Sweet Ride and Baby Ben

Sorry we haven't post in a while. Our computer is out of commission.

First of all, many of you know me well enough to be shocked by what I am about to reveal. Yes, it is true, hell did not freeze over, but we purchased a mini-van. Although I had sworn I would never stoop to such an endeavor, I have to admit it is AWESOME! We tried out so many different SUVs to try to find one that could fit us and the dog comfortably so that we could go on road trips and it would be easy for Kim to load two in carseats. Ultimately, we and the kids loved the Honda Odyssey.

Back to more important things. Ben went to the doctor today and in a weeks time he has gained another 13 oz. Which puts him at 8lbs 10 oz. He is doing well and as you can see growing strong. These pictures were taken today after he got back from his appointment. I was taking pictures of him when Tanner, Grace, and Eva came in giggling holding a build-a-bear football helmet. They wanted Ben to try it on and as you can see it fits him beautifully. So if you have a hard time visualizing how big he is think of a teddy bear. Kim is recovering well and looks fantastic. Tanner, Grace, and Eva are so excited for Christmas and Christmas break. They have been doing great at school. Tanner is playing the trumpet and doing a great job. He also is also working very hard on his Shakespeare play. Grace really enjoys Chinese class, Spanish class, and art. Eva has been such a sweet sister to Ben and is always so gentle (for those of you who know Eva, you know gentle is usually not in her vocabulary.) And last, but not least, Annabelle has been very gentle as well. It almost seems that she is scared of Baby Ben. We are happy to keep it that way for now.

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and hope that you year will bring joy and peace. We know since August 13, 2008 we have not been able to visit and see many of you like we would have wanted to. Please know we miss you all and hope to see you soon.

Love,

JR, Kim, and the Ujifusa Clan.

Some recent pics....

chemo

Grace had chemo on Friday and today she is definately feeling it. The purple circles under her eyes told us she would be worn thin today. She did a wonderful job at chemo and actually had a good day on Friday. In the car on the way home she told me, "mom-I usually feel like junk when I leave chemo, but right now I'm feeling pretty good." Hard, yet optimistic words from a little six year old. Grace is remarkable. Sometimes we even forget what she's going through because we have larger windows of normalcy now. Of course, I swallow pretty hard when I watch the Vincristine go through the plastic tube straight into her little body. Sometimes chemo is more bearable than others. I am saying that. Isn't that ridiculous? Our little girl sits there getting unbelievably strong medicine and I sometimes feel like it's unbearable. This time just socked me in the gut. Katie, Grace's nurse told me our doctor would be longer than usual. He was meeting with a "new" family. I heard the mother in the hall. I heard her crying. Her voice haunted me all day. I don't know why it bothered me so much, but I can't stop thinking about them. I didn't even see their faces. I don't even know what her child has. I just know I can't stop thinking about them.

Grace's next round of chemo is on New Year's eve. I can think of softer ways to ring in the New Year...but I know Grace will do it with a smile.

Baby Ben and the family

We had a great Thanksgiving week with a new baby, and family. Ben is doing great and we feel so blessed because although he was very early there have been small and few complications. He is almost over his Jaundice and he has a rigourous eating schedule to make sure he is gaining weight, other than that he is a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Grace , Tanner, Eva, and Belles are adjusting well and are all very sweet and gentle around Ben.

Thank you Shele, Glen, Max, Sam, and Nick for all your help. 4 can be busy and we couldn't have done it without you. You all were so thoughtful and covered every detail to make our week amazing. We all miss you hope to see you soon. And thank you Shele for introducing us to one of our new favorite song, Fireflies.

Thank you Marelis and family for watching our kids so that we could run to the hospital and be there throughout the night and the next day.

BABY BENJAMIN NICHOLAS!!!!!!!!!

Baby Ben was born at 11:49am on November 20th. Exactly a month early, he weighed 6lbs, 7 oz and was 20 inches long. Baby and Mom are doing great and are expected to be coming home sometime Sunday. The kids are so excited to meet him, but unfortunately have not been able to come to the hospital due to new H1N1 inspired rules. They only know him by the videos and pictures brought home from the hospital. We were so disappointed that they have have to wait. Grandma Shele has been a great help and although the kids miss their Mom and brother, they are having a great time spending time with one of their favorite people. More pictures will be coming shortly. Kim did amazing and is recovering beautifully. We are so grateful that our boy is healthy and strong given the difficult and complicated pregnancy.