Update 12/15 :: Christmas wishes

I've read a lot of posts–too many, really– about the hilarious things kids want for Christmas. Most seem to have a specific amount of money, too, normally in the range of one to ten thousand dollars. When compared with real penguins and superpowers, Imogen's Christmas wishes seem pretty tame.  She just wants an easy-bake oven (done!), her current bike–which will be moved from the garage to the tree on Dec. 24–and some glow-in-the-dark stars for her room. Easy peasy.  And we might let her have a digital camera. She LOVES taking pictures.

Aaron doesn't know what Christmas is. Boom.

As for us, we're gearing up for one of our–hopefully–last big events in this whole cancer journey. On Wednesday, Immy is getting her port line, or "robot," removed. It should be a very simple procedure that takes less than 30 minutes. We've heard varying reports about recovery time and pain management, but she should be completely recovered by Christmas. Phew.

For this paragraph, just pretend I made some long, articulate story about Imogen's stuff being what I want for Christmas. You get the idea.

Something about the holidays puts you in a reflective mood. And generous, I think. Seriously, we have had so many freebies since Thanksgiving weekend. It's a little weird to accept it, and sometimes I'd rather people didn't stare and pity us, but I know that others are offering whatever they can. A sweet lady at Marshall's bought Immy a rolling princess suitcase, someone else bought our breakfast at Waffle House, and the list goes on. I know that the people who did those things will probably never come across this site, but thank you for your kindness. And even more, thank you for being bold enough to act on the leading you felt. It's not easy to go outside your bubble.

After the port is out, Imogen should go back to normal, at least in her eyes. We've still got schedules and scans to look through and plan over the next three months, but all that is for monitoring, not treatment. Please, Jesus. The next meeting we have is January 3, with a urologist. That's where we'll do an ultrasound and everything to see if the tumor has caused any bladder/kidney issues.

As far as an update, we're so thrilled to be able to take the kids to church again, to preschool. Heck, to be able to take them outside without worrying about fevers is a change. Tonight, we get to go to church and have Imm play the bells. It should be epic.

Also, our inimitable photographer, Paige Knudsen, did another photoshoot for us to get Imm in all her bald glory.  Aaron was especially dashing.  Here's a tease.

Wanna see the rest? Click here