Waiting...and waiting...and more waiting. Did I mention waiting?

I think this is day 73 or something. 

So I am sure you are wondering what in the world we are waiting for. Well as mentioned in former posts, Papa will be moving up to a new hospital in Murray, UT. It is the IMED Hospital, and he'll be on the rehab floor. He has been deemed as not "sick" just needing to rehabilitate physically. (thank you for your prayers!! WOO!) 

So yeah, the team from IMED came and did an assessment and Papa passed with flying colors. Funny story actually, he was trying to sweet talk his way in as well. He was all,"I am a happy guy who can make other people happy. If you want a guy who can help energize the other patients and get them moving, I am him!" (that is probably what sold them) (obviously)

So today is moving day. Or at least it should be, but like I said, we are just waiting....waiting....waiting. And waiting. And just to spice things up we are waiting a little bit more.

But Papa is in good spirits, he is watching some weird animal show on the Discovery Channel (as usual) and trying to sneak those coveted ice chips. We love this guy. I have loved our Daddy/Daughter date for the day. :) 

Hey that's a fun memory for me to share! (since I have the time) So out of us 4 kids, there are three girls. Jamiin, myself, and Kelsey. As a rule, when us girls turned sixteen my Dad had to be our first date. (I say HAD to be but what I really mean is we had the privilege of having him as our first date) I remember when I turned 16 I was awfully nervous to go on a "date" in general, but Papa assured me that he would take good care of me.

We went and got dinner, burgers of course, then we went to see a movie and then he took me to buy my first diamond. I will always remember that time with my Dad. I am so grateful that he was my first date ever, and I look forward to more Daddy/Daughter dates in the future. :) 

Yeah so there ya go. I will update you when we finally blow this Popsicle stand. 

With love,

The Baers (Well, Aubs) 

God bless us everyone!

We just wanted to share a small Christmas miracle with you. Tonight some dear family friends brought Christmas dinner to us at the hospital, which in and of itself was a great miracle for us. The best part, however, was that the team at the hospital made it possible for Papa to join us at the table. They hooked him up to a couple tanks of oxygen, got him into a "cardio-chair" and wheeled him down to eat with us. 

It was miraculous. Thank you for your prayers, they helped make yet another miracle. 

We love you, Merry Christmas! 

The Baers


The Nativity Bible Video

My best Friend...

Merry [almost] Christmas everyone! I could literally just BURST with excitement...mostly because I get to talk to my amazing sister in Italy. Random fact: Dec. 14, 2013 marked 2 years since I last saw Kelsey. Needless to say I miss my other ginger half more than anything in the whole wide world. 

My last post was about my feelings on CHRISTmas, and how I was looking forward to celebrating the birth of a dear Friend. I have thought a bit about that, about how Christ is a Friend of mine. I have pondered on how I know Him and how I have come to know Him as I do. You see, Jesus Christ's life is one that is full of so many different experiences. He experienced joy, peace, love, pain, wonder, and even fear. A scripture in the Book of Mormon offers a passage of that allows us to understand the path that this Man walked. 

" 7 And lo, he shall ^asuffer ^btemptations, and pain of body, ^chunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can ^dsuffer, except it be unto death" 

And:

4 Surely he has ^aborne our ^bgriefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was ^awounded for our ^btransgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are ^chealed.

Each experience that He passed through, associated Him with the human feelings that WE experience as we pass through different circumstances. He felt these things first, so that when it comes time for US to pass through them, He is there to guide us. Personally, as I have passed through heartache, pain, fear, joy and peace, I have become acquainted with the Savior in a very real way. I have come to know Him better. He has become a true Friend, who I know is there for me, Someone who knows perfectly how I feel, even when know one else does. 

A couple of days ago I had the privilege to go and visit the beautiful Christmas lights up at Temple Square. At the end of our visit, we decided to visit the Christus, a large statue of Christ with His arms outstretched. This has always been a favorite place of mine, and the whole night I was anxiously anticipating seeing the statue. As we made our way to the Christus, I felt like I was going to see an old friend...like for reals. The pull I felt to get up to the statue was greater than I have ever experienced. I felt like I was coming home after a long trip. 

We found a place to sit down, and began to take in the grandeur of the scene. As I looked up at Christ, everything just felt so familiar, and I felt so much love. I wish I had more eloquence to portray how I felt, but words just don't suffice. All I can say is that Jesus Christ really is our Savior, He is our Redeemer, and He is our Friend. I love Him dearly. 

Yeah so Merry Christmas Everyone! Thanks for letting me share. I will let ya in on a few exciting developments with Papa too. So basically we have a family tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. We are religious about this, my Dad being the primary enforcer. This year is no different. Papa gets a brand spankin new little gift tomorrow, a PEG tube. I know right? Lucky guy. Now we can take that annoying tube out of his nose! Woooo party!!!! He also gets a new home here in a few days up at the IMED Hospital in Murray. We aren't sure which day he'll be moving, but we will keep y'all posted! 

Thanks for being so spectacular!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,

The Baers

Take it with a grain of salt...

That is how I feel about the information the doctors give, and I mean that in the best way. It seems as if they give us the worst possible news, and the very next day my Dad does something to not only negate the diagnosis of the previous day, but he leaves everyone with their jaws dropped, scratching their heads.

