Camden's Blog

Summer??

2009-06-19T20:47:00.002-04:00

Does summer in Maine really start this weekend?? It has been raining here for what seems like weeks. I do remember one or two days of sunny 80 degree days in the last three months! Mother nature had better get her act together!!!

I cannot believe that it has been six months since my last update. WOW!! I will try to remember these past months.

We flew to Florida in March to visit Andy's parents, and Camden has 14 days of very watery stools. We contacted Boston who connected us with a pediatric gasteroenterologist in the Tampa St Petersburg area. Camden underwent labs, xrays, and two sets of stool cultures. Everything was completely normal. So we were left with no answers except is may have been a viral infection and Camden took two weeks to return to "normal".

We were in Boston for clinic in April. At that time we had not used Camden's Mik-key button for three months. His weight was steady, but not significant, so the tube stayed in:(. We had hopes that it would come out. We did switch from neocate formula to whole milk, which he did great with!!

On May 5th I got a call from the daycare to say that Camden's G tube had broken off. YIKES!!! So I called Andy and he went over to investigate. The valve had broken completely off, the balloon had deflated, but the inner part of the tube was still at skin level. So Andy took him to the Emergency Department where I met him. They contacted Dr Jaskick's office and spoke with him about the problem. When asked if they should put a new tube in, they were told to leave it out!!! The plan was to take it out in June!! So my little man is without any tubes!! The site did not even leak and is healing very well.

This week we returned to Clinic at Children's Hospital, and were pleasantly surprised that his weight was 22 pounds, 12 ounces (10.35 kilos). They also were happy to see progress on a bit of a growth curve too.

The new plan is to decrease the amount of milk per day, he is now drinking between 30 to 40 ounces of milk a day! This will hopefully increase solid food intake.

Next week Camden starts in the next classroom up at daycare. His buddy Alec is moving up with him! It is more structured, and he is with more mobile kids, rather than with the babies in his current classroom.

That should do it for now! Whew!

Happy Holidays!!!

2008-12-27T11:22:00.006-05:00

Has it been over a month since my last post? Time is flying!! Things have been hectic, hopefully 2009 will be calmer.

Camden has been in constant motion since he started walking. He only stops to eat and nap. He loves to dance too. He has become the dancer in his daycare room. He also has been babbling up a storm too. he tries to mimic words, says about 10 words, and will "go get your bottle" or "go get your ball" on command! He certainly is a little man now!!

We have been digging out from the snow and scrapping off ice. We spent Christmas Eve at my mom's with my brother and his family. Except for the fact that Bob was feeling under the weather, we had a great time. Christmas morning we were all home and Maddie really enjoyed opening presents. Camden enjoyed playing with the boxes and wrapping paper! Of course they both were spoiled! That's what what kids are for!

Camden Walking!

2008-11-21T10:42:00.005-05:00

What a big boy!! He is now trying to keep up with his big sister! camden had a weigh in at Dr Ross's office yesterday. He is 20 3/4 pounds (9.4kg). A small weight gain from a month ago, but now that he walking, he is really burning up those calories!! He really loves his O's and goldfish and even tried coleslaw last night! I think he played with it more that he ate it, but he was fun to watch.

We're walking!!!

2008-11-06T20:22:00.004-05:00

Camden has been a very busy little boy. A few months ago he slowly began crawling, and over the past souple weeks he has able to walk across the room!!! He has the biggest smile on his face when he plops down on the floor! then he claps. He is well on his way to keeping up with Maddie! Now I can really see myself being pulled in two different directions soon!! I will upload pictures soon!!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T12:16:00.005-05:00

Parkside had their annual Halloween party for the kids on Thursday. We both were able to go over and help Maddie's class with the party and snacks. Then we tried to have a class photo. It was very hard to get 20 kids to all sit still, look forward, and all smile on cue. It did not happen for us. I guess that's why we are not professional photographers!! Andy then held Camden as the parade of costumes travelled throughout the day care. The kids had great costumes, there were several princesses and super heroes in Maddie's class.

