Our Summer.....

I literally have 100's of pictures from this summer.. and although I am sure some of you would want to see them all (and I love you for that!) I figured it was best to cut it down some and give you a taste of our summer.

We spent 6 awesome weeks in Blind River ( ok.. the first 1.5, when everyone but Chris got sick wasn't so great.... but you get the idea) and did lots and lots of fun stuff.

The first week that we were there, Mom and Dad got baptized in the lake right in front of the cottage. We had the whole church over for a BBQ , and 3 other people from Church were baptized as well. It was so neat to be able to be there to be a part of that.

Blind River got a brand new kids park ( it was awesome) and Madi and Ryan loved it! Madi would sit and wait for Ryan to come and slide so they could slide together.. but Ryan was a bit fast..( he was usually at the bottom before she had time to push herself down)

Madi and Ryan discovered teeter totters at the park. It was by far their favourite thing to do. They would go up and down and then ask one of the dad's to shake them ( I have a video of that I will upload later!)

Cousins....

Grandma loving on Madi

We were able to be in Blind River to celebrate the Baptist Church's 100th Anniversary. They had a really good service on Sunday and the followed that with a yummy lunch and program. Madi got a little bored during the program but reading some Thomas books solved that problem!

Madi found a new friend in Bill Slater ( the Martin's son in law). He made a crown for Charlie ( the green frog and Madi's "best friend") and she loved it!

Mary and Beth Martin took some of the stars that were decorating the table and stuck them on Madi's cheeks. She loved it....and them too!

Lily is fascinated with her feet....case in point!

Madi learned to jump while we were in Blind River ( bet you never thought jumping was hard to learn... but it surprisingly is!) and she jumped everywhere!! Its been hard trying to get her to stop in the apartment.... sorry to the people below us!

We took the girls to Niagra Falls went we went down to Southern Ontario to visit family. I had never seen them during the day ( we went one night really late during one of my years at college...can't really remember why!)

Not the easiest to take a family photo... too many people walking by.. Lily was easily distracted!

Lily bean HATED wearing her hat this summer. She would try and pull it off and then suck on one of the ends.. she was so determined and usually got it everytime!

My Madi being a goof!

Lily wearing Grandpa's glasses!

Lily and Aunt J (Dad Mobach's sister)

Lily with Auntie Sheila ( Dad Eby's sister)

Lily with Uncle John ( Auntie Sheila's husband) She was fascinated with him!

She wanted the dog SO badly!

Me and my girls with my grandma ( their great grandma!)

Madi learning to crawl like a crab

Doing the wheelbarrow walk!

Getting thrown up in the air by Daddy

Me and my Madi on a really windy day!

Lily in "baby jail"!!! We had to put up a blanket to protect her from the wind. It was taking her breathe away!

Madi learning how to cook a hotdog from Grandpa

Me and Madi at the fire.

The girls in the boat!

Helping Grandpa blow out the candles on his birthday cake

If you click on this picture you can see how fast asleep Lily is!

Learning how to hold her bottle

Madison wanted to try everything new at the park.... gave me a heart attack a couple of times..but Daddy was there with a helping hand.

Lily with her Great Grandpa ( Anne's Grandpa)

Madi jumping off the dock. It took about 3 weeks for her to get the courage to do this, but then she loved it!

Me and Madi in the water

Lily was still small enough to have a bath in the sink!! She loved it!

Madi after a hard afternoon of swimming. Her lips were blue, she was shaking but boy did she have fun!!! She wrapped herself up in the blanket and watched a Veggie Tales while she warmed up!!!

This one is for you Aunt J!!!!

Since our camera doesn't take videos, we LOVE to take advantage of Mom and Dad's camera and take lots of videos of our girls.... It's easiest to post them here for people to see.. so bare with me as I post a bunch of videos to share with friends and family.....

My new favourite pic....

more video....

Really cute video.....

Jonah Update

Here is a note from Lauren ( Jonah's Mom) with an update about Jonah. We need to continue to keep this family in our prayers....

