Almost back to normal...

Bianca and Sara

Sara contines to feel well and we had a great time at her 10-year high school reunion last weekend. Many of the people at the reunion knew what was going on with Sara, but lots of her classmates were shocked when the bald pregnant lady hit the dance floor.

"Who is that bald girl?!?"

Deer Park Ladies

I started back to work this past week. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time off, but I'm glad to be working again. I am going to be flying T-38s at Randolph AFB, teaching new Air Force Pilots. I will be in "student-mode" for the next 4 months, re-learning how to fly the T-38 and learning how to be an instructor. I'm excited about the new job and look forward to getting back in a jet (it's been over 3 months).

T-38

We were finally able to close on our house this past week and our shipments from Japan will be delivered late next week. We are ready to get settled into our own home and as things start to slow down, life is starting to look "normal" again. After Sara's diagnosis, we were told that "life will never be the same, but you will get accustomed to the NEW NORMAL which your life will become." As we continue our transition to San Antonio, we're getting close to the NEW NORMAL...and it feels great!

Balder and More Beautiful...

Today is C2 D4. So far, the 2nd chemo treatment has had minimal side-effects on Sara. Her hair has continued to fall out, so today we clipped the remaining hair as short as possible. Before we clipped it, there was a small area on the back of her head where the hair was not falling out.

Hair Heart

I am continually impressed at how Sara is handling all of this and while walking along this journey with her this verse truly hits home. It comes from Peter when he is giving advice to wives.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty and gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. --1 Peter 3:3-4

Even with Sara's bald head, SHE IS MORE BEAUTIFUL TO ME THAN EVER!!!

Biker Babe

From Sara...

Well, Brady has been trying to get me to write on this thing for months now...I've had plenty to say, but just never felt like sitting down to type. I have to warn you, my post might be a little discombobulated and not as structured as my wonderful husbands. I first want to say thank you to everyone who has been lifting us up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can say with confidence that the reason I have felt so well and continue to be full of joy and covered in peace is because of all of you bringing us before the throne of grace.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know many people are wondering how it is for a woman to lose her hair and shave her head because she has no choice. I can say with complete honesty that this task was not hard or difficult for me at all. I am confident of who I am in the Lord and I know my husband loves me regardless. Because of these two things, along with such a supportive network of family and friends, I was not phased by it at all. I have been reading through the Psalms each morning and write down so many of the promises the Lord has given us. I cling to these and know that I am okay.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him...It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalms 18:30 &32.

I love His word...it never fails to encourage me and give me hope. Yesterday was round #2 of chemo...and everything went well. We actually were finished much faster than we anticipated, so that was nice. We were only at the hospital for 2 hours this time.

Round 2 of Chemo

After leaving the hospital we were able to go by the wig place and get fitted for a wig. We ended up ordering something completely different than any of the ones posted last time. The lady had me try on a child size wig, and it fit me much better than any of the adult wigs. I don't think I will wear the wig much...I feel much more like myself in a scarf, hat, or just bald than with a wig. However, we ordered one just in case there is a point I think I need it.

New Kercheif/Scarf Ensemble

When we left the wig place I told Brady that I needed some more scarves and maternity clothes. So we headed to Burlington Coat Factory...he just loved this (Brady hates shopping). We found some scarves and I found clothes to try on. I was wearing a scarf, but took it off to try on all the clothes. I sent Brady out to get different sizes in a couple of things...but he came back empty handed saying there were no more. I knew there were more and that he had just not looked in the right place. So I ventured out for the first time in public with my bald head trying to find the right size. I'm not sure if I drew any eyes, but I'm sure for strangers this was a sight to see...a bald pregnant woman walking through the store. From there we went home and were provided a most delicious meal from a friend here.

We have been so blessed by so many people that all I can do is praise my Father in heaven. Please continue to lift our family up and especially our precious little one, Chloe Grace. We decided on a name, and it has been so fun to talk to her daily and call her by name. We knew from the beginning that if we had a girl that we wanted Grace in her name because of the situation. Chloe is a name we both like and we really liked the way they sounded together.

I'm hoping that I continue to feel well and will be able to make my 10 year reunion this weekend. I will leave you with one last Psalm that has spoken to my heart. Thanks again!

"I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; there faces are never covered with shame." Psalms 34:1-5

BALD and BEAUTIFUL...

The list of possible side effects from chemotherapy is extensive. Sara has not had to deal with too many of them, but the hair loss set in earlier this week. It started on Monday with 10s of hairs coming out when she washed her hair. By Friday morning, her pillow was covered with hair when she woke up (100s of hairs).

So, this weekend was Sara's HEAD SHAVING PARTY. Her entire family came to the lake for the special occasion.

Sara with Callie and Ansley (nieces)


"My hair is falling out"

The Family (pre-shave)

Head Shave Party Participants (pre-shave)

Sara's Haircut

Sara's Hair

Eddie's Haircut (Sara's Dad)

Brent's Haircut (Sara's Brother)

Brad's Haircut

Clive's Haircut (Brad's Stepdad)

Travis' Haircut (Family Friend)

Josh's Haircut (Sara's Brother-in-law)

Angie's Haircut (Sara's Sister)

The Bald Sullivan Family

Sara and Callie

Sara and Sheryl (Sara's Mom)

Us with Linda (Brad's Mom)

Head Shave Party Participants (post-shave)

Bald Heads

The Family (post-shave)

Sara's head shaving turned out to be MUCH more traumatic (lots of tears) on our parents than it was for Sara. Sara was not phased by it!

We were joking earlier on this week about God practicing his math skills, namely subtraction.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. AND EVEN THE VERY HAIRS OF YOUR HEAD ARE ALL NUMBERED. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. --Matthew 10:29-31

Sara will have her next dose of chemo on Monday, and if all goes as planned, we should be closing on our house next week.

These 2 pictures speak for themselves