Literally, it has been that way from day 1, and we know pretty well by now that this pattern will continue. This past week we received some saddening news about his condition, and the very next day probably one of the biggest miracles we have yet witnessed happened, so whatevs. It's totes cool. (I cannot believe I just used the word "totes". Forgive me)

Papa is still getting through being sick, and doing his best to keep in good spirits. Dev and Britt are geniuses and brought him a small basketball and a large laundry hamper so he can shoot some hoops. Some amazing ward members brought a little Christmas cheer through the most amazing BYU Christmas tree ever. Aaaaand the best present ever will be coming in 6 days. We get to talk to Sorella Baer! 

I hope all of you are happy and having a wonderful start to your holiday season. Please be safe as you travel! We love you!

Love,

The Baers

Well why not?

Tomorrow is Christmas, it's practically here! Well, no, not really, but who can refuse a good Grinch quote?

So I'm like REALLY into the holidays this year. But not in the conventional "deck myself out in red and green" or "buy everything flavored in peppermint" sort of way. No, I've been really into the SENTIMENTAL parts of Christmas...and I warn you, I am a bit passionate. (uh oh...HERE WE GO!)

I have seen a lot of things on TV, on the Internet and who knows where else, all trying to take the word "Christ" out of the word "Christmas". This baffles me. And no, I am not just being a naive young woman who can't hold her tongue...there is actually some substance to this. I totally get the "politically correct" reasons why people are pushing to take out Christ's name, but from a moral standpoint I just don't get it! So often, we hear people asking why our country, or our world is suffering from such drastic moral decay. They question how this is happening and how we can reverse it.

Well, to me, the answer is quite plain and simple. We can be more Christlike. It doesn't matter if you believe that He was the Savior of the world or not, this Man was a good Man. He lived an exemplary life of service, charity and love. He showed what it meant to love your neighbor. He is acquainted with unrequited forgiveness, and with pure compassion. When we think on the stories of Jesus Christ, we think of the hope that He brought to people's lives...and yet....we wish to take His name out of the season in which all of us are striving to portray the very things for which He stands for.

My plea this holiday, for those near and far, is to read those bible stories. Whether you consider them factual or not, we can all benefit from the messages that they contain.

I would also like to share with you a very personal sentiment of mine, and I feel privileged to do so. For the past two Christmases, I had the privilege to be a full-time missionary, a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. I received a letter officially calling me to do so. This Christmas I am no longer a full-time missionary for the Church, but I have received a call to once again, witness to the world that Jesus Christ does live and His miracles are still active and present on this earth. No one can truly know what we as a family have witnessed in the past couple of months. What I can share with you is that some of the very same, most sacred miracles that were wrought in the New Testament have happened before my eyes, and I KNOW, with every part of me, that God does exist. Jesus Christ is His Son, and our Savior.

Once again, forgive me for being so passionate, but I really have no other choice now do I? I feel honored that I have been chosen to witness to the world in such a way. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I know Who it is that we are celebrating this season, and I couldn't be more grateful for such a dear, dear Friend.

As always I will update real quick with Papa Baer. It was a good news/bad news day. His CO2 levels have given us some issues....which stinks big time. But HALLELUJAH he has received a clean bill of health for the pneumonia! This means that we are being moved to a sterile room, room 214 now (same hospital) and that you can come visit! But only if you are healthy. And you use hand sanitizer.

Thank you for reading! We love you!
xoxoxoxxox
The Baers

No excuses...

I have no excuses for not writing. I could say lame things like "I was busy"..."I forgot..." or "The devil made me NOT do it"... either way I am a slacker and a half and I apologize.

I guess a bit of me not updating in the past few days is I didn't know how to put the updates into words just yet. It is hard ya know? One hour the doctors say one thing, the next hour it has changed. The past five days have been a little bit...or a lot a bit like that. 

BUT now we at least have some solidarity to our reports and I am able to confidently make a public update. After the CO2 scare, the docs decided to put Papa back on the vent, and he returned back to normal after a couple of days. He was crackin' his "Dad jokes" as normal, he was asking for a hamburger...and letting us know every five minutes that his trach needed to be suctioned. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Well as the docs were suctioning his trach (getting stuff out of his lungs) they started noticing that he was spiking a fever, and that the stuff in his throat was thicker than normal. They ran some tests on the stuff, and yep. Papa has pneumonia. And not just ANY pneumonia. Oh no, that wouldn't be weird enough. He has MRSA pneumonia. So our pleas for visitors of all shapes and sizes is being retracted. He is under a strict isolation environment, for your benefit and ours. This means that if you, or anyone you've been around has been even the LITTLEST bit ill, you need to stay away. But we love you anyways. Those of you who are healthy and happy, come on over, you can visit Papa and we'll give you a yellow protective gown as a souvenir.

Please pray for him! We love him dearly.

com amor,

The Baers

Photos!

Christmas in Italy....who is with me!

What are YOU doing this Christmas?

Day 50

The number fifty is a significant one. Like when someone turns the ripe old age of 50, you say that he is "over the hill". The 50th year according to Bible standard is the "Jubilation Year". So basically what I am trying to say is that I hoping that because we have done 50 days of crazy livin', we are "over the hill"....and now it is the time to be jubilant? Anyone? Anyone?