I've heard the phrase 'information overload' in the past, but I don't think I've ever experienced it quite the way I did yesterday. Dr. Grant, an oncology specialist who works specifically with Wilms, visited us in the early afternoon. Unfortunately, the pathology report was not completed at that time, but he was able to give us most of the information it contained without the official documentation. I'm going to try to give you as much of that information as I can remember without writing a novel. Firstly, the diagnosis of Wilms was confirmed. This was no great surprise, but as the doctor continued speaking in a kind, yet very serious tone, we learned that things are not as good as we'd hoped. While Jonah's cancer has a favourable histology, the pathology team has discovered that it has already progressed to Stage Three. This means that it has spread into the lymphatic system and, although we know through CT scans and ultra sounds that no tumours have yet formed elsewhere in his body (i.e. his lungs, which would call for a Stage Four diagnosis), the cancer cells themselves are most likely travelling through his body already.Okay. So what does that mean, right? First, it means that Jonah will have to receive radiation along with his chemotherapy. The treatment will take place over a fourteen day period. Each day, Jonah will be put under a general anaesthetic, laid out on a table, and zapped with radiation (which is basically just a huge X-ray machine). There are serious side effects and risks involved, including the development of cardiomyopathy (a heart disease that may not crop up until Jonah's in his late twenties), fatigue, skin damage, and muscle spasms.There are three drugs involved in chemotherapy. Unfortunately, as a result of the information overload, I am unable to remember their names; however, I'm sure we'll become quite familiar with them over the next few months. The first drug will be given once a week for ten weeks, beginning this Tuesday, in Toronto. The second and third will be alternated every three weeks. Chemotherapy attacks cells in the body that regenerate quickly, as cancer does. Unfortunately, there are other cells that also regenerate quickly. This is why chemo patients almost always lose their hair. The drugs cannot distinguish between a cancer cell and a hair follicle and therefore, it attacks both. Other common side effects, as I'm sure most of you are aware, are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mouth sores, and constipation, as well as an altered immune system. This means that over the course of his treatment, we will have to be extremely careful about the germs (if any) with which Jonah comes into contact.Jonah's treatment will last 24 weeks. Thankfully, we will be able to do most of the chemo in Sudbury (which is just three and a half hours from the Soo) after the first few rounds here in TO. By the time the treatment is done, I will (hopefully) be 32 weeks pregnant. It’s important to us that we spend that time together at home. The good news is that, despite the Stage Three diagnosis, the prognosis is still good – about 80% of children with Wilms go on to live normal lives. Another 10% have a recurrence of Wilms, half of which survive. That doesn’t make the diagnosis any easier to swallow.Wilms researchers have also discovered what they believe to be a genetic link between children who develop these kinds of tumours. Wilms Tumours can occur as part of other rare syndromes, some of which cause developmental problems, rapid growth, and even mental retardation. Because it is quite possible that Jonah, and subsequently all of our other children, inherited these genes from both sides of the family, tests will have to be done to determine if genetic markers are present. If these genetic markers are present, Sofia and Baby Number Three will have to be tested periodically for Wilms as well. However, the doctor assured us that, although the chances of our other children having Wilms are higher than the average family, they are still very slim. Wilms itself is a rare cancer. In fact, one of our oncologists said that this is the first time she has ever heard of a child with Wilms on both sides. So, that’s where we are right now. I’m sure I’m leaving out a lot, but that’s about all I can write for today. It’s still so completely overwhelming. At times I have to remind myself that this is real; it’s not a movie or a Karen Kingsbury novel. Jonah has cancer. Deep breath...We’re staying with friends in Caledonia for the weekend and it’s such a blessing to be a real house again. It will be a nice break before Tuesday comes and reality hits again. We’re discovering what it means to trust completely in God, but still be overrun with confusing emotions; sadness, fear, and a fierce kind of love and protection. We don’t know what the future holds, none of us does, so for now we are determined to enjoy the time God has given us as a family. We are so thankful for all of your cards and letters and gifts. You could never understand how much your support touches our hearts. Know that God is using all of you to encourage us every day. Since Jonah’s radiation and chemo will be done on an outpatient basis, we are unable to receive gifts and cards at the hospital after this weekend. The hospital mail room is forwarding all mail to my parents house in the Soo or back to sender. Your cards, letters, and pictures are so encouraging to us, please keep them coming. If you mail them to my parents at the following address, they will be forwarded to us as quickly as possible.Jonah Booker c/o The Lucchettis132 Estelle StreetSault Ste. Marie, ONP6C 2C5Here are our current prayer requests:1. Peace and strength. My parents have taken Sofia home to the Soo with them, so it’s just me, Jon and Jonah here. It will be so different here without them to lean on. I’m going to miss Sofia terribly and I’m already grieving the time we’ll lose together. Next time I see her, she may be sitting up and eating solid foods. It’s so hard for me to miss those things.2. Strength to get through the treatments. Every time I think about what we are about to experience, about what we are about to watch Jonah go through, the sickness, the fear, losing his hair, it makes me feel nauseated. Please pray that God will give us the strength to see this through. 3. Please pray that the side effects will be minimal and that the treatment will eradicate all signs of cancer from Jonah’s little body. Pray for healing for our little boy.4. Finances and employment. We’ll have to call Jon’s job on Monday and see about getting a leave of absence of some kind for the duration of the radiation. Please pray that they will be able to work something out that is beneficial to us. We have checked out of the hotel and will be staying with Jonah until we can (miraculously) get into Ronald McDonald House, but the cost of travel and food is still high. 5. I’m going to need checkups and regular ultra sounds while we’re here. Please pray for the little life I’m carrying – for strength and health. Pray that I will be able to take the rest I need during this time.6. Praise God for the amazing staff at Sick Kids. We were blown away by their kindness and dedication. We feel blessed to be able to be treated there.7. Please don’t forget the other sick children I’ve mentioned (Emily, Yosef, and Nicholas) and their families. I’ve bumped into them from time to time and have continually assured them that we are praying for their peace and healing. We really appreciate you joining us in prayer for them.8. Accommodation. Jonah won’t have to sleep at the hospital during his treatment unless he catches a bug or an infection, so for the next four weeks that we are down here, we need to find a place to stay. We’ve had a few offers from friends and family outside of Toronto, so we have options. We are back on the waiting list for the Ronald McDonald house. This is our best option, so please pray that we get in quickly. If we don’t get in there, we will stay with friends or family in the surrounding area (London, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener). The cost of gas to travel back and forth to TO will be high, but still less than paying for a hotel. Because Jonah’s immune system will be compromised, we need to stay away from public places (i.e. dorm style residences where we will have to share a bathroom, Wonderland (sniff sniff), etc), so that makes it a little more difficult. But not too difficult for God. Again, Jon and I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all your prayers. We really can feel them. Please keep it up.

