We all enjoyed Christmas day at home with just the five of us. The kids each had a few gifts to open and then spent the day playing, eating and packing for our trip to Ohio the next day.
On December 26, Leila was due for her blood counts and her monthly IV chemo. We had to go to the outpatient area at the hospital instead of Dr. B's office due to the holiday. This of course usually takes longer. Leila and mommy left very early in the morning and spent several hours getting the process done. Later in the afternoon we left for the airport to make our trip to Ohio.
After a delayed flight, we made it to Ohio late that night.
We had a great time visiting with our family including all of Leila's cousins. She had so much fun playing with them and having sleepovers with her cousin Sophia. On New Year's Eve we spent the evening at Ziad's brothers house, along with the other Shiblaq's and partied until 2:30 am. We were all dancing (including all of the kids) until the wee hours of the morning.
It was one of the best New Year's we have had with our kids! Leila, Rami and Deena also spent time making gingerbread houses with their cousins Tawny and Kobi as well as sleepovers with them at Grandma and Papa's house.
The week went very fast for us and we did as much as we possibly could to make the most of our time there. Now we are focusing on the New Year and getting Leila back into school this month.
Leila started back to school last week and enjoyed being with all of the kids. Mommy stayed with her on Monday and Tuesday to make sure she was comfortable with the routine. She was welcomed by the entire school on her first day during the morning announcements.
The entire staff and her teacher Mrs. Mammano went out of their way to make sure she felt good about returning to class. The kids in her class have been very helpful to her, especially the girls. They have all taken turns sitting with her at lunch, playing together on the playground and helping her in the class.
Leila decided that she also wanted to ride the bus with Rami. This has given her more social time to see her friends that also ride on the same bus. Leila has been very tired when she returns home at the end of the day. When she does get home she needs to rest awhile before beginning her nightly homework. 
We are so pleased that she is adapting so quickly to her old and new life. It is wonderful to see her energy and enthusiasm return and to feel that her life can be somewhat normal again.
