I wanted to do a post before Bree’s next round of chemotherapy...Our Christmas was wonderful. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and enjoyed a nice dinner and exchanged presents. Then Christmas morning was so relaxing. We had a great breakfast then opened presents with the kids. That afternoon we had Christmas dinner with Justin’s family. I couldn’t help but just feel completely GRATEFUL for a wonderful husband and our beautiful children. 
(Sorry for the lack of editing, my children don't normally have such red eyes!)
Just being TOGETHER enjoying the laughter, the excitement and love was the best part for me this year. I really didn’t want anything else than to be together. I love this time we have so that everyone can celebrate the birth of our Savior. This year has been especially important and everything has been put into proper perspective. The LOVE we share as a family is what is most important. Our children are little for such a short time and I’m just excited to be a part of their lives. (Sorry to sound so sappy, I really am just thankful for my little family and wanted to share!)
Here are a few highlights of Christmas and the past week:
Bree loved her first Christmas. She loved watching her brothers open their gifts and enjoyed her wrapping paper and boxes more than her actual toys.
Gunner loved opening presents this year…he didn’t care what he got, he just wanted to keep opening the presents! 
Caleb loved playing around in the wrapping paper and loved his mini piano. This kiddo loves music! He’s also just thrilled his sister is home and that he can smooch on her again!
• Bree was successful in pulling her NG tube out a few times. I’ve put it back in and am slowly getting over my fear and anxiety of having to deal with this tube. 
The look on her face in this picture is priceless. I’m sure she was so proud of herself that she got the tube out and probably felt so much better…it didn’t last long. I had to put it back in her an hour later. Poor baby! The good thing is, the supplemental feedings are working. She went to the doctor today and has gained a little over a pound in the 10 days that she’s had it. So, we are very happy that she’s gaining some weight!
Another highlight this past week was going to the zoo! We went outside! Can you believe it!? We all went to the zoo with my Mom and Justin’s sister and bro in law and their kids. It was great to spend some time outdoors instead of hiding inside from germs and sickness! All the kids loved seeing the animals and spending time with cousins! 
As of today, Bree's scheduled for her 4th round of chemo on Friday. It should be another 3 day treatment. Thanks again for all the continued prayers, fasting and sweet thoughts and sentiments for our Breezy. We hope everyone has a wonderful new year and we look forward to this time next year when Bree is cancer free!! Happy New Year!
Brothers
9 years ago
19 comments:
Such cute pictures! I'm glad you had such a good Christmas! That's so great that Bree has gained so much weight so quickly--it makes it worth all the extra stress of the tube, doesn't it. I feel for you having to put it back in. I had to change Annika's button, and I was terrified the first time it came out unexpectedly. She never had an NG tube, but they talked about it, and I was really scared about having to put it in myself. The things you learn, huh.
So, would you like dinner on Saturday night again? I'll call you to make sure!
I just want to wish you and your wonderful family and wonderful New Year.
I will be praying for Bree and her therapy.
Michelle
Happy New Year! Loved the pics. We will be praying for a quick recovery for Bree!
I love to read your posts, they help put my little problems into proper perspective. You are so positive. Give yourself credit for being a fantastic "MOM".
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
shanda
Good luck on this next round. I'm so glad you had a happy and relaxing Christmas at home!
I'm a longtime syndicated parenting columnist and new blogger who sometimes writes sweet, sometimes humorous. Reading your posts reminds me of what's really in my heart, always and not just at Christmas, for my children, who are 20, 16 and 11. You are clearly steady, stable and brave. What a gift you are to your family. Just, if I may, don't forget to fall apart sometimes on your support systems. I, too, hope that Bree is cancer-free this time next year. Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your life with us. Debra=Lynn B. Hook, McClatchy Newspapers and www.journeyinparenting.com
I pray God blesses your family with good health for all this new year. You're a wonderful Christian example for us all.
Thanks for posting. I am so glad to hear the Bree is gaining weight and that her discomfort is worth it. I admire how brave you are...I would be so scared to put that tube in myself. I love the all smiles picture of Caleb at the zoo. We will be praying that this next round goes well. I would love to take your boys again. They are so fun!
Kari! Yeah you are doing awesome with the tube!! I am so proud of you!! It looks like you had a great Christmas! We need to get together soon! And I will be praying for you tommarow! Lots of Love!!!- Kelly @ Family
Love all the pictures! Glad you had such a nice Christmas. Your family is in our prayers every day. You are amazing, Kari! Good luck in the coming weeks.
Very cute pictures! Happy New Year to you guys! :)
Breezy is so adorable!! Thank you for sharing your Christmas joys. You have such a sweet family. We will keep praying for Breezy girl, and for mom and dad to stay strong!
Yeah I agree that tube needs to go! She was probably so happy when she realised that she could get it out herself! I am sure it won't be long! We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I love that white hat with the pink flower! So cute! So happy she's gained weight and I can't believe how amazing you are. You put that tube in so calmly. I'm sure it helps her feel calmer too. Also glad you got to go to the zoo and that we got to hang out yesterday! We'll be praying extra for Bree today. Love you!!!
I found your blog through a digital scrap blog. I am crying as I read it. I will pray for your daughter and for your family. God Bless You!
I'm laughing about our group photo at the zoo. All the adults are smiling and all the kiddo's (minus Ava who's picking her nose)are SO done at this point. It was very fun and we loved spending time together.
I am glad that you were all able to be home for Christmas. Bree looks so cute with her feeding tube in. I am sorry that has been such a hassle for you. I remember Claire had the hardest time eating solids because she thought we were just giving her more medicine. Slowly but surely she got the hang of it. I'm sure it is confusing for Bree to know what is food and what isn't. I'm glad the tube is working (even though she's got the determination to get rid of it!)
I'm so glad you got to go to the zoo. That must have been so nice to get some fresh air and to just relax with the fam. From what I understand she started chemo yesterday. I hope everything goes well and that she is not as agitated this time. Love ya Kari!
I love that picture of Bree where she managed to pull her tube out -- she knew just what she was doing! What a sweetie. I'm glad you had such a great Christmas. Love you!
What a great way to start off the new year! Your family seems SO happy -- how wonderful!
Happy New Year!
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