It's been a long time!!!  We've battled pneumonia and RSV this winter BUT have miraculously avoided needing to be admitted to the  hospital!  Dayne and I just arrived home today after a whirlwind trip to Cincinnati.  He had his follow up appointment with Dr. Filipovich along with several blood tests.  We should have the results of the testing in about two weeks.  We will finally be removing his central line that he has had since July 2007 in the next few weeks!  Please pray that his immune function will continue to increase and that these test show continued improvement in all areas!

His latest engraftment was 26%.  Ironically this small number seems to be doing it's job helping him stay healthy and disease free.  I double checked and we have a "life time supply" of Wes' cells stored from his second "harvest" in October of 2008, should he ever need another cell boost.  There is no indication he will need it in near future, but it's reassuring to know we have them just in case.

It was interesting being back in Cincy for the short time we were there.  It is a city that honestly will always have a place in my heart for the second chance at life Dayne was given there.  Transplant was a time that I can honestly say I gave up my will entirely to God, having faith and complete trust in him.  That Spirit and those emotions returned being there again. 

As I was browsing in the gift shop after Dayne's appointment, I accidentally knocked a little charm off the rack.  I continued looking at the dragonfly one in my hand before picking it up and knocked another one off.  Nice... I picked them up. They were identical and said FAITH on them.  Silly coincidence?  Maybe.  Faith was my "mantra" during transplant.  So for me, it was one of those heavenly hugs that Heavenly Father gives me when I least expect it.  Now, as much as ever, faith needs to direct my life.

Many of you have asked how the children are doing, and I'm thrilled to report that they are doing really well.  Wes and Hailey are both doing great academically and have made wonderful friends.  They are both taking private Violin lessons.  Wes is in Scouts. Hailey and Hope are in Ballet.  Dayne and Hope are in a neighborhood preschool and also play at a friend's house, while I work part time at a home health agency.  I finally have my "soccer mom" life back!!!  They are going to have plenty to tell their therapists when they are thirty but are amazingly resilient and happy.  I'm blessed to be their mother. 

After we receive Dayne's latest test results, I don't anticipate updating this blog anymore.  I will keep it available online so other families may be inspired by Dayne's story and survival.  We are on to another phase of our lives now and are excited to move forward.  If you would like to keep up to date with the kiddos and I, please send me an email at tbelau09@live.com.  I would be happy to invite you to see our private family blog. 

We love our "caringbridge family" and could not have gotten through the last couple years without you!  Thank you!  May Heavenly Father continue to bless my family and yours!

PS. And they lived happily ever after.  :)