We went to upstate New York for Christmas this year and had a wonderful time with Dave’s parents, brothers and sister, the in-laws, aunt, great-grandma and all the kids (18 people total!). Lauren had great fun playing Wii with her cousins (she is a crazy bowler!) and snowmobiling with Daddy. Carmen was content and happy and especially liked being held by her 7 year old cousin, Dakota. She even fell asleep on his shoulder! Dakota was very sweet with her and said he didn’t mind when she drooled all over him!
We had a bit of excitement when Carmen pulled her NG tube out and we had to put it back in. It kept coming out her mouth so Grandma decided to stick her finger in Carmen’s mouth so she could watch where the tube was going. Well, Carmen bit Grandma’s finger and wouldn’t let go! I think Grandma won’t be trying that tactic again!
Christmas morning Lauren woke with 104 degree fever and double ear infections. I was so sad that Lauren was feeling so badly on Christmas morning. I also started feeling a cold coming that day. Ironic thing is that I was so worried that someone there would be sick and Carmen would catch it. Instead, we brought a bunch of sickness and I sure hope no one went home sick! Carmen now has a stuffy nose but seems to be doing OK. Lauren is feeling much better now that the antibiotics have kicked in.
Christmas with Dave’s family always involves lots of yummy food and present frenzy! Carmen got much needed sheets, blankets, and a humidifier. Aunt Trish framed a poem for Carmen’s room about God delighting in His creation. Grandpa C. found a Native American doll that looks like Carmen and gave it to us. Lauren came home with princess stuff, books, art materials, clothes, etc. I think her favorite present was a set of plastic caboodles boxes. She is quite the organizer! Aunt Trish gave Lauren a lovely book about a little girl in Guatemala called God Controls the Storm. We have had quite a few guests in our home this year and our lack of appliances must be obvious! We got a crockpot, pod coffee maker and egg cooker/toaster. I am very excited about our new appliances!
Dave’s grandpa passed away this summer and Dave’s dad gave each of his kids one of Grandpa’s WWII medals for Christmas. Dave was happy to receive his Good Conduct medal. There were quite a few tears when the medals were opened as Dave’s Grandpa was a truly great man. I am comforted by knowing that when Carmen goes to Heaven, her great-grandfather will be there with her.
Dave’s brothers and sister decided not to exchange gifts this year. Instead they pooled their money and gave it to us for Carmen. This meant a lot to Dave and me.
Despite all the sickness, we had a nice Christmas. We are happy to be home and have Carmen’s nurse at night. Carmen kept us up a lot and reality is that life is easier at home with help at night.
I’ll share a funny story about my brother, Kevin. Recently, a movie came out called Charlie Wilson’s War starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Charlie lives in a small east Texas town where we grew up and Kevin still lives there. Couple of years ago, Kevin worked at Subway and Charlie often came in for subs. Kevin got to know many of his customers, including Charlie. When Kevin bought his first home, a cute little 2 bedroom house, he invited Charlie to his house-warming party. Charlie didn’t come but he gave Kevin a print of the U.S. Capitol and a signed card. My mom saw the print and card in Kevin’s house and realized that Kevin had no idea who had had invited to his house! Kevin is now excited about his famous person friend!
In closing, I would like to thank my dad and Nancy and Nicole’s friend Imelda for their very generous gifts.
