Meet My Surgeon

I remember asking Rob why Jimmy's surgeon always carried around a little metal briefcase with him. "They're his loops," he said. Apparently in the language of doctor, that means protective surgical goggles. Well, as Rob is officially in his second year--he earned his! How hot are these babies!!! Yep, here's my surgeon man in his loops! (He opted for the sporty Nike ones--no surprise there!)

Dillon & Simon

Our house is the gathering place in the neighborhood. Everyone seems to gravitate toward it. These two boys, Simon and Dillon, come by almost everyday. They want to be part of our family--always trying to find ways to spend time with us. When Simon first came into our house, he said, "Your house is so peaceful." It is one of the best compliments I've every gotten. Dillon lives with his mom and step dad and moved here from Columbia a little over a year ago. Simon's parents are both from Africa--his dad is a taxi driver and his mom has an African restaurant. Neither spend much time with their families (hence our surrogate sons). Well, Rob thinks every boy needs to learn to fish, so he took them on a fishing trip last Saturday. They couldn't have been more excited! They both caught fish (as did Robbie and Ty) and we even had a little adventure with a water moccasin who kept trying to swim onto our bank. It was an adventure and great memory for the all the boys.

Green Thumb

Though pretty much all of our seeds that we planted (like 40) died, Ty's cucumber plant has thrived (as wells as a squash and pumpkin plant) in our "landscape" garden. We've had four already and Ty couldn't be more pleased with himself (since he is sure that it is all him and his green thumb!) :)

Breeding Losers

This cute boy . . .

is growing up. I'm so sad.

Robbie had his first real play date with a kid from school. They are on the same t-ball team, and though Zach is 7 and a grade ahead of Robbie, they've become friends. I have to admit, pretty much everyone seems to want Robbie as a friend--he's a great little guy--but after eaves dropping on their little conversation as Robbie and Zach walked home from summer school, I am beginning to wonder how long his popularity is going to last!

Zach: So Robbie, do you have a bunk bed?

Robbie: No

Z: An electric skooter?

R: No.

Z: Electric bike, then?

R: No. My parents don't have very much money. (I about died hearing this. So sad. So true. So . . . hard to respond to! But, Zach seemed unfazed . . .)

Z: So what kind of gaming system to do you have?

R: What's that?

Yep, my kids are gonna be losers. Too honest. Too clueless. But . . . they'll be good boys, and that's all I care about.

This Kid

He's hilarious and dynamic for sure. But he's also smart.

Me: Ty, go put your plate in the sink, please.
Silence
Me: (I'm trying to be patient and give him another chance to make the right decision before I bust out my inner grizzly.) You know it's not my job--please put it away.
 Ty: I don't have to (he says so matter-of-factually). You said that you would do anything for me . . . so, YOU put away the plate!
 Unbelievable. I have to seriously watch my words around this one!

Fishing

We finally found a great spot. We finally got some good fish.

\

Jimmy spent his time eating rocks

Ty caught two blue gill and Robbie got this big crappie--which, Rob filleted and we ate up!

Ryan, Kristen, and Grandma Haas stopped by on their way to Michigan  and Uncle Ryan took this picture. Our little neighbor, Haley, was trying to show Robbie how beautiful she was in her wedding dress--in response Robbie decided to scare her with some worms. Such a guy. No clue.

Latest and Greatest

It would seem our hospital days are over--at least for six more months! Jimmy met with the oncologist, general surgeon, and pediatrician this week; by each of their standards, he is in great health! Final report from COG (Children's Oncology Group)--the group we donated the tumor to for research--agreed with the other pathologists (a total of 4 opinions) . . . BENIGN! Total dimensions of the removed mass: 16.2 x 10.5 x 8.0cm. Weight: 697 grams (just over 1.5 lbs). His C-Diff seems to be gone. We are so grateful! Goodbye sad hospital days . . .

Hello to our skinny-bellied man!