Peek-A-Bay: Celebrations!

She takes my breath away.

My baby girl turned three! I don't have to have chemo!

As I sit her I'm wrapped in a cashmere blanket one of my dearest friends sent me when Ben was born, listening to the comforting sound of our heat running, watching and listening to a gorgeous spring thunderstorm, sipping my favorite tea - life is beautiful.

Amelia's birthday was perfect, she's "free!". But... she's "Not a big girl!". I'm with her, she's my big, little girl and probably always will be. She is so independent, but still loves to snuggle in. A few weeks ago she wanted to know if people thought she was my nurse. Hmmmm... I thought, why? "Because I take such good care of you.". She held my hand, encouraged me that I would get a little better and a little better, told me to put one foot in front of the other, and yes, baby girl, I bet people do think you're my nurse. Come to think of it, she was so right on. I would/will get a little better and I only needed to put one foot in front of the other.

But, I digress, back to her birthday! The day was sunny but cool. I got to spend time outside drawing with chalk and blowing bubbles with Ben while Amelia enthusiastically chased them around the yard. Daddy arrived with a huge bunch of pink and purple balloons (which is quickly becoming a birthday tradition at our home) and Amelia ran down the sidewalk shreaking with delight! We ordered Julienne Tomatoes, had a delightful lunch, savored She She's chocolate angel food cake complete with a TinkerBell fairy on top, and opened presents lovingly filled with fairies, princesses, and dress-up. My girl was thrilled and so was I. It was a beautiful day.

Tinkerbelle cake courtesy of She She.

Setting the table for her party!

I realized during this whole process that I used to be sad as I watched Ben and Amelia turn another year older. I mourned the passing of time. Thursday was really a celebration for me of how much they have grown, how much I love them and who they are becoming, and the time I have been with them. Much better perspective, I like that!

Switching gears...

I had a rough couple of days this past week and so David took Thursday and Friday off to just be with me and the kids. I seem to be most comfortable when he is around. I am feeling stronger now though so hope to resume a revised normal schedule this week.

On Friday, the kids went with my in-laws out to their 80 acres just outside of town to have a little lunch-time cook out. David and I decided to walk the beautiful new trail along the river that runs through town. I wanted to find out if my Onco test was in (an amazing, relatively new test that can determine a) how likely it is that the cancer will return and b) how receptive the cells are to chemotherapy treatment). We were getting bounced around and placed on hold a ton, which was a new experience for us with MDAnderson and we spent the first 15 minutes of our walk waiting. And then, we came around a bend in the trail and one of my girlfriends and her kids were there. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by amazing friendships. I knew the moment we saw her that the news would be good. And... it was! My cancer is highly unlikely to return and at most I would receive a 2% benefit from chemo - No Thank You! Houston, we're moving on!

I am making plans, enjoying every day, able to sleep on my side (yes!), excersizing a bit, hugging my kids and husband more and working on breathing and slowing down a bit. Life is so precious.... don't you know?!

Oh... another highlight of the week was escaping to the woods for the afternoon. We hadn't done this is too long!