Day 125

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! I pray that 2011 brings everyone much happiness.
Blessings~Katie

Day 124- The Wisdom of Strawberry Shortcake

Ella and her newest Build A Bears (or dogs)

I can't stress how much I really wished I did not fully comprehend what her procedures entailed. When we got to Clinic today Ella just kept saying "I'm scared mommy, I'm scared." What do you say to that? I told her I was right there and staying by her side, but this is the time when as parents we usually get to say "Don't be scared, I'm right here!"  How on earth could I tell her not to be scared?

They did the chemo shots into her thighs today. 2 nurses came in and did them at the same time. We stayed for an additional hour to make sure she didn't have a reaction to the drug (PEG) and to go over the use of the Epi-Pen. When the nurse was talking to me, I lost it. I really try not to lose in in front of Ella. She was on my lap watching TV so she couldn't see me, but I still lost it. Maybe it's just a lack of sleep. Ella got up a total of 6 times last night between trying to go potty and not being able to feel her favorite blankie next to her. I have to keep the pen and Benadryl around for 3 weeks to make sure she doesn't have a reaction. So, I guess she will be sleeping in our room for the next few weeks.

So, we left Clinic and all Ella wanted to do was go to B-A-B. She didn't want to eat or go home- just Build A Bear. So, as I was driving, I was having the debate in my head again about material things and how I am struggling with always giving her "things" after clinic. In the van Ella and Jesania were watching Strawberry Shortcake.  As I was having this debate in my head, I heard Strawberry say the following as I pulled into the mall "You may not need it, but you deserve it".  And yes, today she definitely deserved it!  I forgot to bring her stroller so we had to carry her through the mall, to B-A-B and back out to the car. Her legs are too sore to walk right now. My right arm is going to be HUGE when she is done with this! She got a new puppy and all of it's accessories.

She was watching Aurthur when we got home today and DW (his sister) was having minor surgery. DW ain't got nothing on my Ella!

Have a Happy New Year Everyone. I am looking forward to having dinner and drinks with friends!

Blessings~Katie

Peg information below written by Carrie Grage, Mom to Hannah http://hannahgrage.blogspot.com/ Thanks!

Day 123

Ella bella

Ella did well today. same complaints- upset stomach and tonight she was getting mad that dinner was late getting to the table. "I want pizza!" was the chant heard at our house around 6pm tonight. She fell asleep early again tonight.
Clinic tomorrow. I expect it to be quick, but I don't know if they need to run her counts again. This procedure requires her to get 2 shots at the same time in both of her thigh muscles. It will not be fun.

I wish I knew how to explain to Josh about "fairness". So many times today he complained about things being fair. "Why does Ella get out of the car first?" or "Why does she get more play dates?" I feel like I have calmly explained to him so many times why things don't always seemed balanced between the 2 of them. He gets to do so many things that she just can't, but those don't seem to make it into the "It's not fair" equation. Please don't get me wrong, he has been such a good big brother, I just wish I could help him understand that what seems like "not fair" to him doesn't really come close to the 'NOT FAIR" of having cancer.

Blessings~Katie

Day 122

Ella did really well until about 3pm today, then she got really moody and had a tummy ache for the rest of the night. Until 3 she was dancing around on my bed and singing along to KLOVE (see video above complete with messy bedroom). She demanded I snuggle with her from 5-7ish and then she fell asleep at 7. We had to wake her up at to give her the night time meds. Then it took me 45 minutes to get her back to sleep. She doesn't do "down time". She won't close her eyes and rest. She stopped napping before she hit 2yrs old. I have no idea where she gets it from (insert smilie face here).
Right now she is sleeping in our room, and I am hoping to sneak her into her bed shortly. Day 2 of Delayed Intensification done. Thank God.
Thank you so much for all your prayers. I was just reflecting today on what a difference prayer can make, and I feel it has made for Ella.
Blessings~Katie

Day 121 Clinic

Meds for Ella's spinal today

Chemo drugs by IV for Ella today

Ella started Delayed Intensification today. This is the toughest part of her treatment. Her counts came back low, so the Dr. had them run a second time. The second time they came back above where she needed so they scheduled her spinal chemo and 2 IV chemo's and drugs for the day. We left around 3pm. Josh came with us today because he wanted to see what it was like. He watched them access her port and flush it. He and Aunt Carrie stayed outside the procedure room during her spinal and he got to play HOURS of his DS, which we normally do not allowed. He enjoyed beating his Aunt at racing games. When we got home he was like "WOW, All day driving and sitting at the hospital ." So, now at least he knows that Ella is not having fun all day while he is at school. We left the house at 8am today and got home at 5pm by the time we picked up her new medications.

