Good Afternoon,

We are doing really good here right now.  We had a wonderful weekend as a family and my parents watched the kids on Saturday so we could get away for a few hours. 

Sharmi’s appointment last Tuesday went well.  Her counts were back down to 1200.  This is OK, but they elected to start her back slowly on her drugs.  They canceled the steroids for this month and the weekly methotrexate for last week again.  So Sharmi was only on mercaptopurine last week.  Sharmi has had a lot less drugs in her system these last couple weeks and it is evident in her behavior.  This morning she played quietly by HERSELF reading books, magnetic dress-up dolls, tucked her dollies to bed on mommies pillow, and built log houses.  It has been so peaceful and enjoyable. 

Chantel is at a wonderful age.  She is really starting to communicate well with words and sign.  The signs she used this morning include banana, pain (Sharmi accidentally hit her in the head with a bottle during her bath), bath, more, and sleep .  When the girls were at the park on Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa I was talking to Chantel on the phone.  I thought it was Sharmi because when I asked her if she was having fun she said, “yeah” and when I told her good-bye and I loved her she said “bye.”  I was shocked when mom today me that it still Chantel.  I understand what she is saying at home, but it is generally harder over the phone. It is so fun to watch her grow, develop and copy big sister, except for the temper tantrums.  :)   

Well, they have both awakened from their naps and I promised I would take them outside today.  It is cold, but not rainy so we have to take advantage of it.

Cheris