Hello,

It's been nearly two weeks since I have updated the blog and so much has and is happening.

My wonderful friends at Qwest had a Bake Sale to benefit our family on July 14. Within the Qwest employee community~ especially those in IT, downtown (and those in other cities that sent in donations) put together a WILDLY SUCCESSFUL bake sale and raffle which raised over $4300 in cash and gift cards. There were volunteers, folks that sent in donations, and those that purchased baked goods and raffle tickets (amazing prizes~including a weekend at a condo in Steamboat Springs, a round of golf at Interlocken, baseball tickets, gift cards to restaurants and retail stores). Everything was donated to sell, raffle and help our family. Brett and I are so very thankful to these people that pulled this together, most of which have never even met Brett! What a generous and caring community I work with! It was a fun time, check out the pictures~to be posted soon!!!

We also had a visit from Brett's Favorite Aunt Bonita and Favorite Cousin Rhonda. As Brett describes, "They were a breath of fresh air!" We laughed and reminisced, bbq'd and played baseball with the kids. We even had them watch the kids while Brett and I rolled down Hampden for dinner to celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary.

A visit from Bonita isn't complete without her making one of her famous Chocolate Banana Cream Pies for Brett. (See the pictures, Cole loved it as much as Brett did!) And Rhonda's energy is contagious!!!

Brett started feeding himself on Monday morning. Then each day after that, more and more progress. He fed himself lunch, then three whole meals a day he ate without someone else feeding him. He can scratch his nose, and wrap his arms around us for a hug! He has some cool adaptive equipment that helps him use the cell phone, to push elevator buttons, brush his teeth, and turn up the volume on ESPN.

The infections are still "under control" at this point, but monitored every day, and antibiotics are continually adjusted.

Sounds like the middle of September is Brett's target release date from Craig Hospital. YIKES!!! This date is always subject to change, but everyone needs a goal.

Brett has started reading the blog himself, without my help. He plans to update the blog himself sometime soon. I will monitor the posting~we all know he loves a captive audience.

Much Love~Kelly