Room #1302 is Now Decorated

Just a quick update because I am so tired right now. Getting admitted & gearing up my mind for this admission has just zonked me out.

Jim & I decorated the room tonight with pictures & drawings. The doctor thinks we will be here at least a week.

Hannah had a CT Scan with contrast around 6:30pm. The GI doctor came in around 9pm to tell us the results. Hannah currently has a mixture of colitis / typhlitus. There is a larger area involved than the last time she was hospitalized for intestine issues but we caught things much earlier than last time. She will be without food or liquid for at least a week. She is already started on IV anti-biotics. She just got a transfusion of platelets & will probably be getting red blood cells tonight. Her color is very pale & she is very low on energy. She says she is happy to be back at the hospital but I know better. We were all really looking forward to going to Chance's party on Saturday ... so obviously we won't be going. On a super positive note, we have about $700 in donations for Chance's party ... thank you dear friends!!!!!!!


Lily is back at Aunt Kim's ... and of course, happy as can be (thank you, Lord!!!!!).

Please just pray that Hannah's intestine issues will quickly clear up & that she will be in good spirits during this 2nd extended experience of no eating / no drinking.

Getting Admitted

Hannah & I are here at the clinic & waiting to get admitted to the hospital here in Fontana. Her stomach just hasn't been right for several days. This morning things got worse so we talked to the doctor & she wanted Hannah to come right away. We are just waiting for a room on the Peds Oncology unit to be available for Hannah -- probably around 3pm.

I have had a pit in my stomach since last night that something was really brewing in Hannah's system. The Lord brought the verse to my mind: "Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you." Hannah & I talked about that a bit on the ride over the hospital ... none of this is a surprise to God & we can trust Him & lay our cares on Him so we don't have to worry.

Moment by moment.....

Here we go again into the hospital.

Please pray for Hannah's intestines & for this to just be a little bump in the road.

A Message from Aunt Rachel ...

Well, I've had a blast being here in California! Lily is total love bug, pumpkin, and sweetheart. I just love her to pieces. She always has a smile and giggle.

What fun to come and surprise Debbie. She was completely clueless - just the way I wanted it. Thanks to the many people who helped keep my secret. We have had a great time visiting and just hanging out.

I've been amazed and overwhelmed by Hannah's incredible outlook as she deals with this dreadful disease we've come to understand as Aplastic Anemia. She has a joyful spirit about her continually. The girl can sing and dance like nobody's business --- we sure have a lot in common. Wink-wink.

She has to take some nasty tasting medicine twice a day. Debbie gets it prepared in two small cups. It sits on the counter for what seems like a long time to me. I ask Deb about it, her reply is very simple, "She'll take it when she's ready." I question Hannah about this. "Yeah, I just gotta get ready."
Silence. Silence. Silence. I'm so curious.....
"What do you tell yourself to get ready Hannah?"
"I can do it. I can do it. I can do it. I'm a winner," she sings.
BOOM!
Medicine is down the hatch.

I'm a sobbing mess at the kitchen table. I'm overcome by her self talk, ability to prepare herself and simple fact that she took it! No tears. No drama. Just the way life is right now. She's adjusted and accepted it.

She was having some pain so, rather than wait, we took a trip to the hospital on Saturday to investigate. Hannah shed some tears at the idea of some of the procedures. But, again, she got herself ready and did it. She's amazing!

Her mom, Debbie, my sister is a remarkable advocate for Hannah. I watched, listened and learned as my younger sister explained to the doctors what needed to happen. Debbie educated the staff, informed what tests needed to be completed, etc. She did this in typical Debbie fashion: sweet, fun, directly to the point. I'm amazed how Deb's navigated a very difficult journey. Hannah has the "I can do it" attitude as a direct result of her mother.

