Sunday morning in New York...

Hey folks, I relieved Diane yesterday. I arrived Friday night on the train, and no I didn't get off in New Jersey this time... :) When I got here I knocked on the room door and Cody greeted me with one of his patented wrestling hugs. It was so awesome. He has not wanted to talk to me or anyone else for that matter since starting his new treatment. He looked like he had quite a week. His eyes and face were all swollen from the meds I guess. His head looks like it's made of old brown shoe leather. It is brown and cracked from our week at the beach despite the application of sun screen. It's scuffed from the almost countless bruises and scabs from dives and falls from the couch, the wall at the board walk in Ocean City and the tunnels at Chuckie Cheese. There is now a very tiny bit of peach fuzz growing on his head. That showing signs of the beginning of his much needed head protection, "hair". He has had a very tough week and has one more before he gets a three week break at home. Then, it will start all over again.

Diane could have left Friday night but chose to stay and enjoy one good day with Cody before heading home. We got up yesterday morning and Cody took his meds. Then we headed over to Central Park. We had a great day... We walked the park for a while with Cody sampling many of the $2, $3 and $4 ice cream vendors treats. We then talked him into a carriage ride on a horse drawn carriage. He really didn't want to do it at first but after seeing one of the beautiful animals up close he gave in. We rode with a wonderful fellow from Ireland named Robert. His horse's name was Betty. We rode around the park learning a few things about Manhattan and the rich folks when Cody spotted a small carnival down where the ice skating rink is during the winter months. Cody had a good time riding the rides and playing games. Diane and I agreed that he would've had a better time if Justin or Daniela was there with him but he didn't complain. About 3pm we headed back so Diane could catch a train. Cody fell asleep in the stroller on the way back. Diane said this was the best mood he has been in all week. I can understand why.

Cody received many birthday gifts from the hospital, Ronald McDonald House and from his good friends at Georgetown. One that he talked me into playing with is a poker set. That's right, poker. You all know how good Cody is at playing Monopoly and now we can add poker to his repertoire. Now, Diane as my witness I have to tell you what one of Cody's very first hands turned out to be. A "Royal Flush"! That's right, some people go a lifetime without getting one and he achieved it in less that 10 minutes. Now I have to tell you, I'm not much of a card player. I enjoy talking and socializing too much. I might just as well give my $20 to the other players and sit down to drink. LOL! I have a feeling that Cody is going to make me practice much more than I ever thought. We have played 4 times already since Friday night. When we have down time in the room that is what he wants to do.

We are on a waiting list for a WNBA game today. It is the woman's pro basketball team here in New York. If we don't get to go to that I will ask Cody what he wants to do. Who knows, we may end up over at Central Park again today. We are going to try and enjoy this day as much as possible. I am not looking forward to tomorrow. Diane tried to described the hell that Cody goes through to me but I want to experience it for myself before I try to write about it. She says that Monday's are known to be the worst day but the second week in general should be easier on Cody. I have to think that having a week under his belt helps him understand what to expect also. I pray his week goes easier than last. I will write more this week. I'm not sure when but I will try to keep you posted.

Go Steelers!!!!!