Hello! It has certainly been a while. Today we got the results of the 7th Chimerism test and, thank G-D, once again it is 100% donor! The over all blood work looks very good as well. Things took longer this time because of a week's delay in the appointment. On the planned appointment date we were in the middle of an unpleasant stomach bug and the clinic agreed that a will-to-live-sucking virus is best kept away from a immune-compromised people. We have since all gotten better and are no longer contagious, if anyone is wondering.
Life has been moving along, one week, one runny nose, one evening at a time. In recent days Zevi has been sleeping better. We are grateful for every night he lets us sleep until 6:30 uninterrupted and hope he makes it a habit! The boys have been playing together more as well, a couple of times over an hour at a go, having conversations. Just so you don't think it is all roses here, there are still bitter conflicts with Benya over hitting his brother and with Zeva over throwing things if he wants one more book at bed time, for example. In most cases the real culprit is being tired or sleepy or cranky, but I refuse to accept that as an excuse for hitting or throwing. Which leaves me, more often than not, in the role of a barking enforcer.
At other times, things are sweet. The boys give hugs as we leave for work and remind us that they are our friends (sometimes strategically / preemptively to avoid getting in trouble). In recent weeks I have taken the boys for ice cream after work a couple of times and the ice cream shop is still there. We still need to work on estimating the amount of ice cream per child, as more than half goes uneaten, but this is progress. Today, for instance, Benya and I went to Costco while Zeva, grandma Rita, and mom went to another store. Both trips went well, no fight over who gets to go with mom, and boys helped unload the groceries.
A quick highlight of personality difference.
Zev: recently for the first time produced a drawing that is not abstract art. With some small (unspecified) amount of help from the nanny he drew a green field for grass, yellow for earth and blue for the sky with a couple of flowers and even a butterfly (sponge, came with a set).
Benjamin: on Monday at 'circle time' at the daycare Alla got to witness a rare occasion of Benya volunteering to tell a story about his weekend. While other kids mostly spoke of Easter, Benya offered an entirely imagined account that went something like this: "We went up on an escalator, then up on an elevator, and then the transformer came over and pew-pew-pew-pew-pew-pew." Suffice to say Transformer cartoons are still off limits.
I shall conclude on this cheerful, if somewhat violent note, and leave everyone with the 7th result of 100% donor. F@cking A!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Day +221
This will be a straight re-post from Dream Drives for Kids. There is not much to add:
We wanted to say "thank you" to Tesla Motors and everyone who came over to Portland International Raceway yesterday for our "Dream Drive Experience" event. Special thanks to Tyler Um, Jeni Noerenberg Bartley, and Robert Gordo for the amazing photography, E.C. Mueller for the track, and the FANTASTIC team at Tesla for providing the cars.
We had nearly two dozen families join us throughout the day and by all measures it was a great success. Also, if you're not sure whether kids like going from 0 to 80 in under four seconds ... have a look at some of the reactions the media captured during the event:
We will DEFINITELY be doing events like this in the future so please share the word about Dream Drives for Kids and "like" and "share" this post with your friends!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Day +214, a very fast ride
Today the boys got to be a part of a great event put on Dream Drives for Kids and a local Tesla store. In short, the folks from Tesla brought some of their most awesome cars to Portland International Raceway and drove kids around.
Section for the car fanatics:
Tesla Model S, P85D. 691 hp, 0 - 60 in 3.2 (!) sec. More impressively, while Bugatti Veyron Supersport goes 0 - 30 mph in 1.2 sec, the P85D does so in 1 flat. Yep. Fastest production car off the line. And it is a sedan.
For non-car fanatics:
The Teslas (we rode two) were super-fast with takeoff acceleration that not so much pushes but smashes one into the seat. In a way that makes all in the car grin uncontrollably and ask "can we do this again, please?"
And do again we did. First Zevi rode upfront with Eric, with Benjamin, baby sitter, and dad in the back. Then we switched the boys. Then baby sitter and dad got kicked out and the camera crew from the Oregonian got in. Zev was good to go; Benjamin was a little apprehensive, but once he realized that a) his brother is with him and b) he gets to ride again - Benjamin was in.
The boys had a blast - they ran rampant, refused to pose for pictures (got photographed anyway), interrupted everything they could, climbed in other display cars, and variously frolicked in the sun. They asked to ride in the "white car with orange wheels" which happened to be a 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (courtesy of Dream Drives for Kids; alas only on display today). Then they got to ride again, in another Tesla. It was pointed out to me that I am setting somewhat unrealistic automotive expectations, given that by now Zev has ridden in a McLaren mp4 12c, a red Ferrari 599, and now a pair of Tesla P85Ds. It was later pointed out by another (very wise) person, that if I am lucky, the Tesla they rode today just might depreciate enough that I will be able to afford they exact car they rode today by the time then earn their licenses, G-D willing. Be it as it may, they boys had a absolute blast. While I was asked to refrain from specifics of the drives, let me just say that we all enjoyed the acceleration and speed of the Teslas to the fullest, while in the safe hands of our excellent drivers.
