Welcome to our blog!

In the world of technology, what better way to stay connected and follow our family as we grow, learn, and enjoy life!?

Our family was united as 4 on September 6, 2009. Sandi and Brett exchanged wedding vows with Heidi and Connor by our sides. It was a beautiful day from beginning to end! Heidi and Connor have welcomed "Dad" and love him as any other preteen loves their father!

Heidi is now 12 1/2 years old and is looking forward to 7th grade. She bagan her middle school endeavor at Sunny Vale Middle School in the Blue Springs School District, only to transfer to Bingham Middle School in the Independence School District prior to winter break. She has had many challenges face her this past year mainly surrounding a disgnosis of having myasthenia gravis, a life-long, autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. The weakness and numbness she experiences daily in her legs and arms resulted in being required to take a break from her love of dancing. Heidi is seeing improvement with the help of her neurologist and daily medication and looks forward to being able to be active like every other preteen.

Connor isnow 11 1/2 years old and is excited to begin his middle school journey by entering the 6th grade in the Independence School District. Attending summer school this past month has allowed him the opportunity to get a feel for what middle school will be like, and has given him the confidance he needs to be successful. As Connor puts it, "I'll love middle school because I'm popular now!"

We received official word in January, 2010 that our new family would be growing! Heidi and Connor are very excited to welcome a new baby brother - Stephen Douglas. Stephen has clearly shown he is a "fighter" as the pregnancy has had its own challenges including fibroids, cysts, and contractions beginning at 22 weeks! Bed rest has helped those contractions lessen and allowed Stephen to grow - and GROW he has! From the very first ultrasound, he has surpassed the "normal" growth for that expected time-frame of the pregnancy and generally measures or weighs a full week (or more!) ahead! His official due date is September 25th (Heidi's 13th birthday), however the doctor expects him to make his arrival much sooner! At 27 weeks, the doctor shared he is prepared for Stephen to be "done cooking" as early as the beginning of August. Stephen already has a mind of his own, and has the kicks of a soccer player, and will undoubtedly decide on his own when he's ready to come play with Heidi and Connor in person!