Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

It is well....







my with soul. I am sitting on the bed with my sweet Bella girl, she is sound a sleep, but it did not come easily. I think Bella may be getting homesick as am I. A hospital room is no place to call home, but we are enjoying the quiet time together. I love our mornings when she wakes me up and we look right into each others eye's, she is all soft and warm and snuggly. Sometimes she wakes up grouchy, other times she wakes up smiling at me. I remember when we picked our sweet girl up in Guatemala, every time she would awake from a nap or in the morning I would say "Hola Chica!" an she would give us the biggest grin.

Today we enjoyed a few more guests, I love catching up with friends and family. I am immensely grateful for the love poured on our family. My Mom arrived today with a hand made night gown for Bella with a note that said "Look what the mice made while you were sleeping". When I was going to my Senior Prom, my Mom made additions to my dress. when I went to bed that night, she was still at her sewing machine, when I woke up the following morning, my prom dress was hanging on my bedroom door with a note that said "Look what the mice made while you were sleeping". I love my Mom, I love all the special little things she has done over the years to say "I love you, you are mine". Her sewing is one of my favorite things as I know her heart is in it, there is just something special about the things she makes. This includes her famous chocolate chip cookies! I am not very good at sharing those.

Please pray for Bella's continued health. Due to the chemo, her blood levels will be very low and it raises her risks of getting sick. We want to go home Thursday, so NO fevers!

"I will walk by faith and not by sight"...that is my desire, my hope and my promise. All for the glory of Him, what a life He has planned for this little girl, although the journey may have bumps, we know that in the end, we have victory.

20 comments:

Michelle Riggs said...

From our hospital room to yours. Crazy world huh?

I will be praying that you will be able to go home on Thursday. Bella looks beautiful as always.

Abby is back in the hospital. We are praying that it will be a short stay for us too.

http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/

Shannon said...

I am praying for sweet Bella today. I love her new gown from Grandma. Praying for protection from germs and that you get to take her home soon with no fevers.

Blessings,
Shannon *emeline's mommy*

Trish said...

I love it...blackberry in hand, Bella is always prepared for what comes her way! It is well, not easy but well...and your story radiates that. You all remain in my prayers today!

Elaine said...

I came across your blog while reading Kissthefrog4me. I just wanted to let you know that prayers are coming all the way from MT for little Bella. She is so adorable.

Vanessa said...

I'm glad to see that sweet little smile has stuck around!! Hang in their you know many prayers are being lifted for Bella and i know God WILL touch her!

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you and Bella...I love the gown your mom made , it is beautiful!!! Praying you get to go home Thursday also....Love, Marci fellow blogger and Prayer Bear
http://www.freewebs.com/prayerbears

Cheri said...

I love your Mama....what a sweet woman. I love the nightgown she whipped up. I still can't wrap my mind around what y'all have been dealt in the last week. I keep telling myself that God is bigger and Bella is His! I pray Bella Boo is home by the weekend, and feeling well enough to wrinkle her nose with smiles non-stop. I love you, friend. Cheri

Pineapple Princess said...

Your mom is amazing... I can see where you get it!
Praise God for His peace in the storm. It radiates from your story.
Continued prayers for Bella to remain fever free!

Hugs,
Stacy

Bree said...

Many prayers for your family! :)

Magen said...

She is so beautiful and strong, I am praying she can go home on Thursday.

Pam L said...

Oh, it's so good to see her sweet smile!
Praying that all continues to go well.
Our God is an awesome God and I'm praying for His blessings on sweet Bella.

kathy Martin said...

Please know my heart reaches out to you all! Bella is a beautiful girl. Your faith, support, and love will help you through this life challenge. Your story is captivating! Not only am i an adoptive mother of a beautiful Guatemala boy, but i am a PNP in pediatric oncology. Please know i care, and am willing to be a lending ear!
Kathy
no longer waiting on Greyson
http://web.me.com/kfm7741

Becca said...

Know that you have so many lifting you up in prayer...

Peace and Hugs,
Becca

Coco said...

Susie, You are so strong. I admire the courage and strength you have. It breaks my heart to see sweet Bella in her hospital bed. I love the new nightgown. So precious. I could not sleep at all last night, I kept thinking of Bella. I feel like I know her. Blessing to you all. P.S. I love the new blog. Courtney

Joanna said...

Wow...what an amazing blessing to have such an amazing mom and family support. Your story about what the mice made was so touching. I am praying for Bella, and love her even though I've never met her.

Much Love,
Joanna

Jaime said...

Your mother sounds amazing. Praying for beautiful Bella.

Janelle said...

Susie, I am praying for your family during this time. The story about your mom was very touching. I will continue praying.
(another AGCI adoptive parent)

The gFamily said...

I LOVE the pink nightgown your very talented mom made for Bella! She is a princess in her pink gown!

My family all knows Bella's name well now as we pray for her at every prayer time! Believing God for perfect healing!

Big hugs!!

Rebekah said...

Oh My Gosh! I am so sorry for all that you and your prescious Bellas are facing right now ... I had no idea - I found your site from Sarah's ... please know our family's thoughts and prayers are with you!

God Bless!

The Clark Family

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

I just started reading your blog thru kissthefrog4me, just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you and your family. Leah missmayita.blogspot.com