Penn turns four

In the midst of Penn’s diagnosis, her fourth birthday was fast approaching. We made sure we gave her the best birthday possible. We invited family and friends for a porch visit. To reduce contact, we left Crave cupcakes and goodie bags on our outside table. Goodie bags for the kids included all of Penn’s “favourite things”. Penn dressed up as a Princess dinosaur for the day and she chose her outfit all by herself.

My work schedule often allowed me to take Friday’s off. While Paige was at school, Penn and I would have a date to the bookstore and grab ice cream.

After Penn’s birthday party, Sheldon and I had a good cry. We were so overwhelmed that over 100 people came to visit Penn, in the pouring rain. We even had family drive up from Edmonton to see her. Family and friends helped plan and organize her party while we focused on hospital visits, phone calls with Penn’s medical team and spending time with the girls. We weren’t crying because of Penn’s diagnosis, we were emotional because of our amazing support system and how incredible our two girls are. Despite the cards we’ve been dealt with, we are so lucky and thankful for Paige, Penn and everyone rallying behind us. 

Penn excited to eat her Crave cupcake.