April 27th, Day 1

We don't have very much to report after all the excitement yesterday.  We had a good night's rest, probably the best since we've checked in 11 days ago.  I will admit it took me a long time to calm myself down after the rush of emotions from watching his new stem cells flow in.  It spoke to me to watch the dark red blood flow into his body through the clear tubing.  There's unbelievable power in the blood!

Hunter woke up this morning, ate two bowls of cereal, went on a walk, then took a shower.  He even had the energy to sit up in the chair and do his Bible reading.  Hunter was pretty worn out after the morning.  Since then he's taken a morning nap, eaten a little lunch, gone on another walk, and is taking an afternoon nap.  We are figuring that mornings are going to be his best time of the day.  His appetite is just about gone.  Anything with a strong smell in not appealing at all and makes his nauseous.  The next week or two we are just waiting for his new stem cells to settle in and start producing new cells.  Until that happens, Hunter will feel pretty lousy.  I thought that I wouldn't be able to handle the anxiety of waiting for engraftment, but instead we are all feeling a sense of peace that God is in control of our situation.   

ACU sent us a care package.  Go Wildcats!

Team Hanner on the home front is taking care of business.  Caleb is feeling much better, and is just getting a few breathing treatments.  The boys are loving spending time with their Aunt Di Di and Honey & Poppa are adjusting to their role as main caregivers for three busy boys plus working full time.  Our church has taken care of them this week in all the craziness of Caleb's asthma to provide several home cooked meals.  I'm starting to really miss getting to kiss their little cheeks.  We are settling into our nighttime routine of FaceTime for their Bible stories and prayers.  I know they are being loved and very spoiled in our absence.  Our family is looking for any and every opportunity to jump in and do special things with Benton especially.  We are blessed!  Continue to pray for team Hanner!