With summer almost half over we now look forward to Weston beginning his educational career and entering kindergarten.  Believe it or not, he only has about 6 weeks before he begins the first week of August.  Things sure have changed since I was a kid (I know, it’s been a LONG time since I was a kid!) and school seems to be starting sooner and sooner.  We’ve managed to keep him pretty busy with activities and little outings here and there.  We made a trip up north to Payson to visit grandma and grandpa over Father’s Day.  Another first to get through but get through it I did.  Then, last weekend, we traveled to Mesa to visit Aunt Becky, Uncle Bruce and Cousin Bailey for a few days and attended a Diamondbacks game (they aren’t doing so good this year).  The exciting part was when I was able to get a baseball that was tossed into the stands by the first baseman after the 8th inning.  Weston was pretty excited and couldn’t wait to show everyone.  Thanks to Uncle Bruce for setting us up with such great tickets.  Momma stayed home because she came down with a nasty cold and cough along with pink-eye.  Not sure how she got all of that and how me and Weston avoided it but I’m happy to report that Momma is on the mend and we managed to dodge that particular bullet.

The exciting news and landmark event occurred yesterday when we had JoDee’s ultrasound appointment.  I’m pleased to announce that Peyton and Weston are going to have a new baby brother in November (see ultrasound pic).  He is healthy, growing and developing normally.  JoDee has been diagnosed with what is called placenta previa.  The technician said it may correct itself before the baby is born but if it doesn’t she’ll need to have a C-Section.  Her next OB/GYN appointment is the 15th unless she wants to see her sooner.  We’ll be sure to keep everyone posted as we learn more. 

I think Momma is feeling a little overwhelmed about the prospect of so much testosterone in the house but looking forward to a new baby.  Weston had said that he wanted a baby brother but after hearing the news may be having second thoughts.  He seemed a little insecure yesterday but we both made sure to spend time talking with him and reassuring him that his place in our hearts and in our life is firmly planted.  He accompanied us to the appointment and got to see the images on the TV screen as the ultrasound was performed.  At first he was a little confused but then he was able to see the baby’s image, complete with head, nose, arms, legs, and of course, a “willy” (that’s what we call it).  When we met up with Grammy and Pa last evening Weston made sure he pointed out the baby’s willy to them as we showed them the images.  It was quite funny but of course, he was very serious the entire time. 

Our life and journey continue to move forward and we will now begin preparing for our new little boy.  We’ll need to begin doing something with Peyton’s things as this will become the baby’s room and girly stuff just won’t be appropriate.  That will be difficult to do but we’ll get through it, just like we’ve made it through everything else.  We’ll be sure to keep lots of tissues on hand as it will be another emotion activity.  And we know we are not alone.  We know that many are still out there thinking about and praying for our family.  We continue to follow the heroic stories of other families caught in the same unfortunate circumstance as we have been in or are currently in and our hearts break each and every time we receive updates.  There are very few exceptions when it comes to this awful disease and reading about what others are going through takes us back to a similar time in our life.  It will never feel fair.  It will never make sense.  And we will never be the same.  The one thing we can be sure of is the promise God has given, through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, that we will one day be with our little girl.  That is what we cling to now and that is the only advice we can give to others who have also lost a loved one.  And until that time comes, we will endeavor to honor the life, and memory, of Peyton Elizabeth Rudd, and can only hope that she is smiling down on us now, knowing that she will be a big sister once again. 

Bless all that continue to read and follow our journey.  We feel your love through the words in your guestbook entries and in watching the number of visits to this special place, dedicated to the life and memory of our first born child. 

God’s Peace,

Walter, JoDee, Peyton, Weston and Baby Boy Rudd