Brady did great overnight (everyone did actually!). Things were so chaotic here this morning. The kids had a fun morning playing, it's amazing to see Brady jump right back in. For the most part they do their own thing, but watching those times when they interact is precious. They each have a rocking chair in the living room, and back when Brady was starting to have trouble with his gross motor skills, it took him a few weeks to figure out how to get into his chair by himself. Then he got really good at it and could climb up and down with ease. This morning I watched him crawl towards his rocking chair, looking rather determined. I wanted so bad to go and scoop him up and put him in it so I didn't have to see the struggle I knew was coming. I resisted and watched him as he tried to push off of his right leg to stand. His right leg seems a lot weaker and less coordinated. He tried 3 or 4 times without success to pull up. But THEN...he did it! He pulled to stand against the chair, then climbed right in. He turned himself around, sat down, and just looked at me with this sly smile...those moments are amazing. What a proud mommy I was!

A few of you have been asking about Matt's work schedule. He has been off since Brady's diagnosis, about 2 1/2 weeks. Certainly, I don't know what I would have done without him during this time. Right now he is going to be home for the first part of the week, and probably go back by the end of the week. He will take time off as needed I guess. There is just no way to predict things in a situation like this. Brady's blood counts are expected to drop by next weekend, so infection and needing blood transfusions are good possibilities. I think we are planning on having him off of work during hospital stays as well.

We have been so blessed (I know I keep saying this, that is becuase it is true!) by everyone who has reached out to help us during this time. We are still going to need to lean on those around us during these next months, and it is so comforting to know we have to many willing to help. Unfortunately we can't accept extra visitors right now, especially children. Chemotherapy compromises Brady's immune system, so any simple infection can be very serious for him. We making every effort to keep sickness out of our home, which is especially difficult with 4 kids under 2!

One more thing...the website I have mentioned before will be up and running very soon. I will have a link to it from this blog. The website will house all information regarding fundraising and will coordinate all of our "helping hands" in areas like meals, groceries, and volunteers. My brother, his wife, and sister in law have been working hard on this and I can't wait to see the finished product!