Debbie, know I sound over the top and I said this directly to you, but....I am so proud of you!!
...the way you advocate for Hannah, the kind word for Hannah just when she needs it, the way you talk to the medical staff, the visits to other patients and their families when you don't have to be there, the way you greet the nursing staff. You have a huge heart that God's using for His glory.
Just the way you are you!

Okay, enough gushing.

Sunday was special for Hannah and I, she declared it "Aunt Rachel and Hannah Day" and I happily obliged.
Mom, Dad and Lily went to church. Hannah's energy level was low, we stayed in our p.j.'s and watched 5 hours of Mystery Diagnosis. This is Hannah's new favorite show. I think it makes her scary medical situation seem like a cake walk in comparison. We made a pizza and munched together on the couch. We snuggled and snuggled.
We went to Color Me Mine and Hannah painted a beautiful plate with an adorable bear on the back. I can't wait to see it in it's finished glory after the kiln.

Here is a video from our time at urgent care and some photos from our special day.

Clinic Day

Hannah has had a great weekend ... mostly because Aunt Rachel has been here loving on her 24/7!!!! Yesterday they spent the entire day together & had a blast .... even if hours were just relaxing because Hannah's energy level was pretty low. Maybe I can get Aunt Rachel to post later about her special time with Hannah. Plus, she took a bunch of great pictures.

Jim & I made it to church -- even got to Sunday school to see our dear friends before class was over. Lily came & of course was her completely charming self saying "Hi", "Bye", "Mom", "Da". I haven't been to our Sunday School class since November and even then, I hadn't been that regularly because we had just come home from China with Lily. Fortunately, the class remembered us .. just kidding!! They actually cheered when we walked in (thanks, guys!) and spent some time praying for us & for Hannah's health. What a God we serve that He has given us such an awesome church family to support us during this time!!! Thanks, Fusion friends - we love you all & thank God for your dear, tender prayers for our family!!!!!

While we were at church we talked with the High School Pastor, Brian, & he said the high school group made a movie last week that they are going to take to Daniel at the hospital. I guess the movie is all the high school kids saying Hi & telling Daniel that they are praying for him ... isn't that awesome? Brian & Kim's high school aged son, Michael, are going to visit Daniel this week & reach out to him. Thanks Brian & Micheal!! I know your visit (and future visits) will make a huge difference for this special young man!!!!

This morning Aunt Rachel & I take Hannah to the clinic to check her blood count numbers & maybe have her get transfusions. Lily is going to Aunt Kim's for some fun, fun, fun!!! That girl goes seamlessly between our homes & I am so thankful that all she knows is love, love, love at either house! What an incredible blessing!!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:8-10

Phew!!

We are back from several hours at Kaiser Fontana. Hannah has been having some intestine pain the past day or so. Instead of waiting for things to get worse, I took her to Kaiser to get checked. Although the Urgent Care personnel are not experts on Aplastic Anemia, they did not mess around. We didn't wait in the waiting room & they got her right in for blood work, ultrasound & xray. Everything turned out fine & we were on our way home around 8pm!!! Thank you, Lord! No sign of swelling in her intestines and the blood work showed that her white blood cell count is at 2.0 (better than last Monday!).

So I don't know what is going on ... maybe we need to lay off the beans a bit. :-)

Hannah is having so much fun with Aunt Rachel here!! Rachel came with us to Kaiser & pushed Hannah all over in the wheelchair. Hannah enjoyed the very "wild rides"!

We are off to snuggle up & watch JAWS. Hannah will be holding Aunt Rachel's hand the entire movie!! My sister is playing up the "I'm scared" part BIG TIME!! Too funny.

Please be praying for our dear friends in the pediatric ward at Kaiser Fontana Hospital right now: Chance, Daniel & Jacob. Jacob's counts are really, really low & Chance is still running a fever.

All God's best from HOME --

Surprise!

Yesterday while Lily & I were napping (because I also require the sleep of a growing toddler!) guess who showed up in my bedroom? My sister, Rachel, from Philadelphia!!!!!!!!!!!! What a shock!! She flew out & surprised Hannah & I. Jim was totally in on the surprise. They really got me ... I had no clue!

