AC Milan are European Champions

It was nine months ago when Parker watched Italy win the World Cup of soccer and we figured then it was a sign for us.

Two nights ago, Parker and I watched the finals of the European Cup between AC Milan and Liverpool. Parker wore his AC Milan uniform to show his support for his current home town. The game played on Rai Uno and daddy let the little monkey stay up with him until the game was over. To be honest, I highly doubt that I could have gotten Parker to go to bed with a TV on with people kicking a ball around on it only three feet from his bed. It was an exciting game with AC Milan coming out victorious (2-1) and Parker, daddy along with his nurse for the night were extremely happy. "Milan! Milan! Milan!", she would chant when she saw Parker in his uniform. I took many pictures of Parker with him wearing the same uniform that his favourite team was wearing that evening. I hope you enjoy them.

Today is considered day +7 and as a result Parker gave more blood than he normally does every couple of days so that they may obtain some more data pertinent to the study and Parker's health. Parker is currently on bicarbonate as it is a little low. This is apparently normal and is a result of the metabolites in his kidney. His kidneys are functioning fine; however, the metabolites have caused the bicarbonate in his body to decrease slightly. For those of you her are unsure what that means, I shall explain. Bicarbonate is alkaline; the opposite of acidic. It's main purpose is to keep the blood from becoming to acidic as it neutralizes anything that is acidic. It is a balance. So, to make sure that his blood is neither too alkaline or too acidic his blood is tested. Parker has received bicarbonate twice this week through an IV.

I know that I have mentioned it before but I want to say it one more time. The nurses in the bone marrow transplant unit at the San Rafaelle are absolutely amazing. Although not all of our nurses speak English, all of them see to be extremely caring and professional. Parker always laughs and smiles when he see any of them, even the ones that have had to poke him to obtain blood. The nurses have become accustomed to our schedule with Parker and are very flexible with us. They understand that we are very knowledgeable in regards to Parker's disease and that we have done and continue to do what is necessary to keep him healthy. They do his vitals when it is convenient for Parker and they do it in such a way that he remains happy. In the morning, before Parker and I wake up, they generally have to take blood from him. They always try to make sure not to wake me (I am a light sleeper at the hospital so I usually watch quietly from my bed). Two nurses come in at 6am with a small flash light, so that they may leave the lights off. Very quietly they attempt to pull blood from his cathedar while doing there best to not wake Parker. When they finish, they leave just as quietly, usually with a thumbs-up from me who watches very quietly. So, I just wanted to say to the nurses that we are very appreciative of everything that you have done for Parker and us while we have been in isolation.

I am sure that the results of day +7 will go very well. I will keep everyone posted.