About Me

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Bakersfield, CA, United States
Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

braces for elle!

We spent yesterday morning at the Orthodontist hooking Elle up with some new hardware. Adorable, huh? She chose the pink bands. I didn't realize how much braces hurt the first couple of days. She is pretty miserable. I'm just ridiculously proud of myself that we actually got it done. In the last year things have been crazy and the thought of keeping multiple ortho appointments was more than daunting. We chose Dr. G. in large part because he promised flexibility and understanding if we have to reschedule follow up appointments. Braces need to be tightened every 6 weeks nowadays! Dr. G trained at CHOP, and met Hans, so I feel like we are on the same page. Elle should have to wear them for about 18 months. She wants them off by high school, but that might not quite happen...

After really being laid up for nearly a full week, Hans was starting to feel better. And then, his back started to bother him in just the last day or two. Who knows. We are just hanging in there, we have to wait to see what is happening with Antibodies, and see what happens at the dermatologist next week, and just try to stay on top of it all.

 I somehow failed to get a pic, but we had a fun visit from Grandpa Dale, Uncle Quinn and "Uncle" Mel. The guys stopped by for the night en route to their guy's golfing vacation in Indio, just East of Palm Springs. It was a lot of fun to have them! Kevin is going to go out and join them for a long weekend (aka Kev's third spring break). It's sure to be a lot of fun, there will be 16 guys out there from Kevin's hometown of Ellensburg!

I know all the ladies are probably reading this - what about Lara? - well, I actually had a fun weeknd in Vegas planned with my girls in mid April. It wound up falling through. I missed the chance at going, but I was relieved that it didn't fall apart because of Hans' situation this time! More fun is to be had all around, I'm sure.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looking gorgeous, Elle!

Braces are uncomfortable at times...but WOW...the results make them worthwhile!

That back is being persnickity, Hans! I am wishing you well from afar!! Perhaps a lazy float in the pool will help?

Glad the guys got together!

Continue working on a plan for YOU, Lara!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

ADORABLE, just as I suspected!! Lucky for Elle (I hope...) she didn't have to go through all the additional hassles that Greta did - Greta had spacers, head gear and an expander all in advance of her braces. I think by the time Greta got braces she was happy for them in lieu of those other things!!

Ugh for Hans's back! Here's hoping it will go away again soon - and stay away!

A girls get-a-way is well-deserved for you, dear Lara! If one is in the works again, I'd love to join! If a kid-appropriate one is in the works ever, Greta and Elle could join in, too! : )

xo Shelley

Anonymous said...

Love the braces, Elle, lookin' good! Braces are cute! Ouch about the pain, I remember that well!

Hope Hans' back gets better soon!

Lara, so bummed that the trip didn't work out THIS time but it surely will work out and I hope SOON! Love ya!

Sunny

Anonymous said...

Still beautiful, Elle! Hans - i hope you get that wart taken care of so you can walk without limping and hopefully your back will be all better!

Love, hugs and prayers,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Elle is beautiful, with or without braces! Carolyn couldn't find an interesting or seasonal color combo for the bands this month, so they did a rainbow spectrum for her. It's pretty neat -- Elle may want to try that sometime.
Hope Hans' back is feeling better!
Jen