Oh Camden, my Camden

This is what happens when Camden thinks he is alone. We are bad parents because we think this is hilarious.

Halloween

Camden getting all ready for his first Halloween! He looks like he wants to say "You're going to put me in what?!"

Rawr! Have you ever seen such a cute monster?! This is Camden's costume. So cute.

After a little while at the trunk or treat Camden was fast asleep. But that didn't stop Derek from pushing Camden around getting more candy out of people. You would think that people would realize that a 3 month old is not going to eat that candy and it is clearly a ploy to get candy for mommy and daddy. But we aren't complaing. Well I will be when I look at the scale.

Camden cuddling with mommy after a long night of trick or treating.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Our little family is reunited! On Tuesday Derek came home and we are so happy to have him back. Life is indeed sweeter when I can have Derek and Camden. Derek came home a week earlier than expected and in better health than expected. The doctors said that Derek is one of the earliest people to go home after having a transplant. He looks great and feels great. If you were talking to him you would have no idea this guy just went through a torturous tour of chemo. He is so positive. He is such a wonderful example to me and to Camden. While we were at the hospital one day this week for him to get his blood tested he turned to me and said "I am so lucky, this could be so much worse." What a ridiculous thing to say I thought. This is pretty bad. But its such a wonderful insight into the humility and testimony of an awesome man. Life is sweet!

Day +5

I bet you didn't know that Camden is bringing sexy back. Camden is doing great. He has his moments. Yesterday he was not a fan of mom. Everytime I held him or looked at him he started freaking out but he was the best baby ever for everyone besides me. Derek is getting better everyday. Today he is getting a blood transfusion. His white blood cell count is super low but he has a fair amount of energy. There is another bone marrow patient here that walks laps around the transplant area to make sure his body isn't getting weak. He just hauls along much faster than I care to walk. I make fun of Derek telling him he is lazy. He walks around a couple of times but nothing like this guy, lol. I am getting ready to lose this baby weight. I signed up for a fitness bootcamp which is monday through friday for an hour for the next 4 weeks. I am excited, I am sick of having to still wear maternity clothes. Derek can hopefully come home on Wednesday. I realized yesterday that since Derek has been in the hospital I have driven 600 miles.

Day +3

Camden is so cute! I just love my precious little baby. Last night I cuddled with him while he was sleeping and I gave him a kiss and he grinned so big in his sleep. I look at Camden and feel greatly inadequate. I hope I can be the mom he deserves. Derek is feeling alright today. His stomach is still a little weak but if you walked into his room and started talking to him you would think he is feeling fine. He talked to the doctor today and the doctor said that if he is still doing good (counts are going up, no sores in his mouth, no fever) then he may be able to come home early next week (tuesday or wedenesday). I really, really hope he can come home, I miss having him at home. Derek is going a little stir crazy being stuck in this hospital room. Everyday I bring him the blanket Camden slept with the night before and it helps him, but it is no great substitute for the real thing.

Day 0 Happy birthday!

Here is Derek getting his cells back. The nurses say "Happy Birthday!" Im assuming its because this is the first day of the rest of your healthy life! He is cuddling with one of Camden's blankets that smell like Camden. He is also surrounded by pictures of Camden. He says they make him feel better. Right now its just a waiting game til his cells engraft back into his body and start making red and white blood cells. I am hoping it is 2 weeks at the most. He needs to come home, Camden misses his daddy. And Daddy misses his baby.

Day -2 and -1

The last chemo ever! Well that is what we are hoping. On saturday Derek got chemo for the last time. He was HORRIBLY sick. And not only sick he was in alot of pain. He got so much pain medication but not much was working. He is a trooper though. And have you ever seen anyone so studly getting chemo? Today he is still really really sick and hasn't been able to keep any food down. Tomorrow they will start giving him nutrition through a line. Tomorrow he also gets his cells back which was the worst part for him last time. I am preparing myself for the cream of corn smell, ew. I miss him terribly when I am away from the hospital. And I miss Camden when I am at the hospital. Its no fun no matter where I am. I can't wait for Derek to come home with his family where he belongs. I went to the temple on friday and really felt good afterwards. Its amazing how much peace the temple brings. I can't wait til Derek and I can go together again. Life is crazy hectic. Its comforting to know that this craziness eventually has an end with a happy ending, a happy and healthy family.