Christmas Letter

Nothing says “Christmas Letter” like open heart surgery.  But that is exactly how the Luippold Family began 2015! Surgery, new schools, new jobs, and weekly therapy lessons made for a busy year full of challenges, joys, a lot of fun and honestly, very little sleep J But through it all we’ve been supported by our friends and family, our faith in God, and as the line from my favorite Christmas special says, the willingness to “put one foot in front of the other and soon you are walking out the door!” So come on, walk a bit with us through the past year.

     We all know you only want to hear about the kids, but hang on, let’s chat a little about Kristin and Bard, shall we? I had two major events during the first half of the year, running a fundraiser auction for Serve the Children and also directing backstage volunteers (and my own classes) at the girls’ dance recital. Both speak to my passions and were an honor for me to be a part of. But lately I’ve felt God calling me to support the refugee crisis and be a part of what local organizations are doing to help refugees transition to the Seattle area.  I’m can’t wait to see what 2016 brings!  Bard ended the year with a bang by leaving his CEO position at ProGlass and becoming a Senior Product Manager at Amazon. Um, employee discount, yes please! It’s a tough commute but he loves the job and excited for growth.

Okay, how about our first born? Evelyn had a blast performing in the dance recital as well as her summer theatre camp-that kid loves the stage-but she also faced a different challenge, starting a new school. We experienced a lot frustration during the last school year due to the administration’s refusal to work with us regarding Evelyn’s allergies or the on-going bullying issues.  So, after a lot of prayer, a lot of talking, and a lot of angry conversations in my head(!), we decided to enroll Ev at the private school Cici has been attending and where Evelyn attended pre-school.  It’s been absolutely amazing, a great decision. And now she is not only physically and emotionally safe, but thriving in an environment rich with arts and classical education.

Now to Miss Feisty Four-Year Old. Cici has also loved dancing and her mama loved dancing onstage with her in Cici’s first real theatre dance recital. She has started reading and for Christmas really wants Dr Seuss books, but Santa may not have known that early enough…Cici has been in Jr Kindergarten and loves it.  She asks repeatedly to attend school every day, all day.  A fact I will remind her of when she is seventeen! She also joined Evelyn in piano lessons this past year and last week gave a lovely rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star at her piano recital!

On to Mr Heart Surgery, or as Cici calls him, “Mr Max!” In February Max was operated on by a team from Seattle Children’s Hospital and the surgery went very well.  He was in the hospital for less than a week and between his quick recovery and all the help from Grandee, who flew up to watch the girls, friends who provided meals and family who drove the girls around it was the least stressful that heart surgery can be! His cardiologist says his heart sounds great, so now the only one in the family with a heart murmur is me! Besides heart surgery, Max had several big changes this year.  After spending his first 6 months in a crib in our room, he moved to his first ever own bedroom! He transitioned really well and also showed great adaption when we flew to spend time with Bard’s family in New Hampshire. Over the summer, Max started walking and talking a lot more. While he still needs a little extra help and has been in therapy regularly, his speech, physical, and facilitator therapists all say he has made incredible strides over the last three months. So, next year look for Max to be in therapy less and even to start attending his own little two-year old class at school with Evelyn and Cecilia!

Even though 2015 brought so many changes, something makes me think that 2016 will as well.  Change can be sad and, just like this last year, I know there will be losses to grieve and disappointments to endure. But change also brings in something new, something fresh. And since we are surrounded by such a great community, we look forward to the future, to sharing life with each other, and sharing love as we go.