C E L E B R A T I O N (s)

N E D

These three letters represent the phrase our oncologist uttered to us over the phone last evening.

"NO EVIDENCE of DISEASE"

In other words, Ari's MRI yesterday morning looked "beautiful" according to Dr. Becca!  We originally were supposed to find out the results next Wednesday when we travel to clinic to meet with the whole team; however, Dr. Becca didn't want for us to have to wait (yeah, she's amazing).  So, we celebrate!  We cry.  We smile.  We are thankful for such good doctors and nurses.  We are thankful for God who continues to teach us how to be good stewards of the story we've been given.  And, we are thankful for you.

We are still awaiting the results of his CSF that should be completed on Monday, but it is a good sign that his MRI is clear.

Our friends in Chicago who we've spoken of many times call it moment by moment grace.  We are simply thankful for this moment because that is all we have, all we can truly experience.  We work to not project into the unknown for fear it would remove us from this moment, or any moment, for that matter.  So, we sit here in Portland at the Ronald McDonald House overlooking downtown, and we try to rest in this moment.  We are thankful God granted us peace during the MRI process and being away from Ari for so long, so much longer than usual.  We are thankful for Ari and how God knit
him together.  We are thankful he continues to be strong in the midst of persistent vomiting and
frustration with an inability to physically accomplish what he desires but what his body won't yet
allow.

Almost time to go back

Ari licking Momma's shoulder right before sedation.

Still a little groggy, but he always wakes up so happy from sedation.  Nurse Jan was so nice to have him snuggled up with some warm blankets!

While we're at it, why don't we just celebrate something else...

No, that's not a food baby.  Surprise to all of us, we have a new peanut joining our family in July!

We are definitely excited that our family is growing.  Obviously, there are fears that come along with it, but we, again, are trying to live into this moment and no other ones in the future.  We're not always successful at it, though!

Thanks for joining with us in our C E L E B R A T I O N (s)!