Our Christmas was definitely one I will never forget. It was one of the best, but it was also one of the worst. With the death of Anthony constantly in our minds, it was hard to enjoy anything going on around us. But at the same time, Eliana and Harper are both at such fun ages, their love for all things Christmas helped brighten our spirits!
Harper and Eliana had such a great time together. This is the first time that they've really played together! And of course, the 3 husbands had a great time together too! They really are so ridiculous... but they keep us laughing, so we're thankful for that! It is so great that they get along so well. They are constantly making up games, pretending to be a band, or playing catch phrase (their personal favorite!). I'm thankful my sisters both married such great guys... and that Corby gets along so well with them! Christmas day was full of both joy and sadness. The Riggans were supposed to come over for Christmas dinner, so it was hard thinking about why they weren't there. Christmas will never be the same for them, and that makes me so sad!
Other than being with the Riggans and celebrating Christmas, we dealt with sick little girls. Eliana was the first to get sick. She thankfully went to the doctor on Monday and got an antibiotic for her ear infection. She was also extremely congested and hardly slept at night! To say that Lindsey and Chris are completely exhausted is an understatement! On Tuesday, Corby came back to Dallas because he needed to work on Wednesday. Well, at 2:30 am, I heard Harper crying/coughing. I figured she would fall back asleep, but after a few minutes it got worse. I went in to the room, and she wasn't coughing... she was struggling to breath. Each breath was so loud, and I was terrified! I woke up my mom, and we determined that she needed to go to the emergency room. Once she was checked by the nurse, he took her straight to the back... going ahead of a little boy in the waiting room. That told me that she was really sick. She apparently had croup, even though she didn't have any symptoms the night before. After 1 failed breathing treatment, the doctor said she needed another one. When they do a treatment, you have to wait for 3 hours before leaving the hospital. But apparently the rule is that if a child has 2 treatments, they need to remain at the hospital for the rest of the day. Well... Anthony's funeral was at 11, and this was at 5am. When I was told I had to stay the rest of the day, I lost it! Corby left to come back to Little Rock at 5:30 because the doctor said she could have to stay overnight. She thankfully responded to the second treatment and the steroid and her breathing was back to normal. The doctor came in and said we just needed to wait until 8:30 and if she was still fine, we could leave. I am so thankful for such a kind doctor! I obviously wouldn't have left if I thought Harper needed to stay, but she truly was a different child! The Lord healed her, and I am beyond thankful!!! She slept so much better on Wednesday night, and so did I! We were both exhausted!!! On Thursday, she complained that her ear hurt, so I was concerned. In the past, she is always right. We took her to my old pediatrician, and she had an ear infection. Needless to say, we are ready for her to be healthy!
Anthony's funeral was amazing. Both Tony (his dad) and Maggie (his sister) spoke, and they both did a phenomenal job. Anthony lived his life to the fullest and has always been such an inspiration to me. Now, more than ever, I feel like I need to be doing some things differently in my life. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, and reading so many of his emails and letters to his family challenged me in so many ways. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. His life will continue to challenge others to love the Lord more wholeheartedly and love others as well.
Here are a few pictures from the week. I honestly didn't take very many, which is frustrating! I can't believe I didn't get any group shots! Oh well... that just reveals how busy we were, I guess!
Harper loves Daisy so much...
but Daisy doesn't feel the same way about Harper.
She knew Harper couldn't get to her!
Kissing baby Jesus
Stockings and Santa gifts
Pretty excited about her morning candy!
Her elephant-on-a-stick!
These were eventually put away because they became weapons!
She loved her presents from the Riggans!
When I told her who they were from, she said "Sad, I be happy".
She did go to their house the first night,
and we told her that they were sad and she needed to be happy.
She didn't forget that either!
The boys and little girls playing in the play room
Tickling the ivories
Such a diva!
I love how she's laying down while she draws!
This toy is hilarious! She loves the microphone!
The rody was also a popular toy!
Even though the weight limit is 400 lbs,
it is made for little people!
I bruised my knees so badly riding it in the kitchen!
This might be a highlight for me!
When I got my haircut, I planned to dress up like Chris.
It definitely gave everyone a good laugh!
Then Mike decided to join in on the fun!
The next night, Chris came downstairs dressed like me!
It is so weird to see his hair down!!!
Rocking her new outfit from my Aunt!
This was the only picture I got in her Christmas dress.
Apparently it was a little boy's birthday at church,
so she enjoyed a cupcake with BLUE icing on it!
Yes... it was everywhere when we went to pick her up!
Thankfully it all came out!
And this was in the E.R.
She asked for her hat and then said "home".
She thought if she wore her hat, she could leave!
She isn't a cuddler, so I did enjoy our snuggle time together!
