4 years..... and counting

4 years ago today my oldest son took his very last chemo pill. I'd like to say that on that day everything changed and all was right with the world. However, that wasn't the case. Cancer was still an ever present word in our house. It was typically followed by the word SURVIVOR, but the word cancer was still mentioned often. Teachers, doctors, and new people we met still had to be notified of his history. He still had to get regular check-ups with the oncologist, take antibiotics twice a day (to prevent infections because his blood counts weren't "normal"),  and the fear of the cancer returning always loomed no matter how much I tried to deny it. But now, FOUR years later, I can honestly say that my 10-year-old lives a very "normal" ten-year-old kind of life. *I* of course still think he stands out and is above average in every sort of way, but for all extensive purposes- he's very much like every other kid his age. The word cancer doesn't often come up around here unless we are trying to raise awareness or fundraise for some great cause. We see a regular pediatrician very irregularly. He even stopped taking the Singulair he'd been taking for allergies for years because he doesn't seem to need it anymore. My kid who took more medicines than I could count for so many years is now just taking 2 vitamins a day. Gummy vitamins to be exact. We were supposed to see his oncologist a few days ago, but I re-scheduled the appointment. I don't recall a time when anything was much more important than making those appointments, but this year the first day of school took precedent. We can get our check-up next week. I am so proud to say that B's cancer diagnosis is a thing of the past. Something to remember, to be mindful of, and to celebrate (the survivorship part), but on our own time- when we choose to do so.

And I choose now. I am SO THANKFUL for the blessing of my son's health. For the health of his little brother and sister.
For our very imperfect lives-- that are just perfect to us.

To celebrate B's cancer journey and 4th OT (off treatment) anniversary a VERY special friend made a quilt from all of his t-shirts I saved throughout the years. I had been hoping to have one made someday, but hadn't found the right person I trusted with such a "job." This quilt is such a blessing to us and we are so thankful for the sweet friend who made it.
Thank you, Connie, from the bottom of our hearts. We will treasure it for a lifetime I'm sure.

Please enjoy the pictures of my munchkin- so very proud of his quilt and all the memories it holds.
I can't wait to post pictures in another 4 years....

Summer's over... more blogging?

Maybe now that summer is over I will find more time to blog. I'm not quite sure why I think that considering only 1 child of mine is currently in school and it just happens to be the one that doesn't need constant care/attention from me, but just go with it!

Things are moving along here, even though I'm not blogging about it. The big guy started 5th grade (MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!) yesterday and seemingly had a good day. I don't get too many details, but I do know that they don't have to tuck in their shirts, he has a couple good friends in his class, and he somehow missed his bus drop off spot and walked home from the front of the neighborhood. Silly kid.

Little man cried most of the morning because he wasn't allowed to go to school with Brother. I finally distracted him long enough to get him dressed and ready for a couple errands only to have him see a backpack at the store...... he was convinced that if he just got to buy the backpack with the lunch kit attached that he would be allowed into Brother's school to eat lunch with him. At least we know he loves his brother (like there was ever any question?!).

The little lady has fit seamlessly into the family. It's like she's always been here. She is such a happy baby! She is 4 months now and had her well visit today. She is growing well and following the growth curve perfectly. She is in about the 75th percentile for height and weight and 35th for head circumference. Oddly enough, the boys have very big heads... but I guess our girl wanted to have a petite and dainty little noggin. She is very strong, although is content to just sit and watch her brothers most days. I'm sure it won't be long before she's rolling/crawling/moving everywhere!

I have a special update planned for 2 days from now. Hope I can be good and get it done.

Thanks for keeping up with us even though I don't always keep up with the updating! ;)

Our girl...

Almost a "Family of 5"

Our soon to be "family of 5" is doing quite well. Which means there's little time for blogging. A common problem if you check the history of this blog. But nevertheless, I enjoy updating from time to time even if the time is a bit stretched out in most cases!