Fantastic. Today is another relaxing day. After quite the week, Papa has been re-stabilizing and resting a bit. He doesn't remember the past 5-6 days, and that is probably for the better. He has started to crack jokes again, started up a little sarcasm and his smile has returned. So we are happy. 

As Christmas draws near, it is interesting to note  that our preparations for the holidays are so significantly different than former years. We aren't making long lists for this reason or that. We aren't plotting and planning how to get that "thing" we've been wanting all year long. We aren't even clipping coupons. What we are doing is finding ways to spend even MORE time together as a family...and we are focusing on the Savior. We don't really get much of a chance to go out and see the lights, and that's ok. We are grateful for the light that we share as family when we are all together. 

This Christmas will be like none other that we've ever experienced...and the thing is. I think I like it. We are able to find the TRUE reason for the season and He makes us whole and happy.

Have a great Wednesday!

xoxoxoxox,

The Baers

P.S.
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2874125972001&cid=HPWE120413186

Like a broken vessel

Day 49

It is impossible to describe just how much this experience has changed our family's lives. It doesn't matter the time spent away from the hospital, the activity used to try and distract, or the people we are with, we can't ever fully disengage. Not that we would want to. Not that we are meant to.

God chose OUR family to pass through this. He chose us to have this in our lives. He chose this to change our lives. He chose this to change us. I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel awfully inadequate to support some burdens. The other night I was in my car at a stoplight and I raised my fists toward the sky and I said,"YOU GIVE ME TOO MUCH CREDIT! I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH!" (I feel bad for the person in the car next to me, but it is their own fault for choosing THAT stoplight at THAT particular moment)

As I reflect on the past 7 weeks, I thought about how I am doing. How WE are doing. And the truth is...we're broken. Life just can't go on normally anymore. And now, we aren't asking for it to. You see, God loves broken things. It allows for Him to enter into our lives in a more powerful and a more deeply personal way. It allows for Him to fully mend us in HIS way, and it allows Him to use us to be His witnesses. 

It doesn't make it hurt any less, but it does give us an immense amount of hope. That this is BIGGER than us and that this is beyond our control. (If this whole situation depended on us that would be way more heavy than we could bear) 

With all of these thoughts roaming around in my brain and playing on my emotions, I thought of a wonderful talk that was given in October by an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coincidentally enough, the talk is entitled "Like a Broken Vessel" and teaches us how to find hope in difficult times. I would like to share the very last paragraph, and testimony of Elder Holland. He says:

I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power.¹¹I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.”¹² Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another,”¹³ I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Amen! I KNOW that Papa will be whole one day. And I am looking forward to that day.

But for TODAY Papa...is doing better than he has been for the past few days. He had been breathing on his own for over a week, which is probably the coolest thing ever, but we found out that in doing so, his body didn't get rid of the CO2 that it should have...which cause a lot of problems. Gave us quite a fright. They had to put him back on the ventilator, but that is ok! He is hanging in there, and we are grateful he is. 

Thank you for your prayers, and sorry I haven't updated for like a week. It has been a crazy few days...

We love you!

The Baers

Gratitude...

We just want to say "thanks" to our wonderful family and friends. We love you!

Love,

The Baers

Bonus!

Aaaaand something else that made me smile today.  :^)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-40-greatest-dog-gifs-of-2012-6z51

Who wants a day brightener?!

Day 42

It is incredible to me just how long we have been doing this. Who knew that we had nearly six weeks of ICU stamina in us? Wooooow.

We have some happy Thanksgiving-y news...Papa has been OFF the ventilator since Saturday evening. He is on assisted breathing (just a little oxygen help) but he is breathing nearly completely on his own. (through the trach) This is a HUGE milestone. Also, three huge cheers to him because he has been having some successful swallow tests! Few and far between, but he is still doing SO well. 

Biggest news of ALL. Today, (tehehehe.....aren't you just tense with excitement?) PAPA WALKED!!!!! That is right, they pulled out the walker, and he walked a bit. Just a teensy bit, but holy hannah. It was the coolest thing ever. He is such a champ! When he was done he sat down and put his arm around my Mom. Gosh I love them.

And there ya have it. That is the news up to date. We are so proud and grateful and just full of happy and positive feelings...YEEEE!!!! (try making that noise out loud...preferably with your hands in fists shaking side to side like a giddy schoolgirl) (that's how we do it)

I hope you're having as good of day as we are.

With love,

The Baers

A sweet memory...

Day 39

So, a couple of weeks ago we had a family night at the hospital complete with a sweet message, some cinnamon rolls, and a few minutes dedicated to sharing some fun family memories. I think the greatest memory that was shared was one that was actually made that evening. 

By tradition, we usually begin our family nights with a song and a prayer, and seeing how we were gathered around Papa's bed, we decided that it would be up to him to choose the song. 

While laying there in his hospital bed, hooked up to tubes, and sensors all aiding in preserving his life, he chose to sing the song "Because I Have Been Given Much". As we sang around his bed I couldn't help but watch him mouth those words. In such humble circumstances, he was singing about how much he had. I have kept this memory locked away long enough, now is the time to share. Please read the lyrics, imagine Papa in his bed, and then let your heart feel that same gratitude that he feels for his blessings!


