Team Teagan Update | 5-15

“Waiting” We’ve finished round 3 at Club AMC, and Holly and Teagan were able to come home on Sunday (Mothers Day). We spent the afternoon in the Albany Park enjoying the Tulip Festival with Teagan and the Boys. Unfortunately the crowds kept Teagan from doing what she enjoys the most lately – wandering away from us! She has become VERY independent and certainly will let you know if you try and guide her in the wrong direction. The boys find this very amusing as she giggles and has her arms out behind her as she does her “Franken-walk” as fast as she can. The residual chemo in her system has the unfortunate side-effect of causing the already unsteady walk of a typical toddler, to become even more comical as the uneven ground causes her to look like a tinny drunken sailor but she manages just fine, and it’s great seeing her out and about.

The 50+ plus days in the hospital are certainly keeping us running ragged (all of us, including the boys), add to this the busy sports programs of our boys, which now includes Tanner participating in Tae Kwon Do and having earned his first belt (White). Tanner being the typical “middle” child, needed a little “guidance” and some extra attention. As it seems we’ve noticed somewhat of a bullseye on his back. Whether in school or around the neighborhood, he seems to have become the “he did it” kid. We’re working hard with him so that our educators, counselors and whomever are able to back-off a bit and not report each and every time he burps or farts, giggles or steps out of the lunch line because he thinks it’s funny… It is FUNNY. BBBBRRRRPPPPPP see! Holly does it all the time!!!  He is very impressionable, and likes to please people, including his friends, whom he likes to entertain, but unfortunately in this world we live in, he needs to learn that there is a place and time for everything… seriously thought, I don’t believe he did burp or fart, those were just some examples of him not making the best choices. He is having a rough time with this, as he has indicated to us, he worries about Teagan, he misses Holly and Teagan a lot, as we all do. But I’m hoping that we can get through these next few weeks until we complete this school year, without some major notice or record being added to his school file, labeling him as a “troubled child”, we’re certainly not saying he’s perfect, but we just need to remember HE’S SIX YEARS OLD!!! And realistically, we (Holly and I) just don’t need any extra help being pushed over the edge… We’re hanging on by our fingernails, both emotionally and physically. So if you can, maybe give a little extra prayer to help Tanner through this.

I’d like to thank those families who made meals for us last week while Holly and Teags were in the hospital, it made it a tad bit easier (and far less expensive) on me not having to cook or get some take-out meal each night… come to think of it though, I’m certain Holly would really enjoy one of those meals this week that she’s home, where she could actually enjoy it without having to eat off a soggy paper plate or cutting the chicken with her “Spork” plastic utensil… Just being bold and throwing that out there… Lisa Larkin has been doing an awesome job coordinating that and keeping us fed…(thanks Lisa!)

If you get a chance, take a look at our Photo Gallery, I’ve added some new photo’s of Teagan and the Boys that you just have to see… Thank god for Digital Pictures, as it would be impossible to capture these quick and seldom moments of joy without it.

Thanks to all whom continue to pray and stay involved, and I hope I managed to not offend too many people with my rant this time… It’s just my way of venting – think of it as therapy! And remember, English is my 2nd language, so the “occasional” misspelling, run-on sentence or wrong punctuation is still better than me writing this in German and leaving most of you scratching your heads… Enjoy!

Have a Great Day,

Juergen, Holly and Kids