Donations for Chance are coming in on the blog & in my mailbox (thank you Rosemary, Wendy & others that are mailing checks!). We just passed the $500 mark today. Donations are at $535 ... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

Chance was admitted to the hospital late on Wednesday night. Please pray for him & that his fever will go away so that he can go home & continue to enjoy time before his bone marrow transplant....and enjoy his P-A-R-T-Y!!!!!

We are off to Disneyland --- today is Jim's birthday!!! Happy birthday, daddy! We love you & thank God for all you do to provide for us ... especially when it is very easy to be distracted during all that is going on with Hannah's health.

Hannah with the Camera

First, let me say, THANK YOU!!!!! I am so thankful for the outpouring of support that I have seen from the followers of this blog for my friend, Chance!! I should have the "CHIPIN" widget on the blog fixed by Thursday so it should finally show the online donations (currently at $185!!). I also have a few that are sending checks so I don't know those amounts just yet. In advance, THANK YOU!!!! I am just blown away by the care & love of friends & kind strangers. Amazing.

Today was a great day -- just hanging out at home. Lily tried on her bikini for the first time & had fun playing in her purple plastic pool in the backyard. At first in her bikini, she was very fascinated by her tummy "sticking out" ... you should have seen her looking at her tummy in the mirror. She looked totally amazed at herself. She loved the pool & sat "squat-style" the entire time while playing with her toys & the water. Hannah danced in the backyard with the hose & had a lot of fun just being HOME. Not to mention that Hannah had a lot more energy since she got much needed red blood cells & platelets yesterday at the clinic.

After pool time, it was time for Lily to take a nap. While I was upstairs with her, Hannah got my camera & made this video on my camera. It is her "Aplastic Anemia Journey" story. She did this ALL ON HER OWN!!! She also took a bunch of pictures of herself ... some of which I will post on her Caringbridge page (hilarious stuff). In the beginning of her video it almost sounds like she is reading some kind of script. This girl has seriously been watching too much of "Mystery Diagnosis"!!! Excuse the very rough footage.

If you want to hear the beginning of Hannah's Aplastic Anemia journey from her point of view ... here you go! Enjoy this video my sweet girl :-)

Pay It Forward for Chance

Update: We have 4 online donors via Chipin & 2 people that are mailing checks –6 donors so far!! Thank you! For some reason the Chipin widget on the blog is not updating but a huge thank you to our 1st online donors: Suzanne, Marsha, Elaine, Connie and those that are sending checks: Sandra & Claudia. Thank you so much for your support!!!

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, I hope you know that from the bottom of my heart, I love to help others. Really.

During this trial of Hannah's illness we have made many friends at the hospital. One wonderful friend, that I have talked about, is 10 year old Chance. He is one very, very special boy!

His mom is trying to pull off a huge surprise party on May 2nd for Chance. He turns 11 on May 1st & checks in to the City of Hope for a bone marrow transplant on May 3rd.

Nothing could be more precious than to spend the day before Chance goes to City of Hope with his friends & family - celebrating his awesome life with bouncy house, magician, cake & fun, fun, fun!! I know most that follow my blog, don't know Chance but I am asking for some of us to pull together and Pay it Forward for this very special boy.

I can't imagine what I will be doing with Hannah the day before should we have to check into City of Hope for a bone marrow transplant -- but if my dream would be a birthday party the day before her admission, I would hope that friends & kind strangers would help me achieve that dream day for her. What would you plan for your child the day before a bone marrow transplant? I am sure most of us can't even begin to imagine.

Without being asked, I am raising funds for this super surprise party. The unexpected out-of-pocket expenses can be unbearable during a health crisis like this (as I know many of you also know!), so I am trying to help with this party by reaching out to my blog friends to help offset the costs of this party. All donations will go directly to Virginia, Chance's mom, to cover party expenses.

I know times are tough .... so please, no pressure at all....and if you are completely offended by this plea for help, so sorry.

You can donate via the "CHIPIN" on the right side of this page ... who will be the first to donate!?!? You can also send a check to the PO Box address.

Again, no pressure but let's have fun Paying It Forward for this awesome boy!!!!!!!!!!!

My Sister's Turn

My older sister, Aunt Rachel, learned the Hoedown Throwdown dance and her daughter, Sarah, made a video!!

I love that she is SO FUN!!!!

So, check out my 40 year old sister -- this might just be the best 3:01 minutes of your day!

ENJOY ...

One Less Member of Our Dog Family

Our beagle-dog, Abbie, went to live with Chance & his family. Hannah had brought up the subject of getting rid of Abbie earlier this week (it is something we have been discussing on & off for a few months). Chance's dream has been to have a beagle dog....and his wish was our command!!

It does feel very strange not to have Abbie here tonight but I know she will provide lots of therapy for Chance. We go through dogs faster than we go through automobiles around here, it is a bit pathetic. We are down to just one little Shiatsu (Hannah unknowingly always says the dog is a "SHIT-sue"!). Hannah is already asking for another SHIT-sue dog -- someone please stop me if I start entertaining that request!

Hannah had school at home this week with her teacher on Monday & Wednesday. Her teacher is truly a dream. I know she is making a lifelong impact on my Hannah -- and for that I am forever grateful!! Hannah is thriving & despite missing 3 months of school she is right on track with what the other kids are doing.

Lil is such a pumpkin. There just aren't enough words / pictures to capture her amazing personality & joyfulness. She is such a happy, sweet little baby....and I am just trying to enjoy all things Lily while she is still at this stage where she is small enough for me to hold her & rock her. Of course, she is tall enough now to reach the water cooler ... that thing is going to have to move out of the kitchen for some time or else there is going to be a pond Ala Lily in my kitchen every day!

I know I am having serious delayed reaction stuff from all we have been through these past few months. But I am adjusting & coping -- having good moments & having not so good moments. The other night I walked around K-mart for over an hour doing nothing! Only a mom of a critically ill child can truly understand how therapeutic that was - just to stare at stuff I didn't want or need!!! What has my life come to?

Maybe I should really just book a vacation somewhere?!?

Can't there be a group that does Make-a-Wish for moms that have been through all of this? If not, maybe I should start one. Seriously. Of course, I would have to pre-screen all the places that moms would get sent to! I think I could handle it .... all for a good cause!!! :-)

Just for Fun ... A Video of My Niece

Ok, for all of you that are not related, I won't be offended if you don't watch this video ... but for everyone that is a relative, take a look at this awesome video Sarah made of herself doing the Miley Cyrus Hoedown Throwdown. Not only did she dance, do the flips but also edited the entire thing herself.

It is so adorable to see her growing up, doing back flips & making videos of herself - I just love it!!

Sarah is one very special, special girl. I love her so much & thank God for the joy she has been in my life for 14+ years!!

And now, presenting The SarahAnne Show ....

Enjoy!!

PS -- Thanks for all the nice emails & messages. Today was a really good day!

Too Much For Me

No, not my taxes this year .....

just the emotions of everything.

Last week when Hannah & I were in the hospital for her transfusions it just about put me over the edge. Can you imagine after all that time we spent in the hospital that one night back would be enough to make me feel like I might go into a dark depression? Really. Being there, hearing so many babies crying (one was exactly Lily's age) & seeing Daniel so sick made me so weepy. I couldn't even hold back my tears as I chatted with Daniel that night.

