The Big Day

As I pulled back the shower curtain early this morning, there stood Christi holding Hank & Ranger- stuffed dogs from the "Hank the Cowdog" books with a big smile on her face. She told me she was too excited to sleep any longer. I wished her a happy birthday and she reminded me, "Not until 1:13 PM." After breakfast, we measured her and put the traditional black permanent marker on the laundry room wall- indicating another year of growth, truly "miracle growth" with this special child. Then it was off to the hospital with Daddy. Her morning mission was to deliver a twirl paper dog that she made for Mr. Kerschner at the bank. Mike had asked her to make him one like the one on Shayne's phone. Christi said "Mr. Kerschner says I can make dogs for all the offices in the bank!"


Shayne reported that she literally skipped into the hospital and he didn't know if he'd ever seen her so happy. Much to my surprise and delight her platelets were 44 - well above transfusion level. Praise God! (Some of those platelets should be her own.) The surprise was that her hemoglobin was down to just 8.1 so she'll be stuck in bed at the hospital for many hours tomorrow getting a blood transfusion. At least it can be done in our wonderful hometown and not get in the way with her horsing around party tomorrow. We're very thankful about that!

During my lunch break we had a three way conference call with the wonderful NP Pat Brophy. She will not be at CHOP on Thursday when Christi & I fly in and out, nor during Christi's May 21st BSO / L-PAM trial so she wanted to go over everything with us. She also informed us that we have received CHOP's IRB approval. There are still a few things that could go wrong, but it looks like it's all coming together and it's going to happen. Currently, her stem cells are being shipped from MSKCC to CHOP and a vial to be tested is on its way to Los Angeles. MSK does a lot of things right and two of those are that they freeze stem cells in many small bags and not just one large bag like some institutions- so we have three "servings" for three possible infusions down the road and another thing is they store the vial separately so that the vial can be sent off to LA for testing. Pat says it's highly unlikely that they will comeback as positive, but it could happen. (Our prayer request is that Christ's NYC stem cells arrive safely, are negative and that they will re-start her life on May 26th.)

Christi enjoyed a fabulous day at school and then Shayne arrived with
the limo!! The kids thought they were being treated like movie stars and giggled all the way to the ceramic shop.


Kaylyn's sweet Mother, Jenny, put on a fabulous party at "The Petite Shop" where the kids happily painted darling ceramics (bunnies, cats, Care Bears) and chatted away.





Because we really enjoyed reading "Hoot" during Christi's many days spent in hospital beds this winter, we were happy to learn that the movie was coming out -and right around the time of her birthday. Therefore, after the "pottery party" the kids rode "in style" to the movie theater to see "Hoot". (We loved this movie!)




Eric & Alicia were able to leave Michigan early and met us at the movie theatre. We're happy they safely arrived along with Allie and their new golden retriever puppy- Ryder. This brought much happiness and laughter to the girls. (I'll share Buckeye and Buttercup's thoughts later, smile.)

THANK YOU to the sweet Angels on earth for sending Christi many thoughtful cards and treats; I know I'll never get around to sending thank you cards. You gave her an incredible treat and gave us great memories to forever treasure!! May your reward in Heaven be great! THANK YOU!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BECKY & GARY!