After my sister in-law was diagnosed with cancer, our world kind of stopped. We were completely focused on meeting her, Peter, & Violet's needs. So, extras like blogging weren't on my mind. I am glad to report Janell is doing amazing. She is finished with chemo. Her first round of reconstruction surgery went well and she will be done with her Herceptin infusion treatments in October. She is looking great and her hair is growing back. She's back to gardening, canning, playing with Violet, and doing all the normal things she did before.
Since my last post we have also had quite a few wonderful people pass away unexpectedly. Our friend Kendra Amrine, Thurzel Brewer, our dear babysitter Heidi Greenwood, our neighbor Scott Treseder, and our long time family friend Cindy Brown. We have cried and mourned with these wonderful families who have lost their loved one. It has made us realize how important each relationship is that we have. It also has made us rely on our knowledge of the plan of salvation. We know we will see them again and that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. I know that now more than ever after this past year.
As for our little family we have been very blessed in many ways. David got a new job in September. He manages a Kaiser Clinic. This involves him managing Adult Medicine, Women's Health, and Pediatrics. I am overwhelmed by his determination to continually look for opportunities for growth. It is also wonderful because the clinic hours are 8-5, M-F. What a great schedule for our family. He is also getting closer to completing his Master's degree at Drexel University in Sacramento. His program will be finished in March.
Our kids are doing great and out of school for the summer. Josh will be a 3rd grader and getting baptized in August. Parker will be a Kindergartner and did a fantastic job during his first season of baseball. He's a great player. He hits the ball well and likes to put a lot of effort into helping on the field. Miss Emmi makes our family so fun. She has a great personality and loves her brothers. She plays with her dolls and stuff animals the most. She also love Dora.
Not too long after I had Emmi I had a strong feeling someone was missing from our family. That feeling got stronger and stronger. David's response to my feelings were, "I know what that means." Yep, we're suppose to have another baby! I was pregnant in September, but we decided to not share our news for awhile since there was so much going on with David's family at the time. We made our announcement in November at Thanksgiving. What was really fun for us was that on the Surganovich side, my brother, Jared & his wife were already expecting a boy. Then we announced I was due in June and a few weeks later, my youngest brother, Chad & his wife Aubrey, found out they were expecting in August! All 3 kids having babies in the same year. It was pretty awesome!
So here we are in June and we are thrilled to have our second daughter, Hattie Grace. She was born on Chad's birthday June 13th. When she arrived I couldn't help but feel so grateful to have her finally here. I've been waiting for this little person since that first feeling I had after Emmi. She was 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 21.5 inches long. When I held her for the first time I thought she was my smallest baby, but was surprised when she was my second biggest! She was 4 days early.
The kids have all been wonderful with Hattie. Josh is the best first child we could ask for. He's great with all his siblings and so helpful. He can easily feed the baby, entertain Emmi, or take Parker outside to stay busy with friends. Mr. Parker just has a special way with babies. He is soft and gentle. He can't resist hugging or holding his sister. He still adores Emmi, (Even asked if he could marry her the other day. Don't worry we explained that he couldn't.) but Hattie has a new special place in his heart. As for Emmi, I was worried she wouldn't like the extra attention her sister got. Surprisingly, she is great about her. She gets very concerned when Hattie cries and tries to solve the problem. She hasn't poked her eyes yet... I'm sure it will happen.
I am thankful for this time of my life. I know that it will be over in the blink of an eye. I enjoy having these children in my life and having them under my care. Of course there are days that are hard, but I am thankful for the chance to have this family. I am so blessed.
