Another week, another trip down to Philadelphia for treatment. Friends, family and photographers have asked how I feel about sharing our story like this, if I think that it will impact Julia Jane Studios. I'll be honest, it's something I had to think long and hard about. But in the end, I decided, that welcoming people into my messy life, is better than shutting them out. Do you know what I found? My families have been some of the most supportive during this difficult journey. We have been showered with love from the Julia Jane community.
We were not prepared for the diagnosis last year (Lucy was diagnosed a little less than a month before busy season). This year, I have all of systems in place and ducks in a row to do EVEN BETTER. This round of Lucy's treatment is also scheduled to be finished before my first wedding so the trips out of town will be a lot less frequent this summer. All things considered, I think that sharing is the responsible thing to do. Telling her story might even help to save another baby's life. Spreading the word about retinoblastoma is now something I not only WANT to do, but NEED to do.
So now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's look at some pretty pictures and celebrate all of the beauty in every day moments.
Warning, I had a hard time narrowing down the images this week so I posted A LOT! :)
Day 75: Just Chillen' on the couch with my cards.
Day 75: Bonus: A trip to the beach was just what the doctor ordered for some smiles :)
Day 76: The morning and evening of Lucy's chemotherapy. We are so lucky that my parents live close enough that we can spend time with them. Lucy adores her Grandparents.
Day 77: Lucy enjoying "room service" at the hotel where we stay after her chemo. Our love bug is such a fierce warrior, we love seeing her smile despite the obstacles she faces.
Day 77 Bonus: CHOP has the most beautiful murals on the walls. Lucy tried to catch the balloons on the wall while we waited for her oncologist.
Day 78: SNOW DAY! Cousin Daniel came over and built Lucy a tiny little snowman. She loved looking at him through the storm door.
Day 79: Lucy LOVES magazines and has been obsessed with this particular National Geographic for a few months.
Day 79 Bonus: In a room full of toys, 9 times out of 10, Lucy will choose a book.
Day 79 Bonus 2: It snowed all night, so of course, we went SLEDDING in the afternoon!
Day 80: Reading with Grandpa before we head back to Connecticut.
Day 81: A little reminder to stay positive, every day.
See you next week!
xo,
Julia
