M.O.D. - Mother Of the Decade

It can't be boiled down to a brief blog entry. The love, appreciation and admiration I have for Ruthie has surpassed already soaring heights. We've been through the ringer this year, no one feeling that more profoundly than her. From the shot to the gut of hearing for the second time that your child has rare heart disease to the anxiety of a high risk delivery to anticipation for open heart surgery. Intense - not to mention being on the front line for care of that baby along with her wild 3.5 year old sister. I married an amazing woman - who has taught me more than I can ever teach her. Don't think I let a day go by without acknowledging her kindness and care. Tell me I'm not fortunate for marrying a former cardiac rehab therapist who can interpret trips to the cardiologist for me.

With just outside of a week prior to surgery I credit her determination with the outstanding condition that Kelly is in. Mark that up there with the many things I am indebted to her for. Looking back at this year, many years into the future, it will no doubt go down as one of the most difficult in my life, though also one of the most profound, thanks to her. Ruthie - I love you baby - and will never forget the great gifts you've provided to me through our girls.

Profile of a Big Sister

What do you want in a big sister? A virtual Merriweather Lewis, a trailblazer who embraces adventure and isn't afraid to show you the way.



You want someone one of a kind - who embraces and celebrates your uniqueness.



You want someone who is kind and sweet - there before you need it.



Evie - beautiful and bound for greatness - a born big sister.

Just two weeks until Evie's 4th birthday, our transition back up to Rochester, and the surgical date.

Immaculate Conception's Newest Member

On Saturday August 14th, Kellyn Rose was baptised at our church - Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - in Ithaca. Hot, but lovely ceremony at the 4:30 mass by Father Leo with special prayers for her approaching surgery. Thanks so much to family coming in from around NY (and overseas!).



For godparents we chose a solid crew of godmothers. My sister, Rebecca Friedman and Ruth's sisters Becky Owens and Roberta D'Agostino or as they affectionately refer to themselves Flora, Fauna and Merriweather. I felt very fortunate to be able to have had Kellyn baptised at our home church prior to the surgery. Thanks again to all that helped make it happen.

Kellyn continues to do well. Now weighing over 13 lbs. the physicians are pleased with her growth (89th percentile for weight, 68th for height - lengthening out!). Very positive preparation for surgery. She's sleeping a bit better as well for which we are all very pleased. Ruthie continues to do an outstanding job feeding and caring for her each day. Big sister Evie continues to be a handful, but is sweet. Weekly trips from Grandma have helped a ton.



Gearing up for my sister Stephanie's wedding on the Hudson next weekend. Evie has already been working on the dance moves with Kellyn. It's a wild, but beautiful summer.

95th Percentile

Last week we found ourselves back in Rochester at Evie and Kellyn's Cardiologist. In part of the ramp up - six weeks until surgery - we anticipated having to roll up on a bi-weekly basis here on out. Doc was pleased with how she's doing and said he won't have to see her until post surgery. To try and fend off any episodes that might warrant emergency surgery whe have been prescribed a beta blocker to administer to Kellyn three times a day. We are a bit in uncharted waters now as Evie had surgery at 5 weeks old - Kellyn now pushing 8 weeks. She continues to look bigger and stronger than ever. Her weight is over 12 lbs. and is in the 95th percentile for her weight (nice work Kellyn and Ruthie!) and 25th percentile for height. Apparently, that equation is a surgeon's dream for surgery...so keep it rolling. Its getting rough knowing its August and surgery is on the horizon, but there are moments of absolute blinding brillance.