June update

Oranje fever subsided here in Holland once the Dutch soccer team disappointingly lost it's quarterfinal match against Russia. There has been some good news here, though, as Elliott's kidneys seem to be working again. He's not out of the woods yet, but he seems to be on his way to recovery, at least for the time being.

Theo's first birthday is in less than two weeks! He's able to stand by himself now, and he'll even take a few steps on his own if he sees something that he likes nearby (like his mama). Any day now we'll have two little boys running around here, and then we'll really be in trouble!

It's been a while since we posted a video clip here, so here's one to enjoy. Cameron had a group retreat the Northern province of Friesland, where he got to soak up some Dutch culture and try out the local sport - Fierljeppen.

Hoera!!!

The Dutch soccer team has won its second match of the 2008 European championships! The entire country is going nuts; everyone is wearing orange! This time their opponent was France, on Monday it was Italy. Whenever Elliott hears people cheering a goal, he yells "Oranje! Oranje!". Oranje is the team's nickname. Their next game is on Tuesday against Romania.

On a more serious note, Elliott recently started taking medication again for his nephrotic syndrome. He's in good spirits, but is starting to get edema again. Because we're starting treatment earlier than last time, we're hopeful that the illness won't advance as far and we won't have to go to the hospital. Keep sending him your good kidney vibes.

Expensive taste

Theo is very adventurous. If you put him on the ground, he'll immediately crawl away, whether it be into the street, off a ledge, or through a puddle. He also puts everything in his mouth. Yesterday at the supermarket, I put him down for a second so I could pack our groceries into our stroller.

After a second, Megan said "What's he chewing on?" I swept out his mouth, and found a gold diamond and pearl earring! He was upset when I took it away - I think he wasn't finished sucking the flavor off of it. I don't dare put him down near dog park...

Huh?

We don't eat many donuts in Eindhoven (we prefer freedom frites), but you probably won't find us eating Dunkin Donuts when we move to Boston! If you haven't read about Rachel Ray and her scarf, check it out. Perhaps you'll think it's as ridiculous as we do.