As a Father Feels

I know how I feel as a mother, but I can only imagine what he feels like as a father. I am sure he feels like his job is to love, provide, protect and fix any and all problems his children have. From May 2011 to Feb 2013 we had to sit bac...k and watch our child seize, lose her ability to walk, talk, see and play as a normal child. Always wondering and searching what the heck was happening to her and wondering once we found out, if there was any treatments or even a cure. Well...when we found out there wasn't either our whole world crumbled around us! The bond between these two has only gotten stronger, but so has the hurt. He will never be able to walk her down the isle or have his daddy/daughter dance at her wedding. This is why this picture is so precious to me as his wife and her mother. This was taken in July at the Batten Conference. To watch them dance to "God Gave Me You" and capture this picture, is a moment we will treasure forever! I love you Jeff and Charlee, our memories are precious and can never be taken away from us!

 

A Precious Little Face

Charlee weighed 28 lbs when she checked into the hospital on November 1st. Now after having her Gtube for 2 months she weighs 34.8 lbs!! I am so glad she is finally getting the nutrients she needs to keep going and to keep smiling. I love this precious little face!!

 

Reflections

It's hard to believe this is Charlee today and a year ago today. What a change this disease has made in such a short time. She was able to still walk and see a little, say a few words and pose/smile for pictures. I remember she stayed up till 1:30 that morning just as happy as can be!! She's taught me a lot of things but one of the biggest things I've learned is to make time for your children...cleaning your house can wait or making phone calls can wait!! Make time to video tape them, take them outside, read them a book, tell them you love them and don't sweat all the small stuff...remember they are kids, our time is what they want, need and deserve! Things can change so fast, tomorrow might be too late. I am so blessed that I can bring in this new year with my precious girl. Her spirit radiates the pure and innocent soul she is. She is more precious than gold! Happy New year Charlee's Angels. Be careful!

 

Precious Moments

Charlee was restless most of the day..daddy gets home to hold her and she falls asleep in 5 mins! There is a special bond between a father and daughter no one can explain. We love these precious moments!

 

Christmas for Charlee

We want to thank all of you who helped make Charlee's Christmas special. From the personalized ornaments to the smells and sounds of Christmas and the yummy breakfast to the very thoughtful homemade cards, we loved it all!! We are so gratef...ul to have had this special Christmas with our girl. What she goes through daily is heart wrenching but how she handles it is very humbling! Keep smiling my baby girl. Your smile makes my heart melt. Much love, Catrina

 

A Happy Early Birthday

We all have hard things to go through in life. How we choose to handle them is up to us. It's hard not to question God's plan or "ask why". Jeff and I have chosen to have faith and hit our knees in our time of need. It does no one any good ...to "ask why" instead look for the tender mercies, for there are many. With faith anything is possible! It is in 48 days (but who's counting) since Charlee's sat up and had strength to do anything! What a fighter, a true warrior of our Savior! She has incredible strength and determination. We all can learn from this beautiful special sweet spirit! Happy early birthday to me! The best present a mom could ask for. A happy day for all of Charlee's Angels.
Much love, Catrina
 

Charlee Video

Sweet Spirits

I found these and couldn't resist. What a bright, beautiful, fun 1 year old she was. This time of year has been extremely hard for me. Shopping and getting excited for Christmas only to realize my baby girl can't play with anything. My heart hurts because she's lost so much, but looking for the positive...she can still enjoy the Christmas music and we can enjoy her sweet spirit. Happy Thursday everyone!