Getting his "play" back....almost

 Oh how we take for granted the role of "play" in the life of a child. They just play. We are so happy to see it but we don't often really take a look at one play means to a child...it means are children are learning and exploring...they often can't get enough of the beautiful and amazing things this world has to offer...colors, animals, vehicles...the sky, the clouds and the sand. They don't see life one dimentionally...they see it all and they are soak it in. We can learn so much from a child...as we are  reminded of the wonder of what God has given us to enjoy while we are here on earth.
Elijah's energy level has increased just enough to begin to play again...

There is so much fun to be had...

But not quite enough energy to do it all quite yet...

 Let us not take for granted the gift of wonder and joy that we all receive when we explore, learn and play. Let us not take for granted the body we have been given that allows us to do some of the simplest things in life. When you see a child filled with so much energy and curiousity, thank God for the gift of their health...for so quickly, it could be gone.

Day +25: Jumping for Joy

 Mark and the kids were able to attend a HopeKids event on Sunday at skyzone..doesn't that look fun?! HopeKids is the best...it is a Christian organization run by a few amazing people who work tirelessly to provide families who have a child with a life threatening illness with fun and special family activities. Their goal is to renew hope and encourage families...and ask any HopeFamily....hope is in the air at every event. This organization has been a blessing to our family since we Elijah was very little. We are so glad to be a part of the HopeKids family!

We are jumping for joy as we watch Elijah's counts rise. Today he has as 1.1 white blood cell count..the cells increasing very slowly, but the goal is a steady upward trend..and that is what we are seeing with Elijah!

Elijah was admitted to the unit 5 weeks ago from today. He does have a cough this morning and is still running an intermittent fever but he woke up in prime post-transplant form. He has such a funny sense of humor as he watches the nurses take the temps of five of his closest friends...timmy teddy, cookie monster, big teddy, meow, and pillow pet. All the while, he has this little silly smirk on his face fully understanding that he is being a little ridiculous..but, patiently and with a generous heart, the nurses and assistants dutifully take care of this room full of patients. He is loved here on the 4th floor of the hospital..and far beyond...that is for sure.