A Final Post

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven’t posted anything in awhile. I’ve been trying to think of the best way to “close out” this blog... While I’m very happy to close this chapter of our lives, it is hard to figure out the best way to put a lid on it!

The last month has been filled with excitement and nervousness. After Christmas, my mom moved out of our house and back into her house. A very emotional event for all of us. We were sad to see her leave but it also was a sign things were getting better. (The day we went to Brenner’s my mom moved in.) 

The girls are back in school. Evelyn has been ecstatic to be back with her friends. Audrey loves being around all of the other babies (she pats them on the head). While, E is excited, she is also drained. Her stamina needs to rebuild. Her comfort zone is definitely in the house (safe and on her terms). She is gaining weight like a champ. You’d think she was in training. She is finally above her pre-surgery weight – a little over 33 lbs. Still a few pounds to go to catch up to her age, but she is well on her way. On E’s first day back at school, we received so many nice messages from her teachers and classmates who had missed her. Lucy’s mom sent a text with Lucy quotes: "What do you think Evelyn will wear to school today?" "Evelyn is not coming for a visit; her is coming to PLAY!" "I'm going to show Evelyn Jesse (new doll) at school today!" (this next one's a tear jerker- warning) "If Evelyn feels sick at school today, she won't have to go to the doctor--- we can take care of her in the classroom."     

Part of being reintroduced back into day care is being reintroduced to all of the germs. We went to our pediatrician so much over the last few weeks, for both kids, that she actually gave me her cell phone number. I love our pediatrician. I said, “Are you SURE you want me to have this?” :) Being sick is part of life but it freaks us (well, me) out now. Evelyn’s cold has progressed through numerous stages over the last few weeks.... Each one leading my mind down various rabbit holes of concern. Last week we went to Brenner's just to appease my insanity. They reassured us she is ok and that her cancer recurring is very slim. It seems she has a viral infection that just won’t go away. I used to be the mom that blew off colds and never went to the doctor. Not anymore! We love our copay!

We have been getting back into our routine of crazy busy weekends. Each large gathering we go to starts with a little hesitation and anxiety from me (and E too, I think). But the more we do, the easier it gets for us and for others. I think some who haven’t seen us in awhile, they don’t know exactly what to say to us. Which is completely understandable. And when we meet new people and somehow it comes up in conversation it is a little awkward as well. Which, again, is understandable.  

We saw a pediatric urologist right before Christmas – again, to appease my craziness. He said E needs to protect her kidney like she protects her brain. She only has one, so it needs to be taken care of. He said she can play sports, just needs to be cautious. This made me feel better about letting her go back to school and out of her bubble. 

Dr Turner, the surgeon who removed the tumor, retired this year. We went to his retirement party. Such a wonderful man. We owe him so very much. (pictured below)

We go to Brenner's in a few weeks for her 3 month check-up (ultrasound, blood work, urinalysis) to make sure no cancer and her kidney is functioning properly. 

Make-A-Wish is reviewing our case. Hopefully we will hear in a few weeks if her wish is granted and when it will happen. E has asked to go to Disney World and see the princesses (big shocker)!  

We are so thankful for all of the prayers and words of encouragement from our family, friends and community. The further we get from this event and the more normal things become – the easier it will be for me to not push the panic button at every turn. Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do. There truly aren’t words to express how lucky we are to be a part of your lives. With this, I am concluding this blog and I am hopeful there won’t be any other news worth reporting!