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!


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Quick Update

Just a quick note to let all of you faithful friends know that Bella is doing GREAT! The doctors are amazed at how well she has handled this bout of chemo, they said most children do not tolerate it this well. We can only attribute this to our Lord and Savior and the power of God's Word. We speak scripture over our sweet girl daily and only believe and speak the positive. She is having absolutely NO side effects from the chemo, we are enjoying every second. She is walking all over the place, getting stronger, and starting to really talk. She speaks so many words now: Natey, Jakey, Grandpa (Pa_Pop), gentle, pop, baby,no,hi,bye bye, Sponge Bob (Bob Bob), ball, book, shoe, socks, bubbles, uh-oh (my personal favorite, she is so expressive, lips and all), Big Bird, Elmo and of course, Mama and Dada. She is laughing all the time (especially at her brothers) and gives lots of hugs with love pats on the back. She is really in to her kitchen and her baby dolls. She is such an affectionate little girl and as you have all seen, loves to be snuggled and held...however, when her boys are around, she loves to walk around, play hide and seek, wrestle, play the wii (yes, she boxes with her brothers on the wii, that's my next video) and be chased. The only bad thing is, she's a toddler. I miss my baby, the time was not long enough. I keep telling Dave she needs a little sister, he's not there yet. I guess that means God doesnt have her ready yet. :) We shall wait and see what He has planned.

23 comments:

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

So good to hear she is tolerating it so well. I check often to see how she is doing. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Luca loves the wii too. He hasn't tried boxing yet. Isn't it amazing how quick they are to fit in with the big kids. Can't wait to see the video

Pattie said...

So glad she is Handling Chemo so well.

I am so happy that you all are staying so Positive with all of this. This helps a ton. I also went through Chemo and flew right through it. Ok I had my days but for the most part people never knew I was going through Chemo other then my bald head. With God and positivie thinking this long and hard journey will go by so much smoother and much more pleasent..or as pleasent as chemo ever is.

Hugs to you Bella

Meagan said...

I know you don't know me but my prayers and thoughts have been with you and your family. We have three sons ourselves and our considering adopting a little girl. I can only imagine your thoughts and concerns but I know God has put her in your life for a reason and that is a blessing in itself..God bless Meagan

Mama Bear said...

It is so very wonderful to hear how Bella is doing. We think of her all the time and just so incredibly thankful to god that he has intervened.

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

I'm so glad Bella is doing well. I love your blog's new look - so colorful and cheerful :)

Alex and Sam said...

Susie..
what wonderful news to read on a monday morning...!!!!!

alex

Susie said...

I'm so glad she's doing so well. Truly a miracle! Yes, you do need to make the trip down to OKC when little Bella is able. We'd love to meet your crew! Love the new layout of your blog, too! Very cool!

Vanessa said...

Such GREAT news to kick of the week!!

Jack said...

What wonderful news! We continue to keep you in our prayers!
Blessings!

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

Yeah so glad she is doing so well!!!! just imagine how good she will feel when she's off all that yucky stuff.

Mary Ann said...

Awe Susie that is wonderful! What a little sweet heart! BTW... Love the new look of your blog! Looks great!

Anonymous said...

The doctors may be surprised but we are not!! God is always faithful! "For it pleased the Father that in Him should ALL fullness dwell;" Colossians 1:19

We continue to, not only Believe, but EXPECT great things for Bella!!

BTW: I also LOVE the new look!

Love in Christ,
Dana Burk

Courtney said...

Susie........First off, I LOVE YOUR NEW BLOG. I need a make over on mine. I love it. I am so so happy Bella is going good. It sounds like she is talking alot too. Courtney

Amy said...

So glad that Bella is doing so well. We pray for your family and her health continually...and hope that Londybel and Bella can someday meet. And the boys too! Coming to Cincy anytime soon? Maybe we could make our way to Michigan...=)
Amy

Bobbi said...

I am so glad she continues to do well. I pray this continues.

Stacy said...

I love your blogs new look! I am so thankful Bella is doing so well! And ~ I agree Bella needs a baby sister!! Are we crazy to want to go through that process again? I guess it is like childbirth~the gift outweighs the tough experience!! Can't wait to see her playing the wii!

Robyn said...

I'm so glad to hear that Bella is doing well!! I am continuing the prayers for her!!

Barb said...

What wonderful news...yes those babies do grow up quickly - enjoy each day, hugs again from the Harkema's Grandpa & Grandma H.

The Gobble's (Lanetta) said...

I just found yoru blog.. and wanted you to know we are adding your family and Bella to our prayer list...
Blessings..
Lanetta
www.gobblefamilyadoption.blogspot.com

David and Marianne said...

Praising God for His strong arm that is all sufficient in caring for Bella and mommy! Great to hear how well she is doing!!

hmmm... adoption, chemotherapy, another adoption?? all in one year! I am stunned by your ability to take on the world! : )

Cheri said...

Hey Sis! We got a winter wonderland going on here and this area is not equipped. There are 12 folks in my house. It's a 3-ring circus! I love your new blog! love.

Amanda said...

This is such good news. I think my heart is actually higher in my chest. What a miracle she is. And I can only imagine how much she is being used to teach your boys of God's love and grace.

Susie, I just love you! And you are definitely invited on the next trip!

Love,
Amanda

Kimberly said...

That is so wonderful that Bella is doing so well. i just recently found your blog and am praying for your family. The video of Bella boxing is too darn cute!