December 17th

Yesterday, Selena took Eden up to Iowa City for her monthly clinic visit. It's just not as easy as it once was! Everything from getting her dressed in the morning, to the trip up, and once inside, according to Selena, the experience wasn't great. When Selena and Eden would go up for the weekly visits (last winter/spring), Eden actually looked forward to seeing her Dr's, nurses, and the ever friendly Child Life Services folks. Apparently Eden only said about 20 words the entire time they were there. Normally, Eden says 20 words just to tell us what she wants for breakfast! This particular trip to the clinic included an LP (lumbar puncture). Either the medications prior to the shot or the shot itself made her sick, so bless Selena's heart, she dealt with it as best she could. God was with them as some good friends of ours were across the street from where they stopped and lended a much needed hand. After the girls got home, and after a good long nap, Eden seemed much better. When she woke up, we asked her what she wanted to eat (remember the long nap)...........she said "lets go eat breakfast, and I want french toast". The kid thought it was breakfast time!! So, we made french toast, and she ate very well. We were pleased that it all stayed down too!

Eden's ear infection from a few weeks ago is gone, however, a nasty cough hasn't left yet. Thankfully, it only affects her at night, after she's been sleeping for several hours. It lasts about an hour, and then goes away. We're all looking forward to that cough taking a hike!

Earlier this week while i was at work, i was summoned up to the front desk. I figured it was someone from the general public coming in with a question on some environmental regulation. Nope, it was our friend and neighbor from just down the street, who brought in two wrapped Christmas presents for Eden! That night, I brought the gifts home and placed them beneath our tree. When Eden first seen them, of course, she wanted to open them. We told her, sorry, you have to wait til Christmas. Her response, "dad, we have our Christmas tree up, so it's Christmas". I told her "you're correct, it is the Christmas season, but Baby Jesus's birthday isn't until the 25th, so you have to wait". She was fine with the answer, so she just rearranged the packages back under the tree, and went on her way.

Selena and I are so very thankful for where we are right now. Looking back on this past year reminds us of how much our lives have changed. Obviously, no one wants to have cancer affect their life, however, it's certainly made us appreciate certain things more, and certain other things much less. Thank you for your prayers for our family!