Today has been a day of shock and grief coupled with a happy surprise.  This morning I found Ember, Spirit's faithful hatchmate companion, in major distress from reproductive issues.  As I was talking to my vet and getting ready to race her to the clinic, she passed away.  While her laying had been sporadic and tapering off, there was no sign that anything was wrong with her eggs or having issues laying.  She has been taken to the local crematory for a private cremation and personalized box for her remains.  RIP my sweet Ember girl.
 
In brighter news.... not only did my African baby hatch overnight, but a beautiful buff girl also hatched out this afternoon. Unfortunately, my grieving for Ember has caused a dark cloud to shadow the joy I should be feeling right now. 
 
Thank you to my friends, for all your fingers and toes crossing.  The next two dewlap eggs have been moved into the hatcher.  Maybe fate will throw me a bone and I'll get another buff girl.