Reflecting on 2022

The year 2022 brought about many gifts, challenges, and changes. We started the year with a son who still seemed like a baby, and ended the year with a little boy. Our sweet River has a big heart and a lot of big emotions. He has a very good memory, knows the names of every character from Star Wars, and can hike over rocks and roots all by himself. He loves to read about birds, listen to Foo Fighters, and is always happy when his grandparents come to visit. This fall, River had a couple visits to the ER when he was struggling to breathe. He now uses a nebulizer two or more times a day, and is mature enough to sit calmly while the medicine does its work. 

July, of course, brought the greatest gift of the year- our Eleanor Emily, and I cannot believe that it’s been five months since we brought her home. It feels both like she has always been a part of our family and that it couldn’t possibly have been five months already, all at the same time. Eleanor is the happiest, most adaptable, and most beautiful baby. She is incredibly strong. She loves to cuddle, stand (with assistance), and watch her brother play. Eleanor has the biggest smile and the sweetest giggle, which her daddy is best able to elicit. 

Two months after Eleanor was born, I started to experience some weird symptoms. My arm muscles became sore and weak and swelled up. My liver enzymes were very high. Progressively, my other muscles became weak as well. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis. My body is basically attacking its own muscles. During the period I was at my worst, I could barely stand from a chair or lift a cup of water to my mouth. Bud had to be both mother, father, and caretaker for me. He did all the cooking, cleaning, and the lion’s share of the responsibilities for the kids, all while working full time. Bud is a born provider and caretaker. I am so grateful I chose him to be my partner in life. 

Overall, reflecting on the year, it was one of our best. At the end of this year, I am so grateful for the support of my mountain of a husband and for the two most lovable children I could have ever wished for. I hope 2023 brings more happy memories and I continue to learn to be a Mama of two beautiful babies, and wife of one amazing man, and a woman who can walk on her own two strong feet again (quite literally).