has grown...everyone's off doing their thing. I love hearing about their adventures. They've always been the light of Kevin & my eyes! They continue to bring us more JOY then we could ever ask for.

A day at the park

Bath time & reading time

Eli loves bath time & reading time. He especially loves the bold colors in this book. He also LOVES his baths. Today he kicked his duck in the air...

Photos of the Caldwells

See the wonderful photos that Tommy Feisel took of the wedding, the maternity, Eli's birth & 8 weeks old. He added a lovely sentiment to them, made a video of the photos set to music.

We've added his blog as one we're following on the side bar. We are so blessed to have met Tommy & his wife Meredith. What lovely & talented people.

The Smile of an ANGEL

I can't express how much we have enjoyed the first two weeks of Eli's time with us! No words would do justice...I won't even try. It just brings a lump to my throat each time I see him. Just look at this face!!! He has his Pop Pop's dimples.

It seems that Eli is happy most of the time...only fussing when he's hungry or getting comfortable. We're watching Jenna and Keith blossom into wonderful parents. They're passing their good feelings onto this sleeping child...cuddling and kissing him. They are so proud and full of wonder.

Eli has already grown quite a bit and is so incredibly strong. Before we know it he'll be toddling around here...though I don't want to rush that as Kevin and I enjoy holding him every chance the new parents will allow it. tee hee

All of our critters have taken turns checking Eli out. They run to his swing to see if he's there and kiss his toes when they see one exposed. KiKi is slowly learning to share Momma & Papa's lap with Eli. Duncan was instantly okay with the new arrival...very proud to have another boy in the house, I think. Gabby was her normal obsessed self sniffing & licking until it was "old hat".

God has blessed this house!

Joy in the Family!

Tuesday's Child is Full of Grace!

I can't tell you how much joy is in our house this early a.m. and no one else is awake. Little Elijah Duffy Caldwell was born last night, 7/7/2009, at 7:59pm. He is 7lbs 11oz & 21 inches long...loads of hair and perfect. He looks just like Keith...matching the image I've had in my mind for all these months almost to a 't'. And did I say "perfect"?

We spend the day in the labor & delivery waiting room...sharing stories between the Caldwell's and the Duffy's...getting updates via email and text from Keith. Jason & Chrissy bring pizza for everyone at 6...no one wants to leave the building. When Keith doesn't join us for food, we wonder...is it time? This hospital plays a lullaby over the speaker system when a baby is born and at 8 o'clock we hear the lullaby over our laughs & chats...everyone holds their breath...we all look at each other with WIDE eyes...could this be him??? Then a few minutes later, Keith walks down the hall to tell us that 'yes' it was Eli's arrival time and he lets his emotions spill out. He is SO happy! You can see it in his every word and movement. After a few minutes sharing the moment with us, back to his new family he goes.

We were told to move to the nursery section of the hospital...Keith's sister, Lisa, spots the nurses moving Jenna and Eli to their new room so we stop to steal a peek. Jenna looks beautiful, wonderful & smiling...not like someone who has labored all day & delivered this perfect bundle of joy. The second nurse comes around the corner pushing Eli's bed and as he comes into view he looks up at Aunt Jami & me with wide open eyes. The nurse pulls off his cap for a moment so we can see his FULL head of hair...just like Jenna's when she was born. We collectively take in a breath...how beautiful he is!!!

A little while longer to wait while the family is settled in their room and photos can be taken of this new life-new family...so long for us who are sooo anxious!

The mass of two families come into the room to see this little one who now makes us officially one family. We are bursting with joy and excitement...all taking photos with our phones like paparazzi, laughing & giggling, taking turns holding and cooing to Eli. Two year old cousin Mackenna delivers the picture gift she had drawn to welcome Eli and kisses him on the head.

Pop Pop finally takes his turn...he's been waiting for this moment since the day I met him almost 31 years ago. This image bringing back memories of him telling me the first time we met, 'I can't wait to be a GRANDFATHER'...the time is finally here sweet man!

What utter JOY in the family! What utter JOY!!!



