Happy Birthday, Alex!

Happy 14th Birthday, Bug!

So often when I look at you, I see this little face with the bright blue eyes and the white blond hair. I remember the little voice and the wonder at all that life had to offer. You have grown and changed so much. And Yet, that same infectious smile and joy for life is still there despite everything you have endured. 

I look at this young man and am so incredibly proud. You are by far the bravest person I have ever met. Your strength and perseverance make me better and stronger. You have such a kind heart. You are an amazing friend and strive to make this world a better place. I love watching your patience with Maddy and how you nurture her. I love your brain and your love of facts and knowledge. I love your sense of humor and your laugh. I love that at 14, you still let me pal around and hang out with you. I love everything about you. You are AMAZING! Never forget how much you are loved and what a difference you make by choosing joy and choosing God. Your life, your story touches people and inspires them every day. I pray this year is the best year for you! I love you my Buggy Boo!

Mom

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

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

When Alex and I speak, I often start with the phrase that "All I ever wanted was to be a mother, but motherhood hasn't looked like I thought it would!" Anyone who knows me, knows that my whole life I desperately wanted to be a Mom. And this definitely isn't how I envisioned motherhood. But I am so blessed to be able to be Mom to my two amazing babies. They are the strongest, most courageous, determined, joyful people I know. I have experienced incredible highs and lows, but I wouldn't change it for a second. 

I was raised by a mother who has been my rock. She taught me about strength, believing in myself and loving unconditionally. She has been with me through every phase of my life she is my best friend and confidant. I hope I make her proud as a mom and that some day my kids are able to look back on this life and know that no matter what I loved them more then anything like I can.

This week has been bittersweet. My sweet girl had her last day of school. Building Blocks has been such a gift this year. I have watched Maddy grow and thrive. She has learned a lot, but more importantly she has been loved so completely. She has gained confidence, made friends and stolen the hearts of her teachers. I am so grateful for her year and looking forward to what next year brings. On Thursday, they had a water play day and popsicles to finish out their year!

On Tuesday and Friday we spent time with our beloved "family" at the Cook Children's health Foundation working on some events to help people understand how amazing Cook Children's is! We are so lucky to have such an amazing hospital so close to home. 

On Saturday, Maddy and I went to Taste Buds Kitchen to have a Mother's Day tea party. We are so grateful to Hopekids for all the events that help us create memories. 

For Alex the week has been a little rough. We are still trying to sort out what is going on with his kidneys. He hasn't felt well and answers are taking longer then we would like! He did get some exciting news late this week as he got a speaking role in our Summer Theater Production of Annie jr. at church! We have an awesome summer with lots of exciting things coming up so we need to get him feeling better!

Please pray for Alex's health and more joyful fun this summer!

Ali