Ella and Josh waiting for test results.

Ella fell asleep on the way home from the hospital today. I spent 45 minutes after we got home figuring out her new meds schedule and calling the pharmacy to figure out why we only got partial fills on 2 of her scripts. I am very grateful that we have insurance, but I wish it was simpler sometimes. Ella woke up and asked Josh to play Tea Party with her. They changed clothes and are currently are sipping "tea" in the playroom. He was a really good big brother today.

Ella woke up around 2am for about an hour. She just cries that she is scared, with no reason why. I don't question this much because she has every reason to be scared- I am too. So, I just laid in her bed with her, tried not to fall out and stared at the Christmas Tree in her room.  She has ornaments with pictures from every year since her 1st Christmas on her tree. I could not help but stare at her picture from last year. Her red hair in pig tails with little curls at the ends. Big smile with matching big dimples on each side- so sweet and happy.  I love watching her sleep.

My beautiful girl.

I wish I could put into words how I feel, but it all seems so selfish to me. Nothing I am feeling can possibly compare to what Ella is going through. What right do I  have to cry when she goes from a spinal to having tea? Please pray that she doesn't have a bad reaction to her new meds during the next few days. She has to go back on Thursday for another treatment. This one is 2 shots in both of her thighs and we have to carry around an Epi-pen for a week to make sure she doesn't have a bad reaction to it.

The cool thing about today, is that we got her official end date today- 10/28/12! YEA!!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers and kind words, it really makes a difference.
Blessings~Katie

Days 118-120

Our 2010 Christmas Morning Picture

Merry Christmas! We feel so blessed that Ella was in a great mood and able to really enjoy Christmas with us! She got to come to church with us, and to watch her singing and dancing to the music was AWESOME! We had such a fun Christmas Day. We opened all out gifts and hung out, then went sledding together. We finished off the day with an awesome meal that daddy made, and even had him cook it again on the 26th! Right now she is a happy little girl!

I know this is probably harder on us then on her, but she starts delayed intensification tomorrow. She has a spinal and chemo treatments tomorrow. I want to stop time so she can just stay ion this happy "zone", but I know that is beyond my mommy super powers.
So, please pray that she handles the spinal and the new chemo drugs well tomorrow. Pray that she doesn't get sick and smiles for at least a few more days.

Blessings~Katie

Christmas Prayer

Please take a moment to pray for the following kids who will be stuck in the hospital this Christmas.

Skyler: http://crystalandskyler.blogspot.com/

Noah:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noahrios/journal

Amelie:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ameliedejesus

If you follow the links, you can read their stories. Thank you so much.

Gratefully Yours,
Katie

Merry Christmas

Days 113-117

The one good thing about Ella having cancer, is how I have seen others moved to do something generous- whether it be for Ella or for anyone who is suffering through cancer. The really cool thing, is seeing kids reach out from their hearts to do something.

Alexis, an 11yr old girl from our church decided on her own, to do a toy drive for Ella's hospital. This young girl is not only a talented singer but apparently very good at talking people into doing things! She brought in bags of toys to church last week.

Ella's 13yr old cousin Emma made the decision to cut her hair to donate to kids. Being a young girl who is in middle school, a place where every physical attribute is looked at like a bug on a telescope, she made the brave decision to chop her hair off out of love for her cousin. And Emma- it looks awesome!

Morgan, Ella's 5 yr old BFF (for you boys out there without little girls, that is BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!)cut her hair for cancer too. Gotta love this kid. She asked her mom if she could shave it all off since Ella will not have any hair soon either. Mom said- let's just cut it short. She even wore her "I Love my BFF" shirt.

I can't describe how much love and joy fills my heart knowing that Ella is so loved. We are so moved that these kids want to make a difference, and that they have parents that allow them to make these big decisions and support them. How cool is that?

