Memories
It only seems like yesterday that Angela and I were dancing to “Home Now.” It was our first dance as husband and wife. Eight very short years later, I sit here listening to sappy love songs just like that one. I’m feeling a bit inspired tonight so I thought I’d do a little writting.
Our volunteers came rallied tonight to help out so that Angela and I could get away and have dinner on our anniversary. Thank you so much Judy, Judy, Judie and Ellen. Bonnie, thank you so much for the gift and cake!!! My bride and I had Italian at a nice place a little way up the road. It was very nice.
Every year during dinner, we do an evaluation of our year. What a year! We think back and revisit everything that happened; a year in review, if you will. It’s really amazing how much happens in just a year. I recommend that everyone take a minute and think back to everything that’s happened in the past year. I’m gonna share a little of that with you.
The most obvious was the delivery of our quintuplets. I’ve written a ton of stuff on them already so I’m gonna skip a lot of that stuff. There are images and feelings that I experienced during this thrill ride that will never be matched and I’ll take them with me forever, but it’s all the other stuff that we talked about, like…
…Angela spent nearly 5 months in bed. Oh my god! She was so miserable; throwing up all the time. I have an undiagnosed case of ADD and there is no way that I could spend 12 hours in bed let alone 5 months. 2 of those months were in the hospital. Most people are begging to get the hell out the hospital after a couple days. I still have no idea how she did it.
…driving to the NICU. I know Angela was getting tired of it driving back and forth once she was out of the hospital herself, but I was about to go insane. Before she was out, going back and forth with Meredith took so much out of me. I thought that child was gonna turn into a chicken nugget given all of our stops to McDonalds. There’s no question that the quints were in the right place we wouldn’t change a thing. I just know that I spent a ton of time in the car going back and forth. Sometimes, I was in the car more than I was actually there visiting.
…some of Meredith’s firsts. Meredith had her first birthday, Halloween, and real Christmas this past year. Meredith was a Turkey for Halloween. She was so cute and I took her around the neighborhood. Christmas was when we told family about Angela expecting. We took a picture of Meredith in a T-shirt that read “Big Sister” and sent it to family. At the time, we didn’t know the real news that there was more than one!!!
…During the pregnancy, we lost Angela’s Grandpa, Romayne. I’ve written about this before, but we were really happy that Angela was able to attend his funeral. She was close to not being able to attend. Romayne had a stroke months earlier, but we’re certain that he knew about our cherubs. I’m glad that Angela had the opportunity to say good bye to her grandfather on her terms.
…giving up Meredith. While Angela was in bed and/or in the hospital, I had cases where I couldn’t take care of Meredith on my own. To this day, sending her away because I couldn’t care for her and listening to her cry is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It still tears me up and I will do everything I can to never have to do that again out of necessity. Fortunately, a few good things did come from it. I truly believe that she and I have a much closer relationship because of our one-on-one time together. She also has much more involved relationships with her Grandma Becky, her Oma and her Opa because of her travels.
There are a ton more and I could go on forever, but my glass of wine is empty and Angela is in bed alone, again. I just want to make sure that I say this…
Angela, thank you for 8 wonderful years. Sweet Dreams. I love you.
Until next time…
Happy anniversary! You two have had a whirlwind of a year, but have weathered it very well. Just think, in the next year, you’ll have six children running around you in circles. You’ll all do wonderful! It’s an inspiration to hear your stories and a privilege to help out with the babies. Thanks for welcoming us strangers into your family. Keep up the wonderful journaling — it’s priceless, as are your six wonderful children!
Happy Anniversary Angie and Heath. Heath, your blogs make me smile, laugh and this time a few tears. What a wonderful tribute to your time together. You and Angie work so well together, if any two people can work through the challenges to come, you two can. You’re a great team!
Your blogs are wonderful and will be enjoyed by your children in years to come. I too want to thank you for the privilege of helping with your children. I so enjoy my time with you and your children. It has to be hard to let strangers into your home and you two do it with such grace.
Congratulations!!
Good to hear you got some time together for your Anniversary. Was so nice to visit and hold all the babies and see how they have grown so much.. but you have your hands full and it takes alot of great people to fill that need ( volunteers). we were tired after the visit and only had a couple of shifts,, but will try to come again and do it all over..Happy Aniversary
That was a very touching post. I enjoyed hearing all of your wonderful memories of just this past year. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
Love,
Eric and Jessica
Happy Anniversary to you both!!! I remember your special day very well! What a year and so much to be thankful for!
Hey, you two,how can it be 8 years already??? I remember it like it was yesterday and if I recall the day was just as nice as yesterday. Congrats on those 8 yrs and for letting us be a part of that wonderful time of your life. Cherish each day and year as they will continue to go faster and now even more so with your busy lives.
Keep the updates coming I so enjoy them and hang in there with those babies, sounds like all is going well.
Happy Anniversary!!
Dale & Vicki
Happy Anniversary!! Been a busy year for you guys. Keep up the good work. Enjoy you letters. Sure its not easy to find the time. Take care. Arlene Craun
Hi Heath
I am just getting back from vacation and catching up–that includes getting on some black and gold. Promise that I will get that done this week and sent to you! I remember your wedding and it just does not seem that long ago. You and Angie have had quite a year to remember–I am sure it is really not want that you want to do again but one that will be forever in your memory.
Vickie
P.S. I hear that Meredith loved her new ISU bracelet–my only regret is that I did not find one that plays the fight song. Maybe next time. Hope she is wearing it with pride!
Happy Anniversary! I am sure you had more to talk about in the year review than most couples would have! I am sure you have heard this before, but enjoy your little ones while they are little. Before you know it, they will all be in school and the house will seem very empty during the day. Then, in a flash, you will be empty nesters asking each other where the time went. I am also sure that now every day (night for sure) seems like organized chaos with all the feedings, burping, diaper changes and baths. Just saying it makes me wonder how you both find time for yourselves! Hope you had a wonderful night out and hope you have a great year to come!
Joyce