Tomorrow begins Week 3 of chemo. 

It is hard to believe that we are already half way to surgery. Time is flying in the strange way that it does when we have everything and nothing going on all at the same time. We had a nasty cold virus go through our house last week that has slowed things down a bit for us. It hit Madeline and I last night, but so far she has not had a fever over 100 so we have been able to avoid an emergency room visit. However, chemo may just kick her little butt hard this week. So pray for strength. Pray for immunity. Pray that we can rest and recover. If you know our family you know that none of us are good at resting so this is a very real prayer request! We will also be beginning treatment at St. Vincent in Green Bay tomorrow. We are grateful for the opportunity to be closer to home for her weekly chemotherapy appointments. We will still have to travel to Children's for surgery, scans, and big appointments but it is a gift to not have to have a break from long car rides for a bit.

Madeline's hair is beginning to come out by the handful. I didn't realize the emotional attachment I had to the hair that I fight about brushing every day. We are continuously reminding Madeline that she will be beautiful even when she is bald. It is a hard pill to swallow for all of us. BUT, it will grow back and she will indeed still be beautiful and still be our sweet Madeline despite the loss of her hair.

In other positive news, we spent the day up north on Saturday where we had perfect weather and some good quality family time. As usual we are thankful for the little things. Sunshine, picnics, fresh air. God is good and gives us good gifts even in the mundane. The ability to find so much joy in the midst of the chaos of our life situation is certainly coming from the hope that we have in Jesus and His ability to sustain us.

Once again, thank you for being our team. Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement each and every day. We love you all dearly.