Yesterday, it was back to the infusion center for round two of my chemo. It was rather uneventful. My labs looked great. The routine was the same. I didn't even bother to bring the camera. Although, I could have taken a lovely photo of Hali, my nurse, holding out my rainbow colored assortment of popsicles. I think I ate one of every color while she injected two of the three drugs into my IV.
To clear the chemo cobwebs, we went for a post-dinner walk at the nature preserve down the street. Dusk was falling quickly upon us as we arrived, the redwing blackbirds greeting us with a chorus of song.
Channing threw sticks and rocks off the bridge. He ran excitedly along the path through the tall grass and managed to talk WM into a shoulder ride or two.
We returned to the car as the sun started to dip below the trees, refreshed and ready for bed.
While making dinner the other night, I was trying to explain to Channing that Auntie Jenn, who was here visiting for the weekend, is having a baby come October. By the time this conversation ended, Channing was proudly standing on his kitchen stool proudly rubbing his own pregnant belly. I made a mental note to take a picture of Jenn and Channing together, belly to belly during their visit. It didn't happen. We were busy. Very busy.
We grilled out a few times, enjoying the patio and backyard at Sarah and Jesse's.
Sarah and Jesse arranged for us to go out on a pontoon on Prior Lake.
While the gentlemen minus Papa spent a morning on the golf course, the rest of the group walked to a nearby park to burn off a little extra energy.
The big guys didn't get enough friendly competition in on the golf course so they played beerbee that same evening.
And, then as quickly as it came, it was over. In a flurry of hugs, kisses and promises to Skype soon, goodbye was said. They'll be back come December for our annual holiday gathering, little Dougalina in tow. Oh yes. They're having a girl and my dad decided he is the namesake. He's having a little trouble convincing Jenn and Jay of this. I cannot imagine why.
We discovered a bit of a hidden treasure close to our new home. Found it one night on our way to Target. WM was just cruising along when I suddenly broke through Channing's chatter with a plea to 'just indulge me and take a right turn here'. I said it as we were half way through the intersection. WM made the turn without hesitation. Up a slight rise, down a long, slope of a hill with a slight curve at the bottom and we found ourselves spit out into a lovely, lovely looking park. A ball field. A picnic shelter complete with a large stone fireplace. A playground with equipment suited to people Channing's size and age. Beautiful gardens. It was all there. Bedtime was nearly upon us and we still had that Target run to make. We left as quickly as we arrived making promises to return soon.
Soon arrived today. Early. Let me repeat that. EARLY. Despite being up for several hours in the night, Channing was standing in the doorway, undressing himself and declaring, 'Me need a shower now. Get up mom.' closer to 6:00 than 6:30. [groan] We were showered, dressed and out the door shortly after 7, a picnic breakfast in hand.
We were alone in the park on this beautiful summer morning. The park benches, swings and slides were still very wet with dew. It didn't stop Channing from climbing right into the mouth of a hippopotamus or navigating the 'rock' stairs. When I suggested we see where the path goes, he took off like a shot, running ahead and excitedly exclaiming, 'Amazing! It's amazing!' Not far into our adventure, we came to a bridge. After peering down from above, we veered off the path and found the perfect bend in the creek for skipping stones, wading and trying to catch minnows.
We had a long 'to do' list this morning keeping our park visit short but sweet. We've vowed to come back again though. Soon.
