This and That.

Things have been going great the last couple of weeks.  We have spent a lot of time enjoying the nice weather, we have even had the pool and sprinkler out.  You absolutely love being outside, but it does wear on you.  Afternoon naps have reintroduced themselves to help cope with all the sunshine and play.  You will doze off anywhere, with little warning.  I have found you around the house, with a blanket cuddled up.  If we are out and about, you will pile up jackets in the shopping cart and have a snooze while we shop.  I find that the trampoline really wears you down.  We are just glad that you are out and enjoying life right now.

At the beginning of the month, you started soccer.  It is the first real thing we have registered you in since your diagnosis.  I figured soccer would be safe since it is outside and either dad or I need to assist you.  Soccer has been a lot of ups and downs.  You are so excited to have your night and excited to wear your own soccer shirt and shorts, but you find it difficult and tire easily.  Your dad and I continue to encourage you, but won't push.  We can definitely see that you still have a lot to work to do in order to build up your endurance and physical strength.  This is something we will discuss with your Oncologist next month.

On a sad note, this month a dear friend of yours passed away.  Jenna was a young lady that you had met when you were on Unit 1.  She was an amazing support for your dad and I and you enjoyed hanging out with her.  I think you thought it was just great to meet someone with no hair and tubes just like you.  You called her, your special buddy.  Unfortunately, we were not able to attend her funeral, but planned a special morning to pay our respects to Jenna and send special messages to her in heaven.  We were joined by some very special families, who we have met on our journey, The Gregory's and The Rooney's (Dominic and Trish were in Calgary but we definitely with us in spirit).  Sean Rooney created an amazing video of the whole experience.  I will try to post to the blog.

Next week we are in Calgary to have all your tests run again.  You will have x-rays,  an MRI, an ultrasound and a check up with Dr. Anderson.  I hate that this is something necessary, but it always gives me piece of mind that your body is still in remission.

I hope to update the blog with some exciting news, soon!  We are planning something for July because we think it is about time we celebrated with all our family and friends who have supported us in so many ways. Stay tuned!!

Jenna's tribute video:

Some soccer pics:

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom

May Update!

Today started with a doctor's appointment and CBC, with Dr. Foulston, at the Cancer Clinic.  Your check up was great and we just received word that your blood work came back "normal" and "normal" is awesome!! It is so nice to have these checks once a month to just make sure your body is still healthy.

Just last week, you finally had your first hair cut in over a year.  In fact, you had absolutely no hair up to November.  Your hair has grown in so fast and so thick.  I couldn't handle the "bed head" every morning so I asked you if you were ready for a hair cut.  It actually took you some time to be okay with the idea of a hair cut.  I think I started asking last month and you kept telling me you didn't want one or you would say that you wanted one "tomorrow."  Well, last week you told me that you were ready, so we went to Tommy Gun's, a man/boy barber shop, and you had your hair cut.  You weren't too sure during the hair cut about what to think and didn't smile or cry.  I had a few tears just knowing how your hair loss was such a physical reminder of what you had overcome.  I didn't want you to think that just because we were cutting your hair, that you were sick again.  You ended up finishing your hair cut with a smile and now you tell everyone to feel the back of your head because it feels so different.  You are so proud and I am happy we went ahead with this milestone!

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Here are a few pictures of before, during and after your hair cut.

BEFORE:

 

AFTER: