Happy First Birthday

We could think of many other places to celebrate a first birthday, but Lydia's hospital room will have to do this year.  Lydia celebrated her birthday with her parents and siblings and the traditional birthday cake and presents.  She also enjoyed a ride outside of the hospital room in her favorite sports car. 

Lydia continues to progress very well with no additional setbacks.  Lydia and Angela are now in week eight of the current hospital stay and doctors will be watching her closely over the next week to determine when discharge is appropriate.  One very positive sign happened today, Lydia was taken off all the tubes from her medication tower!  She will now receive the medicines orally as we begin the process of preparing her for eventual discharge.  Because Lydia is still not independently eating enough solid foods, she will continue to be "hooked-up" every four hours for fluids and other nutrients. 

This has been one heck of a year for little Lydia and one she rather not repeat.  We learned a great deal about this wonderful child over the past year - she has inner strength, she loves people, she doesn't remain unhappy for long, and she wants to put this leukemia experience behind her :)  With God's help that will happen!  Happy Birthday Lydia - we all love you very much!