Com amor, The Baers

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

PS I will do an update later tonight!

Weekly Post: Our Sweet Sorella

My word. This funky mission time warp that everybody talks about is a REAL THING. Today marks 8 months! nutsssss. It was a year and 6 days ago that I opened that big white envelope and my entire life changed. That was undoubtedly one of the best moments of my life. Sincerely, I remember praying every night, submitting my will to the Lord's as I put the next 18 months entirely into His hands. At the end of the day, this whole mission thing was His idea. I just went along with it:) It was my absolute dream to go to Italy. I prayed though, promising I'd serve and work with all of my heart regardless where I went. And that day, November 16, 2012, I felt so known, so heard, so loved and so considered as I read the words, ''You have hereby been called to serve in the Italy Milan mission.'' I still get chills just thinking about it. I remember watching the video of my call opening like 15 times a night just to remind myself that it was real. 

And now, here we are. A year and 6 days later. 8 months into the mission. Crazy how time flies. This beautiful country of mine and this remarkable experience I'm having has changed me entirely. I will return more refined, more proven, more pure and better. Vi prometto! Sarà una Sorella Baer completamente diversa! che bello! 

This week was so good. Our sweet Nazareno will be baptized in 4 hours. yes (**cough cough) 4 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! the enthusiasm is shootin' right out of me! This man I've seen from the get go and he's the world's best. He's an Italian chef by day and music journalist by night! And he's getting baptized! The work is hastening. It really does move forward!

Our members are bringing people to church like it's their birthdays. I love seeing members catch the wave! We're still trying really hard to find new people to teach because 4 hours from now, our sweet Nazareno won't be an investigator! and we need some of those! I've never done more finding work in my LIFE! we're doing parco (park), casa (door-to-door), strada (street contacting)-- you know the works! I'm exhausting myself here so the Lord will shower my family with blessings. It's crazyyyyy cold here (yes, I'm from Utah. no, I still am not and never will be used to the cold) and yet, we go out and work, put on our cold socks and wet boots and knock them doors! I know and have trust that the Lord blesses His missionaries and the families of His missionaries. In fact, I've never had lower numbers in my mission. And yet, we're showing faith, and going for it. Working harder than ever to feed His sheep.

I love this work. I can't even waitttt one ounce for Nazie's baptism. Yes, I gave him a nickname, as I do with everything. 'twill be swell. 

Read the Book of Mormon. Do good things. Adore old people and their stories. Enjoy every precious moment the Lord's given you. Cherish your loved ones. Go and youtube and just listen to Italian because it's the world's best. and Move forward with faith-- step by step, it'll get better, I promise. 

Con tutto del mio amore,

Sorella Baer

p.s. I love you.

p.p.s. I speak Italiash and all of my slanged or abbreved words these days are half italian, half english. it's great. no one understands me. 'cept the comp and Sorelle Stephens e Carter. I've ruined them all. we all speak cray english now! as if people didn't get my abbreves before the mish! it'll only be worse!

p.p.p.s. the weather was gorgeous today and Sorella Burkman and Sorella Bollwinkel came for a p-day! 

p.p.p.p.s. does anyone know how to waterproof boots?

p.p.p.p.p.s. in about 2 secs, we're headed to one of my favorite member's houses where she'll teach all 4 of us girls how to make us some Italian delectables! dangggg!

You'll be with [us] like a handprint on [our] heart

Day 37

This post is long past due...for a couple of reasons. 1. Because it has been like 2 days since I have posted on here... and 2. Because I have been needing to do some serious THANKING.

First of which, I think we need to thank the Big Guy Upstairs for keeping Papa around, even against all odds. 37 days ago we were ready to say goodbye. Today, we have so many things to look forward to, and in reality, it is ALL thanks to Him and His miracles.

But we want to be grateful for some of those miracles. It would take me like TEN blogs all with the post limit MAXED out to list all of the miracles we've seen...but I do want to list a few noteworthy ones.

We are SO grateful for the many wonderful people who have visited, brought breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. We are grateful for the sweet notes and acts of kindness. There are just so many people involved in the taking care of our family that it is hard to list you all by name. That would take days. But please know how deeply that affects us as a family. 

Second we are grateful for the prayers offered in behalf of my Dad and our family. We (including my Dad) have been miraculously sustained during these long weeks. Your prayers are being answered. I wish we could give you ALL the details, but we just can't. Thank you thank you thank you for turning your thoughts heavenward.

We'd also like to give the biggest, most incredible THANKS to those who have literally saved Papa's life. That's right, all of you at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and Utah Valley Specialty Hospital, we are calling you out. I think there are probably some laws against using your names, but please know that WE know who you are, and we are grateful for you, each and every one of you. We know you by name, and each of you mean the WORLD to us. It is interesting, being in the ICU we have expanded our family. All of those involved with the preserving of Papa's life has become a very significant part of our family and WE LOVE YOU. I don't know how many of those nurses will read this, but we are sending many positive vibes your way.

