Mom's First Chemo Treatment

Mom did her first chemo treatment on Thursday. It was a 3 1/2 hour treatment. She felt "blah" on Friday, but on Saturday was feeling a little better. The kids and I had a nice visit with Mom. Sunday, Mom was sounding much better and Christi and Mrs. Roma both brought Mom food. Christi and the older girls were also able to visit with Mom. She said they had a nice visit.

Mom's next chemo treatment is on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed and pray that she continues to take the treatments well.

Mom's latest doctor appointments

Mom's tumor markers have been increasing over the last 4 months. We tried a different hormone, but it did not control the cancer. The cancer has now spread to her liver. After several doctor appointments and weeks of research; Mom will be doing a new chemo beginning today. It is not suppose to make her sick like traditional chemo. It is relatively new, but effective according to all reports. She will take it for three weeks and then off for a week. She will do this for 4-6 months; as long as it is working.

Please keep her in your prayers that she will have the strength to tolerate the chemo emotionally and the physical side effects that comes with receiving chemo.

The big sisters are one year older...

Since our last post, we have been celebrating birthdays and getting prepared to head back to work and school. I am not sure who will have a harder time adjusting to our new schedule. We are guessing it will be Dixie; she has not been locked up in weeks.

Annalise asked for a field journal, polly pockets, and littlest pet shop stuff.

Lauren asked for a pink 4-wheeler. Both girls wanted to spend their birthdays at the mall shopping, eating Chick-Fil-A, carousel rides, playgrounds, cookies, etc...

What's Been Happen'...

We have been so busy with trips to the grocery stores, malls, doctor appointments, birthday parties, visits to Maw-maw, dinners, small vacations, etc... No outting has been to extensive due to my slow recovery. I am doing better, but the doctor says it will take awhile for a full recovery. Joseph, Lauren and Annalise are great. All have adjusted to the changes. We are having a blast this summer; enjoying the slow pace of our new lifestyle. I have actually slowed down and have been able to play with the girls and admire my new little fellow. What a joy!! Yes, I am going back to work. I still am not sure when. We will have to wait to see when I feel good enough to go back and ready to relinguish my new lifestyle of sleeping late, rocking, reading, playing and swimming for the remainder of the day.

I hope to send out the new pics from some of our outtings soon, but as my time is coming to an end very quickly. I am enjoying each day with the kids and being a temporary stay at home mom. I never thought that I would make it as a "stay at home" parent, but with the price of gas and daycare... I think I could get accustom to it.

Our First Outtings

After a week of a slow recovery, Saturday we ventured out for a couple of hours to Granny's house to eat and visit with the family. Sunday was Mom's birthday, we surprised her at Ralph & Kacoo's. It was great Nanny, Christina, MawMaw, Aunt Pat, Aunt Linda, Uncle Paul, Melissa, Pete, Chris and I w/the kids, and Christi and the girls along with Hanna were all present. She was so surprised and excited. I believe she had an amazing birthday. Thanks to all in attendance - special thanks sent to A.Linda/U.Paul for picking up Mom and to Nanny for bringing MawMaw.

Yesterday, Mrs. Delores and I decided to take the kids to the zoo for our first outting. It was hot, but there was a slight breeze to help alittle. After the zoo, we were off to Chick-Fil-A to eat and play on the indoor playground; then to see MawMaw and my brother. We had a slight change in plan when we had to take Annalise to the doctor for a reaction that she was having, but all is well.

The day was great, the kids were great and all slept well last night. Thanks again DeDe for coming to help. As always, we love your visits.

Home Again

We made it home on Sunday at mid-afternoon. After arriving at home, Chris and I unpacked the bags from the hospital; while the girls doted over there new little brother. It was not long after being home that Joseph, Lauren and I settled in for a nice long well deserved nap. It was so refreshing. Thanks to Christi and the girls for bring supper over. It was delicious and so nice not to have to worry about cooking.

Joseph is a great baby. He seldom cries and loves to lay in his bassinet. He is not a lap baby (yet). He likes to stretch out and look around. The second night in the hospital, he had a rough night with his formula. Last night, his first night at home was good. He slept from 12midnight until 5 this morning, took a bottle and right back to sleep until 9 a.m. No complaints from Chris nor I. I pray that he continues to do so well. We have truly been blessed with great children. Thank goodness, because I know I like and need my sleep.

We thank everyone for the visits and kindness that have been received and offered. We could not have done it so easily without your help.

Special thanks to Christi and Aunt Linda/Uncle Paul for taking care of Mom. Just for the record, if given the choice of a family - I would choose mine.

Welcoming Joseph...

Annalise and Lauren welcoming Joseph Christopher into the family.

He weighed in at 6 pounds 3.9 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.

I am recouping and doing well.
Chris, Lauren and Annalise are also adjusting well to our expanded family.

