Happy Holidays!

Keeping it brief this year ~

Andrew, almost 16, is enjoying being a freshman at Foothill High, is 6’2”, is healing incredibly well from his back surgery last July (11 vertebra were fused) & enjoys hanging out with his new high school buds.

Robbie, almost 14, is still playing lots of basketball, played drums in a band and had a real “gig”, enjoying being an 8^th grader, and all he wants to do is play bb, listen to music and hang with his friends. A true teenager.

Janeen, still 29, is enjoying her small social media business, completed her 12^th half marathon, loving hanging out with her girlfriends, taking care of all the Brumm guys and still appreciates that Dan keeps her wine glass full.

Dan, forever 35, is working very hard at Avaya, loves coaching Robbie’s CYO basketball team for the 4^th & final year (undefeated at the moment!), golfing whenever time permits, and busy keeping his demanding wife happy.

Fun trips this year to Tahoe, Disneyland, Santa Barbara, San Diego (congrats Sean & Fabienne!), Austin (congrats Matt & Amanda!) and a couples’ Mexican cruise.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season and a very Happy New Year!!

Let's Get One Thing Straight

First let me start with yes, it's been quite a long time since I blogged. I guess I am better at short blogging-via Facebook!

I wanted to write about Andrew's back surgery, but I kind of already did, as I updated our caringbridge site throughout his surgery and recovery. So, I will post a short and sweet recap, along with some extra thoughts from me, and if you want to read more in detail, the site is here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewbrumm. I wanted to be sure that the specifics from his surgery are safely archived in my blog for years to come. 

On July 17th, 2012, Andrew (15 1/2) had spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, fusing 11 vertebra with 2 rods and 22 screws. The fusion goes from T5-L3. It was a complete success and as I type this post, I can't believe that today, we are at 8 weeks post surgery. 

7/17/12-8° curvature!

7/13/12-60° curvature

Dan and I have been amazed at Andrew's recovery. The first week was brutal, but every day since has been a miracle. Young bodies heal so fast! Andrew can't do any sport besides walking for 6-9 months, so no P.E. at school this year (being that he's not an athletic kid, he is thrilled!). His incision is healing nicely and he is walking, going up and down stairs, sitting, standing, going about his life as he normally would, with the difference that he sits and stands without hunching over. He can't hunch over even if he wanted to. He will wear his back brace for one more month, then it gets thrown in the recycle bin!

I know what you're wondering. Will the beeper go off at the security point at airports? Dr. Policy said no. Crazy, huh? 

And what was the most exciting part of all of this for Andrew? He loves telling people that he was 6' and now he is 6'2". He tells everyone. EVERYONE. All.The.Time. :)

Not only has Andrew's recovery been amazing, but our village took such great care of all of us! From gifts and cards for Andrew, to meals for us at home, bottles of wine, flowers, phone calls, texts, emails, and hugs - lots and lots of hugs. (can't decide if I liked the wine best or the hugs best....remember the name of my blog?) :)  We are forever grateful and feel so loved!! ♥

That's it in a nutshell. As the title of this post states, I wanted to get one thing straight. And we did. Andrew's spine. Still recovering (Andrew), still drinking wine (me). So cheers to successful surgeries, top-notch surgeons, straight spines, caring & compassionate nurses, supportive family & friends, lots of hugs and delicious bottles of wine. 

I'll take that refill now. Thanks.
jrb