Update and A great laugh...

Since Valentine's Day we have been pretty non-stop. Saturday after V-Day, I picked up Mom and picked up T.J. Ribs. She has been asking for them for weeks (maybe months). Monday through Thursday of last week, I was in a training class with three 'hot' LA State Troopers as my instructors. It made it very easy to attend the class; focusing - now that was a different story. Friday and today, I have been playing catch up.

On Saturday, Annalise and I picked up Mom and made our way searching for bunk beds, visiting Carl and Mrs. Mary, and meeting Christi and the girls at the mall. By the time Mom made it to our house she was exhausted and ready to go back to the rehab center. Chris and Lauren built a tire swing that Lauren had requested earlier in the week.

For those of you who need a laugh and know me well... tonight as we were eating 'steak' fajitas for supper... I was talking on the phone and obviously forgot to chew and once again CHOKED on steak. I am okay and not sure when I will learn how to eat steak without choking.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was great!

The night before we went out to eat with some friends (Matt and Elaine) and their girls Lauren and April to The Chimes. That was the first time for everyone to go but me. The evening was enjoyed by all.

Valentine's morning the girls were little angels jumping and scurrying around anxiously awaiting their school parties. Waking up to everyone in great moods, eager to go to school and actually on time was amazing. Valentine's hugs and kisses were shared by all.

On my way to work, I surprised Mom with a Valentine's morning visit and her goodies. All she wanted was a couple of snacks and a new remote control. Easy enough... she was so happy over a remote control. I guess it is kind of hard being in a wheelchair and having to watch the same channel all day and night or actually have to get up and MANUALLY change it. Okay, I know we don't remember those days that would make us old or something. hehe.

While I drove home from working late, I contemplated the mood of the house and what surprises might be awaiting me. And I don't mean gifts... I mean another appliance breaking, school notes (Annalise), needs for bandaids, Dixie poo on the floor, kids on a sugar high, etc... To my surprise, Chris had everything (mostly) under control. I was greeted by the girls playing in a large washer and dryer box and Chris hooking up the hoses to the new washer. Ah, what a great husband... a week with no washer was stressful; but we lucked out with picture day and a spirit day in the same week. So the three uniforms we had worked out perfectly, except Lauren does not like all of them.

The girls gave me lots of hugs and kisses, exchanged gifts, took a nice bubble bath, ate and snuggled in for the night. We were asleep by 9pm; while Daddy (Chris) decided that he would help catch up on some of the laundry and try out the new appliances. It was so nice to wake up Friday morning and have my choice of clothes. You know being pregnant only gives you a limited selection of things to wear anyway.

All in all, early morning, on time, happy family (kids, husband and Mom), great day, lots of hugs, kisses, and smiles, a new book, candy, and a early night to bed snuggling with my two little angels. Definitely ranked as two thumbs up.

OB Check-Up

All is going well with our growing little baby boy and myself. The doctor and I began having the conversations about labor and delivery. The heartbeat is around 146 now. He is a little boxer. We laughed as everytime they got close to him he would begin turning and kicking. Watch out Lauren and especiall Annalise! I am feeling great.

Annalise's Allergies

Annalise went again today for more testing on her allergies. For those of you who don't know, she has had severe allergies since she was 7 months old. She is deathly allergic to apples. We carry an EpiPen just in case. Well due to some issues, we are switching allergist. The new allergist is doing the whole gammit of test. Annalise usually gets test every 6 months anyway. But this doctor wants to start over and make her own judgements. Wish I appreciate greatly the second opinion.

Lauren and I took Annalise to 3 different centers for testing. Annalise usually is held down by 3-5 people for the bloodwork. Today, she was a trooper and screamed, kicked, and hollared; but was controllable with a third person in the room on standby. She gets over it real quick with stickers, juice, and a coloring book or Dora movie. I on the otherhand, don't adjust quite so easily.

It is amusing because as parents we tell our children that we are here to protect them; BUT I am going to allow these strange ladies to stick you with needles repeatedly. Yes, I know it hurts, but it will make you feel better. her response, Mommy but I feel okay - nothing hurts now. What she has not realized is that I feel so bad for her that I just might consider buying her that horse that she always ask for if she would only ask at the right moment in time. Okay - maybe not:)

Results should be back in 10 to 12 days.

Scan Results are In!!

Today was the big day in which Mom and I were suppose to meet with the oncologist for the scan result. After an hour of confusion, I was able to meet with Dr. Hanson and Debbie (Nurse Practitioner) and get the news. How awesome to be greeted with two of the biggest smiles and a great big hug.

Debbie gave me the news that the scans were much improved and that we are going to continue with the same treatment (infusion once a month, daily pill, and lots of prayers). The pill she takes is a new treatment in which they are trying. It is not a guarantee, but well worth taking the chance. Mom's two cancer counts have continued to decline. According to Debbie, the numbers are remarkable and something that they did not anticipate seeing especially due to the severity of the cancer throughout Mom's body.

It is amazing that we have come so far. Just six months ago, we were in emergency room discovering cancer throughout her body. The doctors gave her little chance of survival (lucky to make it to the 2007 holidays). Each week when I pick Mom up for her weekly outting, I see her getting stronger and stronger. She is transferring herself with less assistance, she is getting braver at bringing herself to the bathroom and dressing herself, and her appetite has increased. I don't know if you realize, but faith, prayer and the will to live can be the odds. Like I have said before, MOM IS AMAZING... MOM IS A TROOPER... SHE IS A FIGHTER... THE FAITH - IT'S AMAZING.

My motto use to be "It Sucks!", but with all the people around me surviving, praying, and fighting so hard - "It's Amazing!" has to be my new motto.