Chow Time

Last night Aunt Stephanie came for a special visit just in time for grilled cheese and mashers! Thank you, Stephanie, for capturing these precious bites. As you will see Ian is quite proud of himself as he should be! Can't wait for him to taste the world of flavors again. I just spoke with his dietician and he will eat table food at our meals and snacks and slowly ease off tube feeds. He will take 4 bolus a day versus 6 for a few days and then then only use as needed when appetite is low. Won't be long until he eats me out of house and home like a teenage boy. :) Once again, thank you to all who follow our story and support us endlessly. We are blessed to have so many caring individuals in our lives. Miracles have happened this week. Let's try to keep them going . Make it a point to help someone this week. The smallest gesture may make the biggest difference.

Chew and Swallow Party!

Hip Hip Horrrraaaayyyy! Start the meatballs , mashed potatoes, chicken potpies and ice cream cones! Ian passed his swallow test! Back to a full toddler diet! We will still use the g-tube to pack on extra pounds. As many of you know he came into this world at 10.3 lbs and has some expectations to live up to. Once again Ian stuns us with his driving force to recover 100%! As a mom I couldn't be happier than to FEED our son again. Clean Plate Club here we come again.


The teaser before the test......unopened cookies
Determination at work!

Prepping the taste buds with a birthday celebration popsicle. Loved it!

Computer screen showing pudding going down. Tears rolling down my face at this point. All I wanted to do was call Dan screaming!

Back at the room exploring foods. i ordered him his favorite....mashed potatoes and grilled cheese, but he was too tuckered out.......

Chew and Swallow Party put on pause for a much earned nap. Whew! "A" Double Plus Ian!

Happy Half Birthday, Ian!

Dr. Robertson gave Ian the best half birthday present......we got the news of a CLEAN MRI! It is even BETTER than the one after his surgery! No tumor regrowth! The brain has filled in niceley to fill the void. In Dr. Robertson's words, "It looks like a nornmal brain".
Thanks be to God and all those who have prayed for this little fighter!
Today is 18/18 Day....Ian has 18 chemos to go and he is 18 months old. Sounds pretty lucky to me. Test the lotto today! He is in good spirits after one day of chemo. Missing our friend Mari today. Hope you have a speedy recovery on your ankle!

Foaming Bubble Makers

The kids and I made new bubble makers and they were a huge hit. We had elephant trunks like you would not believe. To make your own....trim the bottom of a water bottle. Cut an old wash cloth into 1/4s and secure with a simple rubber band. Then dampen the bottom with water. Dip into dishsoap. Then have your child blow into the the top of the water bottle to start the fun!

Tattooed for Life Together

Well, Dan said goodbye to Taz forever and started a new journey with a Bornio flower. It represents a "New Journey" with the kids names around and the symbols for hope, strength and courage and red is my favorite color. Dan was happy that I was there to help in the design and placement. He was so tough. As for a tattoo myself....I settled for a new diamond instead. They are forever, too! Thanks Byron, it looks great. If you are looking for a new tattoo....go see Byron at Drunken Monkey on Hamilton Street in Saginaw. Very nice and clean!

Christmas in July!

Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful Christmas in July gift! It is therapy not only for you, but for me to post these pictures each day for you! We love you and miss you much!

It Takes Two

"It doesn't matter what you do in life, or how much you have

but rather who you have beside you."

I couldn't ask for a better husband during this obstacle we call life. Thank you, Dan. You have shown me numerous times that we need each other to get us through. This journey is much like riding a tandum bike. Every once in a while you need to be the one in the back who just stops pedaling to take a break for yourself. This week, I am that person as Dan takes us uphill. Thank you for your strength and unconditional love.
Today, tomorrow, always!
Love, Gina

We Relayed!

Yesterday was a very emotional day for we not only relayed for friends who have battled cancer, but this year we relayed for our own family. Then I saw Mr. Young and the flood gates started. Those who don't know him, he is an amaznig teacher/man who just lost an amazing wife/ mother/teacher to a battle of her own. We did several laps for the Youngs as well. God Bless you! Thank you to all who have us on their minds and in their hearts. We feel the love every day when we look into the eyes of our miracles. Dan and I have grow closer and closer every day from this love as well. We know that they need us just as much as we need them. :)

The relay begins.... Wow...look toys AND we helped raise money!

My Camo Boys!

Give a boy a box and he will be happy!

Self Feeding 101 Take 2

We mastered it once....we will master it again without a tumor! We have a sawllow test this week and there is going to be big trouble if they tell us no to solids yet. This boy wants his food!!!!!!! No coughing after he eats whichs is a good sign, and he has been throwing his pacifier out of his mouth like the others did at age 2 to give it up. The signs are all there that he is ready. Cross your fingers and toes!

All Smiles Herself As Well!

Greer was all smiles as she watched a movie! :)

All Smiles!

Gotta love this little face!

Papa Bill, Look! Like Mother Like Son!

Papa Bill,
Look it's genetic! Ian loves bandaids like I did! I let him play for over an hour with this box....why because there are no rules anymore and they are CHEAP!!! They were cheap then and they are still cheap. :) Thought you would get a chuckle!