This was the Christmas we had been waiting for over 2 years. At first we thought it would be in 2012 that we would have Arouna home, then 2013 and so finally it was coming to pass in 2014. He arrived in September and all the family was going to be together for Christmas and the New Year in Arkansas. All 7 of us in one place, getting to know Arouna and spending his first Christmas home all together. I couldn't wait and tried to plan out a few fun activities to do together. They all arrived on Dec. 21st. Everyone was eager to meet, hold and play with Arouna. And Arouna seemed to really love all the attention from his brother and sisters. It was going perfectly, until...........
I woke up Christmas morning very sick. I struggled out of bed to open presents with the kids but couldn't even hardly sit up long enough to open a gift. I couldn't take care of Arouna or anyone else. I went back to bed as soon as the presents were opened and wasn't able to go to my parents house for Christmas dinner that afternoon. I spent the next 8-9 days, in and out of bed. Some days I would think it was on it's way out and I was well, but then it would strike again and be worse. I was so disappointed that we were all finally together and I couldn't even get out of bed.
But on the positive side, my older kids were able to bond with Arouna in a way that they wouldn't have if I had been well. They completely took over, feeding him, changing him and his diapers, bathing him, giving him his meds, along with playing with him and loving on him. I know that it wasn't easy at times, but they cared for him completely when I couldn't. So this post is to say a big "Thank You" to Zach, Lindsey, Haley and Maleah. I know that Arouna doesn't show it at this point, but I do believe that he could feel your love. You made his 1st Christmas at home very special and Dad and I couldn't have done it without you. I look forward to future Christmas's with all of us together again. But next year, I'll try to stay well. :)