And that is that. The update with Papa for today is a happy one. He has been doing great in physical therapy. In speech therapy he has been making leaps and bounds learning to re-swallow. Papa is still very limited, but the hope that he gives us every day is ever expanding. There is a future in sight and we are grateful for that as well! 

Ok. I know I am up WAAAAY past my bedtime, buuuut it was for a worthy cause. 

Love you! Goodnight!

The Baers

Moving day!

Day 30 Something

Good news!!! We are moving back to the LTAC hospital here in like a hour! We aren't sure of the room yet, I'll post soon. We just wanted you to be aware, so you don't go visiting the wrong place!!! Love you guys! 

The Baers

Just keeping things exciting. Ya know, the usual.

Day 33

Well as you might remember, Papa got a pacemaker yesterday...and oh it was an exciting day. His heart had a few funky rhythms (Mom's fault again) but the doctors found out that early this morning that the first pacemaker didn't "take". You know Papa, always trying to keep things lively. 

So today they rewired some things and it seems to be doing well. He has been getting incredible rest the past couple of days. He slept his first full night (only waking up a couple of times) Friday night to Saturday, and has been catching a lot of GOOD naps since. This is SUCH a blessing.

And there ya have it. Thank you so much for your prayers, they are providing us with many miracles each day, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Xoxoxox,

The Baers

PS, here is a little word from Mama Baer:

New room....again....

Sooooo Papa Baer has moved rooms again. Still at Utah Valley regional, but now he's in room 224. I swear, we move around more than newly weds. I'm just getting good practice I guess. 

K thanks!!!! 

Thoughts on roller coasters....

Day 31

I've always been one for theme parks. Disneyworld is the best place on earth. Universal Studios, Six Flags and Lagoon all satisfy my thrill seeking addiction. As soon as we get to one of the parks, I sprint my gosh dang hardest to the biggest roller coaster, anxious to feel the rush of adrenaline that comes as my car makes that initial descent, arms flailing, screaming at the top of my lungs.

I love accepting the challenge of the steep drops, the whip-lashing turns and the cheek-flapping speed. I have a "bring it on" attitude. I can do hard things. 

As I reflect on this experience it HAS been a roller coaster of sorts. My arms aren't up in the air...rather in my pockets. My fingers aren't white knuckled on the restraint grips, but tightly holding my Dad's hand. I'm not screaming either, I'm actually quite silent. We all are. 

The only thing that hasn't changed is our attitude. We can do hard things. Giving up, curling into a ball or whining just isn't an option. We take things as they come. Those sharp game-changing turns, the fast paced rise and fall of events....all of it, we just have to face. Papa Baer is facing all of it. He is trucking his way through this, why shouldn't we? 

He accepts the news and the trials as they come. When he coughs, he closes his eyes and makes his way through it. He's incredible. I can't imagine a better man to take on such a tough task. He's risen to the challenge. 

He will be getting his permanent pacemaker tomorrow morning. He hasn't gotten a new trach yet, they want to go a little slower with that. If all goes well, he'll be back at the other hospital by Monday. 

Thank you for keeping an eye on him, your prayers help.

With love, and a great big Baer hug,

The Baers

A little of this and a little of that...

Day 30

Hello hello, so a few quick updates for you today.

Due to good behavior, Papa is graduating from the trach he has (a relatively bigger one which protects his airway) to a smaller one possibly with some holes so air can hopefully pass through his airway and to his vocal chords so that he can (hopefully) talk!

Also, the doctors did a heart scan on Papa and everything looked clear, so he will be getting his permanent pacemaker sometime in the next couple days. So a little bit of a new trach, and a little bit of a pacemaker and you'll get a brand new Papa Baer! WOO!

The past couple of days have been awfully wearing on the poor guy, but he is still in good spirits. He told us that he isn't ready to give up. We aren't ready either. 

Thanks again for all that you do,

The Baers

Guest Post: Sorella Baer

''TANTI AUGURI!!!''

Here's a BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT to Papa Baer! The best man the world ever knew! I couldn't love him more, and today's his 57th birthday!!! wahoo!!!

che bello!

To celebrate his birthday, today, I wore a purple skirt (his favorite color), we ate beef stroganaff (Papa digs the beef) for lunch, and tonight we'll have a snack of DOTS (his fav candy!)

Dear fam and friends, I'm very privileged and excited to post a little something on this here beautiful blog! (I apologize if my writing isn't as entertaining as that of Aubrey--she's unbeatable!)

I can't express first of all, my gratitude for all of the love and support we've been receiving. I don't worry about my sweet mom and siblings being taken care of, because there's been such an outpouring of love! Even myself, out here! THANK YOU THANK YOU for thinking of me! It's certainly not easy to be this far away from those I love most during this time, but I'm remarkably sustained by all of the support of you all and of the sweet grace of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I serve for Him. I chose to leave my family and friends so that I could serve my Savior. and I choose to stay for Him. Through His infinite grace and Atonement, each of us can have the perfect knowledge, that we do not have to walk the winepress alone, that we can be comforted amid ANY trial. Even if you're unbelievably far from your dear family in the midst of difficulty. And yet, I know now better than ever that Jesus Christ lives. That He is so completely involved in the details of our lives. That He walks by our side and carries us. I testify that we worship a God of miracles. That our loving Heavenly Father knows us perfectly and has created a plan for each of us. I do not doubt that everything we face is for a reason. Obviously, I don't understand why it was the Lord's will that I was to leave and serve Him if He knew that this would happen, but I do not doubt, that we are where we need to be. I testify of His PERFECT PLAN. This is a principle that I can declare with a surety and with gladness. I delight in sharing this message with the sweet people of Italy. I love these people and the Lord has blessed me to find a family here.