The kids had a blast trick-or-treating on Halloween! We visited several houses around Bangor, and showed off their costumes. We even ran into several people we knew while out around. Maple street was a very busy street! After trick-or-treating, we took the kids over to the hospital to show everyone their costumes. Maddie kept saying "Look at me! I am so preety!!"

The kids were tired and went to bed by 8pm that night!

Camden's Trip to Clinic and NJ

2008-10-14T20:21:00.003-04:00

Thursday, the Brown family packed up the car and headed south to Boston for clinic. Camden's appointment was at 1pm and we left early to have lunch at Hotel Hanson's beforehand. Marjorie and Mark also watched Maddie while we were in clinic. Camden's visit went very well. We saw many of his team and they were all very happy with his progress and how healthy he looks. His weight was 20 1/4 pounds. The docs also gave us the green light to keep introducing foods, and give him back his yogurt! Our new goal is to reduce his night feeds from 10 ounces to 5 and increase his daily oral intake by the 5 ounces. It has not been easy yet. If we can accomplish this goal by our next appointment in Feb. 2009, and he is not needing any boluses or night tube feedings, we can get the G tube removed at that Feb. clinic visit!!! We can then convert from formula to regular, whole milk!! I cannot even imagine NOT mixing formula anymore!! It would be awesome!

Dr Jaskic also invited us to be present during a lecture he is giving to the entire medical student body at Harvard University, but I am not sure if another trip to Boston will fit into our schedules in early November. But what an honor!

Andy and I then took Camden to 10 East to visit and show him off! We then headed back to Hotel Hanson for a great dinner and relaxation.

Friday morning, we again packed up the car and headed 4 more hours south to the Foley-Brown B & B to visit with Andy's sisters. We arrived about 4 pm. The kids napped some in the car and did a great job! We enjoyed another great meal and relaxed some more! Maddie even tried out Wii games! Saturday was a beautiful day in NJ. Clear blue sky and warm, in the low 70's. After breakfast Maddie helped Flo make toys for their birds and did an awesome job with her coordination and selection of beads and toys to hang in the cage.

We all went to a huge farm about 5 miles from the B&B and looked at all the variety of pumpkins. We then went on a hay ride around the farm. We all enjoyed that, even Camden!! After 20 minutes we got off and were allowed one pumpkin each. Maddie then played in a great children's area and hay maze. it was lunch time, so we got hot dogs there on the farm and doughnuts (one free for each of us with the hay ride) and had a picnic! Maddie then tried her hand at pumpkin sling shot! She did really well with some help from Andy and I.

We then returned to the B&B for naps for the kids and Nancy, Flo and I went shopping for a new car seat for Camden, now that he can officially turn around and face front. We found a great one and bought it on the spot.

Sunday we headed back to Hotel Hanson and enjoyed yet another great meal and rested from the 4 hour trip back. Monday we headed home and arrived about 2 pm.

While we were gone, Camden developed a horrible cough and Monday afternoon we were able to get him into the doctor's office, but we were told it was probably just croup and to keep Motrin and warm showers going, which we were already doing. Tuesday the kids returned to daycare and our crazy lives keep moving foreword.

The Big Birthday Party

2008-10-06T16:38:00.005-04:00

The weather cooperated and we had Camden's first birthday party yesterday!! Many friends and family were there and we had a great afternoon. Camden even tried a bite or two of frosting from his cake (don't tell Andy!!) and he really liked it! We all had hamburgers and hot dogs (thanks Steve!) and the kids had lots of room to play, run, and climb on the playground. It was a great success!!

The BBQ was also to thank everyone who has supported us during the past year, Camden and the Brown family would not be were we are now without all your support. It has been humbling to be graced by all the love and support. THANK YOU!!

