Happy Father's Day to Me

My day started with presents in bed. The first was one of my favorite Stella photos in a frame. The second was my new "Team Jordan, est 2006" jersey t-shirt! You see here that Stella (and her mom) got one, too.

(Special thanks to my co-worker, Ellie, for helping Markana complete the vision.)

My day ended with Stella's first birthday party! Technically we're two weeks early, but M's folks were in town, Byron came for Father's Day and a few locals pals helped us celebrate before we went out of town for the 4th. Despite the 90+ temps, all had a good time watching Stella stuff her face with her first cake. (see all pictures at our Picasa page.)

Happy Father's Day to all Dads!

Handy Stella

Mommy had to go to Vandy today for a blood transfusion, so Daddy stayed home to watch Little Miss S. We ran out of fun things to do around the house, and since it was super hot and humid outside, we opted for the cool, wide aisles of our local Target.

This picture documents my first display of affection via inexpensive, mass-marketed stuff. (By the look on her face, it's working.) That's Handy Manny on the ball (for those of you who don't regularly watch DirecTV channels 190-205), one of the few toddler tv characters that doesn't make me crazy. To the left, a soccer ball. (Yes, I know. Why two?) Out of view to the right is a box of Tonka cars. She's already making "vrrrooom, vrrrooom" noises when we play with the cars, though you'd be hard-pressed to know the difference between the engine noise and her cow impression.

All were a big hit. We played on the living room floor a good part of the afternoon, and she had a hard time deciding which of the new toys she likes the most.

That is until she discovered the empty USPS box by the front door. Open, close. Open, close. Open, close. Open, close.

I hope Target enjoys my $20.

Wards and Westbrooks

We continue to feel fortunate to have so many selfless friends and family members. This past week we hosted M's parents, Mark and Shelia (again! they've been so helpful for so long!), my sister, Elisabeth, and her daughters, Madelyn and Lilly. As most of you know, M's ICE treatment has been many times worse than the ABVD, and there's no way we could've made it through the week without their help.

We love you all. Thanks again and again.

Stella had a big week with her grandparents and cousins, and we're convinced she's closer to walking than ever. Having older playmates around suits her, as she is (and always has been) a hyperbusy-body. But she's now at the age where she's also realizing words exist, actions have consequences (don't lick the floor!) and everything is enthralling. She probably learned more this week than in the last month. Needless to say, she slept hard most of the week.

Madelyn, Stella, Lilly, Elisabeth

My Beautiful Wife

Tonight we shaved Markana's head.

Her hair started falling out slowly over the weekend, and today there was no question that it was coming out for good. She's been one of the fortunate few that kept her hair through the initial rounds of chemo, but everyone said that this new treatment should knock it out for good.

Funny how losing her hair seemed so trivial months ago. She never seemed to care that it was going to happen. In fact, she chopped most of it off last October in anticipation. But now, after everything that's happened, and considering how well she feels physically, to have it all fall out is an unwelcome reminder that she's sick.

Actually, however, it's a hopeful sign that these *!@#*&@*#&! toxins running through her veins might actually be kicking some cancer butt. One more round this weekend and then hopefully the good news we've been waiting 9 months to hear.

I love you baby. You're beautiful.