As we approach our day, here's a little bit of what's going on in our world:

2008:

• July 18th:  After being passed around between oncologists like a hot potato, Ken FINALLY gets to start chemo against the tumor(s) in his spleen.  It was not removed, for fear of complications down the road.
• May 13th:  Ken begins a two week course of radiation to treat the tumor in his spine. Hopefully no tumor will ever be able to develop there again.  Plans regarding treatment of spleen tumors remain unclear.
• May 9th:  During what we thought would be a final appointment with the oncologist before beginning a stem cell transplant, we learn that Ken's cancer is back for a fourth visit.  Stem cell transplant cancelled, and appointment made to meet with radiation oncologist the following Tuesday.
• January 23rd:  After much consideration, many phone calls, and long discussions, we decide to delay the wedding by a year, until May 2nd or 9th, depending on the site's availability.  This will make Ken's burden during chemo lighter, and give him time to recover physically & mentally.
• January 22nd: The oncologist gives us a little bad news.  The timing of chemo treatments is creeping closer & closer to the wedding.  Best case scenario gives Ken almost 5 weeks to recover before the ceremony.  Worst case gives Ken less than 2 weeks.
• January 8th: We have a hotel chosen!  We are very pleased with the rate and the location.  Please see the "Accomodations" page for more information.
• January 1st:  Happy New Year!  We're getting married in 2008, so that means the wedding is coming very soon!
  

2007:

• December 29th:  Christine sees her wedding dress for the first time.  It's fitting a bit loosely, so alterations will be needed.  A dress is chosen for Megan, and it should be lovely on her.  Also, we chose a color for Christine's mother, but not a dress.  Think purples!  
• December 26th:  Ken starts chemo #1.
• December 18th:  After arranging a weekend trip to D.C. for Christine's mother and Megan for dress shopping and other planning details, we learn that Ken has cancer for the third time.  
• December 15th:  The Annual Ball!  Dressed to the nines, Ken and Christine visit the rooftop terrace in honor of their second anniversary of getting engaged!
• November 22nd:  Christine asks her cousin Megan to be bridesmaid, as Carmen is also planning her own wedding!  Megan agrees, and leaps in feet first to help with the planning.
• November 21st:  We have our tasting!  The food was incredible, and we hope everyone will enjoy it as much as we did.  It was a lovely day all around.
• September 29th:  Ken shared the URL for TheSmittens.com with friends for the first time.  Welcome!
• September 26th:  The dress is in!  Christine has been teasing Ken with, "Want to go see the dress?  Do ya?"  Also, the veil and headpiece are in, and all are being stored at the bridal shop.
• July 21st:  The dress is ordered!  (Also veil and headpiece)
• July 20th: Christine and her mother go shopping for invitiations and find something lovely.
• July 10th:  Our contract and deposit are at the wedding site!  Suddenly, this all becomes a LOT more official-feeling.  ;)
• July 2nd:  We met with the oncologist, and found out Ken's PET scan is cancer-free. After similar results for the next two years, Ken will be considered as cured!  
• May 29th:  Christine and her parents visit the wedding site, and are thrilled about how gorgeous everything is--especially the view!  Unfortunately, Ken was still too weak from the last round of chemo to make the trip, too.

2006:

• October 31st:  Ken is told that his Hodgkin's lymphoma has returned, and is already at stage IV.  Tumors were populating Ken's spleen, spine, and abdomen.  We were devastated.  Chemo starts on November 29th, and continues on through May.
• July 15th: Ken and Christine and Jebus move into their first home together in Alexandria, VA.  
• Late May:  Ken and Christine visit Chicago.  Ken met Christine's grandmother Drewsilla.  Sadly, she passed away less than three weeks later.

2005:

• December 17th:  Ken proposes on the rooftop terrace overlooking the White House during the Annual Ball.  Christine accepts!
• November 16th:  Ken visits D.C. for the first time.  Three days into the visit, Christine asks Ken if he'd like to move in with her.  
• July 15th:  Ken and Christine meet in person for the first time, after more than three years of friendship online.  Ken was nearing the end of his chemo from his first battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma.