Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Happy 6 Months, Baby!!








Just a few fun pictures to mark Ethan's 6 month "birthday"! As you can see, he really likes his new toy "Spot". They have a lot in common... they are both soft and cuddly! Ethan also LOVES it when his daddy pushes him high into the air. He gets such a smile and giggles so loud... it's adorable!

Ethan has been doing extremely well. He hasn't had to have any transfusions since his last round of chemo ended a few weeks ago. But in an effort to keep his cancer stable until his transplant (which is in about 12 days!!!) we have started giving him chemo here at home. The home care nurse came yesterday to walk me through the process. It's fairly simple. I have a syringe full of chemo and I push a little at a time through his central line over the course of 5 minutes. A few other details, and then we're done until the next day. I will give him the chemo every day for 10 days. Then he'll have a couple of days off, then it's on to Boston for his transplant. Did I mention it's only about 12 days away? I really can't believe it's almost time. I still have difficulty processing that I will be away from my home... away from everything... for at least 2 months. Imagine trying to pack.... oh well. I'm not going to go follow that train of thought with you now, but I reserve the right to come back to this mild moment of panic at a later date. Right now, I want to celebrate our little Ethan's 6 months of life. He is so much fun!

Also, I wanted to tell you what a wonderful day we had yesterday. A dear friend - who also happens to be one of Ethan's nurses - felt strongly that Ethan should have a professional portrait done before we leave for his transplant. I've wanted this for him for a long time, but since he can't be in public places, I thought it wasn't possible. This angel however, sought to make it happen! With her help, and the unexpected generosity of the portrait studio's manager (thank you, Joel!), they arranged for Ethan to have professional pictures made in this adorable studio and basically reserved a blocked of time for us in a way that there'd be no other people around - therefore keeping Ethan away from being in contact with any germs, etc. It was so wonderful! AND, to top it off, the manger of the studio (who was aware of Ethan's story and has been praying for him), wanted to GIVE us the pictures for free. So, I was able to pick a couple of pictures of Ethan and a couple pictures of me and Ethan together without even knowing what they might have cost.... it was beyond kind.... and a perfect experience for me. I have attached a couple of the fun poses we did (my mom tried to get a few shots on my camera... pay no mind to how weird the lighting is from her angle... I assure you I don't have orange hair), but the final ones I chose that the actual photographer made were simply amazing. I'll see if I can find a way to get them here online for you all to see. Oh, and Ethan was also able to participate in a type of "cutest baby/kid" contest for a Disney promotion. The prize also includes a trip to Disney World. They printed off a really cute picture of him and put in on the wall with the other contestants. It was incredible to see his picture up there! What a precious day. Thank you so very much to MotoPhoto and thank you Sweet Sarah!



11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Six Month Birthday Dear Precious Grandbaby. You certainly are "fearfully and wondefully made."
Much Love,
Papa & Mimi

Jennifer said...

Kasey,

I've been following your blog for awhile (I may have commented once before) and just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for Ethan everyday! I check in on Ethan everday and he is just so sweet. Your words are always so encouraging to me. Ethan is such a blessing to so many of us who are praying for him. Happy 6 months to Ethan and many blessings to your sweet family.

Jennifer (from OKC)

Carrie Comstock said...

Happy 6 Months!! Praying every single day for you all. I am so glad you were able to go get pictures made. How precious. 12 days!! It will be here before you know it. As you begin to prepare for the journey, let us know if there are specific things we can pray for.

carleigh said...

that is so neat! pictures are so much fun to have made, especially when they are young! what a blessing that photographer was to do that for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Kasey--I love the pictures!! You both look adorable! We continue to pray every day for God's will to be done and His protection to be upon you all!! Love, Molly

Megan said...

Happy 6 months sweet Ethan. Those pictures are adorable. Ethan looks so happy and healthy, you would never know he was fighting cancer. I just wanted to squeeze him when I saw the pictures, he is so darn cute. God is always working on our side and making things happen that we don't even ask for. I am so happy God sent an angel to make it possible for Ethan and you to have pictures taken. I love pictures, you can never have enough. They are special moments frozen in time. True treasures.
We will ask God to help make the preparing for Boston a quick and easy process for you. I wish I was there to help pack and get you guys ready, I am sure God will send another angel to help with that. God Bless you all! We are always praying for your beautiful family.
Love,
Megan
Washington State

Anonymous said...

He is sooo cute! Happy 6 months, Ethan!! =) Kasey, I just wanted to say again that I am praying for you, and people at my church are praying as well. =)

Elyse said...

Ethan is such a strong little boy. Daily, he gets to be included in my prayers. His smile makes me smile!
Hang in there!
~Elyse~

Moz + Pam said...

What a gift...a perfectly normal day & photo shoot to enjoy,too! What a generous offer to give you the pictures for free! I will remember how kind MotoPhoto was to you! Just a reminder that we're still praying for all of you & even more so as the BIG day approaches! What an answer to prayer! What a great God of compassion we serve! Rejoicing with you!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY late 6 months SWEET ETHAN!!! Kasey, I LOVE the pictures!! YOU both LOOK ADORABLE! His smile make me smile!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
LOVE,
Elizabeth & Family

Jenn Zegowitz said...

I have been following your blog. I know that it must be hard for you. My husband had lukeuim as a child also. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.