Answer to Prayer

THE LONG STORY:

Through a series of tests over the last 9 weeks my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that spread to her liver and lung. Her Dr.'s say it is incurable but that they can prolong her life with Chemotherapy treatments every-other week. Last week she got a permanent "port" put in to receive the chemo treatments and another scan to be used as a baseline for comparison through treatment. Last Friday was her appointment with her oncologist to talk treatment schedules and such.

THE SHORT:

Comparing the latest scan to the one from 8 weeks ago...her liver cancer appears to be shrinking! This is before any treatment. In regards to some previous lesions the report reads 'RESOLVED!' It's an answer to prayer. Praise the Lord! She still does have cancer in her colon, lung and liver but this is great news that it isn't growing.

The best part of it is that my Mom won't be starting Chemotherapy just yet.  She will most likely wait 6-8 more weeks and get another scan. So keep on praying for complete healing!

One more quick note...I've been amazed at the strength and grace that my Mom has shown through this tough time. She is one stellar woman and I love her dearly. 

Easter Bunny who?

Amy  - puuuulease control your 6yr old.

Overheard

Ava:  "Is anyone going to push me?   Is anyone going to push me?"

(Not sure exactly who she was talking to and how long she had been asking that question...since we were all running around the yard talking and playing frisbee) 

Routines

I never realized that little habbits turn into routines that Ava hangs on to. Take for instance this morning...

Our usual morning routine (on days I work)

1) I get Ava dressed while Brian gets ready

2) Brian starts breakfast with Ava while I get ready

3) Brian leaves for work and I finish breakfast

Today's routine went a little differently

1) Ava ate in her PJ's with Brian

2) Brian left for work and I dressed Ava

Everything was fine until Ava ran from her nursery into our bedroom (in her usual excited fashion) asking her almost daily question..."Daddy, I look pretty?" When she realized he wasn't there to answer with his usual "Yes, Ava, very pretty" -  we had a little fling on the floor meltdown in the dark, daddy-less bedroom.  

Our solution: call Daddy and ask him over the phone...

"Daddy, I look pretty?"   -    "Yes, Ava, VERY pretty."

spring break

Usually spring break means sunny destinations, rest and relaxation...not at our house. This year it meant shovels and gravel, scrapes and backaches, and lots and lots of DIRT! My wonderful, handy husband spent his break last week making new pathways and stone walls for the yard. But he can't take all the credit - he did have a little helper to lighten the load.  Here she is "working hard" (in her own words)...

...although I am not sure that digging up buckets of gravel you just put down is really much help but it sure makes it more enjoyable!

Just look at her cute little (DIRTY) face! 

Out to lunch

We've moved on from the high-chair...for meals out. These days Ava likes to express her independence in many ways- one of which is sitting next to Mommy in a "big girl" chair. Here is Ava in the booth. Cuuuutie pie.