January 25, 2006

This update will be short. I still have to get Chloe to bed and Chris is at work tonight. Leah was tired out so she is up in bed, but would really like someone to be up there with her.

Last night after I posted my sister, Suzanne, called. We were nearing the end of our conversation and Leah was sitting on my lap while we were talking. Suzanne explained that she had to go because there was breaking news. I asked, "breaking news? what breaking news?" To which Leah chimed in with, "Suzanne's getting married?" Suzanne has agreed that we could post this comment, but we should explain that the breaking news was in regards to the Des Moines School Board and not to her love life. And no, as far as we know, she is not getting married.

Today was a fine day. Leah spent a few hours sorting the books in her bedroom. She was quite organized about this- all Arthurs in one pile, Max and Ruby's in another, a stack of Dora books, Dr. Seuss books, Berenstain Bear books.....she was a hard worker. She decided early on that today would be a pajama day, so she wore her new fancy Dora pajamas and hung out. She was not overly hungry but before bed tonight managed to eat four Reeses Peanut Butter cups. She has also been requesting chili and taco salads (without the lettuce). They did say that spicy foods may taste better to her because it masks the bad taste in her mouth.

While she may have been a bit tired today, Leah was also very talkative. She has lots to say and does not forget a thing. AJay and Anna visited us today as did her babysitter, Karen, my friend Amy, and my parents. Grandma Karen also was here today to help out and did some laundry and dishes for us.

We will all be going to Iowa City tomorrow for Leah's appointment. Obviously we are a bit nervous about this one because we would like them to have some sort of answer about her rising AFP numbers and also a plan as to how they will proceed with her treatment. I still have to write down my list of questions for them tonight.

Continue to pray for Leah's treatment to be successful and for wisdom and direction for her doctors as they determine how to best proceed.