The hubby and I have been busy getting ready for our new addition. We have de-cluttered, re-organized, cleaned, cleaned some more. I even took apart our vacuum and cleaned out every nook and cranny.... those things get dirty! Her room is ready, the house is ready, and we are ready!

The boys have been busy as well. B has been consumed with his Boy of the Year duties and along with helping to spread the word, he is getting to do some pretty amazing things! A radio station blog interview, a video with his favorite soccer player, the first pitch at a Major League baseball game... and the list will continue. He's enjoying it all to the fullest and we know how very special these opportunities are! If you're interested in learning more about the Man & Woman of the Year campaign or donating to LLS please be sure to contact me!

The little guy (who is soon to be the middle guy) is keeping busy himself. He's getting to be such a big boy! He's talking so much more and is so fun to interact with. He tags along after Brother during all these fun activities and we manage to keep ourselves quite entertained even when Brother isn't around! He's learned to ride his trike (although his steering is a bit questionable!) and can't wait to have a bike like Brother's and Daddy's. Its a bit early for that one! He is getting practice with a little one while playing with his cousin and has quite the knack for babies. I can't wait to see him with his little sister.

I hope to update just as soon as our little lady arrives.
Until then....

Wordless Wednesday #2

Cupcakes Galore!

My little sister is quite talented. I thought I would show off some of the recent cupcakes she's made for me. The little guy's train cupcakes, the little lady's baby shower cupcakes, and some duck cupcakes that she happened to bring over during my own birthday celebration. Pretty awesome stuff, right?! Thanks Aunt La-La!

Wordless Wednesday #1

He's TWO!

My how time flies!
He's TWO now!!!!

This two year old loves trains and Elmo; blueberries and goldfish; catching lizards and pushing his lawn-mower (and baby stroller, too!). His vocabulary is growing and we understand most of what he says now. He dresses himself and climbs into his own car-seat. He copies brother and Daddy any chance he can get. He smiles (and toots!) on command. His favorite things to play with besides toys are Daddy's cell phone, wallet, and watch. He recently helped to rearrange the keys on the laptop. He likes to joke with Brother, but doesn't like to be scared during hide-n-seek. He runs up and down the block like he's one of the big kids. He still falls asleep in Mommy/Daddy's bed, but promptly gets moved out once he's dreaming! He loves to play with his buddy, Rea-Rea. He no longer cries at school. He knows the words and motions to MANY songs and loves to sing and dance! His smile and loan dimple on his right cheek are just about as cute as can be. We love this two year old!!!!

Growing, Campaigning, and hopefully more Posting

Its been too long between updates yet again!


Things are busy as usual. B has started soccer and is so glad to finally be back on the field! L is busy growing up and turns 2 tomorrow!!! Daddy and I are getting ready for little Lucky to arrive and she's growing mighty big herself. April will be here before we know it.


We're gearing up for the Man & Woman of the Year campaign with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is a fundraising campaign for LLS between March 3 – May 12.  The male and female candidates who raise the most money during the ten weeks are named the chapter’s Man & Woman of the Year.  The totals are then considered in naming national titles.  The candidates compete in honor of two patients heroes, nominated as the Boy & Girl of the Year, for their strength and winning attitudes during treatment. B was chosen as the Boy of the Year and is honored and excited to help the 18 candidates. The announcement of the 2011 Man & Woman of the Year will be in the middle of May. 


Starting next week I hope to participate in "Wordless Wednesdays" on my blog. Each week (on Wed) I will post a picture (or 2 or 10), but no words. I'm not sure exactly who should get credit for this idea that many bloggers have caught on to, but I know its not me! WW are somewhat like the "Not Me Mondays" that I have participated in before. Maybe this will motivate me to also blog with more WORDS more often as well. I could always start back up with Not Me Mondays considering there are MANY things I have NOT done lately. ;)


Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Big brotherS

I think the child below is just about ready to be a GREAT big brother....

This one already is....