Thursday is a clinic appointment at Children's Hospital. We will be leaving at dawn Thursday morning to be in town for a 1pm visit. I cannot wait for the staff to see how big he is and how much he has changed since we saw them in May. We then have a reservation at Hotel Hanson for Thursday night, we are looking foreword to seeing them again! Friday through Sunday we will be in NJ at the Brown-Foley B + B! Then we plan to spend Sunday back at Hotel Hanson, before returning home Monday am, to start another hectic week. Whew!!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2008-09-27T15:14:00.004-04:00

You can't fight mother nature and expect to win, especially when a tropical storm/ hurricane is predicted. So we are postponing Camden's birthday party. We are now planning it for next Sunday, October 5th at 3 pm. It will still be at riverfront park in Old Town. I hope you can all attend!
Camden is now starting to stand on his own! I walked into daycare and he was standing up in the middle of the mat, not holding onto anything! He changes every day! But the thing he really wants to do is eat! He stares at the other kids when they eat Cheerios, and cheese and almost drools. Hopefully, we get the OK to move foreword with feeding Camden more foods when we go to clinic in October.
Camden, Maddie, Andy and Jack went to a UMaine football game last week. They all had a great time!
Camden then had his first ear infection last week and had to be on antibiotics. Boy did they give him the loose stools! he pooped nothing but water for days! We called his pediatrician and asked if we could stop the antibiotics early, which we did.
This past Thursday, the whole family went to an apple orchard in Levant and picked apples and pumpkins! There was a corn maze too, in the shape of a tractor. With our tickets, we also got a free small ice cream. Maddie loved that! Camden even stole a few bites of Andy's before he ate any. OK, I gave him a few bites, and he loved it! We then met Robin and Chuck at Dysart's, one of our favorite restaurants for dinner! We had a great afternoon. Too bad I could not find my camera to get some snapshots:(

Big Birthday Boy!!

2008-09-18T13:10:00.002-04:00

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY CAMDEN!!!

You're Invited!!!

2008-09-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

Camden's FIRST birthday is rapidly approaching and plans have been made to celebrate! Thursday, September 18th is is official birthday, but due to multiple scheduling conflicts, Sunday September 28th is the date. Riverfront Park in Old Town, Maine is the place, and 4pm is the time. We have been so blessed by all the support this past year, it has made such a huge difference! The nurses and doctors at Children's Hospital told us that it made Camden's plan of care and speedy discharge much more effortless since we were able to spend so much time with him. We could not have been able to do so without all the help back home. So we are saying THANK YOU to everyone who helped. Bring you lawn chairs and enjoy a BBQ on the banks of the Penobscot River in Old Town. There is a gazebo, playground for the kids and lots of room to have fun. If anyone has lawn games, bring them!

Labor Day

2008-09-08T18:21:00.002-04:00

Labor Day was spent at my mom's for a lobster bake and family portraits. It has been ten years since the last Fox family photos, and there have been many changes in the family. The biggest changes have been the addition of 6 great grand children for my grandparents!
Since Labor Day, things have been very busy with work, play and daycare. Camden is settling into Parkside very well. We have also set up a feeding schedule. The consistancy has worked well, with eating more, and pooping a little less during the day.

Camden's First Day at Parkside!

2008-08-25T16:19:00.006-04:00

Camden started daycare at Parkside Children's learning Center Monday. This is the same daycare ("school") that his big sister attends. Her classroom is right down the hall from his. Camden seemed to fit right in with the other older infants in his room. His teachers, Miss Sue and Miss Jenny, were right there for his first day and jumped at the chance to learn about his G tube button! We took supplies over last week and in serviced them on how to administer two of his medications, and left them the tools to practice and play with to get comfortable with it. They seemed confident when we dropped him off this morning that they could do this, and we even typed up detailed step by step instructions to keep in the classroom.

Andy and I then went out to Dysart's for breakfast, alone!! It seemed quiet at first, then we started talking about Camden's first birthday party plans and time flew by. A 3 hour nap that afternoon felt really good too!!!!

After we returned home, we talked to the dietitian at short gut clinic, Megan, about Camden's nutritional needs. We started him on more of a feeding schedule, which has worked well. He even took 39 ounces by mouth last weekend up to camp! On average I would say he take about 25 ounces a day now. The consistency of feedings helps to prevent huge blow outs in his diaper, but he still poops watery stool many times a day. We did pray for poop early on!!

He has adjusted to daycare and his teachers say he is doing very well.

We also have a date for our next clinic appointment in Boston. We will be there October 9th. I cannot wait for them to see all the changes and growth!! It is hard for me to believe Camden is already almost one year old!! I bought his birthday invites tonight on my way home and almost started to cry!! I am trying to get the final details of his birthday planned, then I will let everyone know.

Visit to Dr Ross

2008-07-28T14:55:00.002-04:00

Today, Maddie and Camden both had wellness check ups with Dr Ross. Maddie weighs 32.8 pounds (50th %tile), and is 37.25 inches tall (75th %tile). She is doing very well and will not have to see him again for a check up for a year!

Camden is 18 pounds 13 ounces (8.56 kg) which is 10th %tile, but we a re now on the growth curve!! he is 28 inches long or 25th %tile, and on that growth curve also!! Dr Ross feels that he has caught up on his weight and is doing really well!

We discussed eating and how well he is doing with cereals, yogurt etc... and will need to discuss with Boston about formula amounts and if we should be pushing the formula or foods.

So things over all are still progressing well and we will see Dr Ross again in October for his 12 month visit!

Busy Brown Summer!

2008-07-24T20:29:00.003-04:00

This summer is flying by!! It is already late July, it is hard to believe. I know it has been more than a month since my last post, sorry! We are all so busy this summer, time got away from me!
Camden it doing quite well, no hospital or clinic visits this summer, other than well baby check ups with his pediatrician. His weight isn't growing fast, but he is not losing weight either. On these hot and muggy days, we have a tough time getting him to eat his formula. We give him boluses of formula (which seem to go right through him), or large volume at night. He has tasted a variety of foods so far. He has not made icky faces at applesauce, pears, peaches, peas, guacamole (go figure!!), potato, and he even got a hold of a spinach and cheese bread stick the other night and chewed on it and ate some of the filling! He really enjoys drinking water, much more so than his formula!
We have enjoyed spending time with family this summer also. Nana and Grampy have helped with child care conflicts in our schedule, and are getting more comfortable with tube feedings. Grammy is also learning how to care for the MikKey button, give medicines, and tube feedings. Living two hours away, she doesn't feel all that comfortable yet, but she will with more practice.

A Long Two Weeks!

2008-05-28T20:10:00.005-04:00

Sorry I haven't written in over a week, things have been crazy here!!

So, after Camden had his central line removed we spent the day resting at Hotel Hanson's. Saturday we met up with Ellie and her parents at Boston Garden and Common. The girls hit it off great and loved playing on the bronze duck statues in the garden. We then all hopped on a swan boat and went for a little ride in the pond. We even saw a real, live swan. Dinner was at Ellie's house and we all had a great time getting to know each other better.

Sunday, we had the opportunity to share a very happy moment with another short gut kid, Reena, who recently had her Mik-Key button out. There was a party for her at her grandparents house, and we were there to help her celebrate! There were button games, button crafts, and all the food was round! We then headed back to Maine.

The week was a long and tiring one. There was some sort of virus around the house. Camden didn't eat much, and stooled a lot! Maddie and I could not stop sneezing, and Andy was vomiting for two days. Camden then developed conjunctivitis! Needless to say, I am glad that week is over. This week has been much smoother. Every one is feeling better and sleeping more! I wasn't getting used to functioning on three or four hours of sleep each night, and was very emotional and cranky!!

Maddie, Camden, and I went to a birthday party last Saturday where Maddie learned how candlestick bowling! She is pretty good, until the 7 year olds took over the lanes after cake! She still had a good time and really enjoyed the cake!

