Bedtime is getting easier…

Carter playing in the clubhouse

Bennett's version of a "super hero" mask (scotch tape)

Carter's PJs routine

Bedtime and naptime are getting easier the longer we are home. At least now, Carter will let me scratch his back in his crib until he falls asleep. Yes, it often takes upwards of 20 minutes, but it’s a lot less emotionally draining on all of us.

Carter ate okay today. He still has pain in his stomach area, which may be scar tissue from his biopsy. One of the four areas they went through was his belly button (I think the camera went through there). That seems to be the area he pushes on the most when he is wincing in pain. The good news is that when Carter lies down now, you can see the mass is no longer visible. And since he is so skinny right now, it would definitely be more obvious. After feeling Carter’s liver area in the hospital, the oncologist had told us he felt like Carter’s liver was half the size it was a month ago. Matt and I thought maybe it was just the doctor making us feel good and being optimistic, but we think it is definitely smaller. We are hopeful.

Big brother Bennett woke up with a runny nose this morning. Matt and I looked at each other in a panic. We are just washing hands constantly at our house. Hopefully, we aren’t creating some OCD issues for Bennett further down the road. Bennett had a play date planned at his friend’s house today. Luckily, the mom said it was okay for Bennett to still come over. Thank you Hatfields! I was stressing with what I was going to do all day with the boys in the house. Cross your fingers Carter stays fever and cold-free!

Today is Carter’s Godmother’s birthday! Happy birthday Court! I wish I could be there to help you celebrate. Thank you for being an exceptional friend through all of this. You have been like a sister to me since we were four years old (and now our big boys are four). And going through this, you have called me every day, sent gift baskets, gifts for the boys and just been there. Thank you.

Our family has been so lucky through this experience. We have such an amazing network of friends and family that have joined together in our time of need. Matt and I (and the boys) love reading the blog comments, emails and letters from people daily. Though we may feel isolated from the outside world through this ordeal, we don’t feel like we are conquering it alone. We feel the love and support from everyone! It is incredibly helpful and encouraging.