Natalie Jean Henke: Merry Christmas Update, and a thank you

Hi everyone, and Merry Christmas.

There isn't a whole lot new today; Natalie is a little more awake, but not much. She opened her eyes a bit, but she's still under quite a bit of medication; so she's still sleeping for a majority of the day. They removed her chest tube yesterday, and decreased some of her medications; so that's a solid step in the right direction. They aren't going to take out the breathing tube or anything else until Thursday, at the earliest. So, we're just waiting patiently. We'll spend the day watching Christmas movies in Natalie's room.

We want to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for Natalie and us during this time, and to those who have been helping us. My brother and his family have been taking care of our pets and our house for us while we're gone, and that has helped a ton. It's a tremendous help to not have to worry about things like that, and to be able to focus on our daughter. We also want to thank all of my co-workers at MDU for the package they sent. We got home last night, and opened the box they sent with all kinds of snacks, gift cards, and other things to help during this time. The candy is awesome (yes, I tried everything at least once last night), and so is everything else. So thank you to Rita, Karen, Carla, Genny, Eric, Tyler, Sara, Amy, GaeLynn, Tamie, and Garrett; also our friends Tom, Kellie, and their family.

I'm done typing, here's Heidi.

Last night was a bit like Christmas. We spent the evening opening a few cards and care packages and then snuggled up to watch a Charlie Brown Christmas. It wouldn't be Christmas without watching that one. We are going to settle in for the day here with Natalie and watch a few movies and take a nap. Just what I would be doing if I were at home:)

Thank you to Kendra Bachmeier, April Wahl and the ladies from your women's church group. What a wonderful gift. Your thoughtfulness is overwhelming and we are so appreciative for everything and I can't wait to take pictures of our family. We haven't taken any photos as a family yet.

Thank You everyone who have given us strength through their thoughtfulness. Phone calls, text messages, cards and gifts all have touched us in a very unique way! Thank you for helping us celebrate Natalie's surgery, her health and the gifts that God has given us. Thank you for a family that supports us and thank you for our little family of three. We miss Ranger and Pharaoh and can't wait to be home with them.

Merry Christmas to everyone and we hope that you all enjoy your time together!

Here are a few pictures of the House that we are staying at as well as a few pictures of Natalie from yesterday and her first Christmas!!! We even got to wake up to a white Christmas. We walked to the hospital as the snow fell lightly. It was a beautiful morning!

Love to you All!
Brad, Heidi and Natalie Henke