Graduation Festivities!

Sara = MSN

On Friday December 12th, at 1:00pm, Sara Danielle Deel graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master's degree in Nursing.

I'm sure everybody is sick of reading me go on and on about how proud I am of Sara, but, it was a big day for her and I feel it is my duty to bring you news of it. We are so thankful for the strength the Lord blessed Sara with during the last two and a half years and especially the last nine months. Hours of studying Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, etc. Hours and hours of clinicals and for the last nine months doing them carrying our daughter Gabriella in her belly. I know she's happy for no more of the school stuff and only a little longer of carrying Gabriella around kangaroo style.

After the ceremony we went out to celebrate. It was a very special evening because we were celebrating Sara's academic achievement and it was also our last date night for a while. Regas Restaurant was deemed worthy of such an occasion with low lighting, the warm fire, and the little tray of bacon, almonds, and crumbled blue cheese for your salad. Dinner was great but before I get too carried away talking about food, I will change directions.


Sara, you've worked very hard over the last 30 months and it is no secret that I am proud of you. But what makes this so special and meaningful to me is how you did it. You did it while staying committed to me and our family every step of the way. Even though at times your work seemed daunting and I could tell it was taking a toll on you, I never felt as if I had taken a backseat to your ambition. I know a lot of the people you graduated with achieved success at the expense of not having a life and not having time for family. Not only was it the norm but it actually seemed expected. I laughed out loud when one of the speakers instructed the graduates in several ways to go out and enjoy a social life now. Has she seen your belly? I guess I just married a maverick.

By the way, even Dakota thinks that lady is funny. And he's proud of you too.

Stephen

The Home Stretch.

Here we go...listening to how Sara is feeling, we are now in the home stretch. Just to let y'all know, you should be on standby to hear that Gabriella is coming this way. On Monday, December 1st we had a very anticipated and somewhat surprising doctor's visit. Sara had an ultrasound and we got to see just how cramped little Gabriella is and also that she weighs a whopping 7lbs 8oz! Praise Jesus, Gabriella is very healthy and Sara is very healthy as well. Although both Sara and baby are healthy, doesn't mean that all is peaches and cream in Sara's field. As you all know, she is built small and the task of carrying around a seven a half pound baby in her belly is really taking a toll on her. I know she can't wait to feel like her sprightly old self again and not like a marsupial with a sore back that can't find a comfortable position to sleep in.

I don't mean to make it seem as if Sara is miserable all of the time, I just feel bad that I cannot help comfort her and take away some of the anxiety that is naturally coming her way. Anyway, we are very excited and look forward very much to being able to alert everyone that Gabriella is coming. We were also excited this past Wednesday when we were able to visit the Biltmore Estate. The Christmas decorations were beautiful and we had a great time but it was nice to come back home and rest next our own Christmas decor.

This should catch everyone up on everything...except one last thing.

On Friday, December 12th, Sara will be graduating from the University of Tennessee with her Master's Degree in Nursing. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew;)

Stephen

WWhhoooaaaa there. There's a baby in that belly!

Sara's pregnancy is moving along beautifully and after too much time passing, we are here to provide an updated status.

First I would like to thank so many people for all of the tremendous love and generosity exhibited over the last few months. I would like to single out a few people; our parents; Steve and Karen, Jerry and Susan; Sara's aunts Lisa and Gail, Sara's grandparents Jerry and Charlotte, and Margaret. Your gifts have meant so much but your enthusiasm and love for our daughter mean so much more I cannot properly describe it. I just wanted to start this update recognizing you.

Sara's belly is beautifully growing every day and it looks like Gabriella is dropping a bit. I believe it is now time to start the pool to predict the day that our little girl comes into this world. Even with Sara's belly noticably growing I still can't wait for the smack of reality that's coming when she shows up. It shouldn't be surprising that I often get overwhelmed with the desire to hold her and kiss her sweet baby head and her sweet baby feet.

We've been learning a lot recently as well. For the last month or so we've been attending baby classes at the hospital where Sara will be giving birth. It has really been an eye opening time and also a great anxiety reducer. We've been learning all about what's going on with Sara's body now, what to expect later, how to keep Sara as comfortable as possible, feeding, caring for Gabriella and this week we will be learning how to change a diaper! It's our last week and they saved the best lesson for the last one. I've never changed a diaper but if it's anything like throwing a ball or baking a pie I'm sure I'll be one of the top 5 diaper changers in Knox county. I can't wait for it and I know you can't wait for the update on that one...

I hope everybody has a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Stephen

Baby Shower Pictures