Many thanks for Emity, Eric, Chloe, and Cooper Peterson for putting on this awesome event and a great Thank You to the folks at Tesla. And here is the link:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/03/tesla_motors_gives_sick_kids_t.html
Section for the car fanatics:
Tesla Model S, P85D. 691 hp, 0 - 60 in 3.2 (!) sec. More impressively, while Bugatti Veyron Supersport goes 0 - 30 mph in 1.2 sec, the P85D does so in 1 flat. Yep. Fastest production car off the line. And it is a sedan.
For non-car fanatics:
The Teslas (we rode two) were super-fast with takeoff acceleration that not so much pushes but smashes one into the seat. In a way that makes all in the car grin uncontrollably and ask "can we do this again, please?"
And do again we did. First Zevi rode upfront with Eric, with Benjamin, baby sitter, and dad in the back. Then we switched the boys. Then baby sitter and dad got kicked out and the camera crew from the Oregonian got in. Zev was good to go; Benjamin was a little apprehensive, but once he realized that a) his brother is with him and b) he gets to ride again - Benjamin was in.
The boys had a blast - they ran rampant, refused to pose for pictures (got photographed anyway), interrupted everything they could, climbed in other display cars, and variously frolicked in the sun. They asked to ride in the "white car with orange wheels" which happened to be a 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (courtesy of Dream Drives for Kids; alas only on display today). Then they got to ride again, in another Tesla. It was pointed out to me that I am setting somewhat unrealistic automotive expectations, given that by now Zev has ridden in a McLaren mp4 12c, a red Ferrari 599, and now a pair of Tesla P85Ds. It was later pointed out by another (very wise) person, that if I am lucky, the Tesla they rode today just might depreciate enough that I will be able to afford they exact car they rode today by the time then earn their licenses, G-D willing. Be it as it may, they boys had a absolute blast. While I was asked to refrain from specifics of the drives, let me just say that we all enjoyed the acceleration and speed of the Teslas to the fullest, while in the safe hands of our excellent drivers.
Many thanks for Emity, Eric, Chloe, and Cooper Peterson for putting on this awesome event and a great Thank You to the folks at Tesla. And here is the link:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/03/tesla_motors_gives_sick_kids_t.html
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Day +201
Yesterday we received another great result: the Chimerim came back at 100%. We breathe, we move on.
Life continues at the Kaplan house. The boys are charming and infuriating within a span of minutes. Some cooperative play continues, though half the time it is Benya trying to get Zev to do something bad. Sleep is still touch and go, with Zevi waking up 2-4 times per night. Two being the much preferred option.
The important news, however, is the Chimerim, which is awesome!
Life continues at the Kaplan house. The boys are charming and infuriating within a span of minutes. Some cooperative play continues, though half the time it is Benya trying to get Zev to do something bad. Sleep is still touch and go, with Zevi waking up 2-4 times per night. Two being the much preferred option.
The important news, however, is the Chimerim, which is awesome!
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Day +199
Fun day and a good weekend. Got to play around in the park with the boys.
However, the weekend was not all fun and games. Project FIRE_TUCHES finally saw the two prototypes delivered to the customers. You will note that one of the customers requested the change in the propellant mixture, resulting in blue-and-red flames, as oppose to the traditional yellow-and-orange.
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| Zeva drive the ball as Benya passes to Natasha, 3/1/15 |
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| on the field |
However, the weekend was not all fun and games. Project FIRE_TUCHES finally saw the two prototypes delivered to the customers. You will note that one of the customers requested the change in the propellant mixture, resulting in blue-and-red flames, as oppose to the traditional yellow-and-orange.
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| Benya tries on the jet pack and adjusts the straps |
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| Clients receive the prototypes |
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| They seem satisfied |
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| Test run |
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Project FIRE_TUCHES is launched
We at KrokWorks, division of Kaplan UnLimited, are proud to report the launch of our inaugural project, Project 1, code named FIRE_TUCHES. In the interest of full disclosure is should be stated the inspiration for FIRE_TUCHES came to us via opportunistic industrial espionage, i.e. we saw it on someone at Costco. Regardless, the project was launched. Here is the progress report to date.
As a matter of fact, thrust was deemed insufficient and final design saw fuel dispense increased by 50%.
Next step will be custom harness for each unit and delivery to the clients.
