stork bites: oh fresno, how i do not love thee...

but how i love the people living there...

all of you have heard me growl about fresno- of all the places in california to live, this would not be one i would choose. often referred to as the "armpit" of the golden state, i really didn't ever warm up to the city. however, i had no problem finding friends that i will probably have for my whole life. there were many reasons we were supposed to go to fresno- it was one of those life lessons you learn after the fact, after you've groused and moaned and complained like a 4 year-old about it... it's where bryan needed to be to get probably some of the best training an emergency room doc can get in the country, and it's where i needed to be to get the support i needed through my roller coaster ride with infertility. i had 3 very good friends in fresno who helped in more ways than i will ever be able to remember. one of those friends has moved on to cleaner air and more space, but two are still in fresno. and last week, one of them had a baby! little samantha claire james was born on friday, october 16th, and i surprised melanie by showing up!!! the stars aligned with bryan's schedule, and with a little help from his family and mine, he was able to take care of the boys for an extended weekend, so i could have a little trip out to visit. i was so happy to see her, meet little sam, and catch up with my girls. tiff and dan were gracious enough to let me sleep on their couch (thanks again!!), and i got some much-needed triplet time in.. and soph, of course! although i didn't take nearly enough pictures, here are a few... i miss all of you already!!!