Lots to report!

We have a lot to report, and unfortunately it isn't all good news. We have good, okay, and disappointing news.
First of all, the disappointing news...Paul's stepdad, John, who has been battling leukemia for several years now, has been given the disheartening news that there isn't much else they can do to battle his leukemia, except a couple new drugs that are still in the clinical trial phase. Those drugs become available in the next couple months, and they are going to try those. In the meantime, he is feeling decent but tired and a little weak. Please pray for him and Sheila, as they wait for these new treatments. We all are, of course, scared and pretty upset by this news, but definitely appreciate the prayers. We pray we get to visit them soon.

Next, the okay news: My brother Joel, who has been battling ulcerative colitis for the last six months, is now recovering from the surgery that has resulted from it. In the last month and a half, he has received 18 blood transfusions and tried every drug imaginable to try to avoid having the surgery, but ultimately did have his entire colon removed. He is in the hospital right now at Riley Children's hospital, and is experiencing a tough recovery. The surgery was Friday, and he is in much better spirits and feeling better physically, but it is a tough recovery and he still has two more phases of surgery, occurring over the next 4 months, to get through. He was very very ill last week. (Which is the reason for the lack of blogging...I've been on the phone alot in my free time!)

Last, but not least...the good news! Evan has said his first word, "bread," is now trying his best to use WALKING as his main method of getting around, and is doing so well they tried to kick us out of his therapies!!!! Which, of course, was my greatest hope and worst fear...I still need those people to watch him! But, he does still qualify based on his gestational age at birth (26 weeks).
So, you must watch his new video below, entitled "Skinny Man Walking." Forgive the nakedness...he got away from me while changing his clothes and was so happy that I figured I could get a good shot of him walking, and I did!