We Love Isabella

A new month and perhaps spring is finally on it's way. Each month we are a bit closer to an extended break from treatment at the end of the year. Here in DC we've been from the depths of winter on Monday and Tuesday and now a fantstic spring week-end is being forecast.

Isabella enjoyed her break from treatment. The week at Blue Knob ski resort was a success. Matilde is quite a daredevil on skis! The girls went out with their instructor Dick even during freezing rain. They don't know that Gregorio and I sat by the fire to keep warm. Lots of snow and very few people on the slopes. We certainly recharged the batteries.

Yesterday we started another round of chemotherapy. Isabella was quite a pro and a lot less anxious than she normally is. She even managed Italian classes in the afternoon and has gone off to school today. At 2:30 pm I have still not been called to collect her. I am sure will be very tired but being distracted at school by her friends and teachers is a good thing.

This week Isabella recieved 'her' song from the Songs of Love Foundation. One of the many foundations that exist to help sick children and their families. They seem to have incorporated all her family, friends and favourite hobbies into the song. Needless to say, our budding popstar Matilde does a quite show singing along (and adding extra words) with a microphone. We tried to persuade Matilde to enter the school talent show next week and sing the song but many of you have been spared! Not even she would stand up in front of all her friends for this performance. If you'd like to hear the song you can download it as outlined below. You will need to make a small contribution to the Songs of Love Foundation. Even if this song is ringing in Gregorio and my head it has bought a lots of smiles to Isabella, she seems very touched that a song has been written about her and Mati gets all excited when her name is mentioned.

This week Gregorio and I celebrated 9 years of marriage. We've come a long way in those 9 years. Gregorio says he'd like to turn back the clocks to an easier time, but as my wise aunt says "life doesn't get easier, it gets different." Bringing up children, facing job insecurities we all face these challenges. Admittedly we have an added dimension in dealing with Isabella's tumors and treatment but nothing is insurmountable, we will get there.

I don't think the economic green shoots are beginning to show yet but they are in the garden. Spring is in the air. Have a nice week-end

Love,
Emma and Gregorio. xxx

SONG OF LOVE FOR ISABELLA

www.songsoflove.org
Click on Family & Friends Song & Ringtone Download
Enter child's last name: Impavido
Her song number is: 18016


And for those of you who don't want to download, here are the words of Isabella's song.


La La La, we love Isabella
What a beautiful girl, we love Isabella

Come on everybody, listen up you'll see
Gonna tell you about her, she's a star, she's a dream
She can sing and dance, she knows how to entertain you
You'll wanna stand up and clap your hands
Isabella, she's got the groove


La La La, We love Isabella
What a beautiful girl, we love Isabella

Dressing up Isabella, she's got style
She likes cooking with papa, making pizza and pasta
When it comes to food, Isabella, she's an explorer
She'll try anything once, then tell you if she likes the flavor


La La La, we love Isabella
What a beauitful girl, we love Isabella

When mummy and papa throw a party for Isabella
It's always a good time, everybody's comin'over
Her sister Mati opens the door
Here comes nonna, nonno and grandpa Ross


There's Peter, Janie, uncle Simon or "Toadstool" and Florence
Isabella's playing tennis and swimming
With her friends Lottie, Darya, Flora, Olivia and Ottavia


La La La, we love Isabella
What a beautiful girl, we love Isabella