Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Home

We’ve been home for 2 days now and I just can’t get over how good it feels to be here! I love seeing my boys, I love being here when Caleb gets off the bus, I love driving Gunner to preschool and I actually love the little daily chores that I disliked so much before. In fact, as I was driving Gunner to preschool this morning, I looked back at the smudges on the windows and just thought to myself how grateful I was just to be a Mom to my kids and enjoy these moments with them while they are little. Never really thought I’d say it, but the smudges made me smile. ☺
As for Breezy girl, she’s doing well here at home. She’s been super happy, very chatty and very full of energy. Even though she’s still kind-of scared of real food, she’s been doing well with her nightly feedings and that has helped her feel better, I’m sure. She doesn’t like to eat much baby food because every time a spoon comes near her, she thinks its medicine so doesn’t want to eat. In fact, this is the face she makes when a spoon or syringe is coming toward her: She purses her lips together and wont open her mouth! Little stinker. (This picture was taken a few weeks ago (before the tube obviously) ☺

Anyway, today was a good but long and tedious day so I thought I’d list a few things I did that I can say I’m proud of. I know this is kind-of random, but hey, it’s always fun to think about the actual things you did instead of the things that you didn’t do. ☺
• Took Gunner to preschool & chatted with a friend in my doorway
• Gave my husband a big hug for all the multiple things he does (love you babe!)
• Took flowers to a friend that was sick
• Played outside on the grass and crunched leaves with my kids
• Killed a spider with Gunner
• Gave my baby a shot, (I’m not really proud of this, but feel accomplished when I can do it by myself each time)
• Watched my boys do tricks on the trampoline
• Flushed Bree’s broviac line with saline and heparin
* Cuddled with Caleb on the couch
• Listened to Bree's little tummy sounds to make sure her feeding tube is in the right spot
• Organized books/clothes/toys to donate to goodwill (still in the process)
• Read books to my boys while Bree slobbered on them
• Chatted with my sis-in-law and felt so grateful that I have such great sisters in law. (She also cleaned my bathroom and my kitchen. She is amazing!)

So, here are some of our latest and greatest pictures of our little miss Bree during this last round of chemotherapy.
My sister brought cupcakes to the hospital. Bree DID like these!
She pulverized hers in a matter of seconds! I hope some of it got in her mouth!
Here she is displaying her talents. Ah, bald heads are good for something right! Ha ha!

Right now we are hoping, fasting and praying that our little girl won't have to go through any more chemo. The doctors have told us that she will need 8 rounds of chemo and they hope that after the 8th round that they will finish off the cancer with radiation, surgery or maybe just leave it in her if the tumor is totally dead. They say that perhaps the 8th round will take care of the tumor without other treatments but they thought most likely it wouldn't. She currently has had 4 rounds and will get all her tests done at the end of the month to see where things are at. We figured we would pray and fast that she surpises everybody and that the tumor will be gone now. We know the Lord's will be done but we can't get a miracle if we don't ask for one right:). Thank you for the continued support and outpouring of love for our little Breezy! You are all so great!



41 comments:

Addy said...

We're sooo glad to hear that little Bree is home and all is well right now. We continue to keep her and your family in our prayers. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything.

EmileeandJonny said...

You don't know me but we have been working with Justin for quite awhile, sorry we've taken so much of his time this weekend when you probably needed him! I have been watching your blog to keep up on Bree's progress, I'm so glad to hear she is doing ok. We continue to pray for her daily and are hoping for her full recovery.

The Johnson Family said...

So glad that you are home! I love your list of things done...you are so amazing to find time to take your friend flowers. Your story has made me too grateful for everyday things. Thanks for sharing. We too are praying that Bree is done with Chemo! Hope to see you Sunday.

The Reed Family said...

I loved that post Kares... It's SO true that what we sometimes think are bad things (smudges on windows, etc.) become things we are grateful for. I'm SOO glad you're home, that Breezy is happy, and that you all get to be together as a family. I love you so much... You're the most amazing woman/mother I know. See you on Thursday! If you need anything before then, PLEASE let me know!! LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU!!!

Nuestra Familia said...

Hi Kari, those pictures are just so cute! The plate one on Breezy's made me laugh. She is so pretty and sweet, she really attacked that cupcake, that's pretty funny too. I'm glad you are home and you got to do all the mom things, that I take for granted sometimes. You are an incredible woman, lots of LOVE from all of us.
I'm planing on signing up Mo for baseball on saturday, if you want I can sign up Caleb too or just get you the paper work.

