Dear Kids,
I’m sure everybody has heard that Paul and Stefanie are having a GIRL!! I’m completely surprised. I thought for sure it would be a boy, but maybe that’s because I’ve forgotten what baby girls look like. There have been ten boys since Anna was born, and two just before her, Luke and Isaac. So we’re in for a welcome change. Stefanie’s due date is March 6th or 7th; Paul wasn’t sure. Paul also told me a little bit about Oliver, Stefanie’s nephew, the son of Brian and Kelly. He was born at 26 weeks and has been in the NICU at McKay Dee hospital ever since. He was doing OK until he got too jumpy and accidentally pulled out his breathing tube, which, of course, he didn’t know he was doing. They were worried that he’d gone too long without oxygen, but he pulled through. I’m sure he could use your prayers. I pray for him every day, along with Paul and Stefanie’s baby. I know the Lord listens to us, even though He doesn’t always give us the answer we would choose. But I’m sure He will bless both of these babies.
On Tuesday afternoon I’ll be having the biopsy of my lung, and it’s a very high-tech process. They don’t just stick a needle in where they think the tumor is. (Although Dr. Lewis showed us how he could find it when he tapped on my back, sort of like knocking on a wall to find a stud.) For the lung biopsy, they actually do a CT scan, so they can guide the needle into the right place. That means I have to come an hour early and drink dye again (my third time within a month) and then I have to get into the machine. I’m not excited. They have to find out exactly what kind of cancer it is (lung? colon?) so they can prepare the right immuno drug. Meanwhile, my real pain is coming from my hip, and I’m still waiting to find out what my orthopedic doctor plans to do. Since I’ve been walking with a cane for three months now, I shouldn’t mind waiting a little longer, but it’s hard to be patient. I also still have shingles pain in my left leg. Whatever Heavenly Father wants me to learn from all this, I wish I could learn it and get on with my life.
Scout just walked under my chin and dragged his magnificent tail under my nose. The cats can’t stand to see me sitting at my computer, concentrating on anything besides themselves. It’s snowing outside, so they’re all very friendly. Even Tina. Winter is definitely here early, and it’s our second snowstorm this week. There hasn’t been enough for a snowman yet (sorry, Matthew) but if we continue on at this rate, we’ll be building snowmen by Halloween.
Love to all, Mom
]]]]56\6565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565656565uhjhjhnjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj1 (this final paragraph was added by Sonia)