Happy Valentine's Day

It's amazing the simple things we take for granted. Janet went to Kroger with Mark's mom today, just to take a short field trip on a sunny day. She enjoyed it but it was exhausting. Staying awake for an entire hour-long show is also surprisingly hard post-surgery. Even so, today was a pretty good day, despite the incessant barking of the neighbor's dog and having to start weaning herself off the pain meds even though she doesn't feel ready.

Both of our mothers have been a huge help this week. Mark's mom (Mary Ann) usually stays with Janet during the day to make sure she is OK and takes her meds on time. She is also helps with laundry, dishes, and special projects that Janet can't do by herself. Janet's mom (Linda) comes by every morning before work to massage her sore neck--she has the 'special touch'. She also goes to the store as many times as we come up with a special request. Janet's Aunt Nancy has filled in occasionally to give Mary Ann a break. We've also enjoyed some wonderful meals from friends three times already this week. Not to mention the care-basket full of chocolate, nail polish, and a very soft bunny from the ladies at church.

We can't say how much we appreciate everyone's help and ongoing prayers. To say we are blessed doesn't even touch it. Our main requests currently are for toleration of pain as Janet reduces her pain meds, for the steroids to keep knocking out the inflammation in her spinal fluid, and for patience to realize it is still going to be a while before Janet feels 100% normal.

On the adoption front, we got some good news about the process moving along for Nathan in Guatemala. His DNA test has been completed to verify that he is the son of his birthmom. Additionally, his case is in the first stage of the court process (family court). These are just some of the early milestones in the process, but it's good to know he is gradually moving closer to coming home. We miss him. He is just so stinkin' cute.

Finally, in 10 days we will be celebrating our 7 year anniversary. We can't believe how quickly those years have gone by, but at the same time we feel like we've been married for decades. Either way we're grateful that we're closer now than we could have dreamed possible when we first got married.

Happy Valentine's Day,
Mark & Janet