Chocolate

Since we've graduated (by that I mean kicked out when they turned three) from the early intervention services provided in Tennessee, we haven't had feeding therapy in a couple of months.  Thankfully our amazing feeding therapist agreed to still come once a month and this week is the first time since November; and we were glad to see her.  She really helps, especially Ethan, be accepting of new foods.  Even if they don't make it in his mouth, at least he's touching them....and they both did a little more than just eating and touching food this week....

Off to the bathtub...

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

that we were well prepared for icy roads

that daddy's arms bring much comfort

that art project messes can be made outside sometimes

for junk mail that makes this kid's day

for sidewalk chalk

Journeying On,

Blood Work

Background:
Two weeks ago we took Ethan in for his routine blood work and his counts were on the low side.  The doctor said he could still be recovering from the flu/pneumonia he had in early January, but also said it could be his mds/monosomy 7 coming back.  He wanted to do labs again in a couple of weeks to give his body a chance to get rid of any virus.  Our hearts were very heavy that day and the few to follow.  It seemed like this looming diagnosis was finally coming back and the fight against fear seemed more like an all out war than a battle.  But our God is faithful to bring so much peace in times of war, and not surprisingly he filled our hearts with great peace and confidence in His perfect plan for Ethan.  After all, we didn't know for sure that it was his mds/monosomy 7, we were praying it was viral and trusting God to reveal His plan in His timing. 

The following Saturday Ethan was running a high fever, with no other symptoms so we took him to our primary care's walk-in clinic. They did some blood work and his numbers actually looked very viral and even better counts than just a few days before.  Our viral suspicions were confirmed when I had a fever the next day....I've never been so thankful to have a virus:)  

Yesterday we returned to the hematology/oncology clinic to repeat the labs.  His numbers were about the same as they were at our primary, which we took as encouraging.  They are still below normal, but not dropping which is fantastic!  Ethan could still be fighting a virus, but our doctor (and we) would like to know how his bone marrow is looking.  It's been almost a year since his last bone marrow biopsy, so it's time to repeat it anyway.  

Ethan also needs to have orchiopexy surgery sometime this month, so our doctors were able to work their schedules together so we only have to put him to sleep once.  He's scheduled to have the biopsy and surgery on the 15th.  Then we'll wait several days for the biopsy results to come back.  

Rejoicing over the immense amount of healing the Lord has brought to bodies and souls these last few weeks.  We're so thankful for all of you who were praying for a virus with us:) 

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday/ Pray With Us

for the many normal blood counts I've posted over the last year

for a place to share

Ethan has been having routine blood work for the past 18 months to keep an eye on his MDS/Monosomy 7 (you can read Ethan's Story and read 'newer posts' to see how things have been going).  Basically since March of 2012 he's had almost completely normal blood counts, baffling the doctors.  About two weeks ago Ethan was sick, so I took him to our primary care where they did some labs and found his platelet count to be below normal, but this can sometimes happen when you're body is fighting a virus (which he was) and his other counts were pretty normal.  

Yesterday we had our monthly appointment with his hematologist/oncologist and the labs that came back weren't great.  His platelets have dropped more and his red counts have also dropped.  Our doctor said there is a slight chance that his body is still recovering from the flu/pneumonia he was fighting earlier in the month.  It is possible that because of his bone marrow condition it will take his body longer to recover from a virus.  However, our doctor was quick to say that this could also be his MDS/Monosomy 7 rearing back up.   

We'll recheck his levels in a couple of weeks and also consult with his doctor at Vanderbilt to make sure he doesn't want any additional testing done right now.  

And so with great humility we're asking that you pray with us. Pray with us for continued healing and strength in Ethan's body.  Pray that fear and discouragement will not be found in our home as we trust in the sovereignty of our God.

Yet this I call to mind

and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion;

therefor I will wait for him."

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him.

Lamentations 3:21-25

Journeying On,

Once every few years...

Since it only snows here once every few years, we decided to make the best of it....this was after the following conversation....

Addison: Can we play in the snow?
Me: yea, but you know it's really cold outside, right?
Addison: If you don't want us to go out, we can just pretend inside (picking pretend snow off the floor and throwing it in the sky)....weee....this is fun.  Just think how fun real snow would be?
Me:okay....lets go get dressed...
(I know, I'm a terrible mom, but I hate cold!) :)

25 minutes later...

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful I have no place to go on this icy, rainy day....

I'm also thankful...

that imaginations can make anything a canvas of art

for places of refuge and retreat

for summer weather that prompted 

a for search appropriate attire:) 

for little people that remind of the constant presence of Jesus

by asking to leave a cookie out for Him.

{there was a little confusion as to whether baby Jesus or grown up Jesus was going to eat it, but we're working through it:) }

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

for new beginnings: eager pages to be filled with His plan

 for friendship tea parties

for a friend that could stay a play for a while 

that a misty rain can captivate a curious boy

that words on a wall beg explanation from a toddler boy

and provide opportunity for discussion of Jesus

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

Spending a little time reflecting, as most do at the end of the year.  Revisiting all the Lord has done and all He's called us to do over the past year.  It's good to reflect, often rather humbling.  Oh the mercy that has been poured out on me, on my family.  It is far to great to capture in a few pictures a week.  A humble attempt to keep gratitude and His mercies at the forefront my heart and mind.
I would say these few links might be the ones that have called my heart to thankfulness the most over the past year.  Hoping to express even more thankfulness in 2013, as I learn to see my Savior in everyday moments of grace.

Thankful Thursday
Thankful Thursday
Thankful Thursday
Thankful Thursday
Thankful Thursday


Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

6 days late:)

Christmas excitement

the Christmas story presented in a new way

feasting....so much feasting!

tasty traditions

awkward family photos

Journeying On,