Recovery...

Here we are, post surgery, and Levi is a total rock star. As it turns out, recovering from spinal fusion is one of the tougher things in life. But, Levi is doing well, and we should be going home Saturday. He is returning home in a halo vest to protect the surgical work. He will live in the vest for two months, and then we will return to have it removed. (Which is an easy thing, thankfully!) We are tired, but thankful to be at the end of this long journey. We are nowhere near done with the entirety of Levi's care, but we are past the biggest thing. 

Thank you for your prayers & support. I will update soon with more news of going home! 

TGIF!

We have reached the end of our final week at The Shrine! Who can believe that? Although we have all had our tough moments, this has been the most grace-filled four weeks ever. And, for the most part, has really gone quickly. We will be transported to Primary Children's Medical Center first thing Monday morning, and Levi's surgery will get under way. Speaking as a mom, this is both the best part, and also the biggest hurdle. I have no doubt that the surgeons are the best, and that Levi is in good hands...in more ways than one...but I am still anxious to be on the recovery side. We have been told that recovery, on average, can last from 5-7 days, and some kids do it in three. We are hopeful for a quick recovery for our strong little man, and your prayers for a safe, successful surgery and recovery are appreciated! 

We have had nearly ever staff member here at The Shrine come to wish us well today. These people... God bless them. They are terrific. They put their heart and soul into each and every patient, and have all taken Levi into their hearts. (He's a charmer!) 

Tomorrow, there will be a Christmas Tree assembled and decorated in the giant activities room. (Or as Levi likes to refer to it, "the living room." The Shriners themselves will be here, along with [creepy] clowns, some muffins, and a few extra people. Daddy arrives tonight, Nana & Papa from Tulsa tomorrow, and also Papa Clark. We will have a small 'platoon' as my dad would say, to see Levi through the weekend and surgery. We are very blessed. 

I will be sure to post a blog as soon as Levi is out of surgery and in recovery. I am sure that we will also have more pictures, what with all of the grandparents around. We are all looking forward to being 'Home for the Holidays' very soon. 

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Post Script: To keep ourselves busy this week, we have been diving headlong into Christmas crafts... and a visit from the Utah Jazz. (Unfortunately, hardly anyone here knew which players were visiting... so your guess is as good as any.) 

Levi and an assistant coach from the Utah Jazz

 Santa and Frosty were feeling a bit deflated...

Anyone remember these beauties? 

Maca and Levi making a pom-pom wreath

 A Reindeer S'more 

 Charlotte observing the ways of the city

 Levi making a gingerbread house

 The neighborhood

The Countdown Has Begun...

What's up bloggin' peeps? : ) As you can see from the photo, Christmas has landed at The Shrine, and we are enjoying the lights and color, including the above-pictured scene from How The Grinch Stole Christmas. (Donated from the Festival of Trees) My mom said that the Ronald McDonald House also received a tree from the Festival... a Beanie Baby tree that spins around. This sounds creepy to me. 

We have begun our countdown to surgery! Bless the Lord oh my soul, we have made it to the last week. (I feel as though the Hallelujah Chorus should be sounding right about now. Hum it if you like.) Levi has done remarkably well, and his spine has responded beautifully to the traction. This will give the surgeons room to 'stretch him out' on the table, and will make their work "easier." Levi had a CT scan today in preparation for next Monday's main event, and so the surgeons begin their plan of attack. 

I couldn't be happier with the doctors that we have been blessed with. They are nationally and internationally known. Just this morning, we were informed of patients coming from New Zealand to see one of the orthopedic surgeons that is also working on Levi's case. Incredible stuff. 

We are sailing through our last Monday here, and can't believe that next week, Levi will be recovering and we will be going home! Stay tuned for more good news: ) ...