This week, when we went to the clinic it was supposed to be a super quick visit: access port, take blood samples, de-access port & exit building. We weren't even going to wait for the blood results!! That kind of an easy-breezy-visit just didn't happen. It was truly one of the worst clinic visits we have ever had. Hannah was so terribly upset by what went on at the clinic. It just broke my heart into a million pieces in that treatment room to see her suffering. She is just a normal kid - why does a 1.25" needle need to get stuck into her chest 3 times in one clinic visit? WHY?? It was too much to take. Too much. Too much. Too much. On top of the bad clinic visit I had received terrible news on the drive to the clinic. Our friend from the hospital, Jacob (age 6), was re-diagnosed with Leukemia & he is now on track for a bone marrow transplant, pending a donor.

On the drive home I just felt like: I am d-o-n-e. Can I please just get back to my regularly scheduled program of L-I-F-E???

Despite my lack of understanding, I know that the life I am living IS exactly the life that God has "regularly scheduled" for me. This isn't some accidental detour of my life. This life I am living, what seems like a nightmare, IS exactly HIS PLAN. Sometimes I just don't want anything to do with this plan.....His plan. I just want my plan. Selfishly, I'd prefer a pain-free life-plan. God's love is great & He hasn't for one second forgotten about the pain. He hasn't let Hannah's life out of His precious pierced hands. He cares for her more deeply than I can ever care for her. He thinks of Daniel all day long. He thinks of Chance all day long. He loves Jacob like crazy & thinks of him all the day long. His desire is for each of us to know His tremendous love. Despite the tremendous pain, I am learning to trust in the Lord as I walk this road. This road that is truly too much for me. But this road, the road each of us walk, is not for one second too much for Him.

The same God that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in Hannah's little bone marrow. Thank you for the encouraging white blood cell count this week of 2.5!!!!! As Hannah says, "My bone marrow did it! My bone marrow did it!" Thank you, Lord!! I trust You. I don't understand this plan but I trust You on this painful & exhausting road.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 182:2-3

Our Friend, Daniel

We made friends with many wonderful people while living at Kaiser Fontana but one very special young person we know & love is Daniel. He just turned 17.

He was diagnosed with Stage IV leukemia on 12/31/08. He lives over an hour away from the hospital & he spends most of his time at the hospital without the support of a parent.

Hannah & I had a great visit with Daniel while we were on the ward Wednesday night for her transfusions. Daniel wanted to see Lily so Jim & I went back to Kaiser Fontana on Thursday night while Hannah was at Aunt Kim's.

I have to tell you, Lily will barely sit on anyone's lap if I am around. She usually doesn't even sit on Hannah's lap for very long without saying "Mom" (but sounds like "Maaam"). So while we were visiting with Daniel I asked if he wanted to hold Lily. He said sure & guess what? Lily did not want to leave him!! She sat with Daniel for over 20 minutes!!! You could see how happy it made Daniel to have her on his lap all that time. He was gently tickling her & getting her to really giggle at him.

Lily had no idea what therapy she provided that night -- truly it was the Lord keeping her on his lap all that time. She just doesn't do that!!! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this baby girl that brings joy to us & many others!!!

The pictures don't really do justice to the beauty of the time Lily was on Daniel's lap.

Please do pray for Daniel's healing -- he is in the hospital for chemotherapy, anti-biotics & medication for a blood clot in his leg. He is a dear young man!!!

What's So Important About Easter?

By Rick Warren
Saddleback Church

Two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.


What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and he came to earth to save us.

Three events occurred in a dramatic succession on that Easter weekend: the trial of Jesus, then the death of Jesus, and finally the resurrection of Jesus. Let's look at each of those events and their implications.

The Trial

Jesus actually went through six trials. In that one night, he was brought before Annas, Caiphas (the high priest), the Sanhedrin (the religious Supreme Court), Pilate (the governor of Jerusalem), Herod (the governor of Galilee), and then back to Pilate. At the end of those six trials, what did they find to accuse him of? Nothing. He had done nothing wrong. They brought in people to make up phony charges, but those didn’t stick. Finally they convicted him on one count: claiming to be the Son of God. That’s the sole reason Jesus went to the cross. They didn’t like that claim.

