May 29, 2007

Just a quick post in case anyone still checks in. We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. No big plans, but ended up getting together with friends on both Sunday and Monday. We also went to the Memorial Day parade in town.

On Saturday Chris and Leah decided to work on our laundry. Leah still loves throwing it in, but not the folding. Chris folded while watching movies on TBS. After a while I asked Leah what Chris was doing. She informed me he was "resting like a woman." Whatever that means.....

Leah is counting down school days--- just 3 more after today. I have six. Not sure what her big summer plans are, but she is looking forward to sleeping in.

The girls enjoyed having Chris' brother around. He and his girlfriend visited several times during the week they were here and even brought the girls a tent.

The other highlight of last week was Chris' birthday. He and I went out for supper on Thursday night--kind of nice to have some grown-up time.

Our next visit to Iowa City is June 21. Please keep Leah in your prayers---another low, low AFP and a summer of lots of fun family times.

May 17, 2007

AFP = 1.4

Great news for us this month! Dr. Rahdi read the results with me and then jokingly yelled at me to "Get out of here! Is this low enough for you now?!" He also highlighted that it might go up some month but not to panic since it doesn't have much further down it can go.

We left this morning at 5:45 and were there by 7:45 for her blood draw. We found out that they are able to draw an AFP with just a finger poke, so that is something we may do next time. Right now I am putting Emla, the numbing cream, on each arm and then they decide which vein looks better before they poke her. We were able to visit with Tom in the clinic briefly and even stopped to see James. We were out of the hospital by 9 and then went to the Ped. Mall where Leah could play on some playground equipment. She also managed to eat an icecream cone from Whiteys and is planning to return there again on the next trip, and we stopped at Prairie Lights. Leah had a gift certificate left to use (I sort of spaced some gifts out so that some of these hospital days still included a treat). The monthly lunch at Olive Garden in Cedar Rapids and a stop at the consignment shop also took place. The big purchase this time were some scooters for Leah and Chloe. Chloe's is a plastic one that shouldn't pick up speed-thank goodness. Leah stayed awake the whole way down and is now sleeping in the van. We have many busy days ahead as we finish our school years. This weekend Chris' brother, Randy, is coming from Montana for a week and the girls are quite excited to see him. We are looking forward to the beginning of summer -perhaps some more unpacking and organizing will occur. Their dance recital is on June 16th and VBS also takes place in June. Our next visit to Iowa City is June 21.

Thank you all for the continued prayers for Leah's complete healing here on earth. We are so grateful for the support we receive each and every day. We plan on enjoying another month of good health!

May 11, 2007

TGIF! It is beautiful outside yet again and we are ready for summer. Yesterday was Leah's graduation from Discoveries where she has spent this past school year. The program was cute and Leah picked out her outfit (an orange flowery dress) very carefully the day before. There was also a potluck lunch afterwards. Chris, Chloe, and I as well as all four grandparents and AJay, Anna and Drea, and Anna's mom who is here visiting all made it for the big event. We left Reeve at daycare since her enjoyment of this would be minimal. She is becoming very active and pulling herself up and crawling everywhere.

We go back to Iowa City again next Thursday, May 17. Once again we ask for prayers for a great check-up and low AFP. I have Leah's appointments scheduled through July, so we will see what Dr. Rahdi has to say- hopefully not too much.

Last weekend Chris worked a long time in our yard on pulling out some bushes and putting in some river rock. It does look nice. I had the indoor detail which included more unpacking as well as laundry and cooking and childcare. My contributions didn't look as impressive as Chris'.

My school year ends on June 5th and Leah's ends on June 1st. Both are coming right up. We would really like to enjoy a summer of good health, so again, please pray for a very uneventful Iowa City visit.

I will update after our trip on Thursday. Thanks for checking in on us, and have a Happy Mother's Day!