Auntie Lauren's here!

Elliott and Theo's aunt Lauren arrived safely in Holland yesterday. Importantly, she brought many wonderful presents from the grandparents, including a fancy cowboy hat for Elliott! It goes great with his boots. We're looking forward to a fun week together.

Elliott and Theo...the past week.

This past week was a roller coaster of joy and stress for our growing family: joy as we welcomed our newest member, and stress as Elliott was diagnosed with a chronic kidney condition. On Tuesday morning, Cameron took Elliott to the emergency room where he was admitted to the hospital and later that day diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. Basically, Elliott's kidneys allow protein to pass out of his blood stream and into his urine. For more information on nephrotic syndrome, you can visit the following site on Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome. Because Elliott had significant edema (his face was so swollen that he could barely see) and very low blood protein, we had all been at the hospital since last Tuesday. The steriods seem to be starting to work and, in combination with diuretics and transfusions of albumin, we were allowed to come home today! This has been great for all of our mental health.

Normally only one parent is allowed to stay at the hospital with a sick child, but because of our unusual situation with Theo's recent birth, they allowed our whole family to stay. The hospital staff was amazing and generous...they arranged for Theo and I to receive check-ups following the delivery.

Elliott continues to need treatment and will probably have to deal with relapses, but at this point, we seem to be headed in the right direction. We ask that you continue to pray for him.

Theo has been an incredible baby so far. He is patient and sleeps well. He is eating like a champ and growing bigger everyday. Cameron and I think his face has filled out a lot already. Elliott has been a great older brother letting us know when he cries ("Baby cry."), sharing his treasured blankie-boo, and giving him kisses. We are two very lucky parents to have such wonderful boys! There are a few new pictures of the monsters but we haven't been as deligent about recording the first days as we should be. We'll try to record more photographic memories!

Eindelijk!! Theodore James Lee - July 8, 2007