Tuesday 29 December 2009

Christmas Miracles

Our Christmas was one that we will never forget! I was so grateful to be able to come home for the holidays. When we were told Millie had Leukemia both Brady and I thought our initial stay in the hospital was going to be much longer then it was, we were there for 5 nights.

It was shocking to be admitted to the hospital, go through all sorts of testing, 2 blood transfusions, caring her to the bathroom every 30 minutes because of all the fluid they were pumping into her little system (one of the nurses told me she was getting double what the 16 year old boy next store required), holding her down during occasional procedures, then be handed a mask, a binder of info, and be sent home.
"Big Gulps huh, Whelp See Ya Later".
The day we went to the ER Millie had her preschool Christmas program. Look how cute she is even though she shouldn't have had enough energy to walk.



Being home has been an interesting experience. It seems that we brought home a middle school girl and a rapidly growing 16 year old boy. Millie's mood swings have been intense to say the least. She'll scream at us for no reason not to talk to her, about her, to each other, and most importantly "DO NOT BE NICE TO ME"! It's amazing what the steroids are doing to my baby girl.

The 16 year old boy living in my daughters body wants to eat constantly! She had a chemo treatment on Monday and because they did a spinal tap and took bone morrow she had to be anesthetized. She was so hungry before her procedures. She just kept yelling at us that she had to eat NOW! Since she wouldn't stop talking about food I decided to try playing a waitress game with her. I took her order for what she wanted to eat when she woke up.

Here's the list:

  • a bag of cheesy Cheetos
  • an egg sandwich (call it egg salad and you'll get your head ripped off)
  • a slice of cheese and peperoni pizza
  • the round noodles, with red stuff on top (also known as spaghetti)
  • cheese without anything else
  • and a Slurpee.

The 1st thing she asked for when she came to was her Cheese Cheetos and Slurpee. Luckily the hospital was stocked with both! On our way to pick up Austin we got take-out from Big Apple Pizzeria. There we ordered the pizza and spaghetti, while my mom got the cheese and egg sandwich ready.

SHE ATE ALL OF IT!

Not only will we go broke from medical expenses, but we are going to have a killer grocery bill.

Millie and Brady made a darling gingerbread house. They were really cute; when Brady was doing EXACTLY what Millie told him to do.

Millie's Christmas List:

  • Snuggie
  • Horsie that has sparkly hair
  • Sparkly Barbie
  • Water balloons

She was really worried that she didn't get her list to Santa so I called the mall ahead of time and they said we could head right to the front. After dousing Santa's hands in sanitizer Millie was able to get him her list.


I love that at South Towne Center they don't make you buy their pictures, but the Santa only looks at their camera. This was the best I could get.



Millie didn't really enjoy Christmas it was sad. I think the best part of her day was when Jager came over to visit. Austin on the other hand LOVED his new toy. He was so cute. He immediately started spinning the sides and hitting the mobile.
The picture is a little blurry, but look how adorable he is.

Millie loving her snuggie and her daddy.
*Austin had his 4 month birthday on Monday (Millie got chemo, so sadly he got a little neglected), I will try to post a little more about him tomorrow.

15 comments:

Keri Cannon said...

Amanda, I had no idea! My thoughts and prayers are with you snd your little family right now.

Steve Gotz said...

What a GREAT blog update...thanks for all the details...we had been wondering how things were. Milllie has sooo much spunk we just know she will be fine. Great pics...you have a lovely family. We love you all!!

The Hardman Family said...

I'm sorry to hear of the stuggles you and your family are enduring. I truely pray for comfort and strength for your daughter and yourselves during this difficult time.

lindsay Roscoe said...

I guess instead of you asking me how to deal with teenager boys and girls I will be asking you. Lol!! Just don't you guys go and adapt yourselves to the same diet as Millie, we don't want to be rolling you guys out of the house. Did you see that you have had 67 views today? That's lots of love. Every, thought and prayer is there. Love you ALL!!

McCall said...

way to go on thinking of being the waitress and taking her order - super creative! millie is a rockstar and despite all that she has been through - she looks adorable! your family will be in our prayers. i will be back in town after new years - expect a phone call, i want to help you out with whatever you need. love you tons, you are amazing.

Eisha said...

you know, maybe it is good Austin came early...Can you imagine doing both together (Millie and Austin and hospital recovery)! When can mary skype millie?

Jodi said...

I've been thinking about you guys a ton and wondering how everyone is holding up. Amanda, thank you for this post. Millie's letter to Santa, her nutritious (ha!) food requests, and her insistence on you guys "not to be nice to her" had me smiling. All of this must be so confusing for her...and for you and Brady, for that matter. No one and nothing can compare you for your child getting sick. Hang in there for what is sure to be a wild ride. I'm so happy you guys were able to be together at home for Christmas. xoxo

kate said...

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with your beautiful Millie. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family!

Staci said...

I am so sorry for all that you have gone through and are about to endure! If there is anything that I can do to help (even if it is just telling you the secrets of PCMC) just let me know. I work there now, so I am up there often. My prayers are with you.

Staci (Bishop) Smith (angel Bridger's mom)

The Church's said...

You are doing such a good job with this! I don't think I could do it. She is adorable though! Abby was on steroids a while back and she was crazy too! I couldn't stand it. Hang in there!

Unknown said...

I love the picture with her showing her letter to Santa! We love you guys and have been thinking about you like WOAH even if we are thousands of miles away! Hope to see you at Matt's wedding maybe!

Whit, Lindsey, Jonas, and Maggie said...

Amanda, I am so sorry to hear what you guys are going through. Especially Millie. What a strong little spirit she must be. Our prayers are with you always!
Be strong!

Mike and Me said...

There is nothing else to say except I love each one of you so very much.
Grandpa Jager

Mike and Me said...

Who is Bill Holt Grandma?

Mike and Me said...

Ok Grandpa fixed it Bill Holt is gone I think