Family Visits

Progress sometimes comes in odd places. Getting ready for the busy morning, Krista wanted to get a sponge-bath. This was only the second bath she's had (washing herself with minimal assistance) since we came here and she was surprised that it was easier than the first time, especially since she felt like she had weak upper-body strength yesterday. So we just praise God for the small, regular steps of progress we see.

Barb, Christy, and Nichole came to visit Krista this morning, bringing a beautiful "wishing well" necklace and some clothes from my mother. Barb has a friend from college who lives two or three blocks from Jeanne, and I guess it was close enough that they walked over. I hadn't thought it was all that close, but it only took about 15 minutes. My nieces are really growing up and told us stories of their recent surfing competitions. Thanks for the visit!

I can't believe we forgot to take pictures of the girls, so I made up for it with lots of pictures of the boys. (If you're reading the email version, it might be formatted with a lot of space between paragraphs, so keep scrolling down until you get to the very end!)

Adam started having a sore throat this morning, and Trevor got a runny nose. Ugh. They were healthy all week. We really wanted to see them because we didn't want the first post-transplant experience to be at home where it might feel strange for them. So we risked taking a visit anyway -- though we made them wear masks and wash their hands a lot. As you can see from the pictures, Trevor was pretty much his regular energetic self and Adam was pretty tired. They were both very happy to see Mom, especially when she gave each of them a Lego magazine and a small bag of mini-M&Ms (for later when they're not sick).










The boys did really well getting their first glimpse at Bald Krista. Now all of you can see her too... with and without a hat on. Just getting you all ready for what to expect when she comes home (don't know when, but we're hopeful it won't be too long).










After the boys left Janelle stayed with Krista while I went out and bought some groceries, then napped, and then made a small batch of chicken and potato soup for dinner. Tomatoes had been a problem previously because of the acidity on her mouth sores, but there was another sign of progress: Krista wanted to taste my chips and salsa, and thought it was yummy!

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
(Proverbs 15:30)