These photos were taken by Tommy Feisel of New Age Foto. He was assisted by his wife Meredith. We are thrilled to have another group of photos taken by this talented person.

Jenna's Maturnity Photos

Below is the blog for the photographer at Jenna & Keith's wedding. He just finished taking maternity photos of Jenna & Keith on Wednesday. He has them posted on his Facebook account and the are spectacular. If you have an account, look up Tommy Feisel.

http://www.newagefoto.com/

We think he's amazing at his profession! Also, if you watch the banner on his blog there are 3 photos from the wedding last year.

I'll find out also if we can purchase them.

Shower for Jenna & Eli

About 2o of our family & friends joined us today to celebrate the upcoming birth of Eli. Jami & Chrissy helped plan & prepare. Great Aunt, to be, Sheree traveled in on Friday...little did she know that she would help clean my house. A big THANKS to her. We had a great time playing games and eating great food...which Jami prepared. We had a WONDERFUL sunny, cool day on the deck...that Kevin & I have worked hard to make comfortable.

The theme was books for Eli...decided upon by Jenna. Everyone was asked to bring a book instead of a card. Eli has quite a library started...with messages from each person (signed inside the book) that he will be able to read later. The great thing is that everyone had their own favorites. We didn't even have too many duplicates.

We took the theme & ran with it. Chrissy came up with a wonderful idea of making food based on great children's books:

James & the Giant Peach - Peach pie
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Sugar Cookies with Lemon icing
Lemonade Sun - Margaritas, Lemonade & water
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! - Pigs in a Blanket
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Italian Meatballs in Sauce
Green Eggs and Ham - Green Egg Salad Sandwiches and Ham Sandwiches
...Among others

Thank you to my "Girls" for making this a successful day. Our guests enjoyed themselves so much. We played games, gave advice to Jenna & last but not least we decorated Onesies for Eli. What art & special messages he will be able to wear. Jenna, Keith & Eli received so many wonderful gifts...even from far away...Maw Maw & Paw Paw in Florida and Great Uncle Tom & Great Aunt Kris in NC. They have most of what they need...not very much will have to be filled in by the parents. Thank you to our generous guests.

Pop Pop Kevin & Daddy Keith took the puppies to Uncle Jason's house to play with Chewy for the day. Everyone came back pooped out and are sleeping at this time.

What a wonderful memory. Thanks again for everyone's help. Here are a few photos...I hope the girls will post photos with folks as I got a little busy when guests started to arrive.

A Visit with Jami & the boys

Kev and I drove to Charlotte on Friday afternoon. It's been a lovely weekend though the beginning of the week has been a little misty. We've been able to spend quite a bit of time with Tom & Kris, too. Kevin & Tom have been digging up a foundation for a patio off the sun room. Kris, Jami & I spent some of the time on Sunday weeding the front yard. I also pinned & hemmed Jami's chef's uniform.

We celebrated out anniversary on Sunday with a lovely dinner that Tom and Kris planned...chef Jami cooked. We had lamb (though Kris had a pork chop) which was WONDERFUL. Tom and Kris brought over a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the 30 years that Kev and I have been married. It's hard to believe that it's been that long but also seems that it was only yesterday that we were so Young and in Love! We toasted to Jami's new venture and our long love affair...wishing for at least 30 more years...talked and laughed tons and staying up much too late for Jami & Kris who had to get up VERY early in the morning. Needless to say we all went to bed early last night.

Jami has been telling us of her classes. She seems so excited with what's going on so far. Tom & Kris have said that they are even learning some new terms. So we all might have some new kitchen skills and ideas when this is all finished. LOL All in all, Jami seems to be happy in Charlotte. She's learning her way around and is busy making it a home. It has been a Godsend for Tom and Kris to be able to make this house available to Jami. We're ever so grateful.