Anonymous said...

So, so sweet. I loved the cupcake, Everywhere!! What is it about bowl hats, my youngest is the biggest fan, it really is so precious. Thanks for sharing your list of accomplishments for the day. Seriously, you accomplished SO much, it makes me think, Wow I could do more. I thought of Bree so much as I fasted on Sunday, I see what a treasure she is, I will pray for excellent test results.

Michelle said...

I am so glad to hear that Bree is home.

The cupcake pictures were ADORABLE!!! That's how I eat my cupcakes too!

Bree is my prayers and thoughts daily!

Michelle

Mrs. Burch said...

I think you can get a miracle even if you do ask for one. ;-)

You don't know me, but I've been following your story here for a few months after I learned of your Bree from my friend, Krista Brown. You're an inspiration to me (and many others, I'm certain). Thanks {so much} for your example. Your strength and faith is so encouraging.

My father battled cancer for seven years when I was a child and teenager. I'm so grateful for what it taught me, and find myself equally grateful when I read your comments and experiences. Thanks again.

~~~A fellow Kerri.

Jessica said...

So glad to hear all of the good news! And, her eyes seem to look SO much better -- that's got to be a good sign, right?

Kelly said...

Wow Kari, You are amazing! Your day made me tired just reading it! But we are moms, and that's what we do! :) We will continue to keep you in our prayers!

Sally said...

Hi...I am another stranger who appreciates the strength that you share through your blog. I know that faith can and does move mountains. I pray that you will get your miracle. You deserve it...Bree DEFINITELY deserves it!

Megan said...

Thank you for updating. I pray for her often.

dustin and amy said...

My Kenley girl said the sweetest prayer for Bree last night. We think about you everyday and pray for your family. Thank you for the sweet pictures, I love seeing her cute face on my computer screen. Glad you are HOME!

Castle Family said...

I love that she still has those rolls in her little legs, those are my favorite!!

One of the things that I was so grateful for after my measly 3 day stay in the hospital after having Trey was carpet!! I see how you would add to your list of simple gratitudes after so many times in the hospital. Thanks for sharing :)

I'd love to see you, it's been too long!

Steph said...

Kari--I am so impressed by your attitude and your perspective. It's hard to appreciate all the little things when you're going through something so difficult. It's something I am still working on, although I've come a long way. . . I would have fewer regrets now if I had been better at it earlier. . .

We're still praying for Bree.

Love you guys.

Kathleen said...

Reading your post brought tears to my eyes...grateful tears and hopeful tears. We're praying right along with you that the Lord will heal Bree much sooner than imagined and that she WILL surprise the doctors by not needing any more chemo treatments. Your thoughts about being grateful for all the small daily interactions with family and friends inspire me! You emanate beauty from what you are doing and thinking and how you are living, not to mention the fact that you are a BEAUTIFUL person on the outside, too! Tell Kristin "Hi from Kathleen" on Thursday (if you read this and if it crosses your mind at the time). I need to get her number from my mom and call her! Have another beautiful day!!

Crys said...

Her eyes look so great! I bet that is nice for you. I am crossing my fingers for the scans.

Morris Mama said...

It's funny how just normal things sometimes makes us feel grateful. We will be praying for Bree to be cancer-free when she is done with the chemo.

Grandma and Grandpa cook said...

We are so grateful for every little happy update. We're even grateful for "chemo". Never thought I would say that. We loved all the updated pictures and your list of little things you're grateful for. I remember how good it felt after my c-sections to get back to the basics. Those were darling pictures of Breezy. We too are praying for a miracle, sooner than latter, but we'll all except whatever time table the Lord gives because He loves our Breezy and her family too. You and Justin have been an inspiration to us all and the Lord is watching you. We are so blessed.

brownymama said...

Kari, that was a beautiful post. In all honesty, it stung my eyes with tears. Happy ones. I love how you are so grateful for the small, but important things. Smudges don't matter. And doesn't it make you feel good when you look at that list. You may not have hiked a mountain, but you sure did make an impact on the ones you love! I feel so blessed to have you in my life and no matter how much my little brother might bug me (j/k!) I'll always be grateful that he chose you!

KFairbanks said...

Kari - as someone else posted, I'm just another stranger who is following your updates. I found you from Summer's blog. Little Bree is just so sweet and such a little trooper! You are an amazing family...so much love. I am continually amazed at your strength. You are an inspiration. I will continue to follow Bree's progress and pray for you all.

