I know you committed readers are thankful to see a new update! I can tell when I need to write again because my mom starts getting calls to make sure we’re alright. I’m not kidding, but it is nice to have people notice. New pictures are going to be posted so make sure to look in the Family Album.

Okay, so down to the nitty-gritty.

Like I stated in my last update, Loida’s surgery went very well. She had little pain afterwards and is getting back to do some light activities. Her port for the chemotherapy was inserted last week and that actually has irritated her more than the surgery. Loida’s first round of chemo is scheduled for Tuesday, so please keep her in your prayers that day as we don’t know what kind of reaction she’ll have from the treatment. Doctors are expecting her treatment period to last about a year, but we all have seen what healing God can do in a year, right?

Speaking of one year, since we’ve just passed Danny’s one year marker, we are quickly approaching Corbin’s first birthday. On the 20th, my little man will be one! I can’t believe it! We’re going to celebrate next Saturday with cake and ice cream. Danny and I went together to pick out his cake. Danny wanted the Harley-Davidson or Hummer cake, but since those weren’t really baby-like, we decided on Cars, from the Disney movie. I can’t wait to see what he does with the cake. He has minimal interest in his own pureed food and reaches for whatever you’re eating. However, he just cut his first tooth at the beginning of this month so he is going to have to wait a bit longer for chicken tenders.

Next week, Corbin is going to have his second photo shoot for his one year pictures. I’m thinking of just going with the naked baby shots and maybe some pictures in just denim overalls. Although, it really doesn’t matter what the little darling wears because he is just so dang cute! I know I’m biased, but come on, you can’t tell me that me and Danny didn’t make a beautiful baby boy. I know, I’m the proud Mama. Corbin is a Mama’s boy and is now full fledged into the separation anxiety stage. Talk about breaking your heart! I can hardly get out the door to go to work. I know I should value this time though since tight hugs won’t last forever. There will come a time that Mom and Dad aren’t cool. But, for now, I treasure every moment that I can and I know Danny does too.

Danny just loves that little boy. When I’m standing next to him with Corbin in my arms, he’ll grab Corbin’s foot and suck on his toes and Corbin just laughs out loud. It is so great and I just hope it hits Danny’s heart and Corbin’s too for that matter. I just pray all the time that the Lord will give Danny and Corbin a strong bond and relationship, stronger than most fathers and sons. I know that Danny can not be the kind of father that he wants to be to Corbin right now and I can’t imagine how frustrating that is for him. Often times Danny just resigns himself not to be a father figure at all. It is incredibly difficult for all of us and is getting more so as Corbin gets older. Danny will curse or say something completely inappropriate in front of Corbin and I have to get after him. It’s the last thing I want to do; scold Danny. The problem is that Danny does have that “filter,” but it is not consistent. So, sometimes he will keep his mouth shut or just allude to something inappropriate, but then other times, it is full force bad, very bad. How do I shelter Corbin from that? I’ve been struggling with that so much lately.

Tomorrow morning the standing frame is arriving and then that afternoon Joe and Amy our famous physical therapists, are going to work with Danny. I tell you, I can see such a difference in Danny’s attitude when he is worked regularly. It is an amazing difference. Anyway, we’re so glad to finally be getting the equipment that we’ve been waiting for almost four months. It should give Danny some great stretches and also provide weight bearing exercise which will help his bones and his balance. I’m looking forward to seeing the improvement with the standing frames regular use.

I’d like to take a paragraph to again thank those of you who participated in the Benefit Ride last October. We’ve finally been able to view the raw footage of the ride and I was again brought to tears. Danny has been watching it over and over and continues to ask to see the t-shirt and all the liability forms signed by the riders and passengers. He has been really interested in it lately and says it makes him feel good. He told me that he didn’t realize that he meant that much to so many people. So, thank you, for what you contributed that day almost a year ago is still doing its job in Danny’s recovery.

Thanks for checking in on us! Please pray for Loida’s upcoming treatment, Danny’s physical and mental recoveries and for me too. I’m so encouraged by Danny’s progress and am held up by my faith in the Lord, but still need the prayers!

Lots of blessings to you and yours,

Allison “framing up” Diaz