There will be good days...

Hi everyone.

So, Levi is now officially halfway through his first round of chemo. Today was day 5 of the 10 day course. They told us when we started that he would have good and bad days. I am very thankful that today was a good day for him...

Steph, Levi, and I all slept pretty well last night. We rolled out of our respective day bed, hospital crib, and chair bed fold out thingy around 9 am this morning. Levi slept pretty well - I think they finally got his morphine dose correct; he seems to be much more comfortable. Jenny came down to visit us later in the morning, and Steph stepped out with her to take a walk outside and eat lunch out on the patio. I got to hang out with my little dude, he actually reached for me from the crib and wanted me to pick him up. We walked around the room a little, and had fun watching the cars drive by on the highway outside our window. He was supporting himself in my arms, which is much better than the past couple of weeks. We talked about the trees, cars, and massive heating/cooling unit on the roof. He talked and smiled and even laughed a little, then gave us all kisses. It was awesome - like having our boy back for a little while. A smile goes a long ways these days.

Steph's parents came down after lunch, and brought our little whirlwind Caylee. She loved on Levi for a little while - it is so sweet to see him light up when she's around. They have such a strong connection, and whenever she's in the room she has his undivided attention. We had a great visit with her parents, and Levi was alert and attentive the whole time and was happy to be held. They left Caylee with us, and for a brief period of time we were all four together as a family. That doesn't happen very often, so this tired mommy and daddy tried to soak up the moments as best we could.

Caylee and I left around 5:45 or so, and stopped in Kokomo at McDonald's to eat and let her play in the playplace, which she thoroughly enjoyed. We made it home around 9 (I think) and it didn't take long for her to pass out in bed. I just talked to Steph on the phone, and she said they were getting ready to give Levi some more blood to get his hemoglobin back up a little. That always helps perk him up. Steph's cousin Tiffany brought her dinner tonight, which she greatly appreciated (thanks Tiffany!).

We both want to thank you all for your generosity. We are so blessed to have family and friends who support us and pray for us so faithfully. Your gifts are so very appreciated, and the gas cards and money you have given are going directly to our expenses for travel, meals, and bills. Thank you for your encouragement too, the kind words warm our hearts and remind us that we're not alone in this battle.

Finally, here's a verse that has given me strength today.

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Like the doctor told us today, this is a marathon, not a sprint. We have to pace ourselves and take this day by day.

We love you all.
Michael, Stephanie, Caylee, and little Levi