Finding some Christmas Joy

It has been a while since we updated. Really, there is nothing new but it is still nice to know Holly is hanging in there.

We still do not have a surgery date. We know it will be after December 17th when we meet with her surgeon. I am praying it will be within a few days of that appt.

The insurance will not pay for a nurse unless the doctor writes a new order, so we are handling the procedures on our own. We are now doing them twice daily, double the emotional drain but necessary. She cries so much that when we are done she just crashes for a few hours. A couple times she cried herself to sleep during the procedure itself. As sad as that sounds, it was easier to finish with her asleep.

Dean has been out of town much of this week, so Amanda has had to help hold Holly down. I *hate* to have Amanda do this, but she is a strong baby and hard to manage for one person. I am afraid Amanda will be scared for life!

I personally do not feel like we are clearing enough out on a regular basis, but Holly is eating, sleeping, and behaving well so it must be enough.

I have joined some groups for parents of children with HD and that has been a huge source of help and encouragement. I am realizing how different every child is with HD. Many people have asked me if Holly will be 'done' or 'fixed' after her surgery. All I can tell you is it is biology! We hope she has no residual problems, but we just can't say for certain. She may need to be seen every six months and be in the best of health or she may have many problems requiring more surgery and life time issues. We just don't know. The surgery is 80% successful.

I am sorry we haven't updated in the last week. We are trying to get the house decorated, shopping done, and just regular stuff like laundry kept up. I do spend a lot of time with Holly and have not managed the house as well as I like to but, that is understandable.

Carter is having a hard time. He has been the baby for five years and now he is really being pushed aside. It is a just a challenging time for him right now. He has been a little obnoxious. Poor little man. The rest are hanging in there better but they are all happy and sad.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I just cannot possibly thank every one of you enough. I am in a perpetual state of fear and awe. God has truly blest us with prayer warriors. So many wonderful people have done more than I can even recall. It is truly amazing. We have been blest with so much. We are so grateful to God for all he has given.
To the many who have provided a meal, Thank you!!! Food tends to be the last thing on my mind but it is crucial!

Thank you Jill for being such a wonderful, kind, and understanding friend. Thank you for the pictures of our Hollyse. Thank you Amanda, I am on awe of your unselfish giving. What a blessing you are to the kingdom of God. You have served your family tirelessly and so served Him. When so many young women would have refused to help to the degree you have, you continue to give and look for opportunity to give more.

I want to compile a thank you list, but with so much help I will surely miss someone.

Sola gratia,
Michelle