V-Day 2013

If you have been with us a while, you may remember that Valentine's Day has become more a legend than a holiday for us.  To recap, on February 14, 2010, Chris and I learned that we were expecting an unexpected (but exciting!) addition later that year.  One year later, on after 4 surgeries and a nasty bout of RSV, we celebrated Scarlett's first Valentine's Day with her very first dose of chemo.  And finally, last year, that sneaky little Cupid made sure we were together - Scarlett had her g-tube surgically placed that day.

So, for weeks, we have been cautiously approaching, awaiting whatever doom may lay ahead.  Would it be another surgery?  How about an unexpected MRI?  Maybe a day full of appointments, topped off with a little puke?  

I am happy to report that V-Day 2013 has officially passed uneventfully.  Scarlett went to school, looking heart-tastic.  

Even her shoes have hearts!

Her bag is full of valentines for her classmates, teachers, aides and school directors.  Over the weekend, I made a little project out of it - Fruity Pebbles Treats (more colorful and flavorful than Rice Krispies!) cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Treat bags from Target, blank stationary with stickers and some kindergarten teacher writing, and - BAM! - preschool valentines.

I hope the kids like them as much as I did!

After school, she had labs.  Her neuro-onc NP has arranged for us to have her labs drawn on non-chemo weeks at our local medical office, rather than having to drive across the Bay for a 10 minute procedure.  There was one nurse who knew how to draw from a port, so Scarlett has a standing appointment with that one nurse to have her labs drawn every other week.  Another perk f having a team that is fully committed to making Scarlett's life as easy as possible.

While Chris chauffeured,  I was at work.  I went to work today with no voice.  Not just hoarse; when I talk, nothing but whispers come out.  Just take a minute to imagine the challenge of managing a Valentine's Day party and activities with 26 5-year-olds without using my voice...suffice it to say, it was a long day, and I am taking tomorrow off to recover.  The highlight of the day, by far, was the deliver of roses to my classroom from my own Valentine...he's the best!

So now, Scarlett is in bed, Chris and I both have a glass of wine, and we are watching The Daily Show...most anyone would think it was a boring way to spend a Valentine's Day, but for us, it is just right, and the best we've had in years.  Well, there was a little puke, but that's just a normal day around here.