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.

The Kindness of Others

We were given such a wonderful gift. My sweet friend Heather had photographs taken of Jude soon after he was born. The pictures were beyond amazing and I have been so envious - Stella was such a "spirited" baby and would have never participated in such an event. Therefore, we had never had her picture taken professionally. (Though Chip has captured so many beautiful images)

This very gifted photographer, Mandy Johnson, asked those who follow her blog to nominate someone in their lives that they thought might need a little "happy" - that she would like to give back - treat them to a private photo session. So, Heather submitted our story and we were selected! Yesterday we had the pleasure of meeting Mandy and on her blog she has given a little peek at what is to come.

Thank you Mandy. And thank you, Heather.

mandyjohnsonphotography.com

Stairs

Stella's new trick. Mommy is in trouble now.

Happy Mothers Day!

Thanks Mimi and Georgia

Markana and I want to thank my Mom and Aunt Georgia for taking care of monkey this past week while we were in Houston for tests. They evidently had a good time, so much that Miss Stella hardly recognized us when we got back!

We wish them both a safe drive back to Atlanta, and Georgia a safe flight back to Colorado. We love you both.

Flip!

Daddy finally broke down and bought a new toy: a Flip video camera. I have to say I'm thrilled with it so far, though I've not had much time to play around.

We've not posted anything for a while, so we thought we'd at least give a peek of what is surely the first of many videos to come. I can't remember the last time she woke up this happy. The smile almost rivals Max Sewell's.

Happy Easter!

You Say Tomato, I Say Ba-ba-da-da-da

Stella had a big time in our backyard garden recently, getting her first look at our soon-to-be tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini. She didn't quite understand the difference between food and soil, and got a bit over-anxious about the future bounty by trying to ingest a nice dirt clod. Then she got distracted by some nearby grass.

Springtime is gonna be fun.

Happy 3/4!

Baby Stella celebrated her 9-month birthday on Saturday. As you can see, she had the traditional 9-month birthday lunch of green peas and chicken sausage. Mmmm mmm. She also got to wear her Ronald McDonald PJs all day long.

We were glad that Markana's parents and brother could be here, too. They, as usual, were a huge help after M's latest treatment and we appreciate everything they do for us.

Happy B-day Stella Rose! Big #1 is right around the corner...