We all had fun on our family mini trip. As photographers, we are so bad at remembering to bring a camera to our own family things. Steve and I got 10 minutes away and realized we forgot to bring ours. Neither of us had the energy to turn around and add the extra 20 minutes to the ride- not to mention the 3 kids in the back of the van that were already asking how long till we get there. So, Steve took some pics with his phone, but that's all we got. Ella and I did a "SPA" day in our room and made a ceramic dog that she got to paint. Josh, Jesania and Steve hung out in the water park with our niece Sara and then we went to dinner with family. It was a fun time. Ella never complained about not going into the water park with everyone else. Pretty amazing for a 4 yr old.

I can't wait for Christmas. As you might have figured, we went a little crazy this Christmas and I can't wait to see their faces on Christmas morning. Ella has been counting the day's till Jesus has his Birthday!

Blessings to everyone this Christmas. I know that I look at every laugh and smile so differently this year. I take mental pictures of everything and try to hold onto those feelings for as long as I can. Being in the moment is hard for me because I am always thinking about "What I need to do next". This year I am trying extra hard to not think ahead, and savor the time I have right now with my family.  All my life I heard adults say that kids grow to fast, and they do. But, this year, on Christmas, I am going to stop my mental clock for the day. I am going to take the time to thank God for his sacrifice, be thankful for the friends who make time for me and put up with me, be grateful for my family and the most awesome husband God could have chose for me and most of all be grateful that my best friend and my daughter are here to celebrate this holiday.

Merry Christmas Everyone.
Blessings~Katie

Day-112 Tangled in Love

Yesterday was such a fun day for Ella. Her Aunt Carrie arranged for a private showing of Tangled at our local theater.

I can't even begin to tell you how much she loves Ella and Josh, but you can probably tell just by looking at the picture of the two of them. Carrie sent out invitations and invited the girls to dress up as princesses. As you can see, that included us older princesses too!  She got there early and cleaned every seat to make sure it was safe.  She also bought Ella the Rapunzel costume and made goodie bags for everyone to take home. The kids had so much fun! Ella spent the entire day covered in glitter and wearing her dress. It was a very good day.

Now we are off to spend some time together in Wisconsin. Ella and I have packed our "Spa" stuff to do while dad, Josh , and Jes are at the water park. Looking forward to seeing our family too!

Blessings~Katie

Day- 111

Conversation between Josh and I this morning while snuggling:

Mom: "I love you bubbie."
Josh: "I love you too, your the best mom ever!"
Mom: "I know. Can you please stop growing bubbie?"
Josh: "No, So I can get big and be 8- then Ella will be off treatment."
Mom: "Sniff, Sniff, I love you bubbie."

Day 109 & 110-Wishes

We are just hanging out and trying to stay warm. Today the weather man said "It will be warming up today, with a high of almost 20!". Gotta love Chicago!
Ella is doing well. Her skin is starting to dry out- but everyone's is in this cold weather. Her next treatment is December 27th, and this will mark the most difficult part of her treatment.  It's 2 months of about 8 drugs, bone marrow aspirations, and spinals. Plus there is a 4 day treatment when a nurse will come to the house to give her chemo and they will teach me how to do it. They said we should expect the rest of her hair to fall out by mid January, and she will be back on the steroids. I can't tell you how scared I am. I look at her and just cry spontaneously through the day- because I know what is coming. I am so grateful, that she does not.
I think the hardest part for us is that she doesn't look like our baby on steroids. I know how bad her body must ache, she couldn't even walk last time- I just wish she was through it.

Pop-Pop 1980"s ish

Have you ever wished you could make a deal with God? Maybe we all get 3 wishes to use and that's it? If the wish makes sense to God then it's a go? Well, I use to play this game in my head when I was younger. Whenever something came up, I would think "Do I use one now? Would something more important come up later that I might need it for? Would I regret it if I used it now?" In my late 20's my Grandpa, Pop-Pop, was ill and had to go to the hospital. As I sit here typing this I am staring at this awesome picture that a photography student took of him in the 80's and I am tearing up. In my eyes he was an amazing man, and not because he was rich or he had a glamorous job but, he loved my grandmother. From the time I was 16 and old enough to work, I flew out to Reno every year to visit them. I usually stayed anywhere from 4-7 days. Sometimes I'd go twice a year. I never saw anything but love come out of him. Even in his 70's he would still walk into the kitchen and smack my grandma on the tush and she would turn and look at him and say "FRESH!", then they would kiss. Anyway, When he got sick, I flew out to see him. And, I played my game, but this time I wanted to use one of my wishes. So, I asked God to trade 5 of my years here for 1 more year with him. Now, don't get me wrong, I know you can't really make deals with God but, my Grandpa passed one year later, 3 months before he was going to walk me down the aisle.

