Birthday Party in MN

We visited some friends that live just east of the Twin Cities metroplex. In addition to a great supper, they had an impromptu birthday party for the girls.

Sick Again

Kerstin got nauseated today and vomited several times, so she missed another day of school. We can kind of see a pattern now with her medications and her getting sick. One of the meds she takes only every other week, and it seems about half way through that week she starts to get sick to her stomach. We called the clinic and talked it over. The called in a prescription of Zofran to the pharmacy. That seems to be the trick. Kerstin will now take the Zofran during her every other week of ATRA.

After the Zofran, a really long nap, and some supper, she was even feeling good enough to go to the ballet (Snow White) for which we had tickets for.

Fairies for Friends

We wanted to let you know about a wonderful opportunity our friend, Abby, is offering. For a donation of $5 or more, you can get your very own hand-made fairy. Abby, who is being treated for Leukemia at Children's Hospital, is making the fairies as a fundraiser for In the Arms of Friends. This brave 8-year-old is using her time stuck indoors with very low counts to benefit a wonderful organization. In the Arms of Friends provides all families of children with cancer a wonderful bag of items immediately upon diagnosis. The items include a treatment journal to keep track of all the mountains of paperwork you receive, gift cards, a disposable camera, a stuffed pet, and much more. This group also provided snacks for families at the Oncology clinic and much, much more. You can visit their website at www.inthearmsoffriends.org to find out more.

In order to get your own gorgeous fairy, go to Abby's website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbybridgewater and follow the directions. Tell them that Kerstin sent you. We are so proud of Abby and her mom, Kristi, for being so generous and giving. What an example they are for us all! Abby had hoped to raise $500. So far they have collected an amazing $1,825!!!

Thanks for checking on us! Have a blessed day!

Birthday Party

Kerstin and her sister had a combined birthday party this year, and this year they decided they wanted to have a movie theater party. They each got to invite five friends. The girls had ice cream and Barbie cake, opened presents, got a tour of the theater projection room, and then watched the movie "The Shaggy Dog". In addition to personal presents, each girl brought something to donate to the Children's Hospital arts and crafts room. (Thank you again everyone.)

Unfortunately, one of the invited girls was unable to make it to the party. Abby's (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbybridgewater) counts were not high enough for her to be able to join us at the theater. However, we were able to meet up with her and her mom for a quick present exchange while they were on their way back to Omaha.

To see all of the pictures from the day, click on the title "Birthday Party".

Uncle Phil's Diner

The youth at our church are doing a fundraiser this weekend called "Uncle Phil's Diner". Annie and 3 other gals get to sing a song as a part of the dinner theater. Kerstin, McKinsey and Annie had a blast dressing up in 50's costumes for the event. What a wonderful opportunity to wear those Halloween costumes from 2 years ago. Kerstin and McKinsey are quite the dancers! They even did the Hokey Pokey! It was a fun evening, and the girls are looking forward to bringing their uncle and cousin to the show tomorrow night. They are trying to talk Mom into bringing them every night. Is it the dancing, the sloppy joes, or the root beer floats??

Thanks for checking on us! Have a wonderful weekend!

Hair

Kerstin's hair is really starting to come back in. Not quite enough to use any hair accessories, but it's getting there.

Feeling better

We just wanted to let everyone know that Kerstin has felt much better the last two days. We are not sure whether she caught some sort of "bug" or whether it was the side effects of her medicines that were making her feel yucky. We will start her back on her meds tomorrow and hope for the best. We had a nice weekend hanging out a home. Annie and the girls even did a little bit of clothes shopping on Saturday. All of McKinsey's jeans have holes in the knees. I guess that is the new style??? Kerstin is looking forward to going back to school and gymnastics tomorrow. Thanks for your positive thoughts and prayers.

Home Sick Again

Kerstin stayed home sick again today. She was lethargic, no appetite, and just didn't look good. The about mid-morning she got sick to her stomach. She was not happy about missing another day of school, but we knew we had to keep her home. We contacted the clinic about her nausea (and four day headache). They advised us to take her off her meds for a few days to see if that helps. It all seems like trial and error. After a long nap she seemed to feel a lot better. She even ate TWO pieces of pizza for supper and looks to have plenty of energy. We're ready for the weekend and some R and R.

Just A Reminder

We've been having beautiful weather the past couple of days, so the kids have been spending a lot of time outside playing. Kerstin, of course, has to keep up with everyone else. After going to the park with Annie and playing with Jeff in the back yard this morning, Kerstin started complaining of a stomach ache, and she looked wiped out. She didn't have any appetite and really didn't seem herself. We ended up keeping her home from kindergarten where she slept most of the afternoon. Even though she is looking like any other cancer-free six year old (minus some hair), I guess it's just a reminder of the disease and chemo that is going on inside of her. No complaints though. We still count our blessings everyday.

Kerstin is 6!

It was a fun and busy day for the Leaf family! Kerstin turned 6 today! Actually, she isn't officially 6 until 11:58 tonight. She was 2 minutes away from being a Leap Year baby.

Annie made Kerstin a Barbie doll cake. Thanks for the idea, Sharon! She made one for McKinsey on her 4th birthday. Now she remembers why she waited 5 years to make another one! All I can say is you need LOTS of frosting! Kerstin and McKinsey were very pleased with how it turned out. We had cake tonight for our bedtime snack. Yummy!

