6 busy weeks

We've had a great 6 weeks since my last update.  Hunter continues to make progress at home.  He has made two trips to Houston, and they think everything is going well.  His feeling in his abdomen and upper legs has returned.  He still has little or no feeling below his sockline, which means he is still a little wobbly when he walks.  After about a month of rehab twice weekly, he was release to continue balance exercises on his own.  As of our 11 month checkup last Friday, he is now taking 5 mg steroids every other day and next week will take one steroid every three days.  Then week 3 he will be off the steriods:)  He has extensive testing at his one year checkup, and as long as that all goes as planned he will start to drop his rejection medicine at that point.  We are so grateful for all our friends and family that have prayed and encouraged us through these last couple months filled with uncertainty and unanswered questions.  

Friday's visit was also exciting because he got to fill out paperwork releasing his information to his donor through Be the Match.  If his donor also completes his paperwork, we can make contact with him after Hunter's one year anniversary.  We are praying that we get to thank him very soon.   

 Our last few weeks have been busy.  My baby brother and his wife became parents this week.  We had  a fun afternoon waiting on Harper's arrival, and I loved watching Nathan come down the hallway delivering the news that his daughter was here.

 We finally have another little girl to spoil!  Nathan, Katie, and Harper are all doing well.  I love love love being an aunt!

The next day Hunter and I made our way to Houston, and the boys did some tractor work with G-Daddy.  They had a big time with Nana, G-Daddy, Chase, Macey, and Hudson.  I missed Hunter's last appointment because Caleb's asthma flared up, so we enjoyed our 12 hours of driving and overnight stay.  It's kinda nice to have a little monthly getaway just the two of us.    

   March 7th we celebrated Caleb and Clayton's 3rd birthday.  It's so hard to believe our tiny little babies are now three.  They have been such a joy to our family.

 They both want to be construction workers when they grow up.  We added a couple vehicles to the fleet for their birthdays.  They spend all day pretending to build roads and buildings.  I love to listen to their imaginations playing together!

Hunter's Grandpa and Ethel were in town to celebrate the twins' birthday.  We met for pancakes and Benton was a little bit attention starved that it wasn't his big day;)

 We can't wait for spring and to be out of the house more!

Caleb is such a mini-Hunter!  Love these boys:)

 We have also joined the sporting world!  Benton requested to play soccer this spring and loves it.  We get a big kick out of watching him play in the dirt and apologize any time he happens to take the ball away from someone.  His coach is very encouraging and positive, and we are happy he is having a good time.  He has one practice a week and a game Saturday morning.  That's just perfect.  Go Cyclones:)    

Thankfully, Hunter is sleeping better on his lower dosages of steroids.  He has been working almost full time at the dealership.  We are trying to be patient on the healing of his nerves.  One huge blessing in the last two months is that Hunter's nerve pain in his feet and his joints is gone.  He just can't feel anything.  We are praying that he will continue to be pain free as he gets off steroids completely.  We are ready to be out of flu and RSV season so that we can breathe a little easier.  Hunter and I also have a surprise up our sleeve for the boys to celebrate his one year anniversary.  It's hard to believe that it's almost been a year.  The. longest. year. of. my. life.  But God has been faithful to us in good times and bad.  It has changed us in many ways for the better.  Pray that Hunter can continue to stay free from infection, pray that his nerves heal, and pray he has no more funny business as we get off steroids and prograf!  Lots of love to Team Hanner!