Happy New Year!

The end of 2009 was a very sick one for our family. All four of us wound up with a nasty respiratory infection through Christmas. While Justin and I have recovered for the most part, Jeff and Zane are still fighting off the wicked bug. For Zane, this has meant four nebulizer treatments a day of both Pulmicort and Albuterol, along with a nasal irrigation of saline solution throughout the day.

The end of 2009 also marked another disappointment with respite care. Jeff and I had planned to spend time alone with Justin on the slopes of Durango Mountain Resort. An hour before we had intended to leave, the respite worker canceled. I have given up on outsiders providing us with the respite that we so desperately need. My parents came to celebrate the Christmas holiday with us. My dad—who has taken care of Zane before—agreed to watch him while we took Justin to Wolf Creek. That is when we fell ill. Fortuntely, Jeff’s parents are coming next weekend to watch both boys. Jeff and I plan to ski at Telluride while they are here. We will take Justin out skiing later this month even if it means taking Zane along to the slopes. I am through training respite workers and relying on them for assistance. It is too stressful to continue along the path I have been on with them since August of 2009.

We hope that 2010 brings peace and happiness to everyone. We plan to start off the new year on a positive and healthy note (that is, once all of us are back to being healthy).