"nuff said!

OUR TWO LITTLE MONKEYS!!

Prayer for Jonah

Friends of the family (Mobach's) here in Ontario are dealing with some pretty rough stuff and could really use the prayers of many. They found a lump in their son Jonah's tummy about 2 weeks ago and since that time they have been sent from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Sick Kids in Toronto. What has been determined so far is that he has a tumor that is attached to one of his kidneys which is most likely a Wilms Tumor. They are planning to operate tomorrow ( aug 8) in the morning and remove the tumor, along with the kidney. After this, they will determine (through testing the tumor) what course of chemotherapy to put little Jonah on. Jonah is 2 yrs old and has a younger sister ( I believe around 6 mths) and his mom Lauren is also pregnant. Please pray for the family (Booker) for strength for the parents, wisdom for the dr.'s, and that only good would come from this! I will keep you updated as I get details.

THREE CHEERS FOR MARY MARTIN!!!!

Sorry for the lull in posts... we are now in Ontario ( praise the Lord) at Mom and Dad's and cause their computer is a tad bit slower than ours I won't be able to upload any pics for a while but I can fill you in on the happenings here... but I thought I would do that by handing out some awards!!!

MOST TRIPS TO THE HOSPITAL: Madison Mobach
Sunday night Madi started throwing up and by 5:30 she had thrown up every 15 mins and was throwing up blood so we took her into the hospital. They tried to get an IV in but were unsuccesful cause her veins were flat from being dehydrated, so they gave her some fluids orally and she perked up a bit. The blood was from a burst blood vessel in her throat from the puking.

BEST NURSE/LAB TECH: Mary Martin
None of the nurses were able to get a needle into Madi except for Mary Martin ( a friend of the family). They tried for almost 20 mins and poor little Madi had such bruises on her arms from the poking. Mary Martin walks in... first poke... SUCCESS!!!!

MOST DIRTY DIAPERS: Lily Mobach
Lily only threw up twice but got really bad diarrhea. She still isn't 100 percent but is on the mend! She had 12 'dirty' diapers on Sunday ( yuck!!) But still was the happiest baby ever!

Needless to say... our first week was eventful!!! Everyone ( Sarah/Chris and their boys, Uncle John/ Aunt Nellie, Oma, Nathan ) is here and as of now ( tuesday 12pm) Sarah, Chris and Aunt Nellie are the only ones who have not gotten sick! We had a great time celebrating the church's 100th anniversary on Sunday with great lunch and program. Friday we celebrated with Mom and Dad as they were baptized here that the lake and then had a BBQ with about 80 people from the church.

