Thankful

What a year! Typically everyone gets to New Years Eve and reminisces about the year, but this year I feel it is much more appropriate to be at Christmas. We've had a crazy year, one that I am very thankful we've gotten through with family and friends. It is definetaly a holiday that will be spent together as a family.

We are so lucky to have such great, close families that Brode gets to grow up with. Although Matt and I are both only children we've always been close with our extended families that gave us a great childhood. I love that Brode gets to grow up with large families! This year we've seen an enormous amount of love and support from not only our families, but also all of our friends. Between working and college we've been extremely busy so having friends and family that love to spend time with Brode have made the trip much easier!

All of us have developed new friends this year! We've gotten to know many new people and their families that are there for Brode and have made differences in our lives.

Not only did I feel like I was working for Kimberly Clark and going to college, I also felt like Childrens Hospital, insurance companies, and pediatricians were another part time job. Since December last year Brode has had pneumonia twice, pink eye twice, an ear infection, 3 CT scans, 10 x-rays, 2 physical therapists, an eye doctor, major surgery, and has been seen by over 7 pediatricians. February 2009 we were introduced to craniosynostosis and our planning and phone calls haven't ended. Dr. Denny, Dr. Lew, and their teams have changed our lives. We were so blessed to have Brode's surgery at Children's Hospital. Making arrangments for the entire month of July seemed as if it was going to be extremely stressful, but Denise saved my life. Denise is Dr. Denny's secretary, and boy is she amazing at her job! Calling places that have a long menu and pressing 10 buttons and getting transferred 5 more times is a very large stressor. Lovely Denise took every single one of our calls, getting to know us and Brode personally and took care of everything for the week we were there! We've been able to meet many nurses, PA's, and medical students along with Dr. Denny and Dr. Lew that have made the experience so much more enjoyable. They are all very high on our thankful list this year!

Another large step this year: day care. Brode started day care February 2009 and has loved it! He has been in 2 different centers and they have both been great. Growing up I was at a babysitters and I hated that I couldn't just stay home, and I didn't want Brode to have that feeling. Well, school and work are important if he is going to have a fulfilled life so I didn't have a choice. We've been so extremely lucky that he has had great people caring for him, that truely love him for the wild little boy he is! He is learning sign language, english, spanish, and does hundred of art projects. He has so much fun learning with his friends. I feel so comfortable with him there, the girls are all wonderful!

Finally, Brode. Matt and I love that little boy more than anything, and wow is he sure fun! He has taught us both a lot and has brought a lot of laughter along the way. This year Brode went from 3 months old to 15 months old and changed tremendously. He is learning so much and baffles our minds more every day!

We have had an eventful year that was hard at times, but we're all here, celebrating Christmas together as a family. We're all very lucky to be healthy, have good jobs, and more than we could ask for.

Happy Holidays!