Joe had another great week at school.  He's really getting into the rhythm with minimal complaints.  (OK maybe the sack lunches aren't exactly what he planned for himself, he loves warm food, and of course he misses his "guys" at home.)  He is learning a ton, and has made a best buddy already "Brandon".  We are so happy he is comfortable and happy.  Although full day started this week, with him falling asleep for :45 minutes are rest time!  I did notice upon arrival he wasn't the only one tired!  They do a great job of not overworking them but getting them into a routine.  Three recesses, lunchtime, story time, gym, music, art, rest, it's all good.  They literally fool them into learning!  Of course the "free choice" opportunity is Joe's favorite, it just so happens his teacher has a large collection of Lego's!  They've also agreed he can come home at anytime during the day, so if he is having a tough week we plan to go get him.

Wednesday 9/10 marked the start of Dexamethasone again.  I can't believe we have to face that every month, our sweet agreeable little guy disappears for moments for about 8-10 days.  He is mostly starving though, sweet talking me into making him mini meals he is starting to "get it" more, we have a good chuckle once in awhile about the sheer volume.  He runs a little tired during this course too, but we'll take it all to continue on this wonderful path of healing.

We need to say a prayer for Joe's teacher Mrs. Geary as these weeks will be harder on the classroom as well!  He will likely show signs of hunger, anger, but mostly lots of "no fair".  She claimed he did great Friday, but she is already developing a sweet spot for him.  He has a knack, it must be those big brown eyes.  She should of heard him in the car after school, boy did I get a talking too!  It's not his birthday yet, his X-Box is broken again, his lunch was cold, he really got it all out.  I guess it's good - lay it on me instead of publicly.  Poor guy, having a blow off session really seems to help.

He was also able to get both his monthly port dose of Vincristine and continue on Mecaptopurine M-F, and Wed. Methotrexate.  His numbers were exactly in the range of where the doctors wanted him to be 1300 ANC, 3.3 WBC, 36.1 Hematocrit, and 218 Platelets.  They were very pleased with how he looked and acted!  Great News!  He also got over his cold on his own too.  I'm sure the twice weekly (M-Tu) Antibiotic helped some, hey we'll take it.

Sat. 9/13 was Paul's first soccer game.  He was all over the place and scored a goal too!  He is so fun to watch.  Joe's up next Friday 9/19.  Surely the "SHS Orange Kindergarten Team" will be a hoot.

We are looking forward to another wonderful September week!

Much Love,

Kevin, Angie, Paul and Joe