Well our biggest news is that we have finished radiation therapy. All told, Willa sailed through beautifully. But we are very glad to give up the 6:45 am commute to Fitz-even though our wonderful radiaiton oncologist, Dr. Chen did have the best stickers. We had a small party with a lady bug cake for Willa. Her friend Maddie came and we ahd some special visitors this weekend-Uncle Fred, Aunt Heather, and Grandpa Mike came down form the moutains to help celebrate. We went to the zoo, a special repitile petting zoo, had a pony ride, and went swimming at Pirate's Cove-whew! What a fun weekend-Willa and Harper seem to have limitless energy but Henry and I are exhausted. Harper is starting to stand on her own and is showing her colors as a soon to be hell on wheels!

Updates

Updates

We have had a few great weeks. Willa continues to show signs of progress-her energy level and interest in activities has gradually and steadily increased. And Willa's sense of style once again is back-shorts and a top, winter mittens, two pairs of sunglasses, and a hat-gotta love it. We have also had bits of Willa's pre-illness voice. The other day she sweetly in her little high voice (due to her 10th cranial nerve palsey) asked me where her lemon bread was and then in a much more normal pitch (which in comparison sounded very deep) "Don't eat it mommy". We have kept up with regualr outings and Willa and I did a yoga class the other day adding airplane and headstand to her repetoire (which includes downward dog, happy baby, and tree). Harper is showing her more devilish nature crawling right ot the top of the stairs, or over to the electric socket, or some other dangerous place for a 1 year old, looks up and gives this huge (now toothy) grin and laughs. Guess we might finally have to learn about baby-proofing a house. We have enjoyed having Sonja here through most of the month and had a special visit from the California Fischers (excpet Maddie who was a camp) We went on the requisite weekly trip to the Museum of Science and Natural History to see the nocturnal animals (Willa is a big fan of the ardvark and badger) Betsy, Xander, and I also took Willa to the amusement park to meet her best friend Maddie (Michelle and Mike came too) then Xander and I had some fun on the roller coasters and I was talked into a 150 free fall held only by a harness that may have taken years off my life and was absolutely terrfiying but also really fun. Ginger came out giving Sonja a week's reprieve back in Chicago. We had a lot of fun and made some major progress on the potty trainig front. Henry is going to start back up at Westside in September while I plan to remain off of work for the duration of Willa's treatment.

Pictures

1. Harper learning to walk at the Cherry Creek breakfast

2. Aunt Betsy and Willa

3. The girls in the giant bouncy octopus at the Aquarium

4. Willa and Henry doing their impression of the grumy grouper

5. Ned, Xander, Henry and Willa at the Science Museum

Updates

We have had a great week. Our dear friend Pieter came out for five days (leaving wife Laurie home with their three little ones so a true family effort) to help us out and bringing his usual exuberance and laughter. Also giving Sonja a much deserved break. Sonja returned Friday and brought Grampie Conrad with her. Willa had such a good time with her Grampie-reading stories and playing. Willa also took a trip to Elitch's garden with her friend Maddie. They played in the water park, took some rides, and strolled around the park. We all had a great time. This week marks the half way point of radiation treatments. Willa is doing better each day-more comfortable and used to the routine-and a little less grouchy after waking from anesthesia. This week, we also go to Chidlren's each day for a chemotherapy infusion. Willa has been a trooper-and starting topartake in the infusion center's fun activities.

Pictures:

1) Harper fed to an angry wild prehistoric boar

2) Pietey giving tutorial on trilobites

3) Maddie and Willa at Elitch's

4) Ben (special neighbor friend) and Willa at the Butterfly pavillion

5) Harper and mom at the Butterfly pavillion