Cyborg

Steven has been on the lookout for amputee themed costumes ever since he decided to have his leg amputated. Here is what he came up with this year--every time we took a picture, he had to pose with a serious face. I mean, cyborgs don't smile, right?

He is doing really well. One new development is that his hearing has deteriorated in the last year to the point where the audiologists are recommending hearing aids for him. I have noticed a change, but the thing that has concerned me the most is his speech. I have had his speech evaluated and they told me to first test his hearing, and so I moved up his hearing test (scans and exams are all scheduled for December) and have been working to get that done before the baby comes.

Steven isn't too excited about the prospect, but I think he is hoping it will help him. His main concern is that people will stare at him even more. One of his regrets is that he didn't have them for his cyborg costume today. He will get them next week and so we will see how that goes.

And yes, it won't be long until we are a family of seven! It is almost too much for me to wrap my mind around. I know things will get crazy around here (oh wait, they already are!) but I am so excited to hold a new little baby. The kids can't wait either. We are in for a wild time the next few months! Hopefully I'll get a minute to keep you posted when the little brother arrives.

One year ago today...

...we left the hospital, finished with Steven's chemotherapy! I felt scared, and happy, and relieved. A year has gone by and I can't even imagine going back to that place. We have come so far. Steven is doing so well and, in many ways, I've put the cancer and the fear behind me. When I am feeling weak though, fear sometimes finds its way in. But mostly, I have moved on.
Of course, even without the cancer variable, there is still so much to worry about. Steven's walking and talking and hearing are the biggies. But even when those concerns weigh me down, I think about Steven who is very happy with life. He's not one bit worried about that kind of stuff. He excitedly told us at dinner how they've switched from soccer to football at recess. His leg doesn't hold him back from trying anything he can. It is hard to believe when I see him now that he took his first real steps without crutches only in March of this year. Since the day he left the hospital a year ago, he has had some hard times--a broken femur and another surgery. Now he has even taken his first running steps--it is amazing. He still has a long way to go. I've been wanting to share a short video we made for my family's film festival this year. Steven has made so much progress since he got his first prosthetic leg in September of last year until now. One thing that is hard to capture is his enthusiasm and perseverance. He is a great kid and we are so proud of all he's accomplished.