Papa is so stong!

Well Amby, the boys and I have spent every weekend up in Marshfiled to see my Mom and Dad. Since we came home in May, Dad has gone through the works with his treatment. So many people have called/emailed and I apoligize about not returning most of the calls. Dad had his stem cell transplant in June, with the process looking good and while we sat day in and day out watching his counts and levels to return, he simply got worse. First they thought it was an infection, then phnuemonia and then they just didn't know. Fast forward 3 very heart wrenching and emotional weeks.....his oxygen level dropped to the 70's and they couldn't keep it up. Doctors said the last high dangerous doses of chemo seriously damaged his heart, lungs and kidneys. The doctors said his heart was only working 20%, kidneys aren't working enough to get the fluid out, and his lungs are bleeding. Mom called on Friday to say they were putting him into CCU (Critcal Care Unit--for cardiac patients) and putting him on a breathing machine. We pack it up to head back down to Marshfield for something Amby and I were not prepared for. God bless my Mom for being such a strong women. We walked into the CCU room and just stood there in shock. We knew what we were going to see after Dad's nurse explained everything over again to us........how can you prepare for something like that? Plain and simple, you can't. Dad was hooked up to all his IV's and tubes and the breathing machine. I felt like I was in a movie. We just stood there and cried and cried and cried. Finally when we got ahold of ourselves we sat there and talked to Dad, every once in a awhile, he would squeeze our hands or open his eyes when he heard Mom's voice. I kept thinking ,"My Dad is the strongest man I will ever know!" Over the next few days, the docs. said that he needs time to rest and get strong again and that we are all taking it day by day, hour by hour.
I was able to bring Seth into his room. He asked everyday to be able to see his "Papa". I was worried that Seth might be scared to see Dad like that so I explained to him that Papa was sleeping. Well Seth marched into the room and said "Hi Papa, the sun is up, why are you sleeping?" Then proceeded to tell him how much he loved him and that the medicine was working and the tube was helping him to breath. Now I have explained things to Seth in a very gentle way, so when Seth said what he did, you know that little ears have been picking up bits and pieces of our conversations. We all cried, and Seth gave Papa a huge kiss and said"I love you....See you later alligator". Thank God that children are so innocent and resistant to what goes on around them. The boys have been my sanity check and bring me back to reality of life when I leave Dad's room.
The next day, they slowed his meds. down so he was able to kinda comunicate with us(which was very little), but still in no pain. I talked to Mom yesterday and to the shock of all of us, they took the breathing tube out. See for all of you who know my Dad and how stong-willed he is, he was fighting the breathing machine, so he met the protocol to see if he can start breathing on his own. Low and behold now...he is breathing on his own!!!! Such wonderful news in all this chaos!!! Now I know I can't type everything that has happened over the last 2 mos. My mind has become one pile of mush with things changing every second. I know Mom is exhausted, but she just keeps going. Mom and Dad we love you and are praying every second that God heals Dad and provides up with miracles everyday...which he has!

Painting!

We went to the craft store to get some goodies for the boys and they picked out a wooden airplane and helicopter. Did they have a great time! They must have sat there for over an hour and painted. Kept them so busy I am going back to get the other models! I hope everyone is having a good week!

Landon picked the airplane

Seth insisted on the helicopter!

The final products!

Walking through the park......

Well since we are obviously not home with our own things, I have been trying to keep the boys very busy! It has been a challenge! So we have been to playgrounds, parks, museum's, ponds, malls....pretty much anything and everything you can think of! They are doing good, but are ready to head home. Ahh and we are not leaving until the end of July! It will be good when we head back to Mi.--change of scenery for them!

So cute!

Pics. from the Birthday Zoo visit!

Seth was very excited to see all the animals! Loved the train ride......
and the fire trucks!

The Lion was so close--the boys just stared and stared through the glass!

Landon loved the giraffes!

So all in all it was a great Birthday!

Happy Birthday Seth!!

Happy 4th Birthday!! Wow, where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that we took you home from the hospital! Now you are this "little man"! Today I saw this rare, wonderful moment between all the chaos, you just let Landon crawl up in your lap and you held him for a good 20 mins. and I just sat and watched in amazement and thought what a great big brother you are. Landon looks up to you so much and I can't wait to hear all the conversations that you will have with each other.

All of us went to the zoo and amusement park for your big day! We had to celebrate a week early so that Daddy could be here for cake and presents. You wanted to know why all you friends couldn't be here to help you celebrate. So you decided that when we get back to Guam, we will have another party! If it all works out, then that is what we might do! Tristan, you, and Landon had a fantastic time watching all the animals. I would have to say that the Lion was your favorite animal. We were so close, it felt like if we just reached out we could touch him! We had a blast watching you boys ride on all the rides and just having fun!

Since Friday is your real birthday we are going to the park and packing up cupcakes to celebrate! Happy birthday Seth! We love you so much, Love Mom and Dad

Updated ultrasound pic. of the newest addition!

My niece or nephew takes great profile shots! I think we are all convinced it is a girl, but as we all know how that works out---it will be a boy! I keep telling Amby that if she has a girl--look out, because I will spoil her rotten!!!!

It's good to be home.....

Well it has been about 3 weeks since we have been back to Mi. Like always when you have kids it has been very hectic. Getting them changed to a 14-hour different time schedule was hard enough. Trying to be with my parent's as much as possible and seeing other family and friends. We bought another house and are working on closing on that as soon as possible. We are now in Minneapolis staying with my sister until my Dad gets out of the hospital--with any luck, could be about a week and a half. Dad seems to be doing good and we are all just taking it day by day. Luis left yesterday to go and spend a couple days with his Mom before heading back to Guam. So like always, it's good to be home.

Boys playing at Aunty Amby's house.

Proud Papa at the hunting camp with Seth....notice the Finland flag.
Relaxing on the deck.
Daddy teaching Seth what he thinks is the proper way to fish...ha!

Our new house!