Sophie's World

10:00 PM (Randall posting): One of the occupational hazards of being a minister is that by Sunday evening (the end of the weekend), I end up feeling the way most people do on Friday--exhausted and looking for the first opportunity to come up for air. We've had a good weekend. Today was busy, as usual, but in a satisfying way. Ashley from church has become our new Sunday evening babysitter, so Susan and I were able to go out for date night after Bible Study. I had a wild hair to get something for the house, so we ended up going to Lowe's and Home Depot before going out to eat, but we had fun doing it, so there you go.

Sophie and Elisabeth are doing well. Elisabeth and I had tickets to see a member of our church perform in a play in Clinton (about 20-30 minutes south of here). Technically speaking, the tickets were for Elisabeth and whichever adult drew the short end of the straw to take her there, but Elisabeth insisted that I get to go with her. After all, the last time Elisabeth went to a show (Swan Lake in May, I think), it was Susan that got to go with her. And, as Elisabeth suggested, I should get to go as a reward because I'm such a good preacher. Just when my heart began to swell and pride welled up in my soul, Elisabeth continued, "not that I listened or anything, but I know that you practiced." From the mouths of babes. . .

Sophie has had lots of energy (and attitude). She must be feeling pretty strong. Her appetite has grown, as has her range of culinary interests. She asked for oatmeal while Susan and I were away this evening. I happen to know for a fact that we haven't made oatmeal for her in months, but that's what is on the menu for tonight (and probably tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day).

Home health care will come tomorrow morning (I assume) to draw blood and help with the dressing change. I'm assuming that Sophie's counts will be strong enough to resume treatment on Tuesday. If that's the case, I'm sure Susan will create a handy-dandy chart for everyone to get a sense of what we're up for this time around. Depending on how early we're done with the nurse, I may take Sophie to Countryside for a visit. It's been a while since she's been back and I'm sure she'll want to reconnect.

Thanks to everyone who follows up with all of this. I was just thinking today that maybe we should switch to weekly updates rather than daily. I can't imagine that our daily routine (such as it is) is all that interesting. Then again, with this next phase of chemo kicking in, it might be helpful to give daily updates. Anyway, thanks for all the support and encouragement and thanks for all your comments.