Long update on the past few weeks

The last few weeks have been busy and have had lots of highs and lows. As many of our activities came to a close over the past two weeks, I have really had a chance to think back over the past 9 months and a what a contrast it has been for my two kiddos.

I have seen so much growth in Maddy this year. I watched her thrive in school, find a passion for dance and make friends. She has become more confident and independent. It is so fun to watch her. She is passionate about life and every part of it...she laughs a lot, she gets really mad and she loves big. She has the sweetest heart, she is a nurturer. She loves to help me. And yet she is the most strong willed, stubborn girl I have ever met. I know it will serve her well and yet some days she makes me crazy! This year has been the best year of her life and I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

On the other hand this has been one of the toughest years for Alex. He has struggled with one illness after another and many setbacks as he tries to recover. He has had to skip more events and activities then I care to count. It has been so hard to watch him struggle with pain, fatigue and just not feeling well month after month. It breaks my heart as he has to choose between time with friends and activities he loves verse being able to muster the energy to get out of bed and participate. His life feels so unfair so much of the time. And still I watch his perseverance, his tenacity, his incredible strength and most of all his courage to push himself, to find joy and to inspire others.

The medical side of things...Maddy started on the same immune replacement medicine that Alex is on. It is an infusion that involves two needles a week and runs for about an hour and a half. She has done great!

Alex has had a busy two weeks medically. We got more information from the nephrologist. His kidneys are not processing correctly and are causing him to dump too much calcium. He also has low citrate in his urine. We have started two new medications and he is already having relief from the symptoms he was having (similar to a UTI). Unfortunately he spiked a fever last Friday night and we wound up in the hospital for 3 nights. We are still on antibiotics for a possible infection although most likely it was just a false positive.

We have also managed to fit in lots of fun!

Maddy and "her" Mrs. Mitchell

Sometimes you just need time with your pup!

At the hospital for an appointment

At the park

Helping Daddy wash the truck

Mad took a class at TBT

Violin Lesson

Through it all these two stick together!

Alex's Improv Performance

Girls day with Mrs. Mitchell

Dress Rehearsal

Recital

Ice Cream Treat!

Please continue to pray fro Alex's health both physically and emotionally. Thank you for loving us well through all the ups and downs.

Ali