A scary trip to Miami

Last Friday, Brian and I were at home enjoying a relaxing evening. We were watching a movie with Patrick and his friend and Ryan. Then, the phone rings...it's Meghan's friend Jake calling to tell us Meghan is in the emergency room. I was completely overwhelmed. This was the exact reason I was so worried about her going to college so far away.

So, we realize that she's there with an infection and a high fever. Jake will call back with more information once the doctors have been in to see Meghan. Now, for those of you with young children, remember this when they are in college. Once they turn 18, you're out of the loop! We had to wait to talk to Meghan - we couldn't talk to the doctors.

About 10:00, Jake calls back to say the doctors have done blood tests, a urinalysis, and a sonogram and have decided that she has a serious kidney infection, complicated by a blockage and that they are admitting her for further tests and possible surgery. Panic ensues. We still can't talk to Meghan or the doctors so we decide we're going to fly down.

Saturday morning we make arrangements for help with the kids and Jackie and head to the airport. We arrive in Miami late on Saturday and have to sneak into the hospital to see Meghan. Yes, we did sneak in through an unlocked door and up the back stairs!

It was so good to see her - we just hugged and kissed her like crazy! By early on Sunday, Meghan had two doses of IV antibiotics and was feeling better. The doctors came in and we were able to talk with them at length. Meghan did not have a stone blocking her kidney so they did not need to operate - thank God! However, she does have an abnormality in her kidney that will require further tests to determine next steps.

Meghan is back in her dorm and headed back to classes today. She's tired but getting back into the swing of things. I mentioned in an email to family eariler that I was sure this little anomaly was a MacLean thing, however, since our youngest niece on the Gunning side also has had problems, were not sure the Gunning side is immune!

Thanks to all of you who have sent well wishes and prayers for Meghan's speedy recovery. We are profoundly blessed by a wonderful family and the greatest friends. Here are some photos of Meghan in the hospital and of our walk around the grounds.

The College Search - UPDATE

Ryan has been accepted to Clemson University! She's still waiting to hear from VT, Elon and College of Charleston. So, the final decsion is still to come.

February Birthdays

February marks the beginning of birthday season for the Gunnings. There are five family birthdays, inlcuding Brian and Patrick. Happy Birthday to all our famiy February birthdays and a special happy birthday to Patrick - he turned 16 in the 19th.

Patrick chose to mark his 16th birthday much differently than the girls. As much as I enjoyed planning and providing wonderful Sweet 16 parties for Meghan and Ryan, Patrick wanted nothing to do with that plan. He chose to mark his 16th with a visit from his buddy Nick with homemade cookies from Nick's mom (Patrick's other mom) and a visit from the Birthday Fairy. To be truly honest, realizing that my baby is 16 was a little sad for me! They grow up way too fast.

A weekend with Ezio

The first week in February brought us our "baby fix!" We had Ezio for the weekend while Tara and Justin enjoyed a much needed weekend away. Ezio is such a good baby and we have too much fun with him. He's walking and talking and exploring and doing all things toddlerish!

Snow Days and Liberal Leave ...

Each year we all hope for one good snow storm - a storm that is strong enough to allow the kids a day or two off school and mom and dad a day of liberal leave! Those of you who are familiar with the Baltimore-Washington metro area know that the kids have a pretty decent shot as schools close just because the potential for winter weather exists. You also know that liberal leave is rarely offered, even with the state closes roads and public transportation. Well, this week, we all got our wish thanks to some snow followed by sleet and freezing rain! It was really nice to snuggle with the kids watching movies all day! The picture is for our relatives in the tropics - don't lie, you know you miss this ...