This morning, Kev is off to see if he can meet with personnel at the company he's sent his resume. Hope it works out for him but we're just being open to whatever God has in mind. Jami is off to school so I spent the morning rearranging the sun room and vacuuming the mud that the boys are tracking in...we're hoping that will be kept to a dull roar when the patio is finished. The sun room is so inviting. Right now, Bailey is snoring away on his favorite space...on the couch. Between here and the couches that Beth donated to Jami, the dogs are so at home here. What a joy for us to see.

A message from Megan's vet

How kind is our vet??? We received a letter from him last week. I wanted to post it because it shows just how wonderfully he cared about Meg. The thought of her still brings tears to my eyes.

Dear Duffy Family,

It has been several weeks since we lost Megan and I wanted to send your family a note to share my condolences. Ultimately we will never know what took her from us, but I suspect an aggressive mammary cancer and para neoplastic syndrome.

At this point I take more comfort in knowing that she is in a better place with no suffering. And choose to reflect on her strong family and the many great years you had together. She will be missed!

Please know that each of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Sincerely, "Fletch" and the staff at Avery Road Animal Hospital

A life celebrated...100 1/2!!!

Jenna and I traveled to WV yesterday to attend my Great Aunt Eva's funeral. Aunt Eva passed away Thursday and was flown back to Beckley. She was my Pop's oldest sister and she was 100+ years old. She and Uncle Perry were just wonderful people. He passed 20 years ago. So now she has joined him in the ever after! Aunt Eva had such a joy of life and, as the preacher said at the funeral, was a "LADY"...always on the run and doing something for someone else. A nurse by occupation, she continued that through her retirement. I remember her as being so well presented...ALWAYS. Mother planned a lovely funeral for a woman so important in our lives. What a wonderful send off for a well spent life.

Aunt Eva was always asking about our children. She and Uncle Perry loved children. Uncle Perry prided himself on guessing each of the sexes of our children...getting them ALL right. Even as older folks, Aunt Eva and Uncle Perry were involved with Jason, Jami & Jenna when they were little. They loved watching them play and laugh. We will miss Aunt Eva. She lived such a wonderful long life...it was hard to be sad.

Jenna and I had lots of nice conversation time as we drove to Beckley. Jami's boys traveled quietly in the back of the Pilot. We met Jami, Mother and Dad there. We have been watching the "boys" for the few weeks that Jami was visiting Maw Maw and Paw Paw in Florida. Now it's time for Jami to go back home to Charlotte...starting school on Monday...so we transferred the boys back to their Mom. It was also nice to visit with Mother & Dad, Sheree, Raymond, Chris & Cayla for a little bit before Jenna and I traveled back home.

It's a BOY!!!

We got some glorious news yesterday. Jenna & Keith had their 20 week ultrasound and Elijah Duffy Caldwell made his appearance. They were also able to see all his fingers and toes. We are happy to hear the news and more happy to hear he is playing away in his safe environment.

Jami was there to witness the event and was happy to meet her new nephew.

Be sure to look at Jenna's blog for the ultrasound photos.

Our sadness continues

We are still so sad over our loss of Megan...can't seem to shake it. My heart just aches when I think of her and she creeps into my thoughts so often through each day. I continue to hope that she felt loved and cared for during her last few days.

We are grateful that Duncan & KiKi are here. Duncan has been caring for Megan's daughter, Gabby, who seems a little depressed. He is nudging her & taunting her with toys. She gets up to play & has had fun romping with him. But when they're finished she lays under the table & sleeps. I'm hoping that she's just feeling down because I am and that it will get better with time. Or maybe she feels like a grown-up now that Megan isn't around to reprimand everyone.

Kevin is planning to build a nice wooden box to keep Megan's ashes in. Won't that be a nice tribute?

Goodbye to our Friend

Today is a sad day in our home. Megan passed today...she just fell asleep. Last night we decided that she was starting to be uncomfortable so the vet was now called for. He thought she was too alert for the cancer to be taking her & wanted to do some tests. In the end, she took control & died on her own. The last few days with her were special. She stayed alert but just couldn't get around. She continued to wag her tail & snuggle with us. I stayed in the family room with her on my lap each night & most of the each day. I hope that made her more comfortable...I know it made me comfortable. Jami mentioned that it was quite appropriate that Megan waited until Jenna moved back in with us. It was Jenna's need for a pet that brought her into our lives when Caiti & Dusty passed away as well as Jason & Jami going off to college.

