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What a beautiful day…we had such nice weather today! - We were all up and out of here by 8:45 this morning to go downtown for the St. Louis Marathon. Ms. Chris was walking the half marathon as part of Team in Training, an organization that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of Allyson. My friend Katie was also running the half marathon…Ally was one of her honored teammates as well. - Unfortunately, we didn’t make it down in time to see Katie cross the finish line. In fact, it was so crowded, we didn’t even get to see her. We’re sure she finished the race as planned. Way to go Katie!

We had planned to meet Chris a block or two before the finish line so Allyson could walk the last part of the marathon with her and cross the finish line together. Well, there were so many people there, and it was soooo loud (Allyson has trouble with loud, amplified noise, so she was not at all happy to be around the finish line where they were broadcasting and where the band was playing.) We were able to get a great spot up a little further from the finish line. The noise was not as bad there. Allyson had a great time cheering the runners and walkers as they came by. Ms. Chris spotted us and Allyson took off with her to finish the race. It was really cool! Cool that is, until Allyson got closer to the finish line. Once she got near the noise, she freaked. Chris had to carry Ally the rest of the way, but they were able cross the finish line together. We grabbed Ally, a very upset Ally, and took her around to the other side of the Civil Courts building…much less noise. Luckily, we got to meet up with Chris after the race. Ally was able to give her pal big hugs and kisses. - YEAH Ms. Chris. Congrats for finishing! Thanks for participating on Allyson’s behalf…Thanks for loving our little girl! (Be sure to check the photo page to see pictures.)

After the race, the four of us had lunch, and then it was home for some much needed naps. We all took a nap today.

It was a great day for all!

Just a quick update tonight

Allyson and Benjamin had a great day today playing. We took them to the mall and both loved to walk around and watch what was going on. On a side note I had to cut the grass for the first time this season, it still seems too early to have to do yard work. Tomorrow we are heading down town to cheer on Ms Chris since she is doing the St Louis half marathon for Teams In Training and Ally Pally. We plan on meeting her at the finish so that she and Ally can cross together.

Until tomorrow…

Lisa and Benjamin were out the door at their usual time today. Allyson decided to sleep in and did not get up until 8am. We had breakfast and got ready to go to the doctor’s office. Allyson did great  today; Nurse Heather did her blood draw and it went very well. Today was only a blood draw, so we were able to leave after that. Allyson and I had a great day together.  We played Wii, had lunch and we even tried to take a nap. At 4:00 we decided it was time to go and get Benjamin.  Allyson got to surprise Tita with a visit. We played at Tita’s until Lisa showed up because she did not get my text message that I was picking Benjamin up. We got home and Benjamin and Allyson had dinner and played until it was time for bed.

Our good friends Gerry and Linda came over and we had home made pizzas for dinner. We sat around for the rest of the night talking.  It was nice and relaxing.

Until tomorrow…

Ok…So Allyson was beside me on her bed and she said, “Mommy, I need a hug.” I obliged and gave her a hug. She then said, “Mommy, I love you.” Finally, she leaned over and gave me three kisses on the cheek. If that doesn’t make your heart melt, I don’t know what will…

This morning, I got Benjamin out of his bed and began to change his diaper. I gave him an extra diaper to play with…if I don’t, sometimes it’s like changing a monkey - he wraps his legs around my hands, rolls all over the place, etc. He looked right at the diaper and said, “Melmo!” Elmo’s picture was on his diaper! He’s got an Elmo toy in the bathtub too, and tonight, he said, “Melmo!” when he saw it. Very cute!

Ally has a doctor visit tomorrow. Last week we asked Dr. Rob what the upcoming May treatment will be like. He told us that May will be very similar to the first 28 days of treatment. Some of the chemo will likely make her “pukey”, and the cumulative effects of the chemo will wear her out, again. More than likely, her counts will get really low which means she’ll need blood and platelets. We’ll be into June before she perks up again. Needless to say, we’re not looking forward to May.

For now though, we are thankful that our perky little Allyson surfaces more often.

Lisa and Benjamin were out the door at their normal time. I had to wake up Allyson today at 7:15; she was sound asleep. Allyson has been very slow eating breakfast and today was no different. She did eat an entire cup of yogurt, and she took all of her meds. We headed to school at 8:15. Allyson walked all the way to her daycare room but decided that she wanted to be carried in. Once in her room she let me take her hat and coat off with out getting upset. After that she wanted to build with blocks so she grabbed my hand and we built a square and a triangle. This was the first time in a long time that dropping her off was almost our normal routine.

Both Allyson and Benjamin had good days today. Benjamin is a much happier person since his bottom molar has poked through.

Until tomorrow….