May

May started off a little scary, Adilene had been admitted into the hospital a few days before but her breathing wasn't very good and she wasn't getting enough oxygen.  She had to be sent to the PICU so she could receive a higher percentage of oxygen.  We were worried about taking care of Blaiden because he could not be in the PICU with me and Fred had a very busy week with work.  So my amazing dad flew out here to help with Blaiden While Adilene was in the hospital. 

The funny thing about this hospital stay is that by the time we decided that we would need some help and my dad got here Adilene was already out of the PICU.  It was still helpful to have him here because we didn't get home for another few days.  Blaiden had a blast and I think he ate an entire bag of liquorish for dinner one night.  Grandparents are the best!  I was sad I didn't get to spend more time with him but I was so thankful that he was willing to drop everything and come out here when we asked. 

 Mother's Day was in May and it was a great day.  We all got to be home as a family.  I had told Fred that I would just buy my own gift because I knew exactly what I wanted.  I got a ring from Lisa Lenord and I absolutely love it.  The day of, Blaiden surprised me with some jewelry and nail polish and an ice cream cake.  Adilene's numbers were not high enough to go out so we ordered takeout and ate at home.  It was a great day. 

Shortly after that we were back in the hospital Fred was working at Children's that month and so he would just bring Blaiden every morning and then take him home when he got off work.  It worked out great and I loved that I didn't have to miss out on time with him. 

Adilene had a first this month... She had her first broken bone.  She was playing with some toys and tripped over one of them.  She cried and wouldn't put any weight on her leg.  Fred knew exactly what happened and said that she would be fine in a few days but he would set me up an appointment at Children's if I wanted him to.  I of course said yes.  It turns out that Fred was right but for crazy moms like me she was put in a cast for 3 weeks. 

Another first for Adilene was a trip to the dentist.  She did not like it at all but we learned that she has all her teeth but 1.  Blaiden's trip to the dentist was also a success.  The last time he went he had a ton of cavities, but this time he was cavities free!  I don't feel like we did anything different he loves to brush his teeth and never forgets but I'll take it. 

April

Well hello my little space of the internet world, it seems like I have been neglecting you for quite a while and I am a little sad about it.  This is a significant time in our life and I would really like to remember the little moments that helped our family get through this time.  And more importantly how amazing our little girl really is!  I am going to try and think back to the previously months and do a small recap with a few photos until I can catch up and then I'll get back to my regular writing schedule. 

April was a pretty good month! Adilene stayed well enough most of the month.  She was in the hospital to start the month and end the month.  We were stuck in the house most of our time at home but that's better then being in the hospital.  We took Blaiden out of school this month, He was a little sad but I was happy to have him home with me more.

Blaiden also started soccer this month.  He is that cutest little thing out there.  Fred and I both thought that he was so athletic for his age but I think we were blinded by love.  He needs tons of practice and he doesn't really try out there.  He likes to stand by the coach when he is supposed to be playing.  He says he likes it and he does have a competive spirit because he is sad when the game is over and he doesn't score a goal, most of the time he is lucky if he even gets to kick the ball. 

My mom got to make a trip out this month, it was only a few short days but it was nice to see her.

One day while Fred was home with Blaiden they went out and flew a kite.  It's the little things like that, that make it hard to be separated.  Fred and I both miss out of these little moments with the other child and while it is a great bonding experience I know Fred and I would rather have it be a family experience. 

One fun thing we did do as a family was teach the kids how to play "Duck, Duck, Goose."  They both had a good time and Blaiden asks to play the game often.

Race Day!!

The Adilene's Army race is getting so close, it is just about a week away.  I have heard that there will be over 100 racers and we are so amazed by the support that our family has been shown.  I was getting very disappointed that I would not be at the race and so I decided to just look to see if I could find a flight.  It must be meant to be because I was able to find tickets for Blaiden and I to fly home and be at the race.  I would just like to say thank you for all the support, Blaiden and I can't wait to be in the Valley, even if it is only for 48 hours!

February & March

The last half of February was pretty fun. Thad was in Columbus one weekend driving his truck and Adilene was able to leave the house so we went down to the zoo and got to hang out with him all day.  The weather was so nice that weekend we even grilled out for dinner. 

 Fred would also be very upset if I didn't add that the Broncos won the Superbowl!  I had 3 very excited people in the house that night.

Adilene only had the one fever this month so we were only in the hospital for 6 days!  We did have lots of home care visits and she was on fluids during the night most of the month but at least we were home. 

Valentines day was pretty low key but I did make plenty of heart shaped meals.

March was a month full of hospital stays.  We were there a total of 17 days because of inpatient chemo, fevers, and mouth sores. When we were home we couldn't really leave the house so it was lots of indoor games.  The exciting thing is Adilene started walking again this month!  It only took about 7 weeks for her to gain her strength back from being intubated in the PICU.  Her therapist said that it would take about 12 weeks, Way to go Adilene! She also got glasses, getting her to wear them is whole other thing.

There was lots of celebrating this month.  St. Patrick's Day was really fun with the kids.  I made as much green food as I could.  Blaiden was a little nervous at first and wouldn't drink his green milk but he finally got into it.  He ate so much green food that he was a little worried the next day when his poop was green (TMI alert!)  Then Fred and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by going out to dinner and a movie.  Easter was at the end of the month and we happened to be in the hospital for it. The day before Fred and Blaiden brought up eggs to the hospital so we could die them. Fred and Blaiden stayed home that night and woke up to Easter baskets and hunted for eggs before coming to visit Adilene and myself.  A friend had made us dinner a few days before and we didn't get to eat it because we had to rush to the hospital and so we got to enjoy it for Easter dinner!

 I had been missing time with Blaiden and so on the last day of the month I told Blaiden that we could have a "Party all night, night."  We made cookies, played with legos and candyland, and watched movies until about 2am.  I was exhausted the next day when we had to go back to the hospital but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Blaiden had a great time and can not wait until our next "party all night, night!"

That sums up those 2 months, hopefully I can get done with the next update soon. 

Adilene's Army

I am going to try and post some monthly updates to get caught up through July but I'm gonna jump ahead a little and thank some our family for the support they are showing Adilene. 

First, I have 3 cousins who made some bracelets that said "Adilene Strong." They sold them at local schools and I was amazed at the amount of support people showed.  There are about 500 Adilene Strong bracelets around right now and that makes me feel so good. 

Now, 2 other cousins that I have asked if they could have a race to honor Adilene and bring awareness to childhood cancer.  They are holding a race with the theme "together we are stronger."  That is the perfect phrase for any family with a child who is battling cancer.  It takes the love and support of many to help in the fight.

This is the link to the Facebook group where you can get more information on the race.  They have worked so hard to make this event a success and the more this event gets recognized then the more support we are showing to all the families dealing with childhood cancer and the more blessed we feel for the support shown to our family and especially Adilene!