I was beginning to think my Christmas spirit would never kick in this year. I didn't send any cards. I wrapped the gifts haphazardly, basically just covering the important parts and slapping a self-adhesive name tag on the top. No bows this year. I didn't play my Christmas CDs. I didn't even decorate the tree until December 23rd. I finished my shopping on my lunch hour, December 21, at Walgreens, of all places. It felt like I just barely managed to go through the motions this year. Fortunately, everything changed at the eleventh hour.For the very first time ever, my son, Justin, invited me, my mom, and Dominick to come to his home for Christmas Eve. Ava just wasn't portable this year. And you know what? It was wonderful! We munched on nachos, veggies & dip, potato salad, and drank Jagermeister. What a combo, huh? It worked for us just fine, thank you. Ava was an absolute doll all night, giggling and hamming it up. I bought her a Fisher-Price musical stage, which she adored. It has a mirror on it, which was covered in Ava kisses in no time. We all enjoyed ourselves very much, even though our evening was completely different than our usual celebration. I guess sometimes it is good to shake things up and just let go.
The best news is that Ava has made such good progress that she is now off her 24 hr feedings. She now is able to eat pureed foods and clear liquids by mouth all day, with the tube feedings just at night. She has gained 2 1/2 pounds since December 13. Awww, just like her grandma!
By the way, I am officially "the best mom in the world" according to Dominick. It seems Santa brought Guitar Hero III. Apparently GHIII is the hot game this year, because we sure have had a lot of company since Christmas Eve. I hope the novelty doesn't wear off too soon, because I haven't seen Dominick enjoy himself this much in a long time.
Dominick took the picture attached to this post on Christmas Eve. That's our tree, alright, but it seems to look much prettier in the picture. Good job, Dom!
I wish all of you, and us, a very happy New Year!
13 comments:
Hi, Kim. Thank you for posting to my blog. I have really enjoyed reading yours. I am sorry that Ava has had so many medical issues. We are very blessed that Lauren is doing so well. It was breaking my heart to read about Ava's pain, vomiting, etc. I hope she is better-sounds like she really enjoyed Christmas. We were not at the gathering in Troy. We are just getting to know people. Lauren will be just be turning one in a couple of weeks, so this is all new to us. I really appreciate your message. Everyone is so kind in welcoming us. Well, I hope you and Ava and the rest of your family have a wonderful new year.
Connie Stark
I do love the picture at the top. Way to go Dom!
It is nice sometimes to change it up a bit...maybe that is just what your family needed!
You're right...that game is super cool...no one here is talented enough to do it!! Boogie is another game that is cool...singing and getting points for being on key! That is my kids favorite one they got...and Chris' fav!
Love to all!
Noel
I am so glad to hear about Ava's eating. That is fabulous! And her weight gain - WOW!!!
My dad bought Simon that same musical stage toy for Christmas, but Clare has already commandeered it! I can see Ava loving it, too!
Merry Christmas!
Great picture, Dom!!
I'm so glad Ava has put on some weight - that's fantastic news.
Sounds like your Christmas went well - even with the tradition being changed up a bit. I'm glad it still went well - and that Ava seems to be turning a major corner. Hope you all have a wonderful New Years...you all deserve it!
Glad Ava is doing better. We had nachos too. Happy new Year.
Oh Kim I'm so happy that Ava is eating again! Tube feedings at night only already!! She will be having that thing out in no time!!
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas!
All my best to you and your family
Linda
grandma to Melina 5 years WS
I am so happy that Ava is only doing tube feeds at night and gaining so well. You guys are doing an awesome job!!! Melina definetly was not on night time feeds only this soon. She is progressing very quickly in comparison. I think my Mom is right hopefully you will have that tube out in no time. You all made the right decsion for her. It sounds like she is doing wonderful. I am glad you were all able to have a nice Christmas. I have been thinking about you a lot lately. I remember those days when Melina was not very portable. They were hard. It will get easier though. The stage sounds neat. Melina got a microphone for Christmas that she is just loving too. We will have to get them together sometime. Maybe they can sing a duet. I will keep you in my prayers and pray that things continue to go well for Ava.
Love,
Danielle
Happy Holidays, Kim! I feel the same way about things...the familiar is nice, but since things aren't the same, why not start something new and zany?
I gave my parents these little glasses you put on your face that look like the black bars over fashion "don'ts" in the magazines. I almost peed I laughed so hard. Sick of being sad. :) I think my in-laws were a little horrified.
The tree is beautiful!!
I am so thrilled to hear Ava is doing so well.
SO glad Ava is doing better - 2-1/2 pounds!! Holy cow!!!
Guitrar Hero III came to my house too... very addicting... we kept Michael up to 11:30 the other night playing. What good parents!!
SHe is just beautiful!
Hello Kim, sorry it has been awhile, I have been offline and in a bit of a funk.
I am so happy to learn of Ava's weight gain and doing better! That is such wonderful news. You and your family have been in my thoughts and your Ava is so beautiful! Ava Jewel loves any toys she can see herself in and anything that is musical, she just started babbling in the play microphone, they sound alike.
Oh Kim, i just read Lisa's blog please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always and especially now,
xxoo
Katie
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