Kerstin got to visit her friends at Annette's house this morning. We brought doughnuts to help celebrate. It was fun to see all the kids having a ball together again. Kerstin especially liked holding baby Porter. She loves babies. She told me that she likes babies the best when they are "real." She even got to feed him a bottle. I am sure he was ready for a nice nap by the time we left.


Of course birthdays are extra special when you are a kindergartener. Her friends made her a birthday book and she got to wear a birthday hat and sticker all day.

Kerstin opened a few gifts tonight. Her favorite was a toy electric guitar from her sister and parents. It even came with a built-in microphone. We were treated with quite a concert tonight. I am sure that there will be many more to come. Tickets anyone???

We can certainly count our blessings today and every day. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to celebrate the big and little things in life.

Wonderful Weekend

We have had lots of company lately, and we are loving it! Annie's cousin, Todd, got married at Sheridan this weekend. Uncle Brian, Brenna, Grandma Clarice and Grandpa Gene were able to come and stay at our house. We also got to chat with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins at the wedding. It was so nice to see everyone. Best wishes to the happy couple.

Brenna, and the girls got in quite a bit of play time in the new basement this weekend. They played house, polly pockets and prom (Yep, prom is a new one for me, too. It involves pretty dresses and Uncle Brian with a bow tie). Kerstin continues to feel great. She went in for lab work and a check up on Thursday. Her ANC is over 1,200 and everything looks great. Dr. G is very pleased with her progress, and we are too! She is taking her meds like a pro. Kerstin is also very excited for her big 6th birthday on Tuesday! Thanks for checking in on us and have a blessed week!

Early Birthday

Kerstin's grandparents from Colorado will not be able to come back for Kerstin's "birth day", so they held an early party for her complete with presents and an ice cream cake.

Fever...

Dance fever that is. Grandma and Grandpa from the mountains showed up Sunday evening to stay for a few days. The girls were very excited to have a new audience for their dance routines. The grandparents got quite a show.

Kerstin continues to stay healthy. We still get very nervous when someone coughs or sneezes around her. Her doctor has also cleared her to travel, so we are trying to make plans for spring break in March.

As Kerstin remains healthy, are thoughts and prayers are with all of our new friends who are fighting secondary illnesses in addition to their primary cancers. Please say a special prayer for them and all those who need the extra attention.

Thanks for checking in on us and we hope you have a blessed week.

Uncle Brian

Things kind of slowed down after Valentine's Day. The weather got really cold (single digits and below zero), so we basically just hibernated when the girls weren't in school.

Saturday Kerstin had the idea of going out to breakfast, so we bundled everyone up and headed to Perkins for "brunch". We braved the cold weather and the crowds and did some shopping after we ate. That afternoon Kerstin's Uncle Brian stopped by to play. He was actually in town to see his girlfriend, but knew he would be in trouble with the girls if he didn't come see them. They had a fun time using Uncle Brian as an indoor gymnasium.

Valentines Day

Kerstin had a great time at her Kindergarten Valentine's Day party. Her dad was also able to be at the party to help with the kids and read a story. See more pictures by clicking on the title "Valentines Day".

Spinoza Bear

Kerstin received a Spinoza Bear over the weekend. This is a great addition to her collection because this bear actually has a tape player built in and comes with several Spinoza audio tapes. She can also play regular music tapes in it as well. Thanks again Faye. If you would like more information on the Spinoza Bear, go to www.spinozabear.com .

Back to Gymnastics

Kerstin was thrilled to go back to gymnastics on Monday. It's great to see her getting back to a lot of her old activities. See more pictures of gymnastics by clicking on the title "Back to Gymnastics".

Visitors

We had visitors from the west today (Aurora, NE). Jeff's Aunt Shirley and Cousin Crystal made Kerstin and her sister each a blanket. Also pictured is Crysta's son Brian. Not pictured is Jeff's Uncle Max and Crystal's husband Jason. It was a very nice visit with some relatives that we haven't seen for quite a while.

Brownie Fun

McKinsey's Brownie troop got to celebrate a successful cookie sale by going to Paint Yourself Silly today. Kerstin and Annie got to got along to help supervise. This is a wonderful and generous troop. This group of girls sold popcorn for Kerstin a few months ago. We want to say a big "Thank you" to them for their kindness and generosity.

Kerstin continues to feel well and has been having a great time at school. She got to go to the lab at St. E's today for a finger poke(not fun in her book). Her ANC is 1558, right where they want it to be. Her hemoglobin and platelets were just fine, too. She will be able to continue with the same doses of her medicines she is currently taking.

Kerstin's friend, Abby is out of the hospital, but now has RSV. Another friend of ours from Children's, Hannah, is having surgery tomorrow to rid her body of her tumor. They are two very special little girls. Please add them to your prayers and visit their websites if you can. Tell them Kerstin sent you. www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahknudsen and www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbybridgewater . Thanks for your words of hope and encouragment.

Super Sunday!

Today was a Super Fun day (not just because of the football game!) Kerstin, McKinsey, and Annie got to go to Omaha for Abby's birthday party at Build-A-Bear. It was fun to see Hannah, Elissa, and Emma, too. It took Kerstin a while to get rid of a case of the "shy's", but we all had a very nice time. Thank you Bridgewaters, and Happy Birthday, Abby!

We were also able to visit our friends the Holsteins while we were in Omaha. Joshua, Jonah and the girls had lots of fun playing and even put on a little music show (with dinner, of course!) Thank you Holstein family!

It's back to school for all of us tomorrow. Have a super week! Keep all of our friends in your prayers, especially Hannah as she will have surgery on the 10th.