Thanks for all of the visits, gifts, support and well wishes:)

Preparations

Two more days... Friday morning we are scheduled for an induction; Chris and the girls know the plan for their weekend and are excited about their activities. The house is as ready as it is going to get for a new baby and we are still working on a name. Packing of the bags will come tomorrow. Special thanks to Elaine & Matt and Brady & Shannon for taking time to make special days for our girls. I am not sure if they are more excited about their brother or their planned adventures.

What has been going on?

Sorry, I have not posted in awhile, but work has been extremely busy.

Mom's test results came back and they are changing her to a new medicine. The test were okay, but did show signs of her cancer counts increasing slightly. They will re-test in one month to determine if the new med is working to reduce this count. Mom is in good spirits and takes it all in stride. She is a miracle and thankful for every one's prayers and continued support.

Baby Boy Leep has turned again and is cooperating. He is scheduled to make his entrance on May 30. I will go back to the doctor on Tuesday for further testing. We are praying and have started to get his room ready for his arrival. The girls are beside themselves with anticipation and counting down the days.

School is out for the girls and their summer has officially begun. Special thanks to Granny for keeping them this week. They have enjoyed her doting over their every move.

Chris' new toy

This is Chris' New Toy...

and to think there is still bigger.

Special Thanks!!

I would like to thank everyone for all of the great gifts for our baby boy. Lauren and Annalise enjoyed opening all of the presents. My friends and family never cease to amaze me at their generousity. Special thanks to Elaine and Marty for giving the shower and for all in attendance. Also to Christi who took lots of pictures that I hope to be posting later this week.

Cara and her soldier...

One of my Baton Rouge co-workers, Cara, as most of you know her husband just recently left for Iraq . He is there with his brother. One of our local news stations surprised Brian and Michael by having them interviewed. Cara, her boys and the Steven's family were all at the TV station and were able to talk to them. I know Cara and I know just how much she misses Michael, so being able to see him and see that he looked wonderful meant the world to her....and also for Brian's wife and their parents to be able to talk to them...how awesome! Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers. We need them to make it back home safely and I know you join me in saying we THANK them for what they are doing to serve our country and fight for our freedom. Thank you Brian & Michael...we love you! Of course when you see the clip, you'll see why I got even more emotional. www.nbc33tv.com

Cute Things Kids Say

When I picked up Lauren today, she was deep into telling a dramatic story when she kicked out a "Well Holy Cat Tails!"

Sorry so busy:(

Hey all! Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know what all is going on.

First, Mom is doing well. She had her 3 month scans done today. She is tired, but in good spirits. She will go to the doctor next week for the results and her monthly checkup with the oncologist.

Secondly, I am busy at work and at home. Weekends seem to be packed with school activities, birthday parties, yard and housework, cutting trees, shopping and preparing for a new baby. We still have been getting Mom at least one day a weekend. It is a break for both Mom and I, it gives her a chance to get out and me a chance to stay home.

The baby doctor visits are going well. About 5 weeks left. I am finally starting to slowly get over my chest cold and congestion that I have had for two and a half weeks now. Still no room painted, no bed up, no name, no godparents; but we will be ready when our little guy decides to come into this world.

On the 19th, Lauren was in a beauty pageant at her school. We were so proud that she did it. She won a metal. And got lots of flowers from all of her "fans" (Thanks Nonnie!). We were so surprised that she walked on stage and did her twirls and occasionally gave a smile and a little wave to me. My sweet little angel ~ I am so proud of her. She is just getting so big - so fast. From there, Chris and the girls were off to Landon's Birthday Party; while Mom and I came home to get some housework done. It doesn't sound like fun, but was great to clean (really clean) my house in 2 1/2 hours. What a great treat for me!

Last weekend was not as productive, I was in slow motion and had a hard time getting going. With so much going on and a busy next couple of weeks and weekends, I will do my best to get some pictures of our activities and scoop posted as soon as possible.

Take care to all and sorry for those of you who I haven't gotten around to emailing back.

What a Great Weekend!

On Friday evening, we did not do much; but, oh how nice that was. Saturday, I decided that I needed to start getting ready for the baby. Therefore, where else would I start but off to the mall with Granny and Marty. Thanks to Marty our baby boy will have some clothes to wear. This eased my mind enough that shopping for the day was over. From there, we went back to their house where Chris and the girls met me.

Chris had a great day, he was at their neighbor's house trimming trees and splitting wood. He was so in his element; plus the bonus was the kids were not around. Lauren and Annalise were playing with Nicholas and Landon; and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kylie (Lauren's BF) and Brant (her brother and Nick's friend). The kids played and played. They could not have been happier. And me either, Chris was in the trees, the girls were playing outside with their cousins and friends, and I was sitting outside on the swing watching everyone so full of life and happiness.

Mom spent the afternoon with Christi and David at Caitlyn's gymnastic meet. In which, I understand she did great (as always). Keep it up Caitlyn!

Although, I did not get anything that I had planned done... I had a remarkable weekend.