Sunglasses at Night

You know the song and here's our picture. I love our little dancing man.

Heartbreak & Hope

This weekend I was team captain for a team in the Relay For Life, a fundraising event for the Cancer Council.

As I was about to get a snooze in before the Relay For Life started, we received the heartbreaking news that our beautiful little friend Immie had passed away.

We have watched in joy and sadness as Immie has overcome her cancer, only for it to re-emerge again and again, until there was finally nothing that could be done. Immie has become progressively more ill since Christmas as her family have done all they can to make her final days as enjoyable as they could be for her, amidst her pain and sickness.

Immie had her birthday party 3 weeks ago. It was held 2 weeks early, in the fear that she would not be able to see her 6th. But brave, strong, bossy little Immie kept right on marching. She almost seemed to be improving - and we hoped for a miracle. But it was not to be. On Saturday morning, at 1:19, Immie lost her battle. She was 6 years old.

One of the motto's for Relay For Life is "Hope is why we relay". I found little to hope for, other than that I wouldn't become a blubbering mess in the middle of the track. Part of the Relay For Life is a Candlelighting service to remember those who are no longer with us. You can decorate a paper bag and place a candle in it to burn through the night. This is the one I did for Immie.

I never was much of an artist

Oliver blowing kisses to Immie's candle.

Our hearts go out to Fiona & Jason, and big brother Kody, and little brother Ashton, and the family that has supported them so much in these dark days. Though it was known to be coming, it doesn't make it any easier.

This is one of Immie's pictures. It seems to say so much, and be such an amazing insight by a beautiful little girl. The rain is obvious, but if you look, there is a sun still shining, and flowers still smiling. The paradox of life both confounds and intrigues me - and Immie's picture captures the lives we lead.

Goodbye sweet Imogen. You will be in our hearts and minds always.

Immie's mum's blog

http://theholmesgang.blogspot.com

It's Easter

It's Easter.

A time for lots of chocolate and family. On Friday we will join Nanna, Grandad and Oliver in Busselton (they're going down tomorrow). Oliver's first chocolate filled, chemo free Easter. Easter egg hunts, time with Nanna and Grandad, walks on the beach, and we might even get him to eat some icecream. Soon all of his firsts will be over as we head towards 1 year from his end-of-treatment.

It's Easter.

A time to remember redemption through sacrifice and pain. Our little man has known it, and we will celebrate our vibrant, strong little boy. It is a time of hope and joy.

It's Easter.

On Saturday our beautiful little friend Imogen will celebrate her 6th birthday a few weeks early. Imogen will tell you it's her 13th birthday, so she can be older than her brother. Her parents prayer? - that Imogen will be free of pain and tiredness for the 2 hours of her birthday party - from 10-12 on Saturday.

It's Easter.

While we will be enjoying our time with our healthy and happy little boy, Immie will hopefully be enjoying her Easter aswell. Our hope is that the easter bunny, or someone, will give her back her sparkle; and that Immie's angel days are far, far away.

It's Easter.

I hope.

http://theholmesgang.blogspot.com

Roebuck's Reporting For Duty

I can't believe it's been over 3 months since I have written. SO many good intentions, so little follow through. But I'm here to make good and let you know how our little family is getting on.

Painting with mum.

So much has happened over the last few months - so much happens over a week.

Since Oliver's birthday over 4 months ago our little baby boy has become more of a little boy and less of a baby. He can tell you want he wants, what he can see, what he likes, and even that he loves you. He can even tell his daddy to go away. He has begun to better coordinate his movements to get a bit of a run going, and is more than capable of climbing a ladder and sliding down a slide with skill. We've even been kite flying.

As you can see, we have introduced him to paint, and we have a number of lovely pictures as a result. This week was Oliver's second week at playgroup and from all reports he is fitting in great and loving it. Though not the tallest, Karli tells me his definitely the biggest one there - I'd like to think he is the gentle giant of sorts. It will be interesting to watch him as he gets more familiar and gains more confidence with the other kids. Oliver has also been going to creche during church, so he is slowly getting the hang of playing with others - though not always that keen if mum and dad aren't around.

