Christmas!

It's been a busy few days for the Guile family. Christmas was a little more complicated this year. That's okay though, we made the best of it!

Landon's cousins and our family friend Jose came to visit on Christmas Eve, bringing some joy and some presents. It was nice to see everybody moving around...we spend a lot of time just sitting around up here. Then Landon was up bright and early Christmas morning to see what gifts he received from Santa. He's been so brave and strong that everything that was on his Christmas list was under the tree! I think there might be even more waiting for him at home...daddy swears he saw our elf Buddy run down the hallway the other night, and it looked like he was carrying a MAP. I think there might be some fun in store for him when he gets home. Grammy came up to visit on Christmas as well, bringing some yummy food for Christmas dinner.

Landon's brother, Luke, had a fun Christmas too. He hasn't been able to come to the hospital because he's been sick with bronchiolitis, so he couldn't stay with us on Christmas Eve. He spent Christmas with his cousins and Grammy instead. He keeps asking for Landon to come home, looks like he can't wait to see his brother!

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Now a bit of pretty good, really great, Christmas wish news...we are going home early!!

Landon has been progressing incredibly well. One of the best indicators of initial recovery is called ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count). Neutrophils are the white blood cells that fight germs, and without them our bodies cannot fight off even the common cold. The doctors like to see at least 500 for an ANC. Landon was at 0 when he got here. Today...490! As a result of this, our predicted discharge date of January 6th has been moved to Monday, December 30th - one week earlier than we expected. There are still two procedures he has to undergo before we leave (lumbar puncture today, placement of port on Monday), but the appointments are set and home is on the horizon! 

Our lead doctor attributed Landon's speedy progress to how Amy and I handled everything that was thrown at us this month. But it wasn't just us...Amy told him that we handled it so well due to the loads of love and support around us. This couldn't be more true. We could concentrate on providing for Landon because the other aspects of our lives were lifted off of our shoulders. Work responsibilities, keeping our "house" in order, making sure Luke was cared for when we couldn't be there, day care, Christmas stuff, the constant stream of cards and gifts from friends, family and strangers; the list could go on and on. It wasn't just us who helped make this happen. So...

...Happy Holidays, and thank you all for making it so much better for us, we couldn't have done it without you. ​

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