Friday, January 4, 2008

Happy Birthday Izzy!

I've recently heard of some Izzy-update withdrawals...sorry, and thanks for caring...here goes:

Obviously no news is good news. In our case, no news has meant we have had more parties going on than we can handle. And Izzy has been feeling so great and loving every minute of it. Here are some highlights:

Izzy reached her 4 year birthday--a thing I questioned would happen 8 months ago. Whew! For her birthday our Make-a-Wish Stars (a group of students that chose Izzy as their make-a-wish kid to sponsor) set her up with a personal phone call from Dora The Explorer!! Not kidding, Izzy even asked her how she met Boots (her pet monkey). And she told Izzy they met up in a tree and decided to go on an adventure together. It was very surreal to hear this television voice through our phone. The amazing chefs at Cake Nouveau also had a special birthday cake sent to her:

Cory and I continued the spoilage with a b-day trip to Chuck E Cheese with friends: (L to R: Izzy, Lorin, Emmette, Ryan, Chloe, Evan, and Brandon)

For Christmas we met Grma and Grpa in Missourri where my brother's family lives with his wife and 7 kids (aka cousins galore). What a rush of fun and excitement! Izzy particularly loved the 4-wheeler rides!

(L to R: Summer, Lorin, Ryan, Izzy, Kimberly, Juliet)

Uncle Karvel with (L to R) Kimmie, Izzy and Summer.
Finally, for New Year we partied all night with the Maynors and the Ingmires (neighbors, b-school friends, rock-band stars ;). And when I say all night, I mean it--due in part to being snowed-in, we slept over and continued the party in the morning.

Izzy has had to continue bi-monthly blood counts as her dosage is causing her ANC to be a bit lower than where she should be for Maintenance. But all in all she is doing better than I ever thought she would, complete with teasing Ryan non-stop and playing with Lorin constantly! Still too good to be true!
P.S. The generosity toward Izzy and our family has quite overwhelmed us this b-day and holiday season! THANK YOU!

9 comments:

Carol and Tyler said...

Who knew a birthday could be so momentous! We are so happy that Izzy is feeling better and had such a great celebration! You guys are wonderful and we can't wait to see you again soon!!! LOVE YOU!

Carolyn Hansen said...

So glad to hear good news! We too are still getting those bi-montly counts. After 3 months, Kate's ANC is hovering at 500. Who's complaining though when we know that it can be MUCH worse!
Can't wait for more cute pictures as her peach fuzz hair starts to come in. :)

Lisa said...

A call from Dora? Amazing! It actually made me cry I'm so happy for her. Sounds like you all had great holidays!

Valerie Matteson said...

So glad to see Izzy today!! Haley said that she wants her hair cut like Izzy's!! Not sure what her mom would say to that! I am so glad she is doing well. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you!

J-Lo said...

Wow, first a trip to the North Pole, and now a phone call from Dora. What a treat! I love the new hair growth. She'll be wearing pigtails again in no time. Love you!

Katie said...

cory and i are just so happy for and proud of little izzy. she is one of the brightest rays of sunshine in our little sunbeam class. happy birthday, izzy! cory promises a special appearance of the magic tie.
--your adoring fans, katie and cory walker

*NaTaLiE SaNdaLL* said...

What a fun birthday! We are so happy for all of you and especially happy that Izzy was feeling good for her BIrthday.

Derrick said...

Yea!!

Happy Birthday Izzy! I am so grateful for your updates. It is so fun to see how well she is doing. Your family truly inspires ours. Thank you thank you!!

Angie and Derrick Whiting

Elsie said...

It feels really great to see how happy Izzy is!!