I hope each of you know that I also serve for my dear family. I've always served for them. I pray each day, throughout the day, that the Lord will send all of the blessings from our efforts here, home, to my family. I know that there's nothing better that I could be doing for them than workin' my tail off here. I've never knocked so many doors, or opened my mouth so many times. The ability I have to continue to work, and to work hard, and to work with optimism, is not because of my own strength. But that of the Lord's. He's empowering my every effort, and enabling my every step.

I hope that you know also that this gospel is so so precious to us, as a family. It is absolutely what gives the strength to go forward. It's what binds us together. It's the hope and faith with which we've been clutching to during this time of great challenge. It's what my special parents have instilled me, that I will NEVER give up. It's far, far too precious to me as an individual.

May you all realize the hand of the Lord in each of your lives. If you're feeling a bit lonely or forgotten, I plead with you to pray, to turn to Him who knows you best, and I promise you that you will be instantly filled with this love.

And may we all smile, serve, laugh, love easily, stand as an example and light and do the disco fingers, (just as Papa Baer would want us to). ANYONE who knows him, knows of what a remarkable man he is. He truly is the best man I know. He and I have always had a special bond, a ''budship'' that started back when I was in my carseat and we would go on drives as he would tell me about his day. I know that the best way that I can honor my beloved father is to continue to serve, and to serve faithfully. At the beginning of my mission, Daddy-o sent me copies of his mission journal entries. And at the bottom of each was written: ''I love the Lord and I'm gonna make it.'' He made it his mission motto, and so have I. What an inspiring and truly faithful man.

I'm striving to become a fraction of the disciple of Jesus Christ that my father has become.

If you get the chance to visit him, PLEASE send my love. Squeeze hand for me. I'm totally there in spirit.

And Daddy-o: because I know mama will read this out loud to you, just know how much I absolutely adore you. You truly are my favorite guy. I wish I could give you 57 hugs, but that's what Dev's for, right? :) It's an honor to claim you as my dad. Happy birthday big guy. We're doing disco fingers in our Como apt, just for you:) If disco music was allowed, you best believes we'd be jammin' to KC and the Sunshine Band. But in these days, MOTAB is just as poppin' :) I love you Dad. And am eternally grateful for the person you are and the person you've helped me become. I wish I could hold those model hands of yours:) We love the Lord and we're gonna make it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!

life is sweet. don't let a moment pass by without cherishing it!

-Sorella Baer

Happy birthday...

Quick Li'l Update

So for Papa's birthday he's recieved a lot of well wishes, cards, and a candy basket from the nurse staff. He'll also get one more unanticipated gift, a temporary pacemaker wire. His heart has been doing some funky little rhythms, which we told the doctors that it is because my Mom is such a hot babe...buuuut they want to make sure that everything is under control. So. Yeah.

They are a little worried that his endocarditis decided to make a return appearance, but we won't know anything about THAT for a few days. They are running tests.

We tell you this because today is Papa's birthday, and we know that many of you want to visit him, and we didn't want you to visit the wrong place!

So he is back at Utah Valley Regional Hospital in Provo, room 233 in the ICU. We will be here for at least a few days while they run tests.

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

The Baers

New horizons...

Day 25(again)

Some new horizons in our life today. First of which, we think that Papa might become a dental hygienist. There is this little spit sucker (like those at the dentist's office) that we use to clear Papa's "stuff" out of his mouth when he coughs. Just recently he learned to use it by himself and we CANNOT get him to put it down. He loves that thing! (so if you want to get him a birthday present, a spit sucker should suffice) (totally kidding)

Today was another miraculous day. They have had him OFF of the ventilator since 7:30 this morning and they want to challenge him and see if they can keep him off of it through the night. This has and will produce some new horizons. How exciting! 

Also, we have some MORE exciting news. Papa is regaining his ability to write. It is limited, but it is such a HUGE step. A couple of days ago he let us know that he wanted to watch TV. Today we had some visitors and he wrote "Don't let my coughing scare you." That is so Dad, trying to comfort everyone. 

It was a pretty good day. 

Thanks again,

The Baers

The men in our life...

Dev and Dad.

Tear-Jerkers...

Day 25

Tear-jerkers...but in a good way! 

Dear friends and family, we are so grateful that we have yet another blog post with good news. For the past three days, Papa Baer has had significant chunks of time OFF of the ventilator. This means independent breathing!!! 

Papa independently breathed for five and a half hours on Friday, 8 hours yesterday and he is off of the ventilator right now! His lungs are getting stronger, and we are SO grateful. The tough thing is that he just gets SO tuckered out at the end of the day. The doctors said that that severe of a lung workout is the equivalent of running a marathon, and as the saying goes "all marathon runners deserve an early bed time" (who even says that?) we are trying to get Papa ready for bed a little earlier. So if all visits could be made BY 7pm, that would be fantastic. We do love your visits.

