A New Apartment and First Christmas Home

Well, things are once again changing in my life. Ben and I are moving into our new apartment here in Hutchinson. In case you are interested our address will be 720 North Main Apartment 402 Hutchinson KS 67501. I still love mail and I'm getting better at answering back so feel free to send me some mail.

I love my little apartment. It is in The Hutchinson Lofts which was formerly Grace Hospital which is where Grandpa was born. About a year ago they completely renovated the building and made it into housing. Each apartment is different and has a lot of character. My apartment is two bedrooms and has a cute little living room. The first thing in my apartment was a thrifted couch and my (fully decorated) Christmas tree. I'm excited because we will be celebrating Christmas day at my apartment.

It feels important to mention here that this will be my first holiday out of treatment in four years. I was able to come home for one day in 2009 when I was at Laureate's eating disorder program but I have very few memories from that time. In 2010 I was in Utah at The Center for Change and in 2011 I was in Washington DC at a trauma program. I'm so excited to be home and to experience all of the season. I am appreciating the traditions, the lights, the trees, seeing all of you, hanging stockings, helping out at church's Street's of Bethlehem and for the first time decorating my own home.

The main reason I have managed to stay out of treatment (as this is a hard time of year for me) is of course Benny. Ben has been amazing. Our bond has continued to grow. We now move seamlessly through crowds whereas before it took a lot more forethought.  He reads my emotions easily and comforts me without asking. His grounding presecene and the love he offers me everyday has allowed me to continue to function.

Speaking of Ben we faced our first act of discrimination. A retreat I wanted to go to would not allow me to come because I have Ben. I plan on writing them a letter and also reporting them to the department of Justice. Ben has made me quite fierce.

Let's see....nothing much else to report. I am participating in a photo challenge where I take a different themed picture of Ben (or one of the girls) every day for the month of December. If you are interested check out that album here. I'll update it everyday.

Love,
Kate and Ben

And now for a few pictures. :)

And the tree is up in the apartment! 

Ben and I in our apartment 

Ben and Adelynn have become quite good friends

Ben visits Santa (November 2012)