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!


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

73 Days and Counting!





2 years and 1 month ago our sweet girl was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia, today, we have 73 days left of her treatment! 73 days, I remember when they told us that this treatment was 2 years and 3 months, at the time, it seemed like eternity. I recall being overwhelmed by her medical calender, so many daily meds, so many apts, now, I don't even think about it. Many parents in the treatment room fear the day their child's treatment is complete, I live in the daily faith that she was healed the day we claimed it in Jesus name and I look forward to Dec. 23rd. She continues and always will be a walking healthy testimony to the absolute truth of God's Living Word!

Yesterday, Bella was granted her Make A Wish trip to Walt Disney World for next May, 2011. She is very excited to meet the Princesses and have lunch with them in Cinderella's castle, and so is Mommy. Even her Dad and brothers are looking forward to this day. From what they have told us, they leave no stone unturned for Bella and her family to have a "royal" experience.

Bella continues to thrive, her hair is absolutely stunning...thick, long, shiny and silky. She is strong, has an amazing vocabulary and loves to laugh. She weighs 38 lbs, so curious what she will be when she is done with steroids next year. She loves everything girlie, Princesses and Fancy Nancy are among her favorites, however, she can wrestle her brothers to the ground (well, she thinks she is any way) and loves to play soccer and football with "her boys". When of my favorite things she is doing right now is that when we walk through stores or any public place she will wrap her arms around one of us and say "this is my Mommy" or this is "my Sammy" or "these are my boys". She nestles her chubby little cheek right in to ours...its the best.

I know I have not updated since April and I apologize. I so appreciate you checking in and still keeping tabs on us and Bella.

Blessings to all




13 comments:

Candice Pair said...

That is soooo awesome! I know you are so excited for December 23rd to be here...it'll be here before you know it!

Hannah said...

Awesome. I love how you speak of claiming her healing. Beautiful.

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

WOW that is awesome! I can't believe how fast it went, I mean not really when you ar the one goign thru it, but for us I just can't believe it was that long ago. I am so happy for your whole family! what a wonderful Christmas gift!

Jack said...

Awesome! Everyone looks so Happy & Healthy!!

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

Wonderful news. She is a doll and the boys are so handsome!

Tonya Brown said...

We serve an awesome and amazing God. I continue to be in awe of him. Bella is everything beautiful! Praising God right now for her life...

Big hugs from Uganda!

Stacy said...

Hi Susie! Bella is so beautiful, her hair is amazing!! So glad she is doing well and almost finished with treatments. Easton prays for Bella several times every day! We need to get the girls together again soon.

Barb said...

thanks Susie for the update...and for posting pics of your kids. Bella's hair has grown so beautiful...enjoy brushing and fussing with it. Than you too for ccoming out for the ALS walk...your support was appreciated
Love, Cec and Barb Harkema

The Vukics said...

Great photos, Sus. Can't wait to see your kids on Thanksgiving!

The Bullen's said...

I'm believing with you that Bella is the healed of God! Thank you, Jesus for the stripes you took upon your back for Bella's healing !!!!

God bless your beautiful family!

Ingrid

Mary Ann said...

How exciting Susie! I know I am just commenting now so there is even less time for sweet girls treatment! I know she is just so excited about going to Disney! I hope one day that I will be able to take our girls (soon). LOVE all the beautiful happy pictures! Her hair is growing out and looks beautiful!

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Thank you for the update. I keep your button on the sidebar of my blog, so I see your baby's sweet face every single day.

I am rejoicing with you at all the good news and will be rejoicing with you when your 73 days are up.

Blessings,
Sandy

Alisha said...

She's done treatment now!!! YAY!!! What a wonderful Christmas gift!