Changes....

Well a lot has happened in our daily routine lately. Daddy got a short contract job and has therefore been extremely busy. We are so happy and thankful that his hard work has finally paid off and want him to know how proud we are of him. My husband is one of the most dedicated, diligent workers I have ever met. Although this is only a temporary position, we hope that this experience and his strong work ethics will open the door to more possibilities. As I am sure you can all imagine, this has also had quite an impact in our daily lifestyle and routine. It is incredible how much you depend on someone and lean on them when you go through a life changing experience such as this. I know that this has made us stronger as a couple and although Parker's disease is a daily battle, he has had both of his parents at home with him for over 18 months. We share a special bond with Parker that is very difficult to even try and put into words. This transition has been extremely difficult for Parker as well. We both miss daddy very much and the energy and laughter that he brings into our lives. Parker has not been going to bed at night very well because he wants to make sure that Daddy is still home. For the past couple of nights we have let him stay in our bed for a bit to watch t.v before saying ciao! Although, he will not show it, I know that this has been very difficult for him. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and want him to know that we appreciate everything he is doing to try and make things a little better for us.

Last week one of my brother-in-laws colleagues held an event where she donated the proceeds to Parker. We would like to thank-you so much for this and want you to know how much your contribution and support means to our family. I am so sorry that it has taken this long to thank you on our site. Although, my husband has found short term employment, it will continue to be extremely financially straining on us with the loss of my income and the mere fact that we have both been off work for so long to care for Parker and provide him with the safest environment possible. A loss of income for 18 months for both of us has given us a tremendous amount of stress and worry. We sincerely appreciate all of the help we have received and are extremely grateful of any help we may get in the future so that we may continue to protect Parker the best that we can. If anyone has ideas or is willing to plan an event then we are very appreciative of this too.

Parker had his visit at Sick Kids on Monday and we are thrilled that his lymphocytes went up another 100 to a total of 870 now. The rest of his numbers remained relatively the same which makes us so happy. Our son is such a fighter and we count our blessings every day for the joy that he brings to our lives. I honestly feel so blessed to have a son who is so amazing.

Well, I must go and get ready for our day. The little monkey should be waking soon and ready to go full force. A special thank-you to Nana and Gaga who have been such a tremendous support to us. I am so lucky to have such amazing, supportive parents and we love you very much. Thank-you for your daily visits and helping me out so much with our new adjustment.
Ciao!

A 2nd Birthday Blast!

Mommy is just writing a quick blog today to share some birthday pictures from yesterday. It was such a special day for us and we want to thank everyone who was a part of it for making it so memorable. Parker had such an amazing time and wants to say a special thank-you to his daddy for making him such a fun cake. Parker already knows that his daddy is an amazing cook, but now a cake maker too! A Pablo cake last year and a Cars cake this year- who knows what next year will bring. Parker will definitely be able to choose and daddy will definitely make it happen. Thanks again everyone. We needed such a "normal" day!

I want to make cakes just like my dad when I am his age!

Wow! Can you believe that this is my cake. Isn't my dad the best!!

I figured I should let daddy help me with the candle since he did such a fantastic job!
This really is too cool!

Finally a moment to myself to enjoy all this chocolate!

Just having a moment with Nonno!

Auntie Frannie let me eat all the chips I wanted. I hope she stays like this forever!

Uncle Kyle is right up my alley- some TLC with the TV!

We thank our lucky stars every day for the gift of Auntie Natalie!

Even little guys need some down time the next morning!

Best Friends Forever!

Parker's Playtime with Jett

Parker got to spend much of yesterday with his cousin Jett as Uncle Michael and Auntie Katie visited their new niece. Parker always enjoys his playtime with his cousin.

I hope when I grow up I have hair like that.

Parker posing for the camera. He is one happy little boy.

Jett, after having a big lunch. If Parker ate like him, life would be much easier during meal times.

Is it a hug or a tackle? You be the judge.

Parker got Widgets for his birthday from mommy and daddy and he loves to share.

Mommy posing with cousin Jett. Don't be jealous Parker.

Parker and Jett working on their airplane mechanic skills.

Parker and Jett discussing a plan to get the taller folk to put on the Backyardigans.

Parker showing Jett where Gaga hides him gum.

Happy 2nd Birthday Parker!

Today, Parker turned two.

We are extremely happy to report that Parker will be celebrating his birthday with 1230 neutrophils and 770 lymphocytes. Here are some images from today. Check back on Saturday for images of his birthday party.

Life in 2008

So, things have not changed too much for us in the new year. My wife and I still spend most of our time at home with Parker. She plays with him most of the time and I spend much of my time preparing for a career in Java Development.

I have felt a little under the weather the past couple of days, so as a precaution I have left my wife and son alone. For the most, I have spent my time in bed reading. I even made a decision to not play hockey tonight in hopes that I will be better by tomorrow. Vitamin C, water, ginger ale, and Cold FX. That has pretty much been my diet.

Lymphocytes and Neutrophils have pretty much remained the same over the past month. Parker continues to have 600 lymphocytes and around 1100 neutrophils. We really wish that his neutrophils would return to a normal level as was expected after gene therapy but they still sit at the same number they have been 30 days post gene therapy. We will have to wait and see if they increase as his metabolites decrease further.

Parker has continued to be a happy little boy. He does have some new words, although his speech is hardly something to get excited about. That said, he does continue to strive in many other ways. He absolutely loves puzzles. He has a wooden puzzle of the letter of the alphabet that he can put together quite quickly. He loves playing with trucks and cars. He got a Go Diego Go jeep from his Nana and Gaga for Christmas that he loves getting in and out of.

He is strong. We call him Bam Bam. You know from the Flintstones. He loves lifting everything up over his head. The basketball net he got from Christmas he carries across his playroom on a regular basis. His bed mattress? If you put it on the ground he squats in front of it, picks it up, walks forward and then flips it over. All with that grunting noise that guys make when they are lifting up something heavier than they should.

Lastly, I would like to thank anyone who put us in their prayers or made a donation over the holidays. Things have started to get harder financially around here and we really appreciate any help that we get. Thank- you.