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What started out as a site to update on our daughter's cancer has thankfully grown into a site to update on our beautiful family of four. Enjoy our journey...

Sunday, August 12, 2007

good days!

Sorry I haven't posted anything for a few days, and pictures for a long time! But, I will post pictures today!

I can't believe I forgot to mention that Charli is walking! I have meant to do that many times, but time has gotten away from me. She is keeping herself busy, and changing so much day to day!

While we were eating lunch today (which she is eating very well, by the way!) we talked about all the things we are thankful for as a result of getting a good report at our last two appointments, and I want to share them with you! At the time, we just did what we had to do. Now looking back at everything we had to do to not only prepare for the trip, but also 'survive' the trip...it's exhausting!

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR:
-no more chemo
-no more regular port access
-no more daily shot to raise her counts (given by Chad and I)
-no more bactrium twice a day, three days a week (which Charli grew allergic to)
-no more trips to get her finger poked twice a week
-no more waiting for hours in the clinic, waiting to be admitted...up to five hours or MORE
-no more diaper changes every two hours, waking Charli every time she feel asleep
-no more fighting with Charli to eat while in the hospital
-no more pawning our dogs off at Twin River Vet to be kenneled while we are gone
-no more stray hairs falling out of Charli's head
-no more trips to Omaha with that "pit" in our stomach
-no more packing bags of toys, trying to keep Charli occupied
-no more keeping Charli at home, while everyone else gets to "go out and play"!
-no more "Friday outside only" visits to daycare
-no more staying home all day for Charli

I could go on for hours, talking about all the things we are thankful for, but I think you get it! Her cancer has given us many things to be thankful for too, we are a much closer family than we were before she got sick. We are also much more aware of germs and keeping everything clean for Charli as well as ourselves! I feel we are more understanding, and supportive than we may have been before. And, I pray we are more accepting...all of us.

I would like to mention, and give BIG thanks to my sister Rachelle. She and her family are taking part in the Lunch for Life campaign (link to the right). They are donating money each month, and the money goes to fund neroblastoma research. By doing this, the organization has created a tree for Charli, each time money is donated in her honor she gets an "ornament" to mark the donation. I think it is a great way to raise money for the cause, and an easy and affordable way to do this. So, thank you Rachelle, Shaun, Ryen, and Macey for donating in Charli's honor, it is one of the best gifts we have been given. I encourage anyone who would like to financial help the fight for childhood cancer, to give directly to a group like this. If you ever have any questions on the organization, please ask and I will do whatever I can to find out more about them. There are many great groups out there giving 100% of their funds to research.


I got this bubble machine for my birthday! Thank you Mia!!


I really like this corner of my bed!

fun...a NEW toy!!!??!!!

brrr, but it feels nice!

more daddy!

woosh...all clean now!!

I'm not ready to put it away :-(

our last visit to the hospital...just waiting
pretty shoes!


umm, Dad...does mom know you have me up here?!

wait...I am NOT supposed to eat the spoon too?!!

I like my new chair, mommy and daddy gave it to me for my birthday!


7 comments:

Sheila Ferrell said...

She is too sweet!! I love seeing all the pictures of Charli. She is definitely a little ham. Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with the world. She makes us remember to be thankful for everything that God so graciously gives us.

Anonymous said...

Charli is such a cutie!! I love chcecking in on her! Also my sister Tracy donated her hair this week to locks of love. Hope all is well, hope to see you soon.
Gina

AndreaChad said...

What a doll!! I love watching her grow so much week to week through all of your great pictures!! You too have opened our eyes to all the things we have to be thankful for! Hope to see you soon! xoxo
Chad, Andrea, Calla

Shevy said...

We love the new pictures! We still pray every night for you and little Charli. That's awesome that she's walking! We're still waiting for Ky to start. Thanks for stopping by our page (I really do need to update more often). I do have a ? for you about the bactrim. I have to give Ky it every day and was wondering how did you know Charli was having a reaction to it?

Anonymous said...

The new pictures of Charli are adorable...she is at my favorite age!! I wish I could go back to when Em and Michael were that little!! Enjoy every moment!!

Anonymous said...

Isn't she just the sweetest thing! Love the new pics!

Kim

Cindy said...

These pictures are GREAT! I especially enjoyed the watering can pics. Mia is fascinated with the blue watering can on our patio. She loves it for some reason. I hope Charli liked the bubble machine. Mia is still scared of the Dumbo one her GranE gave her. I am hoping she gets over it because it is just TOO cute. Keep the pictures coming. I always enjoy seeing her beautiful smile.