There are some friends who stay with you. Despite time and distance (think continents) they are always a cherished friend. In college Leann and I lived almost next door to each other for a couple of years. I was in nursing school and she was in medical school and we would veg out at the end of the day, often talking about how tired we were (ha! obviously we didn't know about motherhood tiredness??). I would ask her a barrage of questions because she was (and still is), hands down, one of the smartest people I have ever known. I have so many great memories from those days, caulking the aunts out of her apartment is by far the funniest! Leann was the first person to know I was engaged and said she could tell by the way I knocked on her door.

After graduation I moved to Atlanta and she to Memphis. We talked sporadically, sent Christmas cards, had babies (me), got married (her). After Leann and her husband finished residency they moved to Kijabe, Kenya for two years to do medical mission work. I read her blog and missed her every day. There is something about having one of my best friends on the same continent that is reassuring.

On August 6th, 2009 I received a Facebook message from Leann telling me that she was pregnant. I was over the moon for she and Garry. I knew that she would make the most amazing Mama. In November they returned from Kenya and in March welcomed baby Lena into the world.

Over spring break I headed down to south Missouri to (finally) see Leann, meet Garry, meet Baby Lena and hang out with Alanna and TJ, two other super special college friends. The comfort gained from seeing old friends, talking and eating pizza is one of life's most precious gifts. Of course, Lena got her very own little photo shoot. She is precious beyond words. Love to you all! *hugs*