Tonight he is at Nanna and Grandad's. The last couple of times I've dropped him off he hasn't been happy for me to leave - which is unusual. We think it might have something to do with the fact that I see him less now that I am back at uni. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming to know that he doesn't want me to go, since he is so fond of telling me to go away whenever he wants his mum.

As I said, I am back at uni again. It is going to be a busy 18 months ahead with few breaks. Mix in to that a couple of fundraising activities I have become involved in (more on those later) and life is a little hectic at the moment. What can you do?

With Mark & Lisa

Over Christmas we had a visit from some friends from Mark & Lisa, some friends from Red Deer, Alberta in Canada. We haven't seen them since leaving Calgary in late 2005, and they haven't changed a bit. I hope we can get back to them before Mark retires from his job - he's a fireman and so works with some very big trucks that I know our little man would love to see them. I can just hear him now - "WOW!"

Pulling out the pea plants.

Holiday in Queensland.

We headed east for 2 weeks in January to attend a friends wedding and visit Uncle Gordon, Aunty Tarn, Tyran and Jyden. It was a very relaxing time, though Oliver wasn't all that keen to go down for a sleep whenever it was time. By the end of our break he was starting to lose his voice as a result of the protests he made. He flew very well. 5ish hours on a plane make anyone a bit fidgety. We spent our time watching Hi-5, colouring in, playing with playdough, and re-reading the same story. We were hoping he would fall asleep on the flight home, but no such luck - until we touched down in Perth where he proceeded to go straight to sleep before we got off the plane.

Almost forgot to fill you in on the other important stuff. A new set of scans were done in January - 6 months post treatment. PET scan, CT scan and a chest xray. Although there were a couple of areas that piqued Dr Angela's interest, the commencement of his immunisations the week before and the closeness of the scans explained everything that caused her any concern. He certainly doesn't seem any worse for wear. Next week will be the first time we have gone in for a check-up since those scans. We are slowly able to increase the time we can spend away from PMH. SAdly, some of our friends have spent increasing amounts of time back on the ward, and we have also met the dad of a new battler.

There's more to fill you in on, but for now I will bid you farewell, and pledge to write again within the next few days. Here are some more photo's of our rapidly growing little boy.

Cool.

The End.

Happy Birthday Oliver 2

Sorry if it's a bit big. This is Oliver playing in the fountains.



Taking Aimee for a walk.

Happy Birthday Oliver!

I had every intention of doing this yesterday, but didn't quite make it. Our little monkey is now 2 years old and every day he does or says something new. I could sit and watch him for hours, except I'm a little to prone to want a cuddle.

We had dinner with Nanna and Grandad and Gatey on Sunday afternoon. Oliver liked his silver crocs, but nothing was as good as his new puppy - luckily it's plastic and rolls along. Thanks Nanna. Oliver has named it Aimee - he misses Uncle J and Aunty Aimee very much, and he's already got their Christmas present from England to put under the tree. That means Dad can start Christmas early this year - yay. As I write, Oliver is 'talking' to Uncle J and Aunty Aimee on the phone - his hand up to his ear and chatting away merrily. It's a shame he isn't so chatty on the real phone.

Yesterday we took Aimee for a walk in the park and Oliver played in the fountains. Grandpa came to visit at lunchtime and Oliver was wrapped with his new elctronic book and blow up pool. Of course, he loves the Thomas duplo train Mum and Dad bought him too, and the playset from Oma and Peter has been a favourite since it was put up. Dad needs to get busy and provide some shade so it's usable during summer.

Enough rambling, here are some photo's and videos. Thankyou to everyone for their emails and messages.

Where's the truck, Mum?

Is that wet?

Taking my puppy, Aimee, for a walk.

Yay for me!

Worn out from the park.

Almost 2

Well, it has been a long time since we have updated our blog. Things are certainly a lot different to 12 months ago. Oliver doesn't require any medicines at all any more, and he is up and about in true little boy style. Monday will be his 2nd birthday. He is talkative (as long as you have the special skills to decipher what he is saying) and playful and very affectionate. We adore our little man. Thanks for your continued support.

Playing at the park near Nanna and Grandad's

Afternoon tea with my mate Angus.

Riding my Wags the Dog rocking horse - thanks Grandpa.

Hanging out with my beautiful Mum.