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, March 15, 2009

Our Bald Beauty!




First and foremost, YES, I am ok! Yet I admit, it was a little hard on me this morning when I got her out of bed.

Bella continued to loose hair after her hair cut, I was constantly having to change her sheets and the hair was still getting in her food and eyes. So Saturday evening, Dave and I both decided it was time for it all to go. Believe it or not, I used a personal hair clipper to remove it, that's how little their was. The majority of her remaining hair outlined her face and it just made her look sickly and she's NOT! A funny little side note on these photos, Bella loves to look at the digital camera after we take photos. When we ask her "who is this" pointing to her, she always say's "Baba" (Bella), today we asked her and she looked at it for a second and then said "Baby". She didn't even know it was herself.

We had a beautiful weekend, clear blue sunny skies and high 50's low sixties....I do believe Spring has sprung.

Dana, It was a complete privilege to talk with you again today. Your wisdom and words encourage me and strengthen my spirit. You are truly a gift to all who know you.

Thanks everyone for checking in, Bella only has 3 more intense chemo treatments left, praising God for his continued blessings in His Word.




25 comments:

Cheri said...

Part of me is speechless, which doesn't happen often. I am so thankful in the strength that God has given you. Mainly, I love that Bella was blessed with GREAT ears, and I am probably the ONLY person that will say that and YOU know why!!! In the pics, it looks like with the removal of Bella's hair, her eyes GREW!!! She's so healthy, it looks bizaare that she's lost her hair!!! I love you, my friend!

Our Family of 5 said...

Wow! Have I been away from blogland that long? Bella is beautiful with or with out that hair. She really has a amazing smile.

Sending many prayers~

Brian and Jenifer said...

She looks so healthy! What a sweet, beautiful girl! She has such a perfect head... Ana's is shaped all funny, so it is good that she has hair to cover it! :-)
What a joy it will be to finish these last three rounds! We are praying for you...
With love dear friend, Jenifer

Hope said...

Someone once told me that to tell if a person was truly beautiful is to picture them without hair. Bella is truly beautiful. Her hair will grow back. Just think how much cooler she'll be this summer! Her eyes really stand out. Huge hugs to you!

Vanessa said...

Bella is just as beautiful with no hair as she is with none!!! My little Olivia NEVER forgets Bella in her prayers each night and she has learned to say them on her own!! My other kiddos and me continue our prayers for Bella!! God is so wonderful and He will keep Bella safe!! HUGS!

Amber Schmidt said...

I think that the third picture is definitely one of the most beautiful i have EVER seen. She just glows! Bella is simply gorgeous!

The gFamily said...

I just caught up on all your latest posts... I am once again just amazed at your strength! God is so faithful!

Bella has such a beautiful head!! I love her pink and brown hat with her pink outfit! She looks absolutely stunning!!

We still pray for Bella constantly! My boys ask about her all the time!! You are always in my thoughts and prayers too, Susie! Big hugs to you!!

Anonymous said...

Susie,
It is a priviledge to talk with you as well. Your family is such a blessing to me. I'm so glad that God has brought us paths together.

Remember, Bella's hair will come back in more beautiful and lushious than it was before. But for now we'll just enjoy having "Baby" Bella around for a little while longer! She's still just a beautiful as ever!

Blessings,
Dana

Anonymous said...

she is a beauty and i love those hats!

hugs,leslie

Jaimee said...

I'm sooo glad that you posted the pics of the hats, they are darling, but I'm even more glad that you posted her shiny perfect little bald head. I love seeing all the photos of beautiful Bella and your strength continues to amaze me. XOXO -Jaimee

Presley family said...

I just wanted to let you know that your sweet little girl and family are in my heart and prayers.
BIG HUGS

Pineapple Princess said...

Isaiah 40:31 has been swirling around in my head all week every time I think about you. You are a living, breathing example of that to me.
I love her pink and brown hat{smile}.

Robyn said...

I am continuing to pray for beautiful Bella and your entire family!!

Gail said...

She is more than beautiful!!!
Gail

Mama Bear said...

She looks just as beautiful with hair or w/out. The first thing that drew me to her picture were those big beautiful brown eyes.Keeping Bella and your family in our prayers.

Becky said...

She's absolutely beautiful, and I love her precious smile. We're keeping you in prayer!

Joanna said...

Bella is beautiful!! I want to reach through my computer and love on her cuteness. Those hats are precious!

You are an amazing mother, Susie, and seeing you rejoice and embrace everything is just an inspiration to us all. God is so good!

Sending lots of love and prayers your way. XOXO

Barb said...

Remember the saying "Bald is Beautiful"..This gift from God will "Bloom" into a beautiful person...I love all the hats...I bet you can't decide which one to put on her every morning!! Hugs to you and your family..Cec & Barb Harkema

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

she's gorgous and if she was going to loose it waiting until it warmed up worked out better for her little head to stay warm. Still just so happy that it has all gone so well and she has done so amazing with all that her body has had to go thru.

Mary Ann said...

I can't believe it happened that fast! Wow! She is still beautiful as ever and does look like a baby doll! Bella girl you will look beautiful no matter what! Now you get to wear all those pretty hats and head bands. Just to let you know Susie, in 2 more months we are cutting Sara Ava's hair for Locks of Love. We have been growing it for a year now.

Alex and Sam said...

hair or no hair bella is just a DOLL!!! praying for you guys!!!

alex

demp5 said...

Of course we knew all along how beautiful she is, but honestly, these photos are gorgeous! I could just stare at that little face, and I love that she has such a *sparkle* about her. Praying for your family!
Blessings~
Meghan

Colbert Family said...

She looks so beautiful and that smile is so contagious!! So happy she's almost done with this phase and so close to maintenance! Yeah :)!! We have lots to look forward to... spring and maintenance right about the same time. God is so good and His timing is perfect :)

nikki said...

She is just so beautiful with or without hair. Just remember it will grow back.
Yea for only 3 more treatments!!!
You go Bella girl!!!

Michelle Riggs said...

Absolutely beautiful! I am so thankful Bella is doing so wonderfully. Praise God!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and encouragement.