A Whirlwind Christmas 2012

This is the first year Foster began to understand Christmas and it made it so fun!  We gave him his own nativity and explained to him Jesus' birthday, but he kept pointing to Jesus and saying "baby Jude," so I think we have a little while before he really understands that.  

My husband grew up not doing Santa Claus so we had the discussion of if we would or not and I was like "Are you kidding me?!  Santa Clause for sure!"  I remember the magic and wonder of Christmas as a child and being in awe of all the excitement.  Of course, Santa isn't the centerpiece but definitely a fun part!  

We asked Foster what he wanted from Santa and he wanted a guitar and a horse!  Santa delivered on that short list and there were a couple presents for him to unwrap under the tree since he was getting so much from other family and he's only two.  At first on Christmas morning, he was a little apprehensive to come out of his room and into the living room to see his toys.  Wood and I were both asking him to "come on and see what Santa brought you!"  Foster looked around and said "Where Santa?"  He was scared to come out because he thought Santa Claus brought the toys and was still there! He's always a little apprehensive to meet new people;)

We had a wonderful morning at home just me and my little family, including my Mom who spent the night on Christmas Eve. We opened gifts, ate breakfast and got ready for the day.  

That morning I knew something was a little off with Jude, his congestion seemed worse than what we had been dealing with and I just hoped he would be ok.  The day was cold and dreary and I hated to get him out in it, but he was sleeping fine so off to do more Christmases we went!

First we went to Woody's parents' house to open gifts with them and that's always nice.  Foster got some fun toys and he loves to help everyone else open their presents too!  

I have always been the type that just rips my presents open, but the hubby's family is the slowest present openers! I'm like "Aaaah, Open them already!!"  Ha!

After that we headed over to W's Uncle Bill & Tutter's house for lunch.  I love their family so much and its so fun that there are children for Foster to play with.  He especially loves to play with his boy cousins Rives & Jack.  It's so nice to be with family that is loving and fun.  While we were there, Jude started coughing more and gagging on his milk more than he had during the morning.  I started to worry more but hoped that when we got settled at home he would feel better.  That wasn't the case and in the middle of a tornado warning, I loaded him up and we headed to the ER.  That was the hardest thing watching my baby get tested and stuck.  Broke my heart.  He tested positive for RSV, so he was admitted on Christmas night to a packed floor of many children with the similar things.  Not what I had in mind for Christmas, but I just wanted my baby to start feeling better!  

The 26th was my birthday and I spent it getting two shots in the butt for a sinus infection, then holding a sick baby, and eating fries and a milkshake for my birthday dinner.  Also, not a great way to spend a birthday but I was blessed to have sweet friends and family come visit us in the hospital.  

Could not have managed up here without them!

 I am just sitting here picturing in my mind the first Christmas and the helpless baby born in a manger, but still a KING that came to set us all free.  What an amazing gift!  

And because of that sweet gift of our Savior we have peace that surpasses all understanding and abundant life both now and in eternity.  That is the greatest gift of all!  And that is the meaning of Christmas, no matter what is going on around us.

Today Jude is very slowly improving and we still aren't sure when he'll get out of the hospital, but just as soon as his breathing and eating is better we will go home. Please keep my little man in your prayers, because this is super hard on his little body.  They just lost his IV and they are going to take him to a room in the back to redo it and I can't stop crying.  Foster just called me on the phone and said, "Jesus please heal brother" and now I'm crying like a waterfall.  

I'm just glad Jude won't remember and hopefully I can forget.  I know many parents have much more serious things to deal with and my heart goes out to them.  There is nothing more humbling than to be helpless when your child is hurting. Thanks for the prayers, friends!