Alive and kicking in Arizona (some kicking more than others)

Yes, it's true. We still exist. I just wanted to send out an email to let you all know the latest news in our small family. I'm not sure where I left off or how long it's been since I've written (sorry) so I'll cover a few basics I think I've mentioned and then fill you in on the details.

As you all know we're expecting a boy, Gabriel Ryan, around the end of May. The pregnancy is going well. There have been no complications (other than heartburn) to report. Daniel and I attended a one-day birthing class this past Saturday and we learned a lot of things to help us prepare for the labor and delivery. We will be attending a Newborn Care class next Thursday so that we will be able to guess correctly what to do after Gabriel's born. We have also signed up to tour the birthing center this weekend.

The most recent news concerns Dan's health. In January we both went for follow-up check-ups with our PCP. Everything looked fine, but Dan's heart sounded odd. The doctor described it as a click. He referred Dan to a cardiologist. When we called to make the appointment the earliest we were able to schedule was March 14th. So on the 14th we saw the cardiologist who confirmed the odd "click" and, based on Dan's family history, suggested Dan have an echo-cardiogram. That was scheduled originally for this past Monday, but got moved to Wednesday. The echo confirmed that Dan has a faulty valve which is good news and bad news. The good news is that this may actually be the leading cause of Dan's migraines and correcting it may solve that problem as well. The bad news we don't know yet. We have yet to find out how serious the problem is. We are supposed to hear from someone (probably the cardiologist) within the next few days to give us more information and Dan has another appointment with the cardiologist in a couple of weeks.

I just wanted to let you all in on what's happening here and we'll try and keep you up to date on new news. We'll also let you know when we'll be having Gabriel's blessing so that those who wish to attend can make appropriate arrangements. I will need to inform you that, unfortunately, we do not have a lot of room at our home so hotel accomidations may be something you'll need to consider. We are working to make more room, but a lot will depend on how many wish to, and can, attend.

Lots of love,

- Karen