Everyone who has ever been presented with Jesus has already made some kind of decision about who he is. You either believe he’s a liar, or you believe he’s a lunatic, or you believe he’s the Lord. It can’t just be: “I believe he was a good teacher.” He couldn’t be just a good teacher, because a good teacher would not say, “I’m God, and I’m the only way to heaven.” A good person would not say that unless it was the truth.

Jesus claimed to be the Savior of the world. In John 12:47, he is recorded as saying: “I didn’t come to judge the world. I came to save it.” He allowed himself to be put on trial so there would be no doubt about who he was. He could have stopped the trial at any moment. He knew he would be proven guilty and put on the cross -- but he allowed it to happen. It was all part of the plan.

The Death

After a night of beatings and mocking, after being crowned with painful thorns, Jesus was crucified. Crucifixion is probably the most brutal and torturous death penalty ever devised by men. His hands were stretched out wide against the cross and nailed through the two bones in each wrist. As the nails went through this part of the flesh, they would strike the nerve that travels up the arm and cause excruciating pain.

If you hung this way for any period of time, the muscles around your chest cavity began to be paralyzed. You’d be able to breathe in but you couldn’t breathe out. Death on a cross would have been a simple matter of suffocation -- except the Romans didn't want to make it that easy. They’d take a person’s knees and bend them a little bit and nail the feet to the cross. So a man would hang there in absolute agony until the pain in his chest was about to explode -- and then he would lift himself up on his nailed feet to grab a breath. When the pain in his feet grew unbearable, he’d let himself back down again -- until the pain in his lungs became unbearable. It was an incredibly torturous event. Eventually, the soldiers would break the legs of the criminal to hasten death by suffocation.

In the case of Jesus, they didn’t have to break his legs, because he had already died. But just to make sure, they stuck a spear in his side. Water and blood came out of the chest cavity, which, doctors say, only happens if the heart rips. You can call it what you want, but Jesus died of a broken heart.

Why did Jesus have to die? Because he alone was able to pay for your sins. You deserved punishment, but Jesus paid the penalty for you.

The Resurrection

After Jesus died, they took his body down and put him in the tomb, and a giant millstone was set in front of the cave. The religious leaders -- worried that Jesus’ body might be stolen -- asked for Roman guards to be posted in front of the tomb. They didn’t want him coming out! But of course, he did.

You know the story. But it’s important to remember that Easter is not some memorial to a nice, good religious teacher who lived 2,000 years ago. It’s a celebration of the fact that he is alive today. I’m living proof -- and so are the approximately 1 billion Christians who will celebrate Easter this weekend.

“... by being raised from the dead he was proved to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God himself.” (Romans 1:4, LB)

Easter is the good news about God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came as a human baby, born into King David's royal family line. Four historical records say he showed himself to 500 people at one gathering. Can you imagine witnessing his death and then seeing him walking around Jerusalem three days later? What an amazing thing! When Jesus was hanging on the cross, the skeptics and critics mocked him and said, “If you’re the Son of God, why don’t you just pull yourself down from that cross? Why don’t you just come down and show that you’re really God?” Jesus had something more spectacular planned. He said, “I’m going to let you bury me for three days, then I’ll come back to life to prove that I am what I am.”

What does this mean to us today? In one sense, Jesus Christ is still on trial. He’s on trial in the heart and mind of every person who has not yet acknowledged him as the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

What’s your verdict? You see, Easter really boils down to only two issues. One, is Jesus who he says he is? Is he God? Or is he a lunatic or a liar? And two, if he is who he says he is, when are you going to start following what he says to do with your life?

Today, you sit in judgment of Jesus Christ. Just as Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus who is called the Christ?” you also must decide whether he was who he said or not.

Are you willing to gamble your life that he was wrong?

How to give your life to Christ:

1. Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness.

2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.

3. Through prayer, confess that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and commit to live for Him for the rest of your life.