I'd like to use wish number 2 now please.


Blessings~Katie

Day 108



Kids Choir! Morgan, Ella and Josh are in the front row, last 3 on the right,

 Ella had a good day today. It is SOOO cold outside- 11degrees. We did some homework and started reading a Beverly Cleary book today. She let me put her hair up in a piggie today. I know she only has a few weeks left with hair. I want to try to prepare her for that, but I don't really know how to. Her "BFF" Morgan made her a wig last week. I thought it was the sun with big golden rays, but it was a wig with long blonde hair. How sweet is that. Her BFF also asked her mom to cut her hair sure short since Ella won't have any soon anyway.

I can't tell you how much I love these kids. I worked for our church in the children's ministry for a while, and have been watching these kids grow for over 4 years. I know so many of them and have had the rare opportunity to see their hearts. Just can't even tell you how much I love these kids. It was awesome to get to spend the past few weeks with them. One of the girls didn't want to stay in the morning, so I made her my "Special Friend" for the day. She was glued to me. A few times, I looked down to realize she was still holding my hand. Anyway- Just loved it.

Tonight, Ella said she was scared to go to sleep. I snuggled with her a few times, and asked her why she was scared- She said she "just was". I asked her again, and she said she didn't want to be alone. On her wall I have hanging in a square patten pictures of her family and friends. We went through and named everyone and I told her they were all in her heart so she was never alone. That worked for about 2 minutes. Ahhh.

Our Prayers go out to our friend Katie tonight who is having surgery in the am.

Blessings~Katie

Day 107

Ella got to sing in the Children's Choir today. Yea! Can't tell you what a beautiful sound it is to hear 40 children worshiping and smiling! Ahhh. She had a good day playing with her Auntie Carrie and her Pickles.
Steve and I got to go on a loooonnngg date. We went to 10 stores, had dinner together and saw the movie RED. I'll tell ya, I don't know why but watching Bruce Willis kick some poor guys butt, made me LAUGH!  Poor Steve, I do the same thing whenever he hurts himself at home. I don't know why, I can't help it!
Good day for everyone.
I'll post pic's of the kids singing tomorrow.

Blessings~Katie

Day 106

Josh's "Tootie" certificate

Josh lost a tooth last night. "Tootie the Tooth Fairy" came to visit and left a certificate and $1 under his pillow. When Josh woke up this morning, we asked him if he found anything under his pillow, he said yes, but he wanted to wait for Ella to wake up so she could see it too. I know I'm his mom, which means my opinions are as slanted as a politician trying to get elected, but isn't he the best brother ever?

Ella had a hard time falling asleep last night and slept in again this morning. We were invited by a foundation to a kids Christmas Party today and she threw up on the way there. All over her Christmas Dress, her blankie and coat. She was still determined to go so we cleaned her up as best we could- and went anyway. The kids had fun, but for me it was a swift reminder of how fast tings can change. It left me in a funk. We haven't had her get sick in the car in such a long time, we were totally un-prepared for it. No gallon bags, no paper towels, no extra clothes. Ahrg. She and Josh got to play games at Dave and Busters and decorate cookies.

Steve and Ella at Dave and Busters

Despite the fun they had, they were both anxious to leave because we were picking up Jesania today to spend the night. Now they are snuggled on the couch watching Christmas movies, and waiting for Steve to make popcorn.

Jesania and Ella

Looking forward to tomorrow. My friend Sandi and I are running the Choir at church and I can't wait to see 40 smiling singing kids tomorrow- including my 2! Ella is so happy she gets to be there with her friends. They have been practicing every day after school. She LOVES to sing and dance.

Have a good evening.
Blessings~Katie

Days 103, 104, and 105

Ella's treatments are at Loyola, they hosted a dinner and presentation this week for families who have children with cancer. I was surprised at how few families were there, but the ones that were, you knew they were willing to do anything they thought might help their children through this awful journey. The best thing that came out of that dinner for me was meeting another family with a 6 year old girl that has ALL. They are a few months ahead of us in treatment, and our paths have never crossed in clinic. I read her Caring Bridge (kinda like a blog) today, and now there is another child I'm in love with! These kids are so strong! This song just keeps going through my head:


The words "And I will find my strength in the shadow of your wings." keeps going through my head. I just picture all these little kids standing behind HIM gathering their strength to move through another day- full of faith and love.

