Two Years

Today is the two year anniversary of the day that Erica was diagnosed with leukemia, she was only four months old. I think back now on that day that changed our lives forever and I am only filled with gratitude.

We have been through so much and when I take individual, fearful nights or procedures or times when Erica was really, very sick and I think about the heartache, of course the experience looks different. But when I stand on the balcony and look out over the two years in its entirety, I am only filled gratitude. Gratitude for our healthcare providers, our family and friends, Erica's donor and God's healing hands.

Because the blog is also for Erica, so that she can read about her experience someday, I want to say this . . .

My sweet Erica,
You have shown us all what spirit is all about. You have endured these trials with grace, humor, and love. And my goodness, you are so strong. There are so many things that you have had to do that were painful and uncomfortable and you hardly ever complained. We have been in awe of the way you just adjusted to each and every procedure and environment. You will notice, sweet girl, that along the way, laughter has been the best medicine; in the midst of long hospital stays, we sang silly songs and danced silly dances and you would just laugh so hard. Your laughter gave us energy and hope, thank you for that! There are so many things I want you to know, but on this anniversary, I just want you to know how proud we are of you. In these last couple of months you have blossomed, your stronger and more physical, you love being out and about and you are so social with friends and strangers alike. Our prayer is that this just continues and that you begin to grow and talk and above all, that you stay cancer free for the rest of your life. May God continue to bless you always. ~Mama

Happy Holidays!

It's been so long since I've posted! No news is good news! Erica is doing really well and she is enjoying this holiday season . . . her first healthy holiday season. Amen!

We went to Bodega Bay for Thanksgiving with Grandpa, The Ellis Family and Auntie Chrissie. It was so great to watch Erica play with the other kids and adjust so well to her environment. We had a great Thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for.

The Growth Hormone (GH) is going . . . well, it's going ok. Last night was her sixth shot and so far, it went the best. I think it just takes some getting used to. The devise is different than the syringes that we used for her chemo and now that she is older and wiser, it makes for a challenge! I am sure that in a week from now, we'll be pros!

The medications are frustrating right now, there are seven of them (twice a day) and Erica is getting keen to the ones she likes versus the ones that she would rather spit out (definite sign of a two year old . . . like I said, older and wiser!). We keep hoping that the meds will drop but instead we seem to keep adding to the list. All in time.

Right now Erica is really enjoying her sticker books and she loves "matching" games . . . anything from socks to matching flash cards, etc. She still loves her music and she recently saw a cartoon with tap dancers . . . which she tries very hard to imitate! LOL! Erica takes very good care of her babies, feeding and diapering too! She is a happy child and, although she doesn't say much, she communicates EVERYTHING she needs to communicate . . . the words will come, we're working very hard on it. All in time.

Much love to you and your family this holiday season. We have been blessed by your positive thoughts and prayers. Thank you for visiting Erica's site.