REGULAR CHEMO IS DONE!!! 

Levi is finished with his regular chemo and is headed home for a bit! He has a long way to go, but we have so much to be thankful for - like you!  You all are an AMAZING part of his journey, thanks for being here. [...]

Levi’s procedure went well.  He has been very tired since and we are now just waiting for his counts to come back up so he can go home.  Little by little though, he continues to get better.  
While he’s sleeping, he has recently changed to sleeping with his tools instead of stuffed animals.  He must be dreaming of working hard building things with Owen again!      [...]

Levi is having a much better day today - look at that smile!   After a few more transfusions, he’s been showing of his Amazing Levi strength and throwing his favorite elephant across the room.   It is so much fun to make others pick it up for him!   
Today, he will be having another procedure at 2:30 as his feeding tube moved from his intestine to his stomach.  This is probably part of why he has been feeling so yucky (as if chemo wasn’t enough).   So, they will use a scope to put it back in the right place. With that and a couple more days of antibiotics, we’re hoping he can go back home soon![...]

Levi was sent home from the hospital only to return about three hours later. Bummer. He got to say hello to Big Brother Owen, doggie Radar, and Grandma, only to get a fever and return to Iowa Children's. The doctors brought down his fever but now he has to stay in the hospital for about another week because he's on antibiotics for possible infections.  [...]

Although it would be even more impressive to see the stadium full of fans and waving, it was still a nice break to see the view of the game from the top during an otherwise yucky weekend.   What an amazing tradition and one that we appreciate even more now.[...]

Looks like we are headed for a lazy weekend as the fatigue has set in for Levi.  His blood counts are low again so he is getting a transfusion today which may help some.  By now, we know this is part of his usual chemotherapy routine, but are still anxious for his energy to bounce back.  Until then, we’ll plan on PJ’s, cuddling up in blankets, and watching television...[...]

We’re on day four of chemotherapy and it’s starting to wear on Levi a little bit.  Instead of his usual sweet self, there are times where he’s been telling the nurses and doctors ,”I don’t like you, go away!”  But, luckily, this is usually short-lived and then he’s back to building towers, knocking those towers down, and generally being cute.  And let’s be honest, even when he’s fussy he’s absolutely adorable!  Other than that, some fatigue and a little bit of vomiting, overall he’s doing really well so far.[...]

Levi's checked into the hospital and began his day early - about 5:00 am. He's started chemo again, and with a few adjustments, as of this morning, he's only vomited once. He's scheduled to stay at the hospital for about two weeks. While here, he'll be doing the usual: PT, OT, test, test, and chemo-related things. [...]

Hope everyone has had a great weekend.  Levi and Owen enjoyed their Halloween - Levi as Blaze and Owen as Bulbasar - yesterday.  It was fun to see all the creative ways that neighbors came up with to keep everyone distanced and safe.  Today, the boys teamed up to play soccer and amazingly they scored a LOT of goals on Beth    Probably one of her worst performances ever as a goalie - hmmm...I guess the smiles of her opponents are more important to her than winning these days.[...]

With Halloween just a day away it was finally time for jack o lanterns!    Owen carved his with Zack's assistance and is quite proud of the result.   Levi took a different approach using stickers to make a silly and spooky face.   So glad both boys are at home to celebrate!!![...]