Monday, December 3, 2007

The Great Hair Exodus

So....the Van Hamme's didn't fall off the face of the earth. Things have been so busy. We said goodbye to Grandpa Wayne last Tuesday (we miss you...especially Ella)! We had a few days to prepare for a visit from my wonderful friend Alyssa and her youngest daughter, Abigail. Alyssa was my roommate in college, and her and her husband Cameron are some of our best friends. We were so excited to have them come, although Cameron, Gracie and Olivia couldn't join them.

The girls played so well together and as always I just love having Alyssa around. It was perfect timing for her to come this past weekend. Last Friday was the day that will be remembered as the "Great Hair Exodus." My hair just said, "We've had enough...I'm out." And believe me out it has come! I was giving my head a little scratch on Friday and when I brought my hand back down I had a small handful of hair. We had decided when I knew for sure it was going I would get a shorter haircut. Joel and Ella went with me for moral support. Here is the after picture:


I have to say I'm not a big fan of the haircut, but it's just all part of the adventure. I've learned quickly (thanks to Joel) that the easiest way to handle some of the tough stuff is to laugh about it. And believe me we've all had some good laughs this weekend. I think we've decided I either look like my younger brother Brice with earrings or an elf. The elf look is perfect for the holidays anyway and I guarantee the Santa hat will be worn proudly. I do also understand that the shorter my hair gets the bigger my earrings need to get.

All joking aside, I really am doing okay with it. It was a little bit hard at first to see the hair falling out. I guess I was a little more emotionally attached to my hair then I thought. It will grow back though and at least I'll know how to fix it when it starts to come back in. I am going to start wearing my hats too.
I had my last tissue expansion today. Whoo Whoo!! The process has gone flawlessly and my final reconstruction surgery will be scheduled as soon as I finish my big chemo. Wednesday is my big chemo day. Dr Butler is going to adjust my medicine some because I've had some random days where I can't stop throwing up. It's lovely. He may even have me come back on Thursday to get some extra IV fluids to "load me up" in case that happens again. I'm thankful now I know what to expect with the big chemo days. My dad will be accompanying me on Wednesday and then I'll be heading to Augusta this weekend. We are so excited that Joel will be starting his new position on Saturday. Please say a little prayer for him. He will have to work a late night on Saturday so that's why I'm heading to Augusta. my parents will be helping us this weekend because my tough days are Friday and Saturday. Plus, they'll get a little Ella time which will be so fun.

The other exciting happenings are that Ella is crawling all over the place. She of course loves to crawl to the dog bowls and we've caught just before her first sample of dog food several times. She's got her first top tooth. She is saying tons of words like hi, mama, dada, Ab (for Abby) and Bo. We've been working on "HO HO HO Merry Christmas" but so far we've gotten just "HO." As always, Ella is so much fun and I just love every second being a mom.

8 comments:

sharon said...

Lisa,

Look like Brice or an elf....no way, you are way to beautiful of a person (no offense Brice, you know how much I love you), with your attitude and personality, hair is a minor thing, you are making bald beautiful...I love ya!! Sharon Daniels.

Anna said...

Lisa,
I am always so encouraged by your blogs and check everyday for updates! When I read your blogs, I'm reminded of Prov. 31:35 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come"

Miss seeing your smiling face at work!

AnnaB

Anna said...

And by that I mean verse 25, haha. There isn't a 35, haha.

Ashley Meads said...

Lisa,

You look beautiful!!! I'm a big fan of short hair anyway. And yes, short hair, BIG earrings. Have fun shopping. I want you to know that I have thought of you and prayed for you daily since I saw you Thanksgiving. Thanks again for sharing with me. Sorry your throwing-up. YUK! Hope to see you soon. Love, Ashley Meads

j.yue said...

Hey Lisa... Long time no see. Hope you haven't forgotten us. We'll be praying for you guys from good ol' Oregon (orygun -- Joel knows this).

BTW, short hair on the ladies look great, yo.

Peter Yue

j.yue said...

lisa,

i just got the link from peter and i have to say i was not expecting to hear this news on your blog. sigh. thought i was going to see tons of baby pics. i am a little overwhelmed right now reading all this but just so thankful you still have your great positive, bubbly spirit that i remember so well. i was just talking about you yesterday to a friend regarding you being super cute and cheerful. and it doesn't get much better as far as spouses go for positive energy! joel is such a strong person too so i feel like you are in good hands. now i just wish i could come help with babysitting! i think i would feel most anxiety from that part of going through something like this. just not being able to keep up with the motherly duties. but it sounds like you are doing an amazing job balancing it all. will pray for you much and checking your blog.
and the haircut looks waaay cute! not too many people can wear that but you look super cute!
hang in there. and that zoo video was hilarious! your little ella is the cutest! cracked me up so bad! much love, jodie

Deb said...

It looks great on you! I have short hair and big earrings just don't do it on me! I had to go shorter or guess I mean smaller. I miss my hoops.

What a beautiful attitude you have. I have always believed that laughter will see us through anything.

I forgot last time to say Congrats to your hubby on his new job!

With Splashes of Joy...
Michigan Marine Mom
<><

The Van Hamme's said...

Jodi,

I'm so glad you found us. The only numbers we have are for Andy and Jamie and we haven't heard back from them. I hate you had to find out like this. Please email us so we can have your address. jlvanhamme@yahoo.com

Much love. Miss you guys bunches!!!
Lisa