~A Name and a Blessing~

Before Eli was born, I did what I think many other first time parents do and tried to imagine what several "firsts" would be like.  Many of those things have been similar to how I imagined them but one thing that was quite different was his baby blessing.  When I thought about Eli's blessing before he was born, I imagined it being in sacrament meeting with all of our friends and family gathered around--not in a hospital room with only a couple people present.  The best part about it all?  It was even more wonderful than I ever could have hoped for!

Before we got to the hospital, we figured we would bless Eli sometime in April when it started warming up a bit and there wasn't so much sickness in the air.  After he was admitted, we talked about it and knew we would have to do it in the hospital but decided to do it around the same time still.  When we were fortunate enough to find his match so fast and learned that he would be starting chemo in such a short time we planned the blessing right away because we knew we wanted it done before he started his treatments.  Both mine and Logan's dads were able to come in and assist with the blessing which was so great.  Eli slept through the entire thing (pictures included) and Logan gave the most remarkable blessing to our sweet little boy.  I know everyone says this but it truly is wonderful to have a husband that honors his priesthood so well.  Yesterday was definitely a day I will never forget!

Lookin' studly in his outfit from Grandma Janet

Still can't get over how much I love his shoes!

Love these two so much!

Eli was also lucky enough to share his blessing day with his cousin Lily.  I snuck out of the hospital for a bit while Logan stayed with Eli so I could see Lily blessed.  She looked absolutely beautiful and her daddy gave her the perfect blessing.  I'm so happy I was able to go!

Eli and Lily will be great friends as soon as he's healthy enough to play!

Update on our little boy:

We have now reached the week that everything begins!  I remember us talking with the doctors the day Eli was diagnosed about everything that we would do here at the hospital and it seemed ages away so it's hard to believe it's already here!  (Keep in mind it has happened way quicker than even the doctors expected!) We are very excited to get everything started but it's definitely bitter-sweet.  I try not to think about what Eli will actually go through too much and just focus more on the fact that we are one step closer to getting him healthy and home.

Assuming the plan doesn't change, Eli is scheduled to begin chemo on Saturday the 16th.  He has 8 straight days of chemo with the first 4 apparently being the toughest on him.  Luckily Logan has all those days off so it will be nice to be together.  After he finishes chemo, Sunday the 24th will be his rest day and then he'll have his BMT on Monday, March 25th!

Before we get to Saturday, there are still a few things that have to happen.  They will draw quite a bit of blood this week in order to prep him for his treatments.  He had his third blood transfusion yesterday and did great with it.  His picc line is working great but he has to have a central line for transplant so he will have that replaced on Thursday.  Fingers crossed this one doesn't get infected!  While he's sedated, they will also repeat the hearing test, ENT will examine his ears more thoroughly and he will likely have molds taken for his hearing aids.

Here are a few pictures we've taken lately:

Oh the joys of bathing him with a picc line!  It's definitely easier than a central, that's for sure.  You can see on his chest where his central line was infected.  It looks loads better now than it did a short time ago.  You can also see his poor red cheeks from the oxygen stickers.  He gets a short break from them every once in a while.

Later this week we should have another update when we start chemo.  Until then, this is officially our consultation week because we'll meet with many different teams of doctors as they prep us and Eli for chemo and his transplant.  

Once again, we can't express enough thanks to everyone for all you continue to do for me, Logan and Eli.  We are amazed at the generosity, love and concern others have shown to us.  We couldn't do it without each one of you!