Our dear little Emmett is back to BC's Children's Hospital for the third part of his blind drug test. If it's the placebo then it is just a needle prick; if it is the real thing it is a lumbar puncture. All we know for certain is that Emmett really gets worked up with these tests and this is the third one in four weeks. After this they will be spread out over a much wider time span.

We're here for you, Emmett! And we're praying lots! (I will update this post late today about how it went.)

UPDATE:

Emmett has had a great afternoon, well, apart from the experimental drug procedure where he was separated from his parents. He did not enjoy that but, after a bit of anger and fussing, Emmett had a little nap and woke up happy and enjoying everyone around him. Over the past two weeks we've seen Emmett improve his movement and his strength. Babies with SMA Type 1 lose strength - they don't gain it - and this was confirmed by his doctors. That Emmett has gained strength was also confirmed. Apart from the hope gained by entering the trial, this is a bright moment for Alisha and Joshua. This is cause for hope - never give up! Thank God for the miracle of modern medicine.

Aside:

After the study, Emmett and his parents went back to their hotel, where we had Emmett's fourth helium balloon waiting for him. It was a 'Cars' balloon and you should have seen his face. He absolutely knew that it was a new balloon. I loved it! They'll all be home later today!

And here are a couple of pics from Hallowe'en. (Did you know, if you click on the pictures they will open up into a larger sized picture so that you can really see Emmett? If you didn't, try it!)