Christmas 2011

As I look back at 2011, I find my heart fuller than it has ever been. It was a year of many challenges that were often questioned but have left us feeling extremely blessed. Let’s start at the beginning...

Who would have thought that when we took our Christmas picture last year we were going to be blessed with another miracle? Against all odds... we were pregnant in that picture and didn’t even know it! It took SEVEN pregnancy tests and THREE ultrasounds to convince us that our dreams of having another child were actually true. It was a gentle reminder that none of us, not even infertility specialists, are in control.

Joshua Michael joined our family four and a half weeks earlier than expected via emergency c-section on July 15^th. He immediately captured our hearts and made our family complete. However, as exciting as his birthday was, it was filled with immediate concern. Within hours of his arrival, baby Joshua was diagnosed with a heart defect and Down syndrome. While at first everything was a little hard to comprehend and worry flooded our minds... the celebration of little Joshua began. Anytime we were consumed with worry, we just put him in our arms and he melted our worries away. He was, and still is, very powerful. In fact, he received the nickname Superman because he fought so hard for life before and during his surgery. On September 2^nd, he had open-heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital in Omaha. We found out that his heart defect was far worse than anyone suspected and the doctors didn’t know if he would survive the recovery. Little Joshman had only been operating on 20% of his heart for the first seven weeks of his sweet little life. Just days after the surgery, the doctors began shaking their heads in disbelief at how well he was doing. He was far better than they ever imagined. He is a fighter and a REAL superhero to all of us! We are so honored that God chose us to raise this child. The journey from his birthday through his recovery is one that will never be forgotten.

Nathan jumped into the role of big brother like a true pro. He never complained that he no longer had the undivided attention of his mom and dad or that his life had drastically changed in an instant. We could not be more proud of how quickly he adjusted. He just turned 10 years old... is growing like a weed... joined the swim team... loves the Vikings... just broke his wrist while snowboarding... continues to have a big heart... and is overall a great kid that we are proud to call our first miracle.

Superman is five and a half months old. He is healthy, thriving, and absolutely adorable. His doctors continue to be amazed at his progress and remind us every visit what a true miracle he is (although we already know). He is such a good, happy baby with a personality that we fall more in love with every day. He does great attending Nathan’s events... takes food VERY seriously... sleeps through the night... rolls over... smacks his lips... giggles... loves watching his big brother... and continues to burst our hearts wide open. He has already taught us more than we dream of teaching others in a lifetime.

Scott continues to work hard for our family and is in his third year at American Family Insurance. This year he luckily walked away from driving over a 15-foot cliff on a riding lawn mower, as well as falling out of a 20-foot tree stand. He shot a 5 x 5 bad boy with his bow this year... traded in his four-wheeler for a new-to-us fishing boat... and is still passionate about any outdoor sport.

I couldn’t be happier about returning to my role as a full-time stay-at-home mom. School is on hold for now as I am not ready to give up precious baby time for study time. There are few days that go by that I don’t hold our baby, cry, and thank God for the miracles He has given us. When I look into Joshua’s eyes, I know that I am right where I am suppose to be. Aside from changing diapers and feeding the baby, I didn’t want to be the only one without injury this year, so I decided to sprain my wrist while chasing Nathan on the ice skating rink. Taking care of a 4-month old with one arm is not something I wish to experience again anytime soon.

The dogs have had a bigger than big adjustment as well. They tend to get the tiny little bits of leftover attention that is pretty sparse by the end of the day. Jasper didn’t jump into the big brother role nearly as well as Nathan. He is extremely jealous and secretly dreams of the days when he was my baby. Toby has suffered quite a few back problems this year; however, he is still our eight-pound over protective guard dog. And then there is Sam… who we’ve nicknamed Houdini because he finds magical ways to get off of his leash and sport around the neighborhood. He also had luck on his side this year when he got hit by a speeding truck and walked away with only scrapes and bruises. Even though these pups get the short end of the stick, they are loved just as much now as they were before our family grew.

In addition to this crazy year, we lost my grandpa to Alzheimer’s disease right before Christmas. As hard as it was to see him go, we know he is finally home... and that brings so much peace to all of us. He will be missed but will live in our hearts forever!

It is obvious to us that this year would not have been possible without the incredible love and support of our family and friends. We are so blessed by those who helped us get through this year. We have seen kindness and generosity at a level beyond our comprehension. Thank YOU. Thank you SO very much for your prayers and your unbelievable support!

We love and treasure you all,

Jennifer, Scott, Nathan, Joshua, Toby, Jasper... and Sam p