Karlee's 4th Birthday

Karlee has had a really good week; she has been active and playing all the time.  It is like the old Karlee is back and we will take it when we can get it as we are sure there will to tough times ahead.


She recovered from all the fresh air and activity at camp with no ill effects.  In fact the activity, fresh air and good sleep probably did her some good.  Monday she had to make a quick trip up to the Children's Hospital to get a blood match done.  Due to the trend of her numbers Dr. Singh thought she would need blood as her hemoglobin was headed down.  Monday afternoon Dad called the nurse and found out that her numbers had recovered very well and she wouldn't need a transfusion.  So far we have made it through the first 2 months of this journey with only one transfusion which we feel is a huge victory for Karlee.


Tuesday was her regular clinic day.  Mom and Karlee were up there for 9am and everything went according to plan.  Karlee even managed a smile for Dr. Singh during the exam.  She was put under around 11:30 and she was on her way home just after 1pm with a new bottle of 6MP (Chemotherapy).  Karlee rode to get Ryley every day this week and has been playing with him after school.  Ryley is definitely enjoying having his play mate back.  Tuesday night was a Beaver night and Ryley again had a great time.  Dad spent most of the night outside trying to get all the money to balance prior to giving it to the treasurer.  Tuesday was also Popcorn Kickoff night.  Ryley is really pumped about selling $600 this year and getting a marshmallow crossbow.  If anyone is interested in buying some great popcorn, helping a great organization and assisting Ryley in reaching his goal please let us know.


Wednesday night Jennifer went to lifegroup and Dad stayed home with both kids.  We had a really good night watching TV and hanging out.  Thursday night was another hockey evaluation for Ryley.  They got to play a game for most of the ice time so the kids really enjoyed themselves.  Just 2 more evaluations and the teams should be set and we can start having real practices and games.

Friday was Karlee's birthday!  She had a great morning opening all her presents.  I think her favourite present was the finger nail polish and nail art.  Both Karlee and Ryley had to have their nails painted with the new colours this afternoon.  Ryley spent about an hour going around the neighbourhood and selling popcorn.  He is doing really good so far, but can always use more sales.  We took Karlee to McDonald's for supper and then to Okotoks to go swimming.  She had an incredibly high energy level tonight and we stayed for 2 hours.  She spent a lot of time swimming with the life jacket on since she can't wear the belt due to her port.  When we got home Karlee got to have her birthday cake that she had helped make and decorate this afternoon.  She enjoyed us singing to her and blowing out the candles.

Mom has been busy filling custom slipper orders.  For anyone who doesn't know Jennifer makes slippers and sells them at craft fairs and through custom orders.  Due to the impact that the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta has had in our lives she is now donating $5 per pair of slippers to this incredible charity.  If you would like to see her slippers please check out http://www.lewislinens.ca/slippers/ or http://www.facebook.com/slippersbyjennifer.