Ella's Nurses

The next day Ella had Clinic. Her ANC was so high, they did her blood work 3 times! It was, dare I say-Normal? Her ANC was 6550. The highest it has ever been before this was 1700. Well, I am scared that her ANC is so high. I don't care what the Dr.'s tell me -I'm worried. She fell asleep during Chemo, so she must have been really tired. Today my 6:30 am early riser slept until 8:00 and took a 2 hour nap. Her temp was 98.7, but for her, that is a little high. I know, I know, but I'm just keeping an extra close eye on her! This was the largest chemo dose she has had. She gets a break for Christmas now. They are not starting the next protocol until December 27th. This will be the hardest one she will have, and it lasts 2 months. After Chemo she had her usual trip to Build A Bear, this time with Auntie Carrie. I can't tell you how much she loves these animals. They know her by name now at the store.

Ella playing with her B_A_B's

2 of her favorites

Tonight she and Josh are having a Popcorn and Movie night with there friends. They were all so excited to have a "Long" play date in their jammies. Popcorn is a food group in our family. We have special bowls and flavors for this occasion!

Rachel, Ella, Joshua, and Ryan just hanging out on popcorn night!

I found out this week that someone else I love has cancer. I just cried. I am so tired of this invisible beast hurting the people I love. Please add Jim and his family to your prayers. Jim and Karen are like parents to me and I love them dearly.
Have a great weekend. The kids are singing this Sunday at Church and I am so excited to see them up on stage!
Blessings~Katie

Day 102

Snuggle Buddies

I kept Josh home today, just to make sure he is healthy. He asked me this morning, "Mom, do I get to be with Ella today?" As you can see, I let them play together today and have a jammie day. I hope and pray that they love each other this much even when they are 80 years old! They had a good day. Right now they are still on the couch by the Christmas tree snuggling.
Tomorrow night, the family is going to a presentation at Loyola about how to make it through Cancer. Let me re-type that....cancer. I have decided to no longer capitalize this word. Capitalizing it supplies it with too much importance. Anyway I won't be able to update until after Ella has clinic on Thursday. We are going to stay at my friends house by the hospital so Ella and I don't have to drive back and fourth late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Please pray that her counts are good, and that this last dose didn't send them plummeting down like last time. If they are low, then we might be deferred and have to go back again this week or early next week. I have decided not to go to our local hospital to have blood drawn unless the weather is really bad. I just don't want her to be poked more than she needs to be.


Blessings~Katie

Day 101

Ella and Josh both have fevers today. Ella has been hoovering in the 99's all day, but Josh woke up at 101.4 and stayed around that for the day. So, I kept them in separate rooms today in attempt to get them both healthy. When we told Josh he was cold because he was sick, he said "Good thing I am sick". Steve asked him why, and he said it was better that he was sick instead of Ella.

Yesterday, we took Ella to church. Steve and I were trying to figure out how to go so that 1 of us could be home with Ella. I am helping with the Children's Choir at church this year, and I have been having Ella practice with Josh. She asked if she could go and sing with her friends. So, we took her and let her sit in the balcony with us. Church is family to us, and I guess I was forgetting it is for her too. I have mentioned before that I wish I could be one of those "Worship with your hands in the air" type of people. On Sunday, there was a worship song that said to raise your hands in worship. There sat our 4 year old- with her hands in the air, singing the words she picked up- to a song she didn't really know. Showing everyone how to Praise the Lord. Awesome.

Today we played with the Build a Bears and she asked to put on make-up. She snuggled all the bears around our cat and we had a Birthday Party complete with sign for her kitty named Meow Meow. She had a good day.

Day 100

100 days of Cancer. Nothing more to say.

Day 99- Perspective

It did stick! I made a mental note as I fell asleep to listen for when the kids woke up this morning so I could hear their excitement over the snow. I know some people hate the snow, and don't get me wrong, after the "White Stuff" turns grey from all the cars driving through it and we have been trapped in the house for a month because it is so cold outside- it's not my favorite thing anymore either. But, a child's perspective on snow is so completely different than ours. They see it as a chance to play and build things. Josh commented all day that he really liked wearing all of his "gear", which surprised me because I can not get him to put on a hat and gloves for school to save my life!
Today was a big play day. We live on a bit of a slope so Steve and the kids spent a good part of the afternoon sledding in our yard while I took pictures and made hot coco. Ella got to go to a friends birthday party today and she was excited just to play and get a "Make Over". I might be able to get use to all this "Normalcy".

