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| Heading off down the driveway. |
As I thought more about discontinuing the blog I thought about all you who have shared with us (even if just by reading!) in our journey since Elijah's diagnosis and in the call to prayer! Many scary times when we weren't sure if Elijah would make it or not. I'm sure you also shared in our grief, anguish, doubt, fear and hope. Then I thought, how selfish it would be of me to not allow you now to share, also, in our joy after everything we've been through! Even if it is just through reading... So I hope that while you share in our joy, the Lord, MY God (the meaning of Elijah's name) is given the glory in answer to our prayers. (That is God be given the glory not Elijah!)
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| Camping trip in March, just in time for the tsunami warning. |
It's amazing how God reveals his strength in our weakness. I think sometimes he waits for us to exhaust all our own efforts before he steps in to prove that he does have the power over our lives. A scripture that comes to mind is Romans 8v28 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.' We have had such a tough couple of years it's really incredible to stand back and see how God had a plan and a purpose through all the trials he allowed us to endure. Another scripture I like is Genesis 50v8 'But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.' I really do believe that God can use the evil of this world and cause something good to come out of it.
Ok, now back to Elijah. Since Elijah's been off chemo, about 6 months now, it's been a bit of a relief for us. His sleeping has improved which has probably made the biggest difference for Steve and I although we are still getting up to him every night. The frequent traveling to and from hospital has now ended which has given us much more time to do other stuff. Of course we don't have the worry of Elijah being neutropenic around other children anymore and with all these changes I feel like I can breath again! With having a sick baby for such a long time I finally feel normal again and really appreciate being able to be involved in 'normal' mum and bub activities. I've even been doing some crafts and Steve has taken up wood work as a hobby. (I've been supplying him with plenty of project ideas:)
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| Wood work project number 2: rocking duck! |
We are still looking after the five Dingwall children permanently and praying in regards to the future.
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| Grandad gone to rescue Elijah on our camping trip who has bum shuffled the entire way from our tent, down the bank and down to the water's edge! |
Elijah continues to develop at a slow and steady pace. He is still an avid bum shuffler but can now stand at the couch unsupported for about 20 seconds. Lately Elijah has been an absolute joy! He is the most cuddled and kissed boy I've ever seen and has a very cheeky and lovable personality. He's learnt how to say no and don't but best of all he now calls me MUM! We've now got a spa pool for Elijah and he loves going in it so now his latest thing is to say ba and pull his shirt up whenever he's in sight of the thing! Cute:)
I'm going to add some photos of some of our daily activities that Elijah's been getting up to so you can see for yourself how well he's doing. Oh yes and I almost forgot to mention that Elijah recently had an MRI which showed absolutely no growth of the tumour since February last year! It's early days still and the Oncologist says that the tumour could grow back as quickly as 9 months after treatment so we just have to wait, pray and see how it goes. The next MRI is in November.
Thanks again for reading and hope you enjoy the pics.Love from the 'Barnyards'