We are headed into the Sault tomorrow for Lily to have an EEG ( at 1:30 eastern time). We had seen the Ped before we left and she was concerned with some shaking that Lily had started to do and wanted the test done. Because we were leaving for Ontario I called Mom and she was able to pull some strings and get the test for Lily here. We are hoping that it will be nothing but if it is something ( Infantile Seizures) they say that she will probably grow out of it and only be behind developmental to show for it. Please pray with us for the test and we will keep you updated!

Here's to a better second week!!!

Cameron River trip............

On Nana's and Papa's last day we took them out to the Cameron River for a picnic... it was so much fun and we got some really good pictures..

Lily and Nana

Ms. Lily bean

Madi and Nana

Madi LOVES watermelon!

Nana and Papa with their princesses!

New family pic!
Mama and her big girl!

My gorgeous parents

David diving into the frigid water.. can't believe he went swimming

Can't believe that my Dad went in either... way too cold for me

Scenery from where we ate our picnic.. so pretty

Dad contemplating life!

Papa teaching Madi how to "wash her hands" after lunch

My gorgeous Mama

My crazy husband... what a nut!

Nana's and Papa's visit....continued..

Here are some more pictures from our visit with Nana and Papa.... we had so much fun!

Nana bought Madi some Dora the Explorer figurines which Madi loved playing with. They fit a LittlePeople house I bought her at a garage sale last week, so its perfect! She was pushing this little car all around the living room!

She had a "village" of Dora figurines all set up under the couch and played like this for almost 30mins. , holding the couch material up with her head!

It had rained the night before, so I made sure she was wearing her boots and David was able to capture some really great moments with our camera!

Quality time with Nana and Papa

We went to the park one night and took along the sandtoys to play with. We were there for literally 2 mins and we were swarmed and eaten alive by mosquitos. We literally dumped the toys, picked them all back up , went down the slide once and ran back to the car. It was horrible...if the bugs are bad where you are, try to imagine them a little bit worse up here!

David fed Lily one day and this is how they looked when he was finished. She was so comfy!

We tried Lily in the highchair. But since she is a bit on the tiny side, at 8 months she still doesn't quite fit. But she is still really cute eh!

Nana and Papa's visit .... MADI AND PAPA

Dad and David took Madi for a walk one day while me and Mom stayed home with Ms. Lilybean. Madi found a bunch of flowers and.......

Stopping to smell the flowers.. she told Papa they smelled like berries so.....

He had to investigate.. (notice her pointing the flower out to her Papa)

Papa decided his little princess needed her very own flower.....

Stopping to smell the flowers

Walking with her flower and her Papa trying to step on their shadows!

My anniversary gift.....

Here it is... a picture of my new ring from David for our 5th anniversary. It is kind of blurry.. it is hard to take a picture of your hand while holding the camera with the other! When we got married I picked a wedding band but didn't totally love it. I loved the way it looked on the outside ( it was a small band with tiny diamond inset around the front of it ) but the band itself wasn't very comfortable. It wasn't one of those comfort band ones. Somehow David managed to get ahold of my engagement ring without me being suspicious and went to one of the jewellers in town and asked him to find a wedding band that would match mine. My diamonds on the engagement ring kind of go out beyond the band so he wanted something that would hug that without scratching. I think he did a fabulous job! I absolutely LOVE this ring. It is something I would have picked out myself. David would have had my engagement ring replated ( cause its white gold and turns yellowish after time) but knew that would make me suspicious so I had it done the day after I got my ring ( not yet when i took this picture!) I got it back on thursday and they look fabulous together!!

Happy Birthday Canada (and Anne)!!!

We had such a great time at the Canada parade today.. the only thing that would have made it better would have been if David hadn't had to work and could have come with us! But I was glad to have Papa and Nina (Madi calls her Nana... Nina for some reason..but its cute!!)

The parade went right outside of our house ( you can see it in the picture with Nana and Papa and the girls... although we are at the back) so we didn't have to walk far!

Papa loved watching the parade with Madi cause that meant he got more candies cause he was sitting with a little cute kid!

We decided to wait and celebrate my birthday tomorrow when David doesn't have to work and the kids can be up when we have cake. I told Madi this morning that it was my birthday and she answered "it is my birthday to mama... I will share your birthday"....