Family of Four

Spring 2017 Family Pictures.

It was hot. We were tired.
But still some good shots.
I look at these pictures and can't believe we are a family of 4.
I LOVE IT!!

        

   

 

          

5 Years Since Cancer

Five years ago; sometimes it feels like yesterday, sometimes a lifetime ago. My mom and I had just gotten to Ethiopia and had to come home. We were in pure shock- the doctors told my dad he had pancreatic cancer and if he didn't act quickly enough he'd most likely have less than a year to live. It was such a whirlwind! Within a couple weeks he had his Whipple and then 6 months of chemo. The next year was when scans showed the cancer had come back to the liver and he was told to "enjoy this time and get all his affairs in order" AND then the miracle happened. This week he had his 5 YEAR check with the oncologist. I'm in awe how this story has panned out and how he beat all odds.
I'm so thankful to have my dad still here. There were (and are) a lot of special moments that my life hadn't seen yet and I'm so beyond thankful he has been here to live them with us.

Here was my post 5 years ago, in 2012:
"It's been a rough week, to say the least, and this is the post we never wanted to make- We left Ethiopia on Thursday and arrived home Friday night. There is no place in the world we would rather be than next to my dad as our family stands together and fights this battle of cancer ahead of us."

That was one of the hardest weeks of my life. The night we found out. Calling a taxi. Bawling in the lobby of our hotel. The phones not really working. Going to the airport in a taxi. I remember texting my brother and telling him I was so angry and him replying with some very comforting words (can't remember what). Trying to find the next plane out. Having to wait 2 days for the next flight. Traveling outside Addis to meet Biruk, the boy our family sponsored-- feeling so happy but yet so sad. Running through the airport on the way home with my mom's hip in so much pain. My mom was so so very strong. It felt like we were in a fog just being dragged so quickly through so many things on that journey.  

Anderson is 3 Months Old

It's the end of April and we had a very busy and FUN month!

You are smiling, laughing, cooing, and waving your arms and legs all over the place!
It's so fun and adorable to see you start interacting more!
You started this month off with some nasty congestion.
We've been sleeping in the guest room some, which is nice because that means you actually lay down to sleep some now... granted, I still prop you up and it's not great sleep, but it's progress. It's been a super exhausting few months in the ways of sleep (or lack thereof).
You like being held for naps and laugh in your sleep!
We had family pictures at a nearby park.
You had your first Easter.
You took your very first plane ride and did great.
While we went to Disney World but you stayed at the hotel with Grandmom for lots of cuddles (and we wanted to keep you safe/healthy... we promise to take you back someday so you can enjoy it!).
You LOVE your brother soooo much!
You like sitting up in your floor seat.
We hope sitting up helps calm down some of the spit up.
When you are happy, you are very very happy, and your smile makes me melt!!!
Also, your hair is getting even more red! It's kinda thinning and getting long and wispy so I think we're going to need to trim it soon!

It's still not super easy; there's still lots of spit up and fussiness but I'm exclusively pumping and I think we've found some bottles that are making it a little easier on all of us.
Every month you seem to be getting happier and better.... keep it up, buddy!!



Elliott is not quite 2.5 years old:
Talking more and having conversations; sometimes we have a take a minute to figure out what he's talking about but he's always onto something and knows what he means AND IS SILLY.. and it's so cool how he's understanding so many more things that we say too!
He refers to himself as "Elliott" a lot in conversations and it's so cute!
He knows his first, middle, and last name.
LOVES books and singing songs.
Knows shapes,letters, and numbers... starting to associate letters with words, like "V is for Vulture"
Likes putting on clothes and shoes by himself. His green striped "bat pajamas" are a favorite. Also likes wearing accessories like glasses, gloves and hats.
Pretends to be animals (crab is pretty cute).
Loves looking at the moon and stars.
Fake burps and thinks picking his nose is funny.
Likes walking in my "Tippy Toes" (high heel shoes) around the house... and is surprisingly really good at it. Haha!
Is learning how to work the TV remote-- we're in trouble! Tries to tell it UmiZoomis.
Likes Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies and Mickey Mouse
Loves loves loves Anderson so much and still asks to hold him often.
Loves making forts and wrestling with Daddy on the floor.

Funny story that I hope you don't hate me for when you're older. One day you were supposed to be napping and I walked in and you were standing by your crib. I noticed you were pooping and asked you if that's what you were doing and you said, "Rock in my booty. Cheeseburger in my booty. Giant coke in my booty."
There's never a dull moment around here.
Also, thank you SO MUCH to Grandpop for the genius idea to put chip clips on Elliott's carseat straps to keep him from being able to push his chest clip down and get his arms out of the straps. So many times I had to pull over and fix him in his seat... my dad was out walking the dogs and called me to tell me his idea! It has worked like a charm!! Hallelujah!

Favorite Pictures From the Month: