Aaron is busy chasing Parker up and down the halls of the hospital. I asked if he (Aaron) was exhausted and he said “no, I’m just glad to see him with so much energy”. I would just be exhausted. Parker keeps coming in the room yelling “mommy, mommy” – I’ll say “yes” and then he makes a silly noise and runs off again. What a marvelous end to a great day.

My mom, grandma and I went to Scrapbook Extraordinaire where the owner, Kit, donated supplies for me to start a special scrapbook for Parker. Thank you so much, Kit.

We then came back to the hospital and I was surprised with a baby shower! My family, MOPS group, Young Life friends and some friends from Ft. Myers were all there. Thank you for showing me and the new baby so much love with this wonderful surprise.

Pray for another awesome day for Parker tomorrow, as well as Aaron and I as we make the decision as to where to have the transplant done.

First off let me apologize for not updating last night, especially since everyone was awaiting the chemo news. Yesterday was simply exhausting for me. Parker did start his morning with the spinal tap – which ruined his day. He was just miserable. Screamed all day long and wouldn’t walk. Daddy was in DeLand for a meeting and Payton was with me at the hospital. It was hard keeping her happy and entertained while Parker was screaming. He wanted to be held and then wanted to be back in bed. This went on for literally hours! Peace didn’t kick in until the morphine did. There was question on whether it was a spinal headache or they hit a nerve. On a positive note the doctor did say that the spinal fluid was clear of tumors.

Today was a new day. After a sleepless night, with Payton and me sharing a cot, we looked forward to what the day would hold. It started with Parker a little fussy trying to walk and needing to hold two hands to walk. By the end of the day I was sweating and out of breath from trying to keep up with him and his IV pole (have I said how huge I am lately). This also allowed more time to spend with Payton doing her favorite thing (crafts). Parker is crawling all over me as I’m typing this – so I would say he is feeling better. His appetite has definitely decreased, but he sure has been drinking a lot. This is somewhat normal with the chemo treatments.

Payton went to DeLand to stay at our house with Aunt Jenny and Grandma Fine, Little Grandma, Grammie and GiGi watched Parker while Aaron and I went to the movies. The loving husband he is, he bought me the largest popcorn and coke – of course I’ll be paying for it all night. We had a great time – but those seats sure aren’t comfortable for someone having a baby in 3 weeks.

My Great Uncle Virgil was just diagnosed with cancer. He is currently in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. Please keep him and my Great Aunt Laura in your prayers. Our little friend we previously told you about with the tumor in her kidney is back in the hospital with a bacterial infection. We met another girl who has cancer on the stem of her brain – which is untreatable. It is amazing how many stories we are coming across and will continue to. We continue to ask for prayers for our family – but also ask you to pray for the other children (and families) that we have and will come in contact with as they face their health issues.

Our temporary freedom is now over. It is bitter sweet, as we had so much fun spending our days in DeLand and hanging out at the house as a family, but we were anxious to get the treatment rolling. Parker’s ANC count was in the 1400’s! That is double the amount from yesterday. Thank you for all of your prayers – they worked!!!

Parker will start with a spinal tap in the morning. At that time they will inject the first part of the chemo. Then he will continue to get the rest through the IV over the next 8 days.

Pray hard that Parker doesn’t regress in his physical movement or in his eating. Pray that he does not experience any side effects from the chemo.

The first round of chemo treatment for Parker was only bearable because of your prayers, emails, cards and encouragement. As we head into this second round, please continue to keep Parker and our family in your thoughts and prayers.