Camden's steri strip came off last Sunday and Monday night he had his first bath in the baby tub!! He loved it! He was amazed by the water, and loved feeling it flow down over his body. He didn't even mind it on his head or face! Maddie had to be right there of course and help out! So things are getting back to a more normal pace. In fact this morning, Hallie, our black lab came home from our friend's house! She lapped Camden and Maddie! This was the first time Hallie has met Camden.

I think I have caught everyone up. This weekend we have plans to plant the garden. I am working Saturday, so it will be on Sunday. Camden's home health benefits expire on Saturday but I have been assured by the home health agency that they will still be her for us. We may loose some hours if we have to bill through MaineCare but they are still planning to be a part of our lives! Yeah!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-16T20:16:00.003-04:00

We had a very busy father's day weekend. I was not scheduled to to work from Wednesday to Monday so I was home with the kids the whole time. I am not sure which is more exhausting, working 12 hour shifts or being home with the kids for 6 days!
Saturday Grammy came over to help us plant a new apple tree that she and Bob got for Camden. Then she made dinner for us! She even brought a special birthday cake for Andy and I, chocolate with half peanut butter frosting for him, and half boiled frosting for me. Andy's birthday was last week and mine was over the weekend. After naps I took the kids to my cousin's house to celebrate another cousin's baby shower and they both had a great time. Neither lacked for attention.
Sunday Andy was working so I packed up the car with the kids and the dog and headed to my dad's and camp to see Nana and Grampy. It was a long and tiring day for all of us, but I'm glad we made the trip.
Mimi came over today to help out and I was able to plant 6 more rows in the garden. I hope it turns out well. I love fresh veggies! The kids were even in bed by 7:30 and Maddie was asleep by 8pm! Am I dreaming?!?!?
We have hit a plateau in Camden's weights. He is still 7.5 to 8 kgs. Even with him eating oatmeal cereal, applesauce, and yogurt and meeting the 35 ounces goal each day with 10 to 15 ounces by tube feeding at night. But then I remember that even healthy kids hits these plateaus too, so I will just have to keep an eye on it.

Central Line is History

2008-05-16T14:20:00.004-04:00

This morning Andy and I packed Camden up and was at Children's Hospital by 6 am. Camden spent about 45 minutes in pre-op. the OR nurse carried him into the OR by 7:40 and by 8:05 Dr Jaskic came out to tell us the IV in his chest was removed without any complications. He slept off the anesthesia until 9:15 and drank some sugar water. Then we were on our way. We stopped up 10 East first thing this morning and again after the procedure to fill in the nurses. They were amazed at how big he has grown!! He weighed 8kg in pre-op.
We were back to Hotel Hanson's by 10:30 and Camden and I napped for a while. Maddie went with Marjorie and Mark to pick out snails and tadpoles for their pond. She had a great time this morning. This afternoon, she and Andy took the T into the city for some exploring. Camden took another nap after finishing off 5 ounces of formula. So now it is a day of rest and relaxation, for the Browns.

The Story Continues

2008-06-08T21:57:00.002-04:00

Last week we learned that our home health hours would be cut to 16 hours a week. That is a huge change from 56! So Andy and I have be scrutinizing our schedules and trying to use those hours for the best benefit. However, after June 30th, we are all on our own, our hours are gone:(
We may have to look at regular childcare for him, like a normal kid. Pleasing and scary at the same time.
Today Camden ate 22 ounces, not bad, then he ate another 9 ounces trying to go to bed (over and hour). So he only needed 4 more ounces by tube. So we are going to try giving it to him in 4 hours and see how he does without any after that for the rest of the night! I hope he gets some sleep, and myself too!

