I hope this finds all of you well rested from your long, holiday weekend. The Taylors celebrated the Fourth by watching Sanford’s parade and having a lunch at Jenn’s parent’s house. We arrived back home in Portland late in the afternoon and despite earlier plans to attend the fireworks we (or should I say, James) decided we should stay home. The long day just plain tuckered him and us out.
The fifth brought with it friends, family and a “quiet” sixth birthday. The b-day boy woke up grinning ear-to-ear and quickly reminded Jennifer, Jack and I that today was his birthday. My attempt to fool him into thinking that he was really, really tired and he slept right through his birthday failed miserably. With the promise of pancakes for breakfast motivating us we managed to get out the door pretty early. After breakfast we stopped off to get the all important six balloons. Later, while enjoying the great weather, those in attendance sat around Jimmy (and his six balloons!) and watch him tackle cards, gifts, cupcakes and ice cream - superhero style. I must say that I was quite proud of JT
for being as patient and understanding as he was throughout the afternoon. I know that it wasn’t easy for him to sit there – sidelined with limited mobility – and watch some of his friends and relatives run, jump and play. He did get up the gumption to take a few swings of the bat in the pick-up baseball game going on, and we were quite impressed by that initiative alone! By nighttime, JT was bushed and hit the hay with thoughts of what Batman Legos he might buy at ToysRUs with his new gift certificates and birthday money.Sunday the sixth began with Jenn, Jenn and Heather heading out (sans husbands and kids) for some real breakfast, adult conversation and shopping. Okay, the shopping may have been only been at Target, but it still, technically, qualifies as shopping. Meanwhile, Mike, Vince and I did what dads do best – fed all six kids more munchkins, chocolate milk and orange juice than should be allowed by law. With the beautiful Sunday morning sun warming us, we were able to sip coffee while Sam, Charlie,
Ada, Ben, Jack and James laughed and played in the yard. Special thanks to my Uncle Pete and Aunt Sharon for use of their house as our hotel!That afternoon, after the McKeowns began their journey back to Medway and while the DiYennos lounged on Kenilworth, we loaded JT into the Subaru and hit ToysRUs to peruse the Lego aisle. Shortly after entering, we exited with a 449-piece Batman Lego set that left quite the perma-grin on JT’s face. After arriving home, eating and doing our chores we began building a portion of his new set - the Joker’s ice cream truck. Once it was done, it was too late to begin another item and JT begrudgingly went off to bed.
With the kids asleep Jenn and I broke into James’ new Wii (graciously given to him by the McKeowns – way, way too much guys – you are far too kind) and got to setting it up. Now mind you, I have nary a molecule of video gaming talent in my body. Never, ever have I been good at that sort of stuff. That being said, had anyone driven by our humble home at 10pm on Sunday night, they very well might have crashed into our maple trees at the sight of me “bowling” in my living room. There is no doubt that I looked like a complete moron. James however has become quite the pro bowler. His initial hesitance wore off, and bowling of all things has become a bit of an addiction, with baseball coming in a close second. It does seem to be improving his gross motor skills and balance, so we're sneaking in the therapy any way we can!
Monday we met with the staff at the Maine Children's Cancer Program down in Scarborough, got our bearings there for our weekly trips for chemo that will start in a couple of weeks. Tuesday we had a baseline hearing test to see where J's hearing levels are now, so it can be compared against later tests. Hearing loss can be a side effect of one of the chemo drugs as well as the radiation, so to know that we're starting off with healthy hearing is a good thing. (It's just his six year old listening skills that are the issue apparently!)
We're continuing with occupational and physical therapy this week as well, learning new exercises to strengthen his muscles and improve range of motion. Thursday we have radiation simulation, a trial run of sorts, with the doctor taking all the necessary measurements and making a brace for J's head to make sure it stays still during treatment, even with the sedation he's likely to be under each day for treatment.
So, that's plenty for now. Our thanks again for the continued well wishes and support. Hope you are all staying cool in this beautiful summer weather!
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