Sunday, January 18, 2009

Slept like a . . .

toddler! Thanks for your prayers about this. We all had a glorious night's sleep last night as Eden slept until 8:15 this morning.

Eden continues to win the hearts of everyone on the floor. She has now decided that one of the fish in the aquarium is hers. We are not sure that Eden will be willing to leave the hospital without him. You can imagine how many trips we take to the tank daily. On that note, this place is amazingly well-equipped for little ones. It has really helped our transition. In addition to the play room, aquarium, and wagons, there are plenty of staff to provide information, adaptive games, and even MUSIC (Eden's favorite). There is much abuzz on the floor about the upcoming "Dance Marathon" at the university. The students raise money that funds many of the accoutrements that we are able to enjoy. Check it out if you get a chance: http://www.uiowa.edu/~dancemar/


Eden has been a Daddy's Girl today and it was very fitting as it was Kurt's B-day. If you know the unselfishness of Kurt you know that it did not phase him and he was just glad to have Eden with him.

The heartbreaking part of the day was experiencing the "steroid rages"-- tantrums that are only worsened by her age. We feel so helpless as parents. . . When she was crying, kicking, & screaming I asked her what is it that she wanted, and she said "home." We are looking forward to taking her home but a bit scared to as well.

We see the power of prayer as Eden completed her first set of vitals without tears. She even wanted Nurse Ashley to take her temp (a role that Kurt and I had assumed to ease her fear.)Eden continued oral chemo today. Tomorrow she will have her first shot of chemo that will be given to her in her leg. And, as you can imagine, that brings us to our prayer requests.

-Pray that she does not have any side effects from the new Chemo

-Her blood counts are good

-The effects of the steroids are minimized

-Nurse Ashley has a great couple days off . . .

Love you all

K & S


9 comments:

  1. Eden,
    We are SO proud of you! Keep up the good work! Love yall and we will continue to pray!

    Happy Birthday Kurt!

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  2. All of you are in our prayers! Eden looks and sounds like she is a very strong little girl. I know you guys will get through this. Just take it one day at a time.

    Trisha and Rodney

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  3. Although we've never met, I feel like we know you. After all, we're all family through Christ! We're friends of Jim & Denise Zieglowsky and also Jarad & Amy Ropp so our family at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church spent time in prayer for you yesterday. As parents of 3 and 5 year old boys I can imagine your pain yet, not having been through it, can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions you must feel each day. Take comfort that there are thousands of people praying for you and your family! Hugs to little Eden!!
    Donna, Nelson, Camden & Jackson Miller (Kalona)

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  4. Good Morning, Eden, Kurt and Selena: This is Cale. (Mom is helping me write this.) She just told me about the Dance Marathon at Iowa. I just wanted to tell you that I know all about the DM here at ISU! A group of them came to my school last fall and told us all about it and did a demonstration. They did that because the Middle School here in Gilbert had their own Mini-Dance Marathon to help raise money and I went and participated!! At the time, I had no idea that the money I raised would actually be helping someone I knew...that someone is YOU!! But now it means that much more to me! I think that's pretty cool! Eden, do you remember when you were at our house while Mommy and Daddy went to the football game? You had to wear PJ's of Trevor's because Mommy forgot yours? They were TOO big!! I have a picture from that night right by my bed, so I think of you often. I hope that you can come see us again soon. We miss you and we can't wait to smother you with our hugs and kisses again!

    I'll think of all of you when I wear MY Dance Marathon T-shirt!!

    Love, Cale

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  5. Eden,
    We are so proud of you for being such a big, strong girl and taking all your medications. All of this tough stuff you are going thru right now will pay off soon so you won't have any more ickys!! We love you, Eden Joyce!! Take care of Mommy & Daddy and give them lots of hugs & kisses...they need them too!!
    Bub, Kim, Hannah & Brandon

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  6. Eden, Kurt and Selena,

    We are thinking of you and sending you our love and prayers.

    Dave, Toni and family

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  7. Eden, Selena and Kurt,
    All three of you are and will contine to be in our thoughts and prayers!
    Life is so very precious but at times can be tough and will throw a few punches. You are all at the very best facility available, try to count your blessings that you are all in good-hands and that Eden is now on her road to recovery.
    We are all on-your-side and Love you so!
    Jo will stop-by tomorrow morning.
    Jo and Jim, Joanna and Matt

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  8. Dear Family,
    Our good friend Jennifer Shike has told us about you and you are on our prayer list. Our cousin's son has leukemia and although has been into this for about a year, he continues treatment. The great thing is, though, he continues to heal each and everyday. We know God will keep Eden close as will give the Dr.'s and nurses his guidance as they help her recover. Praying for you all . . . The Ludwig's from Champaign.

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  9. Eden, we are sending healing blessings to you. Please share them with Mom and Dad.

    Blessings

    Emmett and Chris

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