A Change in Hours

2008-06-02T21:11:00.002-04:00

Friday we recieved word that our insurance company has declined our request to extend home health benefits, since Camden's central line has been removed. In their words... "We don't need them anymore". How wrong they are!! But the home health care company has started the appeal process and are giving us 24 hours a week for right now. This are really tentative though, and I am not sure how long the hours will stay at 24. The home health care company is also started to file a request through Camden's mainecare care insurance for coverage so maybe we can continue through them. I hope so, it has been a HUGE help having them here.
We will have to wait and see.

I weighed Camden tonight after I got home from work, and it was 17.99 pounds! He spent the day with his daddy hanging out, geocashing, and eating 20 ounces of formula and a huge bowl of oatmeal cereal. They both had a really good day!

Family Trip to Boston

2008-05-14T20:35:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, we are packing up the kids and heading to Boston, again. This time it is for something more than just a clinic visit, Camden is having his central line removed Friday morning! It is a mixed bag of emotions. on one hand it is great and exciting that Camden is doing well enough that he no longer needs it, or the risks of having it in. On the other hand, should he need anything in the future as far as bloodwork, or IV fluids should he get sick, it means an IV stick. But it means he he getting closer to being a normal baby.
Maddie is all excited about going to Boston again, and staying at Hotel Hanson is so much fun for her! We are making a weekend of it, and going to a button out party for another short gut girl... Way to go Reena!!
We will keep everyone updated on how he does and how the weekend in general goes when we get back Sunday night.

Chunky Monkey!!

2008-04-03T20:14:00.003-04:00

Camden hit the 16 pound mark at his weekly appointment with Dr Ross today!!. We also were told that were to return to the office only after his next Boston appointment! That is is two weeks! What will we do with our Thursday mornings now?? He is also really trying to get his first tooth. It feels like a bud on the top, so we shall see. His feeds are going so well. He can take up to 7 ounces or more then a few hours later take another 5 or 6 ounces! Tonight he took 7 ounces then ate another 2 ounces half an hour later trying to get to sleep.
Maddie finally made it back to school today. She has had a fever off and on since last Friday and the rule at daycare is no fever for 24 hours. She came home tuckered out and whinny! She only wanted to eat carrots, yogurt and a banana for supper. She then fought going to bed for almost an hour!

Road Trip!

2008-05-04T20:22:00.002-04:00

Today was road trip day. Maddie, Camden and I packed up the car and headed to Stockton Springs to see my grandparents. They are snowbirds in Florida in the winter, so this was the first time seeing them since they left in November. They were surprized how chunky Camden is and how tall and grown up Maddie is. (It is true!!). After lunch we headed on the road again, this time to Athens, to see my dad. It was the first time in months he has seen the kids, due to our schedules clashing! He has been trapping in downeast and northern Maine for the last two months, and you all know how crazy our lives are!
It was so nice to catch up with them, and now I am much more confident traveling with them both by myself. Maddie was very well behaved today which helped too. So after last weekend at mom's and today's road trip, I expect I will be traveling to see more family with the two of them soon. Maybe even to Bowerbank??
Another busy week again coming up, and as always, Chuck and Mimi are planning to be huge helping hands with Camden's care!

A little diddy about Chuck and Mimi!

2008-05-01T21:07:00.002-04:00

Let me tell you about the two people that have drastically made our lives better since we were discharged from Children's Hospital back in January. Chuck and Mimi were retiring from the nursing field when we called them to see if they would be interested in becoming Camden's home nurses. They were just getting done at EMMC and were looking for a drastic change. We provided that, and they provided so much more.

Chuck and Mimi have been Camden's home nurses 95% of the time. They are calm, knowledgeable, and so caring! They talk to Camden all day, read books to him, take him for walks, and give him so much love! They are there for him when Andy or I are at work, need a nap or need to run errands. They have become a great part of our family.

They have also made it possible for Andy and I to start a garden, start composting, and get some little things done around the house that desperately needed to get done. They will jump in do dishes, laundry, or pick up toys without anyone asking them.

Camden responds to both of them so well, separation anxiety has not started to happen yet when we leave. They are so flexible with their schedules, even though our schedules are hectic and crazy! They are awesome!

