Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Rainer Update

Yesterday I took the day off from work to accompany Rainer and Ken to the hospital. (Yes, it was only my second day back at work, but I've already made up my mind that I must be involved in his care and he really does need me on these big chemo days--he's still nursing). He got two types of chemo and lots of hydration. He actually did really well and was in good spirits for most of it. Now he has 3 more days of chemo that can be done at home by the visiting nurses (and I'm back to work today).
Rainer and Ken. Rainer is watching "The Newborn Channel"
Rainer had a week off from all chemo last week because he didn't "make counts." That means his bone marrow hadn't recovered enough from the previous round of chemo, so he had a rest week. It was kind of nice. It also gave his tummy a chance to settle. The biggest news with Rainer right now is that he is gradually getting stronger. It's slow, but he's crawling a little, rolling over, can sit up from lying down, and if you place him on his feet and he can hang onto something (like the coffee table) he can stand! He still can't pull up to standing, his crawling is minimal, and he's certainly not walking, but I'm confident that will all come back with time. Oh, and his face. It's still puffy as you can see, but it is going down some.

And on a crafty note, I appliqued him these t-shirts last week. Fun, huh?

19 comments:

Amy said...

Those little shirts are too cute!
So glad to hear Rainer is doing somewhat better...hooray for standing! The walking will come and he will be back to his normal little self before you know it!
BTW-puffy face or not he has been a cutie all the way.

Gift of Green said...

MB, Your blog continues to give me so much joy and it's true...it does make a difference when you can remember to "choose happiness" (although sometimes easier said than done, right?). I am so impressed by your meal planning. Should I investigate a subscription to Everyday Food? Ken looks so nice and yes, Rainer does look very, very good.

kirsten said...

aw, nice shirts! glad cute rainer is doing so well.

melissa s. said...

So glad to hear Rainer's doing well. He has such a sweet sparkle in his eye. And those appliques are adorable!

Kelli said...

You really are the best mom ever! and I mean that from the bottom of my heart! Hugs, your doing a great job.

Kennedy News said...

Cute little shirts! Rainer looks great and those weeks off are so nice, aren't they? It won't be long before he decides to walk and you'll be running to catch up with him!
Courtney

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

He really is a cute little guy! Those shirts are darling!! How do you have time to do so much sewing??

Christy said...

He looks so cheerful!

He must have your great attitude, by birth, by example.

You're right about the work vs. family stuff.

I hope they're understanding, always.......

Good luck!

Beautiful handiwork!

Julie said...

Rainer is such a little cutie... and I love the shirts you made him! It's nice to read that he is getting some strength back.

I have a question about your weekly meal planning, I think it looks like a wonderful system. I believe I read that you make a casserole and a soup on Sunday and then reheat during the week adding salad. Do you have to make any new new meals during the week?

Thanks... mjpurdy(at)stny(dot)rr(dot)com

Rachel said...

Oh, he's such a cutie! I'm so pleased he's doing well. And those T shirts are very cool!

Unknown said...

I'm happy to hear Rainer is improving. And the t-shirts are darling!

Suzanne said...

He is just so precious! Still praying for him daily:-)

Carrie said...

What a super baby! What's the Newborn Channel?

Anonymous said...

The shirts are adorable. I love the one with the doggy. I am so sorry for what your sweet baby is going through. You are in my prayers.

Cass said...

Those shirts are great. Glad Rainer is on the improve

periwinkle said...

Im happy to hear Rainier is doing better , especially with the sitting up etc he always has a smile too. Cute t-shirts.
Lisa x

Anonymous said...

Dear Mary Beth,
I'm reading your blog from Slovakia and have to say, you are the person who inspired me to buy a sawing machine and learn to saw :o) It's going very slow as I have two little girls and with them there is hardly ever free time for me.
Anyway, fingers crossed for Rainer. It's great he is doing better.
Lucia
http://luciag77.blogspot.com/

TeamMcDonough said...

You're such an inspiration. I'll keep Rainer in my prayers. (hope he sleeps better)After reading this post I pulled out the sewing machine and got started on my t-shirts.

Deanna said...

He is soooo cute! That smile!!!