Update on Sam!

I really need to get better about this blog. I update facebook but then forget to write a note over here. So sorry to leave you all hanging! But, maybe it will convince the last few of you holding out to just join facebook already ;)

In the Hospital

The past couple weeks have been very trying and I apologize for not filling in those who don't follow facebook.

Update!

Hello everyone!

So much has happened since I last wrote. I have to admit, I'm not the best at keeping up with this site, but I am definitely going to try harder!

Where to start?

She's here!

Sorry that this is a few days late, but I feel like I've got a pretty good excuse - I just can't stop looking at her! Joanna Simone Shrader joined us on May 18th at 7:37pm weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. She has a full head of dark hair and is the spitting image of her daddy.

Lot of random pictures below...

Sorry for the lack of updates!

It's been a pretty hectic month for all of us over here and I have been horrible about updating. Sorry about that, you guys! This is going to be kinda quick but here is what's been going on...

Amendment One

This started out as a facebook status. I wanted to express my feelings on this issue but then I got on a roll and when it hit the 34,566 character mark I decided to put it here instead.

Back on the bedrest

So, it's been a crazy busy couple of weeks in this house.

Family Pictures!

I want to thank all of you again who voted for us in the photo giveaway contest a few weeks ago! Thanks to all of you WE WON! We have been so touched by Sara's generosity and kindness.

Baby Shrader

For those of you who don't know, our sister-in-law Becca works as an ultrasound tech at Duke Perinatal. Duke's amazing, she's amazing, and when she offered to do a 3D/4D ultrasound of our little jelly bean for us, we were thrilled! It is amazing to see all the advancements that have been made in the ultrasound world. After looking at these incredibly realistic pictures I pulled out Cameryn's ultrasounds from 6 and a half years ago. You can't even tell it's a baby in there! Anyways, for those of you not on facebook, here are a few of the shots from Tuesday.

New Treatment Center

Hi everybody! Sorry that it's been so long. We've been staying incredibly busy but also haven't really had any news-worthy updates in a few weeks.

Quick baby update

Just got back from the doctor with another round of good news! Little girl is NOT growth restricted! She's doing very well and is measuring at about 1 pound 9 ounces (just a tiny bit over average)! And since there was no change in my body since the last appointment, my doctor is taking me off of bedrest! I am still supposed to take it easy (no exercising, long walks, or lifting over 15 pounds) and not be on my feet for more than 45min-1 hour at a time, but that is totally doable! We are getting so excited about her arrival and preparing for her to join our family! Only 14 more weeks to go!

XOXOX,
Alex

Missing my husband

When people find out how often my husband and I talk to each other during the day, they usually think we're demented.

Great news!!

The first round of chemo is over and all in all Sam is doing terrific! A little groggy, little nauseous but all things considered he's a-ok! He's definitely a trooper. While that in its self is wonderful news, it gets better.

With the good comes the bad

Today has really been a struggle.

Last Week

Treatment
Last Thursday was a long one.

Starting treatment

This post will be short. It's been a long and exhausting week.

Sam had 7 hours of testing at Duke yesterday, including the dreaded bone marrow biopsy. He's still a bit sore from that but otherwise feeling okay. The testing was to ensure his eligibility in the study. There were a few different criteria that he had to and did meet, but they were concerned about his dropping platelet counts. In order to participate in the trial he had to stay above 150,000 and at his last reading in December was at 152,000.  The oncologist's nurse/assistant called this afternoon and Sam's platelet count was 157,000 making him eligible to start the trial. GREAT news! If he had been disqualified for the study he would have had to start a much harsher chemo regimen that we were hoping to avoid for the time being.

So, this Thursday and Friday (February 2nd and 3rd) Sam will start his first round of chemo. Please keep him in your thoughts then and during the weekend as he rests and recovers. We are really hoping for mild side effects, but you never know how a person will react.

XOXO,
Alex

The kids closet redo

To put it bluntly, the kids closet was a mess. Not enough storage, not accessible to them, it just wasn't working. So, this weekend we set out to change that! Step one to redoing a closet - marry an awesome guy. Seriously, he was amazing. I changed my mind during this project probably 15 times and spent two hours in Lowe's staring at materials. But it's finished and I couldn't be happier! It freed up some room in other areas of the house that I can now utilize better as well. Okay, so the before pictures...

Making the most of it

On Tuesday afternoon, the weather was SO nice outside! Like 68 degrees and sunny. Great! I went to pick the kids up from school and we talked the whole way home about what a bummer it was that we couldn't go to the park (since I was just put on bedrest the day before). So I suggested that we take a blanket outside and that I could lay down while the kids and the dogs played in the backyard. Cameryn responded with, "You know what's even better than that?! A picnic!!"

Lots of changes

The new year has brought with it a lot of struggles, but we are confident that things are going to work out for us. We have an amazing support system of friends, family and community members that are helping us cope with life.

You have to start somewhere

I've been meaning to get into this whole blogging thing for awhile now, but it never quite happened. So, today is the day. With so many changes going on in our lives and with all of our family and friends spread out all over the country, this seemed like the easiest way to keep everyone updated on what is going on in the Shrader household. The good, the bad, and the ugly. All in one place.