As for now, Papa is sitting up in bed, listening to some church talks and holding my Mom's hand. Oh guess what! He can independently put his glasses on by himself too! (I am not a spaz, he just did that and reminded me that I should post it on here)

We just want to do a little shout out to our Sorella Baer. Her light and faith has been a support for as long a we have known her, but especially during this time. It is no coincidence that she is our family's missionary during this trying experience. We love her fierce! Keep her in your prayers.

Until later today...when I PROMISE to update.

The Baers

Keep it sassy.

Day 23

Keepin' it sassy is like keepin' it classy....but not. Now imagine, you have been confined to a hospital bed for 3+ weeks...you'd be getting a little sassy too. ;^)

All in all, the past couple of days at the new place have been really good. Only a couple of "hiccups", but we are still feeling like things are moving forward, slowly but surely.

I am sure, as many of you have noticed, that this blog is about updating the progress on Papa Mike Baer...but it is something else as well. This blog is an opportunity for our family to share a little bit about our beliefs. Those of you who know Papa Baer know that he is a man of faith. He lives his religion, and he lets people see that. This blog, about him, should be no different. My Dad truly embodies Romans 1:16.

With that said, there is a story in John chapter 9  about a "man who was blind from his birth". In that day, someone with a visible ailment was thought to have been the product of sin, whether by his own actions or those of someone close to him. Jesus' disciples, in this story, asked him ,"...who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?". The Savior responded saying,"Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." After this interaction, Christ healed the man's blindness.

Now, this ailment that Papa Baer has isn't a result of the fury or wrath of God. It isn't the product of a forgetful or a non-existent God either. My father, like the man in the bible story, has been given an opportunity to be a witness, a living miracle for many to see, so that the power of God can be manifest. We know this is true because from day one, way back in August, doctors have been baffled by my father's condition. They have run tests and have given us the worst of news...but our Father in Heaven is mighty to save. Papa Baer has dumbfounded these doctors and challenged their diagnosis. 

Papa Baer is still critical, it's true, but we also know that the One who can save him, if it be His will, is God. I know that Papa would want everyone to know that. He would want them to know his story, and who the Author really is. 

Thank you for your continued support.

The Baers

Happy halloween from Italy!

Road trip!

Day 22

That is how we have told Papa that he is being transferred to a new hospital. Yep, for those of you who didn't know, Papa was transferred from Utah Valley Regional Hospital to the Utah Valley Specialty Hospital , which is basically a long-term ICU hospital. We don't know how long we expect to be there, but definitely for....a time. 

As we were trying to convey to Papa that his surroundings were going to change, we found that it was easier just to say that we'd go on a road trip. Which he did remember from time to time. Papa did great riding in the ambulance over to the new place, and he had a lot of fun adjusting to his new room.... he couldn't keep his hands off of the new tubes, cords, and....stuff.
Yep, he popped the ventilator off the trach and was VERY surprised to find it in his hand.
He quickly tried to put it back on.
In the meantime, we found just how responsive the team at UVSH is. They. Are. Good.
All is well.

So, for those of you who would like to visit,
technically the visiting hours are between 9 am and 9 pm.
We would like for Papa get good healing sleep so maybe before 8 pm?
The address is as follows:
Mike Baer

Utah Valley Specialty Hospital
Room #251
306 West River Bend Lane
Provo, Utah 84604
ph: 801.226.8880

Thank you for your prayers, they helped us have a great day!

xoxoxo,

The Baers

I am music...and I write the songs.

Day 20

Do we have any fanilows out there? (Barry Manilow fans) I chose that subject heading 1. because my dad is a huge fanilow and 2. music has been very therapeutic for all of us lately. 

Today in physical therapy, Papa was a little tired, and not helping much, when Mama said,"Let's turn on some music!" So the Rocky theme was played and Papa rose to the challenge. :^)

Music has also been used to calm us down...sometimes Papa has some big scary coughs that stress ALL of us out, so we turn a little music on and we all feel so much better. 

All in all, Papa is doing alright today. It is hard to kind of do a "blanket-sweep" statement about his condition, because it is so varying hour by hour. The good hours we soak up and try to take a few pictures....the rougher hours we take minute by minute until the worst is over and we can sit in our chairs and ease the mood with some Baer family humor.

I have been thinking a lot about patience lately. Here is the thing, the Baer family has many qualities, but one thing we all struggle with is patience....we all just like to get 'er done, and we usually can...but this experience is just SO out of our hands, we are all learning how to be patient in an incredible way. I also thought about faith, faith is trusting in God. Patience is trusting in His timing. Some hours God wants Papa to cough real rough, or be super fidgety. Other hours, He lets Papa be very alert, letting his personality shine through and smiles to form on his lips. We are learning about faith AND patience. I don't think you can have one without the other. We know that all will be well one day, that day is not TODAY but we know that day WILL come.

We love our Papa, and we are so grateful that he is choosing to stick with us. I can't imagine how this battle has been for HIM. HE is the one who has been so sick, and HE is the one who is struggling to communicate and function. He is learning faith and patience too. 

