I am sorry for the late post.  We have had another busy normal summer weekend!  How great does that sound?  Charlotte’s appointment went well on Friday.  But she was very upset while getting the poke in the arm to draw blood though.  I guess we can’t blame her for that.  She has been poked and prodded a few times over the last couple of months getting her immunizations all over again.  She was a strong little fighter in the blood draw room, but fortunately we drew Nani, one of our favorite phlebotomists from our days at P4.  She soon found CJ’s vein and was able to get her samples in no time.  After that Charlotte calmed down quickly.  We met with Dr Diamond for the first time in over a year and she was very happy to see Charlotte’s progress.  CJ’s numbers looked just as good as she did.  Her Hemoglobin was 12.6, WBC 5.9, and she had 310k platelets and 1640 neutrophils-All within normal ranges, and we are happy to see that.

It has been another incredible week and a half at the Elske house.  Last Sunday, Charlotte and I were able to to participate in a fishing outing on Lake Waubesa with the Badger Childhood Cancer Network.  She didn’t like the loud motor or going very fast, but loved being on the boat and looking out at the water.  She had an even better time once we caught a few fish!  It was an awesome time, but now Daddy wants a new boat!

Last Monday Charlotte had another photo shoot for the article for Inspire Magazine with another little girl with ALL.  They both did so well, we can’t wait to see the pictures!

On Friday we had a great time at the Relay for Life.  Charlotte’s Angels helped the Columbus/Fall River area raise over $27,000 for cancer research.  Thank you to all of our generous donors!  Charlotte loved walking the Survivor lap with Grandpa Elske and friends of the family Joan and George.  It was such a sweet sight to see her walking among the rest of the adults with their purple shirts on.  I only wish they didn’t have to make them in children’s sizes.  Many thanks to our friends and family who came out to walk with us until well beyond the kids’ bedtimes.  And Amy and I would like to sincerely thank Scott, Lyle Jr and Chris for walking with us through the night.  Scott walked until well after midnight, then drove another hour home.  Lyle and Chris walked until after the closing ceremonies at 6am.  Charlotte’s Angels was often the only team on the track, and it can get lonely out there at 3am.

Charlotte’s clinic appointment with Dr Diamond is coming up on Friday morning.  We haven’t met with her since before CJ’s transplant, and we are praying her test results show things are still on the up and up.

Grandpa and CJ enjoying survivor cake!

Charlotte walking with her cousins.

6 words can say a lot.

Charlotte-May 2011.

It’s been another incredible week!  We held Charlotte’s 4th birthday party (Shaun the Sheep themed!!!!) Monday at our house and most of the family was there

CJ receiving her stuffed Shaun the Sheep animal. I think it was a hit!

to celebrate with her!  She had a wonderful time on the playground and in the sandbox and jumpy house with her “friends” (her 4 cousins of similar age) and Molly.  All of the kids had a swell time and it was so awesome to see everyone together for such a wonderful event!  One year ago, we didn’t know where we would be today, and I gotta tell you- I love where we are at!  Charlotte still continues to impress us with how smart she is and how sweet she acts towards Molly and Broadway.  Her energy is increasing every day, though she still takes great naps.

On Wednesday we were interviewed by the editor of Inspire Magazine for an article in their July issue about two area children and their leukemia stories.  We were able to share Charlotte’s journey with her and might just see her in the next magazine!  Next Monday she will participate in a photo shoot for Inspire as well.

Yesterday was Charlotte’s 4th birthday!  We took her and Molly to the west side of Madison for some cute 4 year/18mo pictures and then out to eat, and Toys R Us afterwards.  It was a nice evening with my girls.  I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to spend the night.

Today Molly and CJ shared one of those typical post-BMT sister moments-they were both at the clinic receiving their immunizations.  Neither one was thrilled, but Mommy did a great job keeping them both happy enough to get out of there!!

We are getting excited for the Relay for Life next weekend.  Any last minute donations or walkers are welcome!

Charlotte’s Angels Relay for Life team website

We have another busy weekend and week planned.  We will update again next week.

Here are a few more pictures from the week.  Thanks again for checking in on us.

Her awesome Shaun the Sheep cake!!

Shaun the Shirt!!

Cousins having fun.