Yet, I feel guilty about not being there for him, and not taking him on those walks. Sounds crazy, I know, but a part of me still feels guilty for getting Maddie into daycare, and that was a wonderful decision for both her and us!

Weekend NOT in Boston!

2008-04-28T17:30:00.002-04:00

Camden and I went to my mom's last Saturday to spend the weekend. Maddie was already there, mom picked her up on Thursday. It was nice to have some time at Grammie's with the kids, although Andy had to work all weekend! We were sad he could not make it. Camden seemed to have a great time checking out all the new stuff at Grammie's, it took him most of the day to stop staring at walls, windows, and lights! Sunday afternoon all three of us packed into the car and headed home, where Andy was waiting for us in the driveway! Maddie sure did miss her daddy!!

Today, Andy picked up Maddie at daycare with Camden and went geocashing in Clifton for a few hours to give me a break. Well, I did have to look over my PALS materials for Wednesday, plant a few seeds to start seedlings, and run to Sam's for more ink, diapers, pull ups and wipes! It started to rain, so they headed home.

Tomorrow we are invited to a Maine Black Bear baseball game with the Third watch Hockey team (you know the ones who chased around the women's hockey team during the broom ball game, and some how won!!). They are presented the check from the broom ball game to us, and we will stay to watch the game, if the weather holds. I heard it is supposed to rain tomorrow, keep you posted!

Weekend at Boston!

2008-04-21T19:22:00.003-04:00

The entire Brown clan headed to Boston Thursday morning, with a really packed car! We arrived at Children's Hospital just in time (or were we 15 minutes late??) for Camden's clinic appointment. We met with the surgeons, NP, dietitian, social worker, and by 5:30 ready to head over to our reservations at Hotel Hanson. A few changes in Camden's medications too. The docs stopped his Protonix, decreased his Reglan to three times a day, and after checking bloodwork, they stopped his Actigal too. The way we handle Camden's tube feedings changed too. Camden had a daily goal of 35 ounces of formula. What ever he does not consume by bedtime, is given via G tube over night. So, if Camden eats all 35 ounces, he does not need to be hooked up to any tube feeding at night! Right now he eats anywhere from 29 to 32 ounces a day. Not bad!! We were still unable to get his central line pulled on this trip, so we will have to wait until May 9th, as long as Camden gets rid of his cough completely!

Hotel Hanson's was great! We were able to visit with Andy's sisters Nancy and Flo, and friends Erica and Josh. We also visited with Nancy and Flo's birds Kiki and Zazoo.Friday, Andy went to Worcester for a surveying convention, thanks to his sister Nancy driving him there. Maddie, Camden and I just hung out at the house and rested, and played. That evening Marjorie, her best friend Rachel, and I went to the theater in Jamaica Plain. We saw Singing in the Rain and it was wonderful!! I rarely get to see live theater, what a treat!

Saturday, Maddie and I met Andy at Lars Anderson Park in the afternoon, (after his conference) and flew kites! The wind was perfect, Maddie and I got a little cold so we only stayed an hour or so. Saturday was also Passover and first Sader was held at Hotel Hanson's. That was a very nice experience. Maddie even found a new friend to play with, a little red haired girl, Shira.

Sunday, Nancy, Flo, Andy, myself, and the kids went to the aquarium! Maddie loved all the kinds of fish, although she got frightened each time the big fish swam really close to her as she sat in the windows looking in the big tank! We watched the seals out front of the doors play and Camden even liked to see EVERYTHING! He was so mesmerized, he ate 8 ounces of food and fell asleep in the baby carrier I was wearing for over an hour! We then ate lunch at Legal Seafood. Nancy and Flo left to visit Flo's mother, and Andy and I walked with the kids down some of the piers and watched to boats, and all the spring flowers that were out and in full bloom!

Today we headed for home, and our good friend MIMI was waiting for us and helped us unpack and tuck Camden for the night. Whew!!