Thanking God for 2 years with Noah

​Yesterday was Noah's 2nd birthday. When he woke up I said to him, "Happy Birthday! Today is your REAL birthday, even though we had your party last week. You're 2!" He replied, "Me eat cake and ice cream?" So I asked my mom to pick up another cake for him and drop it by on her way to church. We had another party with Noah, Mommy & Daddy, which was a lot of fun - especially since Daddy was determined to get him the ultimate little boy birthday gift, which I will post pictures of above this blog.
The day Noah was born, I had no idea what his life would bring to mine and John's. Even though he looked like a really wrinkly, skinny old guy, he was the most beautiful, sweet thing to me. Two years later he has less hair than he had at birth, and a ginormous scar on his head, and he's still the most handsome, sweetest little man ever. :)  I never thought I would be so thankful to the Lord for Noah's 2nd birthday. But for the past week, every night he lays down his head and every morning he rises I give thanks for this child that almost didn't see 2. I think about what I would have missed had the tumor overcome him - his laugh, his smile, his sense of humor, his joy, his screams, his tantrums, his resilience. He's my miracle.
I forgot to let everyone know that we returned home on Friday (2/26). We will have Noah's blood tested tomorrow and Thursday, and we expect to be back in Birmingham by the weekend for fever/neutropenia. It seems that Noah has had less side effects since this last treatment; he is eating better and has been more active compared to the first few days following the previous treatments. It would be awesome if he didn't run a fever and we could take our time getting him to Birmingham for blood/platelet infusions (which are pretty much inevitable), because once his temperature starts rising we're told it's a very risky situation and he needs antibiotics asap. So we're taking precautions and praying against anything that could cause fever (while monitoring him very closely) and hoping for a leisurely, worry-free trip to Birmingham instead of a ride in an ambulance.
This weekend is the Pancake Breakfast at our church, where the men's ministry will be trying to raise money to help with Noah's medical costs. There will also be a blood drive in Noah's honor. If you happen to be at the breakfast, please give blood as well. And wherever you live, if you're able, please donate your blood! I was led to give blood for the first time about a year ago, and though uncomfortable it was rewarding to know that I was quite possibly giving someone else life. I've read that the cancer population really depletes the donated blood supply. My son has already had 3 transfusions, the first one more than his entire blood volume. Each time we stay at Children's, the hematology/oncology floor is filled with patients of all blood types who need your healthy blood. The next time you see a Red Cross "blood bus," please don't pass it by - give! :)
Once again, I have to close by saying "Thank you!!" to everyone who has helped us in whatever way you can. Without your support system, we could not survive the day to day stresses of the situation. I'm happy and grateful to say that with each medical bill/pharmacy bill that comes, we have been able to simply write a check and not think twice about it. Thank you for your blessings.

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Tiny little guy at birth...