Celebrating Life

Last night, Ryan and I hosted our first official family Christmas. Eighteen people in a little house. So much food, so much coffee, so much volume. LOL. My feet still hurt and I haven't started going through my pictures yet. So in the meantime...

...Saturday was Nita's birthday! No one ever wants to have to spend a birthday in the hospital, but I have to say, she had a great attitude about it and seemed to really enjoy the day! All the hospital staff had signed a birthday sign, and I saw it hanging on her door when I went to visit. And when Ryan and I sat down to have lunch with her, we found a little cake on her tray! Those were thoughtful little touches, I thought. 

Anyway. We brought her some roses to brighten her day. She loves pink roses. :) 

Ryan picked out a card for her...

And here's her cute little cake!

Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law came to visit her during lunch too, and then she had to pack up and get back to therapy, so we ended our little party. (Her husband did throw her a nice little party that night, there at the hospital, but we weren't able to go to that because we had previous plans already arranged. We did get home in time to stop in and say hi to at least most of the people who came, but I don't have any pictures of that party since we were technically not in attendance.)

It's okay, though, because we had our own party with her, right?

Look at us all getting the black and gray memo! :) 

I am proud of Nita for all the hard work she has put into her rehab over the last week. She's gotten stronger and has the desire to work hard and excel in what her therapists ask of her. She's taken all the changes to her life (which encompass basically all parts) with such grace. She understands everything looks different now, and she doesn't get angry about it. She just pushes ahead one step at a time and takes each day as it comes. 

Even though I won't get to see her today, I also celebrate my niece, who has a birthday TODAY! She's done a great job this year embracing her new role as a mom, and it's fun to see her with little Caroline. Happy birthday, Cassie! Hope your first birthday as a mom is extra special!