Roller Coaster Tycoon

We've been on a lot of roller coasters lately, thanks Hershey Park! But none of them are as wild and wacky and the one Selene has us on (except for maybe SkyRush.)

We went for a check up today and Ellen and Dr. Olson her numbers dropped by 80%! Granted they are still 5 times higher than normal, but at least it's not 20 time too high! 😉

So we got the all clear to come back in 3 months with the caveat that we call with any set backs.  We also got cleared to take a break from therapy.  We will go back at the end of August to make sure all is still well and then we should be done with that too. I can't say it's been an easy year but I'm certainly thrilled that it's currently behind us and the horizon is bright.

Selene really is making amazing progress. It has been such a relief to see how sociable she is now. She's becoming more and more confident in the pool (which is actually a fabulous core workout, a top priority in therapy), playing hard, and hopping like a champ.

We'll still take all good thoughts and prayers because numbers could spike at any time but we will remain faithful in her continued progress!!

A totally jumbled group of photos from our Bermuda cruise, trip to Hershey Park, pool days and summer fun!

Happy Birthday, Ainsley!

Ainsley turned 7! It's been a lovely few weeks of celebrating her with all of our family.

She has been asking for a party with friends for two years. Last year the move made it impossible and the year before that was quarantine craziness.

So we invited her classmates and best friends and had a lovely time! The highlight though was the cake, provided by a local baker through Icing Smiles. It is a sweet (pun intended) organization that makes kids for kids and siblings who have gone through illness, etc.

So this cake was done by Erin Makes Cakes in Lansdale. We told her Ainsley wanted a Moana cake and she ran with it. We were thrilled! So many kind and generous people in this world, it makes me feel like I'm not doing my part. Hopefully some day I can pay it forward.

Ups, Downs, and more Ups

Oh gosh. Life has been a whirlwind. I apologize for not writing more! Besides the girls keeping me so busy, I had this moment of "I don't want to say or write these words!" I had too many feelings, fears and concerns to even talk about it. I didn't even want to tell our family.

So much has happened since then. We did one day of Imatnib and then we were told to stop since her liver numbers were through the roof. Not sure if you remember when that happened right after transplant (which I can explain using the words "a few years ago"), and we assumed it was due to medications and her metaboliziation of them.

We went back for a follow up a week after our "scare" appointment. Numbers were basically still the same and discussions of liver specialists and liver biopsies came up.  My head started spinning.  We went to get local labs drawn a few days later for one last check. Those numbers were half of the week prior, and I could even feel it in her joints, movements and her mood. We were all thrilled! So it's been holding steady for the last month.  Overall I'm really pleased with her health and strength. She's been running, playing, and almost keeping up with the big kids.

The only thing that drives me nuts is that she is suuuuuuuper timid about trying things. I don't know if it is her personality, her physical limitations for so long, or what the reason is.  So this summer's task is "teach Selene to at least try!"

We head out on a cruise to Bermuda this Saturday, so I'm hoping for good weather, no sea sickness and kids who will sleep!

And since it's been awhile-PHOTOS!

Ainsley completed her first Triathalon!

Proud Momma!

Aunt Grace graduated!

This kid is going to get her MBA, I just know it.

Kali turned 2!

My ballerina

Aunt Grace came to watch class!

Loving on our neighbor, Utley!

Ainsley's first recital!

Celebrating her 7th with Aunt Merlann!

my awesome helped to get rid of the horrible carpets!

I can't even believe this!

Mrs. Bauder has currently taught all 3 years of our pre-school life. I'm going to miss her next year!