Reincarnated As A Mother: Our Family's "Alpha" Female

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Our Family's "Alpha" Female

My Cousin Becky just sent me this picture this morning and I had to post it. It's of Holland (in the blue t-shirt) with the killer instinct to win- look on her face as they are about to begin a three-legged race. Notice, how all the other kids are just looking around-- happy to be alive! This was at my Grandmother's 90th birthday celebration last summer.

Nathan Kean

AKA: Mister Miracle, Keanut and Boy Wonder! And in case you have been living under a rock and don't know his "back story"-- he's made quite a splash getting here! In May of 2009, at 24 weeks his mom went into the hospital with some pretty major pregnancy complications. I (mom) lost all of my amniotic fluid and my placenta ripped. After 11 weeks of grueling and extremely monotonous hospital bed rest-- and COUNTLESS MIRACLES-- Kean came into this world kicking and screaming (sweet sounds for a boy who was expected to have lung issues). We were surprised with the news he has Down syndrome but quickly realized we hit the jackpot with this one and his sweet spirit. After 6 1/2 weeks in intensive care (and lots of scary moments) we thought we were through with the lengthy hospital stays. But no... in July 2012 (a month before he turned 3), Kean was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L). Back to the hospital for another four weeks of sheer terror. Once again, were surrounded with love, support and strength and we've seen our little guy emerge as a giant-- brave, strong and inspiring. He (and we) somehow survived 1,157 days of Chemotherapy (nope, that wasn't a typo). It has been the most brutal, agonizing experience but it has also been tender and beautiful in so many ways. If you have met Kean, you will agree-- he is the sweetest little guy who has a pretty important mission to fulfill on this earth. We can't wait to see what he accomplishes in his life!