May 29- DAY +12

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and was able to spend some time with family and loved ones. We had a very relaxing weekend and managed to stay out of the hospital -YEAH! Connor's hair started to fall out in wisps over the weekend and he would notice it while eating or playing on the ipad. He was so concerned that he would go bald and just didn't want to lose his short military hair. We played it casual and told him that he may go bald that the doctors said that this may happen but didn't make a big deal of it - just tried to brush it away so he wouldn't notice the quantity, but my heart was breaking for him. Finally, on Monday night, the hair started falling out in massive clumps, quite shocking at how much could fall out at a time. Connor was so irritated by the short stubbles and hair all over his pillow and clothes tht he was having difficulty falling asleep. He asked us a few times if his hair was 100% definitely falling out. We told him most likely yes and would he like to just cut it off now and be comfortable. He gave me this sad look and at first said no, that maybe it won't all fall off but within minutes after more clumps falling off, he decided to just do it and we shaved his head at 1:30 am! I can't tell you how proud I am of him for making such a wise and mature decision and the best part is after it was done his comment was "I have never seen my entire head before, let's explore it"- what an amazing attitude! This attitude was exactly what I needed at the time and he showed me so much strength and perserverance that all I can do is Thank God for this amazing boy. (Btw, no tears were shed and he still has a good chance of winning that bet from me). And then he told me that I am NEVER to take a picture of his head - so unfortunately no pictures at this time - but he looks really cute and kind of reminds me of Caillou. We also received word that our 17 year old friend who received his transplant the day before Connor started to engraft over the weekend. We are so happy at the news! Please pray that he will not have any GVHD. We are excited to see what our lab work will show today. We are hoping that with his hair falling out - that this is the first sign of engraftment as well but will find out more this afternoon. I think the doctors are concerned with his platelets and told us to expect a platelet transfusion today but he hasn't had any unusual bruising so I am hoping to avoid the transfusion. Please pray that we are also engrafting and no GVHD and please pray that Connor will get used to his new look. Have a great day!