Christmas in July

Mmm.  Where to begin.  It feels like we've lived a lifetime over the course of the past 2 weeks.  Chemotherapy for Derek has begun (he seems to responding well so far), Zachary got his 2 month shots and was declared the size of an almost 4 month old (just shy of 15lb and 25in long), and Benjamin continues to be the Energizer Bunny (I oughtta do speed workouts with that kid- I'd get my running speed back super quick).

We have been overwhelmed with gifts, help, prayers, etc.  Kind people from my work, friends, family, and people we don't even know have demonstrated their generosity.  My children have a load of new toys, coloring books, etc.  We've received discounts on yard materials as we work towards making our backyard more child-with-leukemia friendly (Derek can no longer play in the dirt and our yard is, well....  a diamond in the rough?, maybe).  And, with lots of stray cats in the neighborhood that seem to infest our yard, we don't want him getting sick from all the microscopic nasties they carry (I really don't like cats anyways), we're going to finally fence in the yard. 

This past Thursday evening a group of strong, burly men in the neighborhood helped tear down an old, dilapidated, wasp-infested shed in our backyard.  Lo and behold a skunk was discovered living beneath it (yes, you read that right, a skunk).  Thankfully no oatmeal baths were needed.  The varment wandered off quietly.

Derek's medication makes him emotionally volatile, gives him a few girth units, promotes strange food cravings, and increases appetite.  So, it's kinda like dealing with a pregnant woman, but it's a 5 year old boy.  For breakfast this morning he ate:

1. 4 pancakes (2 with peanut butter and syrup)
2. 2 scrambled eggs
3. smoothie
4. a few glasses of milk

By 11am he was asking if it was lunch time yet. No!  I'm not your slave in the kitchen! 

His cravings as of late are potato chips, cottage cheese with salsa and chips, milk, and eggs. We've gone through a gallon and a half of milk in 3 days.  Thankfully the particular med that has these wacky side effects is only to be taken every day during this 1st month.

We sincerely appreciate all the prayers, well wishes, gifts, service, offers for help, babysitting, etc.  And if you've done something for us I didn't list, we thank you just the same.  We're looking to make life as normal as possible.  Mission Impossible, essentially.

Forward Ho!