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!


Monday, December 1, 2008

Back Again

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have so very much to be thankful for. I plan to post on that later.

We are back in the hospital. Bella is still not eating and drinking very little. Yesterday she only took 8 oz.'s over the course of the day. She has been admitted back in to the hospital for fluids and to have a swallow therapy test done to find out why she is not drinking. We also cant keep any medicine in her as she throws up every time we give it to her. We are so blessed with an incredible medical team and have complete confidence in them finding out what the issue is. They believe it is a side effect of her chemo to her nerve endings. She also is still not standing or walking again yet, physical therapy has been ordered as well. At this time, they are planning to put in a feeding tube in her nose so that we can get liquid, food and meds in to her system. I am hopeful we will not have to do this, but at this point, I just want to be able to care for her at home.

More later, thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

20 comments:

Tiff said...

so glad I checked today--we're praying for a quick release this time. love John, tiff, and kids

jeck said...

Praying!!

Pineapple Princess said...

I'm sending you two verses to keep you encouraged...

Psalm 63:6-7
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Isaiah 25:1

1 O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.

Believing for Bella and praying for a quick hospital stay!

Our Family of 5 said...

Sending many prayers!

Maria and Family said...

I am praying for your sweet Bella. My daughter from Guatemala is also Bella :) (Isabella) Your daughter is beautiful!! I am going to link you on my blog. The more prayers the better :) Maria (agci)

Gail said...

Praying for the wisdom of the medical team.
Gail

Anonymous said...

Your family is in my prayers..I pray that little bella doesnt have to get a feeding tube but the Dr's do know best!!!!

hugs,leslie

Magen said...

I hope that it will be a quick stay and that Bella will start eating soon.
Take care

Jack said...

As always we are praying for Bella and your family!

Mary Ann said...

I AM PRAYING FOR THAT SWEET GIRL! BLESS HER LITTLE HEART!!! HANG ON MOMMY!

Daphne said...

Your family is in my prayers!

Sandra said...

Sus
so so sorry that you & Bella back in the hospital.. We love you lots! call us if you need us!
Love Tom & Sandra

Stacy said...

Oh Susie, I am so sorry that you are back at the hospital! We are praying you will be back home soon and that sweet Bella will start feeling good again! I am praying for His strength to sustain you, and also for Dave and the boys!Psalm 147:11"Those who fear God get his attention;they can depend on His strength!"(the message)
Stacy

The gFamily said...

We are praying for you, sweet Bella!

Vanessa said...

Praying she's better soon!! God WILL heal this sweet girl I know He will!! HUGS to you!

Alex and Sam said...

praying that bella will be able to eat & drink on her own..

alex

Mama Bear said...

Sending lots of prayers for little Bella and your family. Praying that she feels better soon and is able to drink and eat w/out throwing up. Blessings.

Joe and Erin said...

Sus, I know how frustrating this must be. But, you seem to be fighting magnificently. God has begun a good work in Bella and you, and He will see it joyfully completed! Erin and I continue to stand with you against this. We've already beaten the Leukemia (Amen!). Now we just have to go after the effects of the chemo. Always remember:

"Whatever they plot against the LORD, HE will bring to and end; trouble cannot come a second time."
Nahum 1:9

Love you!
Joe and Erin

Greta Jo said...

I am still praying for Bella.

Amanda said...

More and more prayers. Whatever they need to make her feel better. Even an NG tube is minimal compared to what she has already endured.

Much love and prayers headed your way,
Amanda, Ed and Gabi