Happy Birthday Nathaniel

I can't believe my baby is 7. And while we couldn't celebrate exactly the way we wanted, he was happy and had a great day. Aunt Wendy and Uncle Greg and Neena and Pops sent him this wonderful cake. Aunt Wendy and Uncle Greg also had a special birthday lunch delivered. They made his day so special!

Dad took him for a special breakfast

The next morning Will stayed with Seth while my parents and I took the boys to the zoo

Praying that next year we will all be celebrating Nathaniel at home together.

Merry Christmas

I was able to watch the boys open their presents via video chat. I was so glad to see the boys having a good time. Although everyone had been sick, Will was able to come see me for a little bit, although he didn't touch either one of us. I think we had Big Macs and fries for our Christmas meal.

Meanwhile, poor Seth was losing his hair. Each picture is one day.

Dec 23 - his hair had been coming out for a few days

Dec 24th

Dec 25th

Dec 26th

Dec 27th

Poor Seth had also tested positive for a central line infection on the 22nd. The cultures turned negative on Christmas Eve, thank goodness. Praying next year is much, much better.

Few more of Seth

A few more shots of Seth early on in the hospital. He was happy to receive a stuffed George that day.

After his hair wash with the shampoo shower cap

My first day to come home from the hospital and see the boys - I think the first Saturday of N's Christmas break

A former patient brought Seth his little tree. He hadn't been moving around much, but one night I walked out of the bathroom to find him turned around to see his tree.

Nathaniel and Joel Fun

Seth having to stay in the hospital is terrible, but I've been so proud of how Nathaniel and Joel have stuck together at home. Nathaniel has been a great big brother and Joel has been so sweet to him. Joel loves everything about big brother.

N at Scout Christmas Party

N's Christmas Party (Mimi attended)

Joel's Christmas Party

Nathaniel made these glasses and was kind enough to make some for Joel too

Words can't express how much I miss these two. Or how thankful I am that my parents have taken such wonderful care of them. And how thankful I am for friends who have taken Nathaniel to play and help him take his mind off everything.