update: Levi came through the surgery like a rock star (minus the guitar smashing). The doctors got enough cells so he doesn't need a second surgery and he is off the ventilator! [...]

Zack’s surgery went well yesterday and he is at home recovering.  The visitor policy at the VA is very restrictive so no one was allowed to be with him until pick-up.  Luckily, Aunt Sarah works there and was able to sneak in some visits and keep the whole family updated.  His scars will not be as impressive as Levi’s so although he’s tough, Levi is still tougher.  [...]

Yes, another surgery but it’s not what you’d think.  Levi continued to do really well throughout the day yesterday and through the night.  He’s not the one having surgery today.  Instead, apparently Zack decided that matching bald heads would not be enough and his appendix was an unnecessary organ that he could donate so they could have matching abdominal scars too.  Yes, Zack has to have surgery for appendicitis today.  Oh my goodness...[...]

Levi had physical and occupational therapy today. As you can tell this is hard work for him! And he was a little grumpy about it. That's our Levi! When he doesn't want to do something and is not pleased, he lets you know![...]

Levi has been doing well adjusting to his new space.  The music therapist visited him this morning, playing some relaxing guitar music.  No dancing yet, but we know he loves music!  He will continue with physical and occupational therapy today.  This includes activities like sitting up in the chair that we posted yesterday.  Though it seems simple, this is a very challenging activity for him.  He was unable to use any of his muscles for four weeks so it will take a lot of time to build up that strength again...even just to do the things we all take for granted on a daily basis.  Couple that with how hard his body has to work to fight against the cancer... He’s definitely earning some of those extra naps![...]

A slow day is a good day! Levi was moved out of PICU to the 11th floor. A new room and a new view. 

Enjoy the pics: Levi's sitting up, Sleepy Time, the view from his window, and a super sweet "Welcome Levi" smartboard.[...]

Levi is having a good day. He is sitting up and even had three licks of a red popsicle!

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Another day of healing and relaxing for Levi with some evaluations sprinkled in here and there.

Since he looks pretty cute in his t-shirt, and you'd look pretty good in it too, here's the link:  [...]

The Amazing Levi had another good day...one without surgeries or other unwelcome surprises.  He continues to impress us as he has now been off of the bipap/oxygen mask for almost 24 hours!  This allows him to get more nutrition through his tube which is good, because this little man loves his food. (Although there is not any doughnut flavoring, so he probably is enjoying it less than his typical Sunday morning snack) Today will be another day of rest and healing.  And to be sure, there is a lot of healing to do.  Just take a look at a few of the battle scars he has earned in the past few weeks - yep, he’s super tough.  

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