Sorry it has been so long since or last post, but boy, have we been busy!! Our Christmas was amazing! It may be one of the most special times our family has ever enjoyed. After the hardest year of our lives we realized all we had to be thankful for and all we have to celebrate! The boys were handsomely rewarded for all they have endured this year, and while I am sure that may come back to hunt us next Christmas, watching their faces and their excitement was priceless and something I will truly never forget! It was perfect!
(Christmas at home)
(Christmas at Grammy's)
The party continued into January as we celebrated AJ's 9th birthday! There was a period of uncertainty when AJ was first being diagnosed when I feared we may never see him celebrate another birthday. That all made this birthday especially sweet!!! We first celebrated with just our little family as we always do, with a homemade cake he helped make and PFChangs - his favorite! Then we hosted a Clue Murder Mystery party with family and a few friends, costumes and all. It was so much fun! He is already planning for next year! AJ's favorite gift was his WiiFit Plus balance board and the Winter Olympics game. I think the whole family has enjoyed it. January also included Ryan and Austin each losing their first tooth, celebration of 6th months post-transplant!!!!, and a new washer and dryer (yea for me!). All in all, a good month!
(The exact second AJ turned 9 !)
(Clue Murder Mystery Party -- Aviator Orange)
(Clue Murder Mystery Party -- Senior Azul)
(Clue Murder Mystery Party -- Chef Austin)
(Clue Murder Mystery Party -- Col. Mustard)
(What a Cake!!)
February continued the celebrations - this time for Ryan and Austin as they turned 6!!! We had a party at the Space and Rocket Center, with an amazing Space Shuttle Cake by Aunt Denice. Grandma and PopPop Revera even came to town to celebrate. It was a blast - no pun intended! Their favorite gift was their new bikes (and are actually headed out for a ride today to enjoy the beautiful weather!) We were thrilled that Dr. Frangoul agreed to let AJ attend the party, one of his first public outings.
(Ryan and Austin's 6th Birthday party at
NASA's Space and Rocket Center)
Another first was AJ's first post-transplant haircut. Seems like such a normal, routine thing but I cried. He looks more like his old handsome self again - one more step toward leaving this illness behind! AJ also got to participate in his Cub Scout Pack's Pinewood Derby. He won the looks category in his division and placed second for looks overall in the Pack. He was very excited and looking forward to the District Derby in two weeks. We have really been having fun watching Team USA kick butt in the Olympics. Who knew Curling could be so addicting! February also included trips to the Circus (for all but AJ), Greg's bout with pneumonia, Valentine's Day goodies, and more lost teeth for R and A. A little bumpier, but still a good month overall!
AJ continues with trips to Vanderbilt every two weeks, and will for the foreseeable future. His bloodwork continues to show strong numbers. AJ is an amazing student and maintaining a 98 or above average in all his classes. We have signed AJ up to play soccer this spring - and again, he is so excited! He is looking forward to spending some time with friends, getting some exercise and just getting out of the house. Ryan and Austin will also be playing baseball - though they are devastated to be on the Yankees and want the world to know their hearts belong to the Mets!!! :-) We are still taking baby steps forward with AJ's exposure. He is slowly being allowed to do more in very controlled environments and as the weather warms up, we are looking forward to tons of time outside. Everyday it feels more and more like normal - and normal feels amazing!
On a final note, our lives have been touched by so many wonderful people throughout this journey. The ones who leave the biggest mark on your heart are the littlest ones facing the biggest battles. We pray for these little angels everyday and ask you to do the same. My child is quickly returning to being a healthy child and I know that was impacted by all of his prayer warriors. I believe in prayer and have witnessed its power. There is a commercial that always makes me cry that says give thanks for the healthy children in your life and give to those who are not. I simply ask you to give thanks (and hug) the healthy children in your life and pray for those who are not.
Love to you all!
Cindy
