The Shannon Family - Merry Christmas

Wow, what a year it has been. We have been blessed with many things this year, along with challenges that keeps us growing stronger as a family. Colby is 5 and in kindergarden.... Gym is his favorite class and he has met many new friends. Every night we sit for dinner as a family, (when we are all home) and ask all the kids how their day was. Colby is always full of new insights and 'the letter of the day.' So we think of the words we can come up with that begin with that letter. It is amazing the imagination kids have and how they keep us laughing. Then we move onto Nick and ask him how his day was... he will talk about the games he played at home and then remember the times he had at daycare and his friends. We tell him that one day he will go back to daycare and see all of them. We are hoping in the next couple of weeks that will happen to.Thomas, our now 6 month old is wonderful and a great baby. We try to keep up with his many changes and stages of his development. It is sometimes hard to give him the time with Nick and the busy schedule. Thomas is now sitting in his high chair and he laughs and eats while we ask him questions. So, we are sending a message to all the people we love and the families we have met along our journey.... cherish the moments you have and never forget to laugh and hug. God Bless and a Very Merry Christmas.

PS. We did not get a chance to send out Christmas cards this year... just decided it was to hectic but we loved receiving all the cards, pictures and kind words from everyone. They are posted on our door and the kids enjoy looking at the pictures. cheers!!!!!

The Shannon Family -- 3 shots down and 27 to Go

Hi Everyone,
We had clinic yesterday and Nick's first shot in the leg while he was awake. He took it pretty well. Only cried for a few minutes and then he was able to play Spongebob on the game system they had. He still struggles with his port being accessed. I think it feels uncomfortable at first and the needle scares him. Nick is adjusting/accepting the fact he will always have his port accessed. We are now 2 days away from Christmas and feel confident that Nick will be home with us. He has a week free of pills and treatments, so his counts should go back up. We hope everyone enjoys Christmas and time with the family...... I am signing off for now. God Bless!

.....updated by Aunt Amy, unfortunately it is 27 shots to go, but Nick is a trooper and will do great! Every week will become more difficult, as Nick will know what is in store for him at the clinic, but Karen and Greg are doing their best to keep Nick's spirits up and to get him through this phase. We are looking forward to the Shannon family visiting for Christmas Eve - Joey, Megan and Kendra are very excited to see everyone. A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!!! May this New Year continue to bring many more prayers and support to all....Love Aunt Amy