Not Much to Share

We are to the point now that there's not much going on with Ryan. We had the Wulber Doo this past weekend and it turned out to be a very good evening for it. Aubrey had a lot of fun trying to eat an apple for the first time ever, she knew exactly what to do and took a bite out of my mom's. She also tried to hunt for corn cobs in the straw pile. She didn't find anything but she had fun. I left my camera at home so I can't upload any photos, although my mom and some other friends were taking pictures. I'll probably have some soon.

-A

Normal is Good

I think that our normal has returned. We have settled into a routine around our house and Aubrey really enjoys the times that Daddy takes her outside for a gator ride or we talk a walk - she enjoys both the stroller and her new bike. She hates coming inside though. Daddy is back to giving baths most nights, which Mommy enjoys because she gets a few minutes of down time.

We've got an old lawn mower that Ryan's supposed to be working on fixing. Aubrey decided she'd try to take it for a ride a few weekends ago.

So Far, So Good

Ryan has been on his chemo pills for 2 days now. He takes them at night, right before bed. So far, he hasn't felt sick or anything and he hopes to continue that way. He had a field trip to the Farm Science Review today, he much enjoyed it. He has been working on his car the last couple evenings after coming home from school, so he must not be too tired :) He still falls asleep around 9, but that's ok.

Enjoying the week and hope you all are too

-A

Another Week In

Ryan has survived another week at school. He had a late meeting on Wednesday, so that wore him out a little bit. Otherwise, the week went well. He had a doctor's appointment last night - he got a lumbar puncture, a bone marrow biopsy, and a push of another chemo drug. He seemed to do well, he is still sleeping this morning. He did not get sick, that's always a good thing. He thought he would feel ok today, was a little tired last night.

Aubrey continues to do well, she's toddling around pretty quickly these days. She loves going to the baby-sitter's and playing with the other kids, but is always happy to see me when I come to pick her up. I'm glad we have a great baby-sitter, it makes it easier for me to go to work everyday, which has been busy lately.

Here's a picture of Aubrey after eating 2 of my grandma's tomatoes - right from the vine.



We appreciate all of you who still keep us in your prayers.

-A

A Week Complete

Ryan made it through the first week of school. He was a bit tired when he got home yesterday, but made it through most of the evening, supper, a walk and bathtime, before crashing on the floor. Aubrey slept well last night - no coughing or crying - I think she's got allergies and it cutting teeth so she was miserable a few nights this week - and so we all slept well.

When Ryan went to get blood drawn on Wednesday and the lady who took the blood said the tests were to check levels of something and possibly for a virus. We haven't heard anything from the doctor and Ryan has been feeling fine, so we're assuming that everything is good.

Ryan goes back for his next checkup next Friday.

Aubrey flew a kite for the first time this week, at the baby-sitters. She even took a walk riding on her new tricycle the other night. This picture is from her birthday, but you can see how much she already likes it.

Back to School

Ryan headed back to school today. He was up bright and early this morning - ready to go. He said he had a good day and is happy to be back to work. I figured he might be so worn out that he would need a nap when he came home, but he helped Aubrey ride her tricycle outside on the porch while I mowed our yard and then he played with her until I had supper ready. He went to bed around 8:30, but says that he's ready for tomorrow. Please pray that his strength will continue all week.

Please also pray that the tests the doctor called and ordered today are routine. He had bloodwork drawn yesterday and the doctor's office called and left a message today for two more tests. I'm not sure what they are, Ryan tried to call back this afternoon, but no one returned his call. So we'll find out tomorrow and he'll have to get some blood drawn after school. I always go into worry mode when something is out of the ordinary.

Thanks for all your prayers
-A

Getting Back to "Normal"

The last couple weeks have been busy and I have not posted, but I have some pictures to share of Aubrey's birthday and the upstairs rooms that are finished! Although we had to postpone Aubrey's birthday until last weekend, it was a very enjoyable day and she loved it - cake and all.

Ryan is feeling much better. He is going back to school on Tuesday. He will see the doctor again in two weeks. At about that time, he's going to start taking two different chemotherapy pills and he'll most likely be on those for 2 years. His doctor seems to act like he is happy with how Ryan is doing. Ryan is going to work on his combine a little tomorrow and then is ready to get back to school for his students. He took Aubrey and I on a gator ride the other day to look at the crops, they're looking good he says :)