Today Josh and I went into the dentist to have our teeth cleaned.  He went first and was bummed that he didn't get to sit in the waiting room and play with his DSi. Then the tech started asking about the DSi, and why he got it. Then she kinda kept asking about why he got it. Was it his birthday or early Christmas gift? So, I told her Josh got it for being a really good big brother to his sister who is going through chemo.  I felt so bad after I said it because she said she was going to cry. Then I apologized for upsetting her. She said she was teary because she had a 4 yr. old special needs child. We were at the dentist for almost 3 hours this morning. Her son was born with only 1/3 of his brain. She told me all about him and what wonderful strides he has made, what a fighter he is. As I was sitting there, she commented to me that she hears a story like Ella's and feels like her son doesn't have it that bad. Funny, I was thinking the same thing after I heard her story. I guess it is just a matter of perspective.

Blessings~Katie

Day 98

Make your own pizza night.

Ella had a good day today. She and Josh were able to have play dates tonight and we had a make your own pizza night!  Ella had really good energy all day today and played really hard tonight. She was ready to fall asleep, which was nice for me. I only had to tuck her in once!
If she is still feeling well tomorrow, she gets to go to a small birthday party tomorrow- and she is very excited. I'm just glad she has something to look forward to.

It's suppose to snow this weekend, and I hope it sticks. Thank you all for your prayers regarding Ella's fever. She was normal all day today.

Her next clinic day is Thursday. Have a good weekend everyone.

Blessings~Katie

Day 97

Ella- May 2009 Her 3rd Birthday

We were on fever watch today for Ella. Last night she had a late night temp of 100.3. It wavered all morning, and around 2 was down to 99.3. Tonight 99. So thank you all for praying for Ella. Fevers are so scary for us. We have no idea where hew counts are after this last round of chemo or how the increased dosage will effect her body. I'm just so happy that it is going away. I knew she was feeling better when she asked for pizza and popcorn with all the flavorings for dinner.

I was listening to the radio in the car this weekend, happily singing and dancing to some song on the radio. When the song was over this commercial came on that just kept saying "Your child has Leukemia". They said it about 3 or 4 times before the hospital made their point. I couldn't tell you which hospital or group it was. I was too busy telling them off. I was so angry at them for ruining my 5 minutes of normal time. I know it is for a good cause, but I am living it everyday, and when I take 5 minutes to escape it and go grocery shopping with my headphones on- I don't want to hear about it. But, that made me think. I hear about so many other deadly diseases so often, but not about childhood cancers. Maybe it is because it is too sad. Maybe we can't think about something that painful so often?

I was in the car driving home from the store when Steve called me with the Doctors news. My phone doesn't get coverage in the back of Costco, so I missed the call and the Dr. called Steve instead of me. I think that was God's way of protecting me. I don't think I could have handled that phone call in the store. I don't think I could have heard the news from anyone other than Steve. I think about that phone call often. I think about it every time I drive down Randall towards Costco. I pulled over to talk to Steve. I just remember saying "No, No, NO!"  Not my baby, not my child. But, yes. My child has Leukemia, and I don't need the radio to remind me!

Nigh Night.
Blessings~Katie

Day 96

Ella had a good day. We played candy land and puzzles this morning. Today was a jammie day, and a good day for it because it is cold and windy out there today! She got crankie really fast tonight. I thought she might be tired but when I snuggled with her she felt warm. She is almost at 100, so we are on fever watch tonight. I think she will be find, but we still have to be careful.
We have been reading Charlotte's Web for the past few weeks at bedtime. She likes to ask lots of questions about Charlotte. Tonight she asked me if I thought the spider she saw this summer on our front porch was still there or went someplace warmer like her Grandma and Grandpa. So cute!  She is also very excited that she gets to start eating the chocolate in her advent calendar, and she is counting down the days for everything lately- when she will see Morgan, when is Rachel coming home, when is Pickles coming over. Everything is counted in nigh nights!

Nigh Night Everyone!
Blessings~Katie