Mysterious Fan Mail

With the proliferation of angry blog-stalkers and spam commentary, I have recently started to moderate my comments to ensure suitability for publishing (love that censorship bonus as a blog author).  Well, I know it wasn't the bloghusband, as he was fast asleep next to me at 12:30 am, but someone made my day by leaving a very nice comment on my blog.  Later this morning, another reader, made my year by also having a pleasantry about my blog.  Who knew I had two other readers?

Camp Kieve

Photo Credit

While I miss the blogson dearly for three and a half weeks a year, I never worry about him when he's away at camp. It is a wonderful and meaningful passage to manhood for these teens. Each year, the wilderness journey get increasingly more challenging. This year, the blogson spent thirteen days on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine. He returned to his cabin this weekend. Although, I have only received four sentences on a postcard from my camper, Kieve provides information and photos to the parents almost daily. Yesterday's news from Camp Kieve illustrates the fun they have when back from a grueling wilderness adventure:

Today was Sunday and as Geoff raised the flag after a half-hour sleep-in, he announced that the theme of the day was Super bowl Sunday. After a breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit, everyone hurried back to their cabins to clean for a little while before choir practice. At chapel, Kieve Alum Chris spoke and we all sang the kieve hymn together. Afterwards, campers scurried back to their cabins to organize their things and make their beds in order to pass for inspection. Directors Tommy and Henry came around checking peoples cabins off and then camp settled down at Pasquaney to enjoy corn and barbequed chicken. In the afternoon, Pirates and Mystery Bus were the two most popular activities and despite rumors of rain the skies stayed clear. The counselors worked together to make a delicious dinner of wings, mozzarella sticks, burgers and dogs and then Geoff announced the evening activity: the Super bowl. Camp rejoined down at Harriet House field, which had been turned into a football stadium, complete with Goal Posts, loud speakers and delicious snacks such as popcorn and soda. Campers ate their fill while they cheered their counselors on. After the game we returned to the top of the hill to lower the flag while Geoff spoke of how much Kieve meant to him. Overall, it was another wonderful day at camp.

Amazing iPhone Picture of Sweet Amelia

Steph sent this amazing iPhone transmittal during the week. Our little sweetheart is scheduled for yet another surgery tomorrow. This is Amelia's fifth major surgery in her first year of life. Amelia is turning ONE! on August 2oth. Please spend a quite moment in prayer for Amelia's successful kidney procedure tomorrow. Thanks.

Allen Farm, Chilmark MA

Your daily dose of sweetness.

Amelia in Summer

Amelia is blooming this summer. In a recent email from Steph, the proud mom shares some thoughts on our little girl:

Amelia actually pulled herself up for the first time today!!! Unbelievable! When she was born we were told that she probably would not have any feeling below her waist...well, she is showing them! She is really doing well, no more retching, she's talking (Ma, Ba etc.), paddy caking, giving kisses, saying uh ooh, rolling from one end of the room to another, laughing and pretty much just being a perfect baby : )

Amelia in April

From Steph:

Amelia is doing great! She's 8 months in 2 days and about 14 lbs now. She is really developing her personality and has the sweetest disposition. She is rolling over, jabbering up a storm and loves her big brother! We saw the orthopedist yesterday and she can now have her brace off for 4 hours a day! She is loving the free time to move around! Each month we gain 2 more hours a day until she gets down to 12-14 hours (not determined yet) where it will stay for 4-5 years. She's making small advances forward with her eating but we don't think she will progress too much more until after her surgery. The surgery is happening on May 5th. She is having what they call a Collis-Nissen. They will essentially cut into her stomach to elongate the esophagus into the stomach which will take the tension off the esophagus which should stop her from gagging. Both surgeons agreed that this is what needs to be done. It will be an open procedure here with the surgical team that we have used with her other procedures. She will be in the hospital for about 4-5 days following the procedure. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers : )

Louis and the Sweetest Cat Ever

H/T Peg