The Maxsons said...

Hey Kari and Justin, also loved your list of things you have done. Keep things in perspective and keep the "normal things" on your mind. We check your blog a lot to get the updates. Thanks for doing such a great job keeping us all posted. We love you guys and continue to have your family in our thoughts and prayers!
Linsey

Anonymous said...

You are truly an inspiration! I read your post at work and I had to excuse myself to the bathroom to wipe away the tears. How often we take the simple things in life for granted. It's a great reminder to us all that even if we don't complete our "To-Do List" every day- it doesn't mean we did nothing. (I'm Ryan Brown's cousin by the way)!

Kasey said...

So glad to hear that you guys are home and you are able to get back the daily things. I continue to check in on you and your family and still praying for your little bree. My heart continues to go out to you and your family. Keep praying!

John 16:23-24 (New International Version)

23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24...Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Anonymous said...

If anyone deserves a miracle it is you guys. Despite all she's been through, Bree looks so sweet and beautiful! We keep praying for you and love you guys so much!

Wendi and Eric said...

Smudges on the windows are good reminders that we have little ones to hold and love. Thank you for that, and thank you for making time to blog. We are very grateful to hear all the updates on Bree. Pearce always remembers Bree, when it's his turn to pray. So sweet. I wish I could be there to clean your bathroom and kitchen too. Bless that good sister in-law of yours. Hugs and kisses. Wendi

Anonymous said...

I add my faith and prayers to the many who are praying for your sweet daughter and all of your family. I have seen many miracles in my life, and am praying to witness another one here with little Bree. What an angel she is. How fortunate you are to be her mother. You are such a blessing to each other. Some day she will thank you for all you have done for her during these difficult days. Yes, enjoy the smudges--they are evidence that we are blessed! I love that you recognize that even while you are in the midst of huge trials. You are amazing!! Love to your family.

Alisa Larson said...

Thanks for helping embrace all the smudges! When I read posts like these, it makes me want to hug and smooch on my girlies and remember everything about their sweet childhoods. Love you!

the bates motel said...

awe you are so cute! i'm glad that i could be apart of your list :)! thanks again for the flowers. love the pics of bree. you guys are a continuous source of strength. i love how you said if you don't ask for a miracle then you can't get one! we will continue to pray for bree.

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to hear you are home. And its nice to be able to appreciate your home life with all its details.. even the smudges :)
I continue to keep you in my prayers.
God Bless you and your family!

top knot extensions said...

You are so wonderful and I am amazed by how much you do and with the attitude you have!!!

agravette said...

Your precious family is just so wonderful and I am praying for your miracle as you continue to fight and keep the faith. God bless each one of you and thank you for sharing your lives so openly.

Travis and Marie said...

I love the little crumb decor going on in the bed where Bree was eating...how cute. And you amaze me, giving flowers to a sick friend, sorting clothes, etc....how do you have the energy?!

Aimee's Family Journal said...

Okay then! We love surprizes!

*tara* said...

your blog is an inspiration to and my family. your entire family is in my prayers and bree is the cutest thing :)

JakenDebbie said...

We will pray extra hard for miraculous results at the end of this month!! Love you guys!

Rachel Spence said...

What a beautiful baby girl! I just happened on your blog and got caught up with sweet little Bree's story. I will be praying the the cancer leaves her body and for the strength you continue to need to deal with it all. I am amazed by you.

marcee said...

Kari, I have been keeping tabs on you guys through Angie, Alisa, Krista, and Todd's wife, Camille. It is so inspiring to read how you are facing your challenges- Thank you!

The Scribbles said...

I just wanted to say you have a beautiful family! I continue to keep your family in my prayers esp. little Bree!

Heidi Ann said...

She is beautiful and quite the tropper. It's amazing what little bodies can endure! I feel like I can say that as we just lost our 6 week old girlie after several open heart procedures. These babies are a gift, we don't realize how fragile life is. It's our job to love them fiercely while we have them! You sound amazing, even though you may not feel that way!

Jaimee said...

Good luck with everything, Kari! You are prayed for every day in our home. We love you, Cooks!