It's been a crazy couple of weeks! Since I started work again, my normal schedule is all changed around. I can barely keep my eyes open at night, let alone update the blog. But finally - here's the update!
Work is wonderful. I am motivated, excited to be back, and the kids are doing great at pre-school. It was no problem for Sebastian to go back. Stella has also integrated well, although she only stays until noon. She will stay longer starting in February.
Sebastian started his maintenance therapy. He takes pills every night (low-dose chemo) and has to go into the hospital every two weeks for a blood test. Depending on the results, they change his dosage if needed. Otherwise, he gets to do everything, go everywhere, and eat everything like a normal little boy.
Stella had her first cold a couple of weeks ago, and was sleeping really bad. But she is fine now, and back to her happy self. Still no teeth, but she can scoot (on her bottom) over to the couch and other objects and pull herself up. She gets really excited when she stands up, and is very proud about it. She also likes to clap her hands now. She will play a game by giving you a toy and then taking it back from you.
Michi got the news that he gets to go to China for a week at the end of May to attend a conference (on water seepage through dams - ho hum). So in addition to his normal research, he will be preparing for his presentation.
The weather has been quite mild here - it always seems to be the case when I hear about the cold spells back at home. We have been keeping active by taking walks, going out to eat, going to the children's museum, and just trying to adjust to a different lifestyle again. We are also looking forward to some vacation this year. First, Michi and I will attend a wedding in Scotland over Easter (without the kids, they will stay with Oma and Opa in Salzburg), then we booked a week long holiday home on the island of Bornholm (Denmark) in August right on the beach - with the kids of course. We still have four weeks of vacation to fill, and are planning on doing some short vacations in Austria and close to Vienna. No long trips to the States this year.
Here are some pictures from the last weeks.
Sebastian and his friend, Millie, at the zoo - it was one of the coldest days of the year!
Happy 33rd Birthday, Papa! Brownie Cool Whip cake, and a funny face from Sebastian.
Sebastian on the frozen Danube at the "Gaensehaeufl" area. Lots of families were ice skating and playing hockey.
Stella standing up in her playpen.
At the hospital the day Sebastian had his "cables" removed. He didn't like the OP robe he had to wear. Once again, Stella with her fingers in her mouth.
Christmas Day - Sebastian got Cranky the Crane.
The Pirate Ship!
Building up the pirate ship - it took three hours. My first and maybe last Playmobil experience.
Fireman Sebastian - he loves to wear his fireman helmet everywhere he goes. It even glows in the dark. At night, Miss Ducky sleeps in it.
Sebastian, Kaya and Stefan. Another walk on a cold day.