What to Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave to give me life. I know You are the only way to God so now I want to quit disobeying You and start living for You. Please forgive me, change my life and show me how to know You. In Jesus' name. Amen.


--------------------------

HE IS RISEN!

If you prayed this prayer, please email me: eriksenvp at gmail dot com

All God's best from our home --

Is it just me?

Warning: This post has some real talk involving a dirty diaper & a baby (but a cute video at the end of the post).

Is it just me or is it sometimes so hard to change the diaper on a toddler????

Lily has been really doing this whole 'I am going to just roll over' action every time I try to change her diaper. Besides the attempts to roll over, she also tries to "wipe herself" .. not even kidding! She is in such a stage of mimicking right now, that everything we do, even the diaper deal, is something she wants in on. I try to distract her .. toys, food, cup, Hannah ... anything! Today I gave her a pretzel for her hand so that she might be distracted while I tried to get a big time stinky diaper changed in a jiffy. Ok, "stinky diaper" is literally the understatement of the century! I should have been wearing a Hazmat suit for what was in that diaper!!! So, I get the diaper unfastened & then of course, she decides - 'perfect time for me to use all my back strength to try & roll over'. I wish I was kidding but her entire diaper just about fell off upside down like a pancake onto the bed (who needs a changing pad, anyway?) I got her settled back down so that I could wipe off the mush of breakfast, lunch & dinner from yesterday only to realize that as I was grabbing wipes she began to "wipe herself" with the pretzel. I am not even joking ... and yes, I hear all you moms laughing right now. Hannah was cracking up by all the poop-festivities taking place between mommy & Lily.

So is this all just me? Is this normal? I don't remember Hannah ever trying to invent new pretzel flavors in the midst of diaper changes at this age. What am I doing wrong? Help!


On a totally different, much more sanitary note, here is a little video from today -- I had to grab the video camera because Lily was playing doctor with an old doll of Hannah's ... except she was taking the stethoscope & singing into it for the doll to hear. Too cute. Enjoy .. the happy moments of life at home. Dirty diapers & in our pj's until 2pm!!!

Bookmark This

This blog will soon be changing ... we have set up a Caring Bridge page just for updates about Hannah's health & happiness.

Check out Hannah's regular updates at www.caringbridge.com/visit/hannah7

You will be asked to set up a Caringbridge account with your email & a password of your choice.

Please join us on Caringbridge to keep up on Hannah's journey with Aplastic Anemia. We look forward to "seeing you" there!

Pictures & Hannah's Teacher

So my sister was not satisfied with my description of Hannah at the Easter Party & is demanding for pictures to be posted! Ha.ha :-) Here are pictures from the Easter party last Saturday & pictures of Hannah on the front lawn having school with the world's greatest 1st grade teacher!! Hannah is doing home / hospital school since her counts are still too low to be in school full or part time. Her teacher comes to our house & Hannah LOVES having one-on-one time with Miss Viglizzo. Between that & the many gifts Hannah receives, she thinks this Aplastic Anemia thing is a pretty good deal. Oh my ... if only she knew how serious her illness is! I guess it is good we have protected her from the worries of Aplastic Anemia & she can still be a kid at heart!

A few weeks back we filled out paperwork for Hannah to do a Make-A-Wish .... she is so excited & has a few good ideas for what she'd like. :-) What an awesome program that gives her something so fun to look forward to in the midst of port accessing, transfusions & clinic appointments.

Life is good.


DADDY & HANNAH WITH BASKETS FOR THE GIRLS


LOOK WHO WON THE RAFFLE BASKET & $100 GIFT CARD FROM WALMART!


