As Levi’s journey continues, there have been some twists and turns.  As a part of his treatment he needs to get periodic hearing tests as the chemo can impact his hearing.  They found an issue with this latest screen, which means he will need another test today to clarify if his hearing has been impacted.  If so, his chemo will need to be adjusted.  We are glad that there are watching him closely![...]

Levi is back in the hospital. This is a planned hospital stay, but it's still tough as he did so great at home. Puts a bit of a damper on the day, no? We all know he needs the treatment to get better, but after seeing him at home it's a toughie. [...]

Go ahead and laugh out loud. We did! 

On Friday Levi will have surgery to move his feeding tube to his stomach. He will also start his next round of chemo. A lot for this guy in one day. It all needs to happen so he can stay on schedule. We'd appreciate some extra prayers that it goes to plan and that the side effects don't hit him as hard as they have been. He will be in the hospital for awhile so Beth and Zack will be on "rotation" again. And of course, his doggie and brother will be missing him. But for now... hit that PLAY button again for some more belly laughs![...]

A beautiful day for some catch between brothers. 

He's gearing up for another big week at the hospital but for now, he's just enjoying the day.  [...]

Update: The scans showed what was expected - a little less cancer in the brain but still in the spine. Next week Levi will have his kidneys tested so he can continue on with chemo and the feeding tube will be moved to his stomach. No more nose tube!!! Yippee!! So look for more pics with his cute, little Meatball face without a tube. Keep up the prayers as the doctors are making some big decisions on how to proceed. We pray the Holy Spirit and Mother Mary guide them to find the best treatment for sweet Levi. [...]

No big changes to report and we are always happy for that.  Over the next few days Levi will have more tests including a full mri of his brain and spine.  This can be hard for little ones as they have to be sedated and placed on a breathing tube to get it done.  As he is on a research protocol, it will be after this that the next steps of his treatment are decided. Right now it is most likely that he will be starting on cycle #4 of chemo.  We are hoping that everything continues to look as expected or better than expected.  [...]

We are all still enjoying Levi being at home.  Owen has been extra creative finding ways to make him laugh and ways to include him even though he can’t move around like he could before.  Today, Owen declared that it was crazy sock day and we all took part, much to his delight.  Our conclusion was that Beth’s Space Invader sock won first prize but it’s hard to beat a classic.  Levi and Owen enjoyed playing soccer together, going for a walk, and watching a morning movie.[...]

Levi had his shunt adjusted after his appointment and luckily this seems to have helped for now.  That means more time playing at home!   He has been working hard and laughing a lot.  He still prefers to lay down and watch Blaze but in his defense, it has been rainy and gloomy and don’t we all just want to lay down and watch tv in that weather?  His other activities today included putting buttons together to make an umbrella, playing catch, and smiling at his crocodile when it goes “SNAP!”  Looking forward to more days like this![...]

Levi has been having fun at home.  He’s asked to go downstairs, for a ride in Daddy’s truck, loved seeing all of his grandparents and was enamored with the sky on his first stroller ride around the block.   Can you blame him?   He had only seen the boring ceiling in the hospital room for 3 months....the changes in scenery are such a luxury for him right now.  We’ve loved seeing him where he belongs, even if it is just for a short time.   [...]

Levi (and Owen) got the coolest surprise this morning to welcome him home.   The West Liberty Fire Department came to provide a hero’s welcome to our little man.  It was complete with an official formation and salute, fist bumps, and smiles all around.  Levi was happy to tell all that the fire truck was red and in addition to saying “Thank you” he also told the team “I love you”.  He definitely enjoyed their visit![...]