My baby boy is 6 today!

My handsome, good hearted, first born is turning 6 today!  I cannot believe it!  He brings so much to our lives, and we are so proud of him.  He has an inquisitive, curious, and scientific nature.  He can put anything together, likes to invent things, and loves riding his bike and playing outdoors.  He can spend hours catching bugs, digging in the dirt, building sandcastles and exploring the outdoors.  He is stubborn, loyal and protective of his sister and family.  He is honest, sometimes brutally, and sensitive.  He is smart, sometimes too smart for his own good. 

He is going to first grade on Wednesday.  Where has the time gone?  Here are some of my favorite pictures of my sweet boy. 

Here is a picture of him minutes after birth.  I love this picture because you can totally see him and his personality.  James was born early in the morning on the 21st, and he came out wide awake and ready to party!  He is a night owl, just like his mommy,.  All of the nurses were commenting how they'd never seen such a wide awake and alert newborn.  Can't you just see the mischievous streak?!?!

This is another one of my favorites.... James "adjusting" the side mirror of my dad's 57 corvette.  James seems to have inherited the car gene from the Krupa side.  He loves "crusin" and going to car shows.  He can spend hours at work with Jay working on the ISIS 55 Ford

Here is James in the rocking chair that belonged first to my mom, then me and my brother, and now James and Katie...

James at his favorite place, the park with the green grass...

James being the best big brother.....

James starting preschool at 3 years old....

Building castles on the beach in Saugatuck, MI....

James and his 6th birthday present.... a new bike!

Here's to another fun filled year James!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! 

Update

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. The surgery went well, no complications and after some time in post-op and recovery, I was home and in my bed watching people rise from the dead in pine valley (all my children). The pain is magnageable with Tylenol and nothing else. All in all, I feel pretty good, and am SO GLAD that this is all the surgeries that I should need for a while. I still have a week of no driving, and can't lift anything over 10 pounds for a month. Other then that, I should be able to get back to normal here soon.

Kari's out of surgery...

Okay Folks,

I just spoke with Dr. Vandevender, Kari's out of surgery.  Everything went well with no issues.  All in, it was less than an hour. 

I'll keep you all up to date over the course of the day.

Jay

At Loyola, Again...

Good morning to all,

We arrived at Loyola at about 5:45 this morning.  Kari is doing well and is in good spirits.  This is her 4th surgery in 18 months.  She's just wants this to be over. 

They got her set up on her IV and were working through a few different options on pain management for her.  She has had issues with morphine post-op so they will be trying something different this time.  I just left her in pre-op.  The nurse will come down to talk to me once they start.  From there, Dr. Vandevender will come to talk to us after surgery.

I'll keep you all up to date as we make it through the day. 

Jay

And now we return you to your regular scheduled programming....

So, after a super fun weekend, jam packed with activity, I am today facing the reality that I am back to dealing with this cancer journey.  I had check up appointments with my oncologist and radiation oncologist last week.  All were good.  My white cell count is still a little low, but my skin has healed nicely from radiation and my vitamin D levels are now normal, so that is good. 

This weekend was filled with activity.  On Friday my mom and I took the kids to Lake Geneva for the day.  We went on the ice cream social boat ride around the lake, and took a walk along the lake shore as well.  It was very enjoyable, a beautiful day too! On Friday night my mom and dad, Jay and James all went to the White Sox game.  My dad got awesome seats, row 7, right behind 1st base.  They had a good time.  On Saturday I got things ready for James and Katie's birthday party and then my brother game me two tickets to the Bears preseason game.  I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to take James to his first Bears game!  We had fun there too!  Then, on Sunday we had the kids party in the park.  They had fun even though things started out a bit wet and cool.  All turned out well and by midafternoon, it was beautiful.  Sunday night I got to meet up with some book club friends to watch The Help and it was a wonderful movie.  So good!  

Tomorrow I am scheduled for my reconstruction surgery.  They will be removing the expanders and putting in the implants.  I will probably spend one night in the hospital and then come come to rest for a few days.  Driving and lifting restrictions again for a few weeks, and then hopefully we will resume back to normal.  I am grateful that my mom is going to help out again, and take care of me and the kids. 

I am crossing the finish line of this journey.  Please say a prayer for all of us tomorrow.  Jay promises to update the blog after the surgery, so please check back tomorrow for updates.  Thanks! 

Happy Birthday to my Wife...

Today is Kari's 35th birthday and I want to wish her a happy day. 

The past year and half have been awful for her but she has fought cancer with strength and grace.  She has one rough patch coming up with a surgery and a few weeks of recovery.  From there, it is only up and up with more celebrations and many more birthdays. 

The kids and I love you very much.  Enjoy your day!

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

As I've posted before, my friend Jaime is walking the 3-day in my honor.  It is coming up this weekend and I wanted to give you all the opportunity to know the route, and if it's close to your home, stop by and cheer for the walkers.  Please read all the info and check out the website http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CH_Spectator for more info.  If you want to contact Jaime directly, or make a last minute contribution, her email is jdeblieck@district158.org

Here is the shirt she is wearing in the walk...

I plan on being at the closing ceremonies to cheer them all on!  It will be emotional, but I hope to draw strength from all the decades long survivors that will be there! 



Friday, August 5

Northbrook Court
2171 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062

Schedule for the Day:

4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.
5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.
6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.

Spectator Parking:
Follow signs upon arrival for spectator parking location designated on site.

Cheering Stations:

Friday, August 5

Mile 9.4, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sheridan Road & Elder Lane
Winnetka, IL 60093


Mile 19.4, 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Flick Park
3600 Glenview Road
Glenview, IL 60025


Saturday, August 6

Mile 3.5, 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church of Des Plaines
55 W. Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Mile 16.3, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Woodland Trails Park
1500 E. Euclid Avenue
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056


Sunday, August 7

Mile 8.5, 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park (Just north of Belmont Harbor and W. Addison Drive, near Clock Tower)
Chicago, IL 60657


Mile 11.7, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lincoln Park (Just south of Lincoln Park Zoo along Stockton Drive)
Chicago, IL 60614


On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.


Closing Ceremony

Sunday, August 7

4:30 p.m.
Soldier Field
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

SO PROUD OF YOU JAIME!