spring and cycle 3

Hello Spring! I love this time of year when the temperatures start warming up, the sun is out, and things start to bloom again. And this year, we have been taking full advantage. I've been quiet on the blog probably mostly for that reason - we are out and about and having fun, going to parks and playgrounds and enjoying some semblance of a normal life, while still walking through the ups and downs that cancer treatment, and just life with two young kiddos, brings.

A summary of the last couple of months (a short summary, I promise!) in photos:

I took my first weekend away trip since Ethan's diagnosis - to Chicago in February. My friend Evie and I apparently spent so much time shopping and enjoying good food even in freezing cold temperatures -- that I have hardly any pictures! But here's one to prove it.

We enjoyed a late winter snowstorm. Really, one of the few times we had any snow all winter.

Let's see. Just lots of this happening. It is so fun to see my precious two not only growing up, but growing in their friendship with each other.

Ethan was a part of a Black History Month performance with his class at his school. He looked so handsome!

Eloise had her very first ER visit during a rough stomach bug. She's such a beauty, even when she's sick. And be sure to note that she was also wearing her princess dress. It's pretty much princess dress or bust these days.

Pete's grandma Dolores turned 87!

Sweet Eloise learned how to use the potty! In case you can't read her shirt, Ethan read it to her when we gave it to her and it says "Good job Eloise for pooping on the potty!" ;)

The zoo.

A new bike for Ethan.

Pete says it's like we are setting ourselves up for summer, which is so true. Last year, Ethan's team encouraged us to do a lot of what we're doing now, but most of the time it was just too hard or risky, or Ethan didn't feel well or his counts were low --- and so as we begin spring, it is just a huge blessing to be able to enjoy these things. We're loving it, and so are Ethan and Eloise.

And, while we enjoy these blessings and time outside and with each other, the reality of daily life of fighting cancer continue too. I know the pictures I'm posting today show happy smiles and bounding hearts, but the hard stuff is still there too. And we're learning --- how to process and manage medication and chemo effects, how to handle the hard days (for all of us), as we go along. When to take a step back and rest. How to be in community. When to say yes to things, and when to say no. How to continually submit the future and our fears and hopes of it, to Jesus.

We are about 5 months into Maintenance now, which means Ethan has been in treatment now for 15 months total, and has about 2 years and 2 months to go. He is scheduled to begin Cycle 3 of Maintenance on April 1st and Day 1 of each cycle always begins with sedation for intrathecal chemo. He will also have one IV chemo and begin a 5 day dose of steroids.

As always, we are thankful for your prayers for Ethan and our family. Please pray for Ethan, especially on April 1st, for protection during his sedation. And for protection from the harsh effects of chemo, now and in the future, and that his remission would be permanent.

Thanks you guys. And, HAPPY SPRING.