So all of us are learning together. Just like we always have. For ever, for always, no matter what.

Love you guys,

The Baers

Short but sweet.

So Papa's moving day to the new hospital will not be today...perhaps tomorrow.

Thank you, have a nice day.

The Baers.

I love my Papi...

My miracle man. He is a fighter.

"Ya doin' good grandpa?" -Bridger

Day 19

Yep, he's doin good. Bridger, our favorite little two and a half year old, always asks that when he comes to visit grandpa. Grandpa usually gives an enthusiastic two thumbs up, bless his heart.

It is with great pleasure that we have had another day where there haven't been any huge turns of events. Papa is just hangin in there, doing the best he can to communicate, he moves his lips trying to say words, but since he has no air it turns into this fun game of "what is Papa saying today?" and whoever wins gets a gift card to La Jolla Groves. (just kidding)

As for today, Papa is doing as well as can be expected, making small progresses in all of the therapy sessions he has. (speech, physical, occupational.....etc) He is really fighting, and we are so grateful. Every little improvement seems like such a hug win for us. We are definitely hopeful. 

This week will be a big week for us, he will be moved to LTAC (long term acute care) which is located by the Riverwoods. (if you click on the above "LTAC" it will take you to their site and you can see a little of where he will be staying) We aren't sure what this process holds, or how long we expect to be there, but we do know that we are in this for the long haul, and every day that we are together is a miracle.

Again, thank you for your constant prayers, the thoughts in our behalf, and for the many wonderful visits that we have. We will update you when we move to LTAC, and we will continue to update this blog as Papa heals. (because he IS!)

com amor,

The Baers

Tonight there was a CES (church education system) broadcast that will indeed comfort the soul today.

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-devotionals/2013/11?lang=eng

Happy Halloween!

Little Fireman Sam came to trick-or-treat. We love li'l Bridge, he kept saying, "Grandpa, you doin' good?" 

We even played a little Ghostbusters to which Papa wiggled. (that is about as much you can do in a hospital bed) 

Happy Halloween!

Guest Post: Sorella Baer

My heart is full and my spirit is fed! Dear friends and family, what joy and comfort we have from the knowledge of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ!

My message will be short but uplifting, vi prometto!

These words: ''for ever, for always, no matter what'' is the Baer family motto (if you don't believe me, we have it on cute decorations in our home!) This motto, this principle and sweetly resounding truth is the motivating factor for me choosing to serve a mission, and for me choosing to remain. The fundamental principle of eternal families has always been my favorite and it was what pushed me to serve: so I could share this joyful truth with others who don't know this for themselves. It still remains my favorite principle to testify of. Every morning, when that alarm goes off at 6:30, that principle pushes me out of bed and on to my knees-- encouraging me to go on, move forward, because I know that I can. Because I know that the Lord is at my side, helping me along the way. And because I know that at the end of the day, whatever happens, my family will be together forever because one young couple, 32 years ago made the sacred and humble decision to be sealed. As one of their children, I will be eternally grateful for that decision and have been and will be blessed into the eternities for it.

I am filled with gratitude, peace and hope. My mission is of utmost importance and it stands and represents so much to me. I'm endowed with power everyday because of this sacred opportunity.

On Sunday, we had one of our less-active sisters come to church! We've been meeting with her, and it was incredibly sweet to see her so embraced by the ward when she returned. In her words, ''I felt like I was coming home.'' It was such a special experience to witness. I've always had such a love for re-activation work because when the one CHOOSES to return, it holds so much value, because at one point, they CHOSE to leave.They know exactly what blessings this gospel holds, and they choose to come home. I love it.

Como is beautiful. It holds my heart. My future husband better love Italy or quickly start adoring it, because this dear country of mine will be the topic of my conversations and desired vacation spot for a long, long time. :) The leaves are all changing colors here. Every bus ride, I sit in awe, looking at the window at this piece of heaven I can claim as home for this time. Other than Alpine, Utah, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else:) (Provo's a close second:)

I love each of our investigators. I love our members. I love finding work and suoning citofoni (sorry, that was Italiash... how do I say that in English... it's like pushing the intercom things outside of apt complexes... it's Italy's version of door-to-door).

I love stating ''Salve, cara! Sono Sorella Baer. Sono una missionaria della Chiesa di Gesù Cristo. Abbiamo un messaggio cosi bellissimo riguardo la famiglia e il Salvatore!''

I love Italian food and better be able to cook like these Italian women when I get home! Meno male, I love Olive Garden soooo much. But ancora, this food can't be replicated.

I love my companion and my dear Sorelle Carter e Stephens. They're my girlsssss. And they comfort me, make me laugh, cook choc chip pancakes, dance with me and jam to MOTAB with me.

Como's become a heaven and home on earth. And I'm eternally grateful for this. Our missionary work here is BLOSSOMING as we use our members more and more. We're visiting our members and helping them create family mission plans.

I love this work. It truly is the work of Salvation.

and I love you all sooo hard.

D&C 78:18

Con tutto del mio amore,

Sorella Baer

p.s. I love you.

p.p.s. if you want Papa Baer updates, my bangarang sister is becoming the World's Best Blogger:

http://itsgoodtobeabaer.blogspot.it/