MOMMY & HER TREASURES


HANNAH & HER AWESOME TEACHER HAVING SCHOOL ON THE FRONT LAWN

Easter Party

Yesterday we all attended an Easter party in the morning for cancer kids & critically ill children. Hannah was so excited for the party -- she dressed up with a tiara, curled hair & make-up. Yes, my 7 year old was wearing make-up!? I know. I know........but really, who really cares?!?! Hannah got to make an Easter basket, eat an awesome lunch with baked beans (her favorite) & play games. She even won a raffle -- a $100 gift card to Walmart!! One of our friends from the clinic, Morgan, won 5 tickets to an upcoming Taylor Swift concert. I was so excited for Morgan, you would have thought that I had won the tickets. The party was put on by a non-profit organization, Adonai, that coordinates events to encourage families with critically ill children. They are an incredible group & God is truly using them to encourage so many families. I was just blown away by all the volunteers that went out of their way to make all of the kids (and families) feel comfortable, loved & welcomed. What a gift those volunteers gave to us yesterday! Hannah & I even discussed going back when she is all better to help. What a joy that will be one day to go as a volunteer!!! The next event coming up is a Prom! Our entire family will get to go to the prom. There are even dresses available so that everyone can come dressed in formal attire. I am thinking to maybe rent a limo for the prom. Hannah's dream is to ride in a limo ... so maybe the prom would be a good time for that.

Jim is out of town tonight so it is just me & the girls. Lily went to sleep around 7pm & Hannah is already snoring away here right next to me ... so much for us enjoying the Country Music Awards together :-)!

Please continue to pray for Hannah's bone marrow to come back. Progress is very slow & we know this road to recovery is long. I know so many people are praying for Hannah .. it just overwhelms me when I keep hearing of more & more people that are praying for her health. Thank you!!! We are coming up this week on one month being home from the hospital ... thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord!! I am so grateful for all things normal - the laundry, the dishes, the dog hair on the tile & the beds that need to be made!!! Who knew? On Tuesday we will be at the clinic to see what Hannah's numbers are & potentially get transfusions.

Introducing Emerson Grace ...

This family in Florida has waited over 3 years to see their daughter's face. To say that today brings joy is an understatement!!!!!!!! Wow, does she have a lot of love waiting for her in Florida!

Check out her awesome smile & eye contact ... I think she & Lily must be cousins or something :-!!

Chinese name: Wan-hu Ling
DOB: MARCH 7, 2008
she's a Jiangxi baby
soon she will be Emerson Grace!

www.addingasister.blogspot.com

Grandma is Gone :-(

Lily was very, very, very sad to see Grandma go today at the airport. She literally kept following her .. like, 'and where do you think you are trying to go??' It was too cute for words. Lily LOVES my mom .. as does, Hannah ... as does, Jim ... and me! We had a great 2 week+ visit with her helping with everything & "just being here" for some of our time at home. Thanks, Mom, for making the long trip from Philadelphia. I am so grateful we got to be home the entire time & do a lot of nothing....it was great!

Jim is out of town and my Mom is gone so tonight it is just me, Hannah & Lily - all 3 girls at HOME!!!

Lily has a cold -- poor thing has a runny nose & a cough but she is still as happy as can be. She scared the heck out of me tonight with a major flip out of her mini -rocking chair. I was in the kitchen with Hannah (10 feet away) ... when I looked over, Lily was standing up on the chair with a huge smile on her face and dove forward onto the tile & completely flipped over. Oh my goodness!!!! MAJOR scare & she barely cried!?!?! Hannah had just finished watching America's Funniest Videos. Maybe Lily thought we could win $100,000 with her front flip trick. Thank you, Lord, she is fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I met with some of the hospital administrators yesterday, along with 2 other moms. It was a difficult & emotional meeting but it was good & I do feel like our concerns were truly heard. The top hospital nurse administrator had a lot of tears in her eyes so I know she cared & had a lot of empathy for what we (and the floor nurses & our children) are going through. I guess the real sign if we were heard or not is if changes are made -- so, we will see.

I have been stalking chinaadopttalk.com all week looking for rumors about referrals. I am waiting to see baby's face on www.addingasister.blogspot.com .... can't wait for the stork to land!