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| Fuel tanks being painted, 2/22/15 |
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| Back plates receiving a coat as well. Not sure what happened to image orientation here. 2/25/15 |
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| Another paint coat for the tanks |
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| Back plate customization, of course. Again, not sure on the orientation. |
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| Fuel tanks mounted |
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| Gots to have fayia! |
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| Test fire was a success. |
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Day +194
Today Zevi had another monthly appointment. It was a long, but very good day. It was long because Zevi got the (possibly last) infusion of pentamidine. This one goes in via IV over a couple of hours. And if all goes well - today was the last one.
The blood numbers look very good. White blood cells are down a little, neutrophils are down a fair bit, but this is consistent with Zevi fighting off a bug (which everyone in the family now had, I am the last one). Platelets are up to 294k, second highest since BMT. Himoglobin is also at excellent 11.8.
Zevi appears to be clear for travel and public pools, even. We are still staying away from indoor public spaces due to the flue season and lack of vaccinations - those are due to start at a year post transplant if all is well.
Of course, blood was also taken for the monthly Chimerism test and we await the result anxiously. In the mean time - it was a great day. Here is Zev's picture from today.
The blood numbers look very good. White blood cells are down a little, neutrophils are down a fair bit, but this is consistent with Zevi fighting off a bug (which everyone in the family now had, I am the last one). Platelets are up to 294k, second highest since BMT. Himoglobin is also at excellent 11.8.
Zevi appears to be clear for travel and public pools, even. We are still staying away from indoor public spaces due to the flue season and lack of vaccinations - those are due to start at a year post transplant if all is well.
Of course, blood was also taken for the monthly Chimerism test and we await the result anxiously. In the mean time - it was a great day. Here is Zev's picture from today.
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| 2/24/2015 |
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Blowing glass
Two weekends ago the boys got an amazing opportunity to blow glass, compliments of Georgia, Aaron, their daughter Elena and their very patient dog, Cesar. Here are a few shots taken at Elements Glass.
It was an absolutely awesome time! Thank you to Elena, the perfect hostess, Georgia and Aaron for a chance to visit and play at Elements Glass.
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| Here is Elena, getting ready to show the boys how it is done. 2/8/15 |
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| Aaron in his element |
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| Aaron and Elena at the kiln |
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| Getting some color with dad |
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| Geared up |
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| Boys receive instruction |
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| Elena blows out a ball |
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| ...and a bit more clear glass... |
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| While Aaron works, we get to hang out with Georgia and Cesar |
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| Zeva's turn |
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| Blowing out the ball while Aaron shapes the glass |
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| Together at the kiln |
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| Benjamin gets into the spirit of things |
Monday, February 16, 2015
Day +186
This weekend saw an interesting milestone - 6 months since the transplant. We made it, we breathed, we had a glass (or three) of wine. The boys were with their grandparents who gifted us with a night and following morning off.
Now back to regularly scheduled programming. Zevi continues to limp - over a week now. The going theory is that he has a hairline fracture so small it does not show up on x-rays. Mostly it does not bother him, and when it does we treat with Ibuprofen. Sleep is very hit and miss. One night I get a merciful two trips to the boys' room, and some nights it is much less merciful 6-8. More of the former kinds of nights, I hope.
Life goes on. Zevi enjoys his Lego class where do try to keep the boys separate for everyone's sake. His energy and appetite seem good, thank G-D. So it goes.
Two weekends ago the boys had an absolutely awesome experience blowing glass! More details and pictures coming, I promise.
Now back to regularly scheduled programming. Zevi continues to limp - over a week now. The going theory is that he has a hairline fracture so small it does not show up on x-rays. Mostly it does not bother him, and when it does we treat with Ibuprofen. Sleep is very hit and miss. One night I get a merciful two trips to the boys' room, and some nights it is much less merciful 6-8. More of the former kinds of nights, I hope.
Life goes on. Zevi enjoys his Lego class where do try to keep the boys separate for everyone's sake. His energy and appetite seem good, thank G-D. So it goes.
Two weekends ago the boys had an absolutely awesome experience blowing glass! More details and pictures coming, I promise.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
A visit from a SF friend
A bit less then two weeks ago (man, it feels longer) we had a visit from a SF friend who we have not seen in over five years. His name happens to be Zev, he is single, fun guy who bravely stepped into the den. How traumatized Zev was in the end is hard to estimate at this point - he put on a very brave face. The boys, however... well, see for yourselves.
Truly, Zev was an amazing sport the entire weekend. The boys loved having him around, as did we. Come back soon!
Seriously, Alla's back hurts, I am tired, someone needs to wrestle with them - come back soon!
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| Upside down Benya and Zev looking a little bewildered. 2/2/15 |
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| Getting used to it now. Zev and Zev. |
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| Years of training on dad are being put to good use. |
Seriously, Alla's back hurts, I am tired, someone needs to wrestle with them - come back soon!
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