Last Christmas

Last Christmas Eve, as I took this picture, I had no idea I was pregnant. I thought I was tired and weepy because it was my first Christmas without Papa Bud and because I was so homesick.

I'm sure that played a lot into it, but my pregnancy had became very difficult before I even knew I was pregnant.

I am so thankful to God that I am here to celebrate Christmas with my family. Shortly after I gave birth to Karsen, things began to go terribly wrong. I began swelling up. My hands and feet were huge. My back hurt. I felt like I had been hit by a car I was so sore. It wasn't until two days after being discharged from giving birth to Karsen that I reluctantly went back to the doctor to see why I felt so bad.

My blood pressure was 173/110 and the Dr. heard a heart murmur. Fluid was beginning to fill my lungs. I was hospitalized in the ICU department for three days while the Dr's figured out what had happened and got me on a medication that would help me heal.

It was scary. Thank God I had listened to my body.

Its amazing to feel better. The heart medication still makes me tired but I can do so much more now than the entire time I was pregnant. It feels so good to clean & decorate the house for Christmas, wrap presents, run errands and to be able to make cookies with the kids. Last year was a blur. All I remember is being so tired, and so sad. It was hard to celebrate the way I had in years past.

Now we have Karsen, who is my hearts delight. It is amazing how much can change in a year. Thank you God for the blessings of a new life, and of bringing health back to my life.

Merry Christmas!