Sunshine and Rain

This week has been a lot more challenging than Dave and I anticipated. Dave got really sick from growth injections this week and stem cell collection was really hard on Dave's body. They decided to keep him sedated on Tuesday and Wednesday after he got dehydrated from all the sick symptoms he was having. Then the fluids they gave him went to his abdomen and lung cavaties making it difficult for him to breathe. They then had to give him diaretics to drain the fluid so that he could breathe easy again. We spent most of the week at the hospital. Friday afternoon he started feeling better and has felt back to "normal" again. We had some sweet experiences this week too: visits, phone calls, notes, and care packages from people concerned for Dave. It has been bitter sweet. The kids are happy to have Dave's tubes pulled out of his neck. Grant had been avoiding huging or kissing Dave all week finally gave him a hug and kiss again. He was kinda freaked out I think. He still has a port in his chest for the next year where he will be recieving chemo. The chemo starts Friday the 28th of January.

Well today was the head shaving party. We had a great time and Dave felt the support of his friends, our bishopric, co-wokers, and family members.

Day One of Many Days to Come

Dave got his central line and his temporary line surgically inserted today. These line are ports that are used for removing stem cells out of his body and to put the chemotherapy in. Dave had a great attitude today and kept joking around. My personal favorite was when he was coming out of recovery he said "I have the power" refering to He-Man and then started singing the Thundercats theme song. He remembers none of this and is unsure that I am telling the truth. I am. He gets a long weeked of R&R to recover and get some shots to increase his white blood cells and then mobilize them into the bloodstream. Tuesday, Wednesday, and maybe Thursday he will be at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital all day to remove the stem cells.
He is resting and still a little out of it. Ally and Grant went to open gym at Ally's gymnastics tonight. We are trying to get the wiggles out before our 2 months home bound starting Jan.31.
Dave and I will be moving downtown in a hotel while the kids stay at home with my mom and my sister Kim. Thank goodness for family and friends.

Daddy Daughter Date

Dave took Ally Jane to the princess ball. She had a great time and kept saying, "I can't believe I'm going on my first date."

Broderick has been such a happy wonderful baby. He makes everyone's day brighter. He smiles at everyone he meets. We love him so much

Since last post.....

We have had some fun things happen since our last post. Grant turned 4 and had a shark party. We got passes to the aquarium and Grant has been obsessed with sharks since then. We also went to the Shark Reef in Las Vegas. He was in Shark heaven.

Easter Sunday we took this picture. It was difficult to get Grant to smile. Ally Jane and Broderick were posing easily for the camera.

One Month Old

Ally Jane and Grant love holding Broderick every chance they get.
Ally also is loving Kindergarten and Grant is loving preschool.





Here Broderick is one month old. He is such a easy going baby. As long as he has plenty to eat.

We love him so much. The time goes by too fast.

Introducing Broderick Dallin Welsh

Here he is just minutes old.

Proud and Elated mom and dad.

Kimberly flew in a couple hours before he was born. She and Dave coached me through the hardest parts of the labor. My mom watched the kids for me at our house as they anxiously awaited to meet their baby brother.

Also my cute friend Michelle Bacon made this stylin' hospital gown for me.

Home with the baby

Just hanging out with Dad.

Ally Jane lost her tooth the day after Broderick was born. Here she is showing off her missing bottom tooth.

Broderick loves to sleep. We keep waiting for a little peek here and there.

Grant loves being the big brother. He is on "pacifier patrol." Everytime Broderick makes a peep he is right there to stick his pacifier in.

This is the first time Ally and Grant are meeting their baby brother.

Broderick Dallin Welsh is here!