Happy 6 months with our Kameron!

It has been quite awhile since I last updated on our journey. And I feel it is high time to update ya'll on our happenings. Lots and lots has happened. Our lives are certainly never, ever boring.

I can hardly believe that Kameron has been a Maddux for over 6 months now! In that time he has grown 5 inches, 3 shoe sizes, 2 clothes sizes and 15 lbs. And the personal growth he has had and the healing that has taken place already, has been absolutely astounding!

Kameron has been going to school for 3 months now and he has been flourishing there. He does quite well at school. His teachers all really like him. He is well liked by his peers. And he shares gum, food, and candy like nobody's business. This boy has got middle school all figured out! His language development has been impressive and rapid. Rare are the days where interpretation is needed. In fact, Kameron recently ROCKED his pediatric ophthalmology appointment a couple weeks ago and did NOT need an interpreter whatsoever!!

We received news from the pediatric ophthalmologist that Kameron most certainly has an ocular muscle palsy that he has likely had since birth. And the only option for it is surgery. We have scheduled the surgery for early August. He may need another surgery after that, depending on his recovery and any complications. But we were happy to hear that it is 99.9% that surgery will make his eye near perfect, and most certainly better!

Kameron at his eye doctor appointment. Determined to play the iPad despite his eyes