Clear MRI, a Green Tee (although this year they were blue...), and Gravy

CLEAR!
So, first things first - Gianni had an MRI last Monday and it came back "perfect". We are 9 months post-treatment, we are 18 months post-diagnosis, we are blessed beyond belief.

Shaka Bra!

This was the first procedure with no port; in the past she would be given medicine to put her out thru the port - now we don't have a port. The idea was to hold her in my lap while the anesthesiologist gently put the sleepy mask on Gianni, then she would calmly "fall asleep" (Gianni, not the anesthesiologist). We play acted this scenario for 30 minutes or so prior to the procedure with Child Life and cute medical dolls and scaled accoutrement. Well, true to her nature all those good intentions went right out the window - the scene was closer to a knock-down cage fighting championship than the evening story time I had envisioned. In the end the nurse consoled me by stating, "Well, the harder she cries, the faster she'll go under" (she went under pretty fast - I on the other hand, took a bit longer). I've already started strategizing for next time . . .

Blue Tee
Last year in the beginning of May, Bruno and I participated in the National Brain Tumor Foundation annual "Angel Adventure" 5K walk while Tony and Gianni spent those hours at the Stanford Day Hospital for one of many platelet transfusions. I am so very proud of our Gian - last year all I could think of was getting her a "Green Tee".

[ref: 2008 Green Tee]
"All participants were given white or yellow t-shirts with the NTBF logo;
Survivors wore green t-shirts.
So many people affected by brain tumors . . . so few green shirts.
We are going to get one of those green shirts."

Gianni got her tee - the survival tees were blue this year (and only in adult sizes) but none the less. Funny how last year that was all I could muster want for - now that seems so little, I want much, much more. The walk was fun, a lot easier than last year. My friend Alison and her family shared the day with us, we walked for Gianni, little Jessica, and too many others to list. The day was a bit rainy but the kids were all just chalk full of energy, and like hound dogs they probably walked 10K by the time we finally packed everything in to come home. Similar to last year there was a bouncy house (really entertaining in the rain), balloon masochist, pirates, music, face painting, and (of course) tightrope walking. Gianni wore her pink cowboy boots the entire day.

Hair Cut
Now that Gianni's hair has officially become longer than Bruno's (note tiny, yet perceptible pigtails), it was time for a hair cut...one that I'll add to the scrap book of firsts = )

Gravy
The rest of our time has been occupied with blessedly boring routine - school, work, boxing (for Bruno), physical therapy (for Gianni), homework, kindergarten prep (poor kid had to get 5 shots and she was literally STOMPPING mad), family dinners, and lots of cabin time.


Bruno and Gianni are all set for an exciting summer
- Trip to Kentucky for G'ma and G'pa Austin visit planned for next week (lots of chickens, and puppies, and sheep ... oh my)
- Swimming lessons and summer camps all around
- Baseball (perhaps we will entice G'ma and G'pa Walker ...?)

Next MRI is in August.

Thank you for checking in on our littlest one; we are greatful for all your thoughts, prayers, and good wishes.