Megan was such a joy to us. Kevin laughed as she seemed to just tolerate him. I told her she better LOVE him...he bought her kibble. When he would tell her to do or not to do something, she would look at me as if to say "do I have to listen to him?" But boy, when he went out to the back yard, she was jumping for joy because he was her fetch buddy. Kevin taught her to fetch like a pro. He's turned into quite the animal person...He loved her as much as I did. As you can see, she even got his favorite chair sometimes.

Megan was a very smart girl. She learned to get her way...just stand there & "huff" and someone would give her what she wanted...not bark but huff. She'd kick over her food bowl so it would roll around the floor AND huff...it magically filled up. She knew that when we came home with bags of any kind there must be something in there for her. She would inspect each bag knowing full well that if not in this one, the goody would be in the next one.

Megan was a wonderful mother. She needed no help in the delivery nor the rearing of the babies. Right till the end, she was putty Gabby in her place over a toy.

We remain grateful that she didn't seem to suffer & the illness took her quickly...that she remained alert & happy to spend time with us. We are all so sad now but we're trying to focus on the wonderful gift she was to us.

My precious friend is tired

For those of you that know me well know: I LOVE my critters. They have always been there for me in my life, snuggled with me when I was down, jumped for joy when I came home, made me laugh with their antics!!!

Megan, my momma Kerry Blue, is not doing well. She is losing the use of her back legs & her kidneys. Finding many lumps developing on her body & breasts recently made us feel that she had cancer. She does not seem to be in pain though. With her age, I just want to make her comfortable & give her lots of love in her last days. Kevin & I are carrying her to use the bathroom. She has trouble standing up & keeping her balance but she wags her tail when we snuggle & talk with her. KiKi & Duncan, who live with us now, are taking turns snuggling with her, too. Everyone seems to know. Gabby, who is Megan's puppy & has always harassed her mercilessly, is less annoying. ha ha

So, this post is to celebrate Megan. She's so special to us!!! We love her so much!!!

It's COLD in Syberia

I'm working from home today...yes, I'm on my lunch break...because schools have closed due to the temperatures. Right now it's -11 degrees without calculating the wind chill...brrrrr!!! We are watching KiKi & Duncan while Jenna & Keith finish packing up this week. KiKi is not interested in going outside. I bought her some booties but her little legs are so thin that she chilled TO THE BONE fast. It's sunny today so all puppies are lying in the sun in front of the sliding doors.

Jenna & Keith brought the ultra-sound pictures over on Wednesday of their little one. How exciting. I guess a new ultra-sound is scheduled for mid February. They might find out the gender then. Jenna has put a poll on her blog for your guesses. Be sure to vote. I did. She's getting large already...boy??? or she just doesn't have space in her short torso...girl???

We have been talking with Jami most evenings on the video cams. They've improved a lot. It's nice to see her face as well as hear her voice. Makes it feel like she's not so far away. We're planning another trip to see her next weekend...bringing her the last of her stuff.

back to work...

A Big Change

This past weekend Kevin & I loaded up our, Jami, and her belongings along with our Jenna & Chrissy. With everything in a large truck & two vehicles, we traveled 8 hours to Charlotte, NC. Jami decided to go back to school & study the culinary arts. She will study for 2 years. Kevin's brother, Tom, and Tom's wife, Kris, bought an investment house across the street so Jami could live & be able to bring her dogs. She was ever so happy. Anyway, we all helped her clean & unpack. It was a daunting adventure but she's on the way to being settled.

Jami has been living with us for the last few months so its very unsettling & quiet around here. We miss her soooo much. We left her on Sunday morning shedding many tears. We are so grateful that Tom & Kris were able & willing to make this move comfortable for Jami. We know they will be there for her as we would. We're also pleased to have met her neighbors across the street...great people. Jami's going to have a great couple of years.