Sadie Home and Hunter is on his feet!

Hunter continues to make daily progress!  We've fallen into a great routine here on the rehab floor.  It's fabulous that his entire day is centered around getting stronger to go home.  And that's just what he's doing:)  He works so hard during the day that he sleeps like a rock.  PT, OT, recreational therapy, lots of eating, and then rest and repeat!

I spent one week at home in Abilene with the boys while my parents were in Haiti, and Mark and Jana stayed with Hunter in the hospital.  We all enjoyed being in one place for a few more days than usual.  I spent 8 days in a row at home--the longest I've been with the boys since we left in September.  Mark and Jana enjoyed watching Hunter work.  While I was home he was able to up his food intake and got his feeding tube removed from his stomach.  He's doing his part to eat and gain muscle.      

Sunlight therapy:)

figuring out that fork

His upper body is getting a lot more functional.  He can feed himself finger foods, and can use a fork or spoon with a cuff on his hand, hold his own cup, brush his teeth, wash his face, comb his hair, and get a shirt over his head.  Hunter is also wasting quite a bit of time fiddling on his ipad.  He's been squeezing sponges working to improve his grip and its come a long way.  He's working those  2 pound dumbbells:)

Hunter and many other have been praying hard for his legs to come to life.  We are seeing those prayers be answered.  His quads, hamstrings, and hip muscles are firing, and his calves are starting to have flickers of movement.  Until his feet wake up, his therapist have been wrapping his ankles to help them remember the correct position.  Yesterday was the first day he was able to kick his legs in front of him on the treadmill.  After 7 minutes of walking, he was pooped.  His homework over the weekend was to practice pulling his knees to his chest.  All his work showed today as he was able to lift his foot off the ground while sitting on the edge of the bed to put his pants on.  The little things that we all take for granted are big challenges for Hunter.  He spent an entire therapy session trying to get dressed.  It is so inspiring to watch him!

practicing sitting up from laying flat

After spending the week in Abilene, Jana and I brought the boys to stay with the Wessels for the weekend.  We spent Valentines evening together at the hospital and then came back Sunday to spend more time with Hunter.  The weather was nice and we just spend a lot of time watching the little guys run around.  The twins hadn't seen Hunter since Christmas day, so it was great to be all together again.

Love them!

Doesn't Benton look adorable in his new glasses?!?

A little out of order, but Abilene had a dinosaur exhibit come to town.  So many people told me I had to take my little dinosaur loving Benton.  We swung by after church and had a great afternoon together:)

T-rex

 A few of my favorites from our week together:

library story time

Aunt Ernie's little valentines

Celebrating Harper with our ears on!

He's saying "I love fun dip!"  Anyone else ready for Valentine candy to be gone?

Just what you want to find in your garage when your husband is gone......a baby mouse.  Our exciting Friday night was cleaning until we found and got rid of momma and brothers:/  Thanks Poppa and Ernie!

Look at these smiles!  Chase and Macey finally got to bring their beautiful baby girl home!  We are so thrilled and excited for them.  Hudson is loving being a big brother, and Sadie is as cute as can be.  My boys had snotty noses, and Sadie is on isolation during flu and RSV season, so I've been drooling over picture texts from afar.  They will have to be very protective of her because her preemie immune system isn't fully developed.  She and Hud will both stay away from crowds and other kids until her doctor gives the okay.  After so many months apart, I know Chase and Macey are thankful to have time together as a family.  This picture is from their session with our beloved Tammy Marcelain.  I linked the rest to her blog.  Please remember to keep sweet Sadie in your prayers.  As you probably already know from Macey's facebook post, the infection in Sadie's neck did some significant damage to two of her vertebrae in her neck.  We are asking for prayers that her neck heals, and believe that God is able to restore what's missing.  For the coming months she will wear a soft neck brace.  I can't wait to watch her grow.  She is a blessing to our family.

Speaking of blessings....we are celebrating with Aunt E and Michael as they announced that in August another baby BOY will be joining the Hanner family.  Hank Michael Easley will make five grandsons and Queen Sadie for Mark and Jana.  Michael also recently accepted the offer to join the Abilene Fire Department in their incoming class.  Erin and Michael have been such a blessing to Hunter and I, as well as Chase and Macey in helping with our kids.  They will be very knowledgeable first time parents!  Hank will be loved!

We would not be where we are without our support system.  I am amazed that even after five months, our friends still bring meals, send cards, and continue to encourage us.  Thank you just isn't enough to express how much your prayers are appreciated.  Hunter has a tentative discharge date to come HOME March 5th.  Before then, he wants to be on his feet.  Please pray for healing in his nerves, and strength in his leg muscles.  I would also ask for prayers for physical endurance for Mark, Jana, and me as we are now trained and moving him from his bed to his chairs.  We can't wait to have him home, but know it will be taxing to meet all his needs.  I have no doubts that God will supply.  Hunter has come so far, but has a long way to go still.  We are thankful to have the opportunity to go home to our boys in just a few days!