So we got to treck back up to McMaster yesterday as Tim had his monthly check-up. It was weird going there and seeing the hospital and Ronald McDonald house and also seeing the people in the chinic. I realized how far it actually is when you are no longer used to driving there twice a week. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if all this actually happened or if it was just a bad dream...
Tim had a normal physical exam and no major concerns. I mentioned to them how he has been dragging his right foot quite a bit and that he is still not walking at 15 months. Occupational therapy had a look at him and is going to discuss his case with physio. Since he is creeping along furniture and pushing chairs around they are not too concerned. Then when we got home, Tim decided to say to us "I'll show them", and proceeded to learn to use his push-toy all by himself and hasn't stopped bombing around since! So there you have it. He is bound and determined to walk all of a sudden! Pretty amazing. Every time Tim has a check-up and I know people are praying for him, something happens that day to remind us that God is in control. Very cool... Thanks God!

The Double Decker Bus happened when Kate's shoes got stuck in the 3 inches of mud while trying to walk to the swing in our back yard!

Here is our Scuba instructor, "Jack Sparrow", and Mr. Hot Stuff himself, Ken, by the turquoise ocean.
In other news, although Tim cannot talk yet, he sure lets us know what he wants. He has developed a love for vacuuming, of all things, and will go to the back closet, drag the vacuum all the way out, and vaccum for about 2 hours straight! He likes when I turn it on because of the noise, then if I turn it off he yells and then proceeds to make the sucking noise himself!

Some New Pictures

Hi everyone! Here are some new photos from our family! Tim is helping install carpet, bike rides in parkas (can't wait till spring!), some pics from Ken and my trip to Jamaica, Ken and I got certified in scuba diving! Fun stuff! Snuggles with dad before we went on our trip, and the beautiful "Charlotte", our Amaryllis we grew, named by Kate.
Tim is doing well... no change which is good. He is still not walking but he sure crawls around real quick! He is really developing a personality lately as he is almost 15 months old now! He is HUGE too. I hope he starts walking soon because he is getting way to heavy to carry! Tim is really into John Deere tractors and also discovered a love for dad's Bobcat and reach machine which are currently at home. Just try getting him out of it once you put him in! Kate is very grown up all of a sudden and is looking forward to her birthday on June 3rd. She has been planning it since December... can you tell she is excited? She is all about princesses and crafts and picnics. Lots of fun and never a dull moment in the Sommer house.

A Great Report

I know all of you have been patiently awaiting an update and I have been not giving you one! Sorry guys! It's been hectic around here as I have been very busy sorting thru the 60 or so resumes that I have received as I am hiring a new CHA for my office. We have had 2 group interviews with 8 people in each so far and there are several potentials. Lots to think about...

Anyways, back to Tim.... We had a great doctor report a couple weeks ago which revealed to us the results of the scans Tim had. The MRI and CT scan showed that there is no cancer left at all in the muscle, and the remaining little bit of tumour that is in the spine has shrunk even more without further treatment. So the decision was made to put Tim in the "observe" group. This means he will have scans done every 3 months for the next 2 years, and then every 6 months and so on. He will also have a check-up once a month. They are doing so many scans because the first two years is the mostly likely time that if the cancer will come back, that's when it would. So that's that. Great news for Tim and for us! His next scans will be in May and his next check up is March 24. Thanks for all your prayers and concern during this incredibly trying time.
Tim is doing well, not walking yet but bombing around the house holding onto a chair making Brrrrrrmmm-brrrrrm car noises and having a great time introducing Ken and I to the joys of sibling rivalry. Good times.

In other news, there are only 5 more sleeps until Ken and I are off to Jamaica!!! (But who's counting?) = ) No kids for a whole week! What will we do with ourselves? I think we will miss them terribly but we will get over it quickly! Can't wait to go scuba diving, swimming and just be OUTSIDE!!! Whoo-hoo!! Beach... here I come!!!

Well, despite taking almost all day, the CT scan went well this week. (We have no reports yet.) They were able to get a vein after 20 minutes and only 3 pokes! (This is good for Tim as he is REALLY hard to get) Also, the hospital called with an available appointment for tomorrow for an MRI, so off we go again to McMaster by 7:30 am. Tim will be in the MRI for 1.5 hours as they are going to do spine and abdomen pictures. Then hopefully we will be able to make it home in time for me to make it to work for the afternoon! Yipes!

Attached are some recents photos of the kids... A quick tubby in the kitchen sink... Good morning snuggles with big sister Kate... just couldn't stay awake any longer... and the kids eating their free cookie from Zehrs. Don't they look so cute in the cart??

Have a great week everyone!

Well, the ultrasound on Friday showed no sign of anything abnormal, which is great! Tim has a CT scan tomorrow which will be much more detailed. Still no word on getting an MRI at the same time, but we are still hopeful! Please pray! Thanks! I'll keep you posted.