Add one more to the list of supporters

It has been a great week around these parts. We have had a lot of cause for celebration which we sure like to do. Firstly my sister Brianna gave birth to the third in her brood - a 9 pound baby boy named Finley Markus (the Markus part comes from his two uncle Marks - one of which you are all acquainted with). Here he is . . .

Finley Markus Holt

I am hoping to best Brianna's time of 4 hours birth start to finish. Is that naive? Also, doesn't he look a bit like a Doozer from Fraggle Rock? Mark and I are pretty proud Aunts and Uncles and to prove this, we thought we might show you some photos of the four other nieces and nephews we have. I know this may not be what you come here for but please indulge me - some Mark news is to follow.

Callum Holt (on his first day of school this fall)

Maren Holt (she's 2.5 years old and full of spunk)

Avery Adkins (she's 3.75 years old, bright and fun)

McKinley Adkins (he's almost 2, he's fun and tough and will bite you if you are not careful)

The four of them

Now, back to life in Vancouver. We were discharged from hospital on Monday following the week in / week out routine. Round four of chemo was much, much better then the previous round which I was more than excited about. We were bracing ourselves for the cumulative effect of chemo because that seemed to be the track we were on, each round much worse than the last. This pattern changed drastically in round four where Mark had one bad day and the rest were alright. He even ate food! Seamus (our latest man-servant/guest) was great at cooking for us and bringing us any and everything we needed and wanted. We noticed Mark is tending towards the bland, beige foods, some of his favourites were Finnish pancakes (hi Lakehead folks), perogies, and chicken soup. We were able to do walks everyday and his nausea and fatigue while present were not non-stop. Since being out of the hospital we have been out and about in Vancouver - even going to a movie last night.

Our good friend Shawn is on his way here from Dawson City today to take Mark fishing this week to some 'secret BC fishing holes'. I may join in too, but it will be weather, fishing wader, and fishing rod dependent. Either way, a trip out of town will be fantastic and good for the mind and body. That's all I've got for now. Hope everyone is well, thanks for checking in and keeping in touch.

My brother Seamus and our friends' (Dave and Jenn) little girl Sadie