Sweet Ella Grace ... and some Other Big News!

Many months back,during Zoey's chemo days,I received an email from a mom.She had been on the internet researching,which often isn't the best of idea's,especially when it pertains to medical stuff but nonetheless there she was and she happened to stumble upon Zoey's site and began reading up on our complicated journey with her,which at the time,found Zoey fighting the mighty fight on CHLA's 4th floor.She too had a little girl with Down syndrome who had also been born with the rare blood disorder that Zoey had been born with,Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder.I know perhaps it was difficult for her to delve deeper into Zoey's latest hurdle of Leukemia because in many ways,Zoey represented the worst case scenerio of children born with the blood disorder:a relatively benign disorder flipping to your biggest fear,cancer.Anyone who has had a child born with TMD knows the numbers.Numbers and statistics which tell us that there is a very real possibility that our children will be battling Leukemia,specifically AML,before the age of three.We hope and pray they won't but approximately 30% do.The email I received that day began what today, I consider a most treasured friendship.Denise is the sweetest person and Miss Ella,well, see for yourself.She is gorgeous and funny and oh so smart.Denise and Ella even came and spent time with us during one of Zoey's rounds.Couldn't have been easy for Denise but there she was anyway and that day with her and these subsequent months have reinforced,all the more,the beauty we have found in blogging.So what is going on with little Ella?Well,tomorrow she will be having yet ANOTHER bone marrow biopsy.The little stinker has been playing games with her numbers over the last several months and she is just trying to see how far she can push us before we have a heart attack!Each biopsy has come out clear and tomorrow we expect the same ... hear that Ella?So please,if you would,say a prayer for Ella and her family as they head into tomorrow.And to Denise and Ella and the rest of the crew there in Temecula, we are here for you so call upon us for what ever you find you need.Day or night,don't hesitate.We love you and are sending you prayers for another clean biopsy and strength and peace for your anxious hearts.We love you.

Now to some really exciting news .... Caitlin is officially published!!Gifts 2 has arrived,or at least Caitlin has her copy!She sent me this picture and it brought me to tears.I am so proud of both my girls.Their bond is magical and as a mother,what greater gift can one have, then to witness the beauty of unconditional love between two of your children.I cannot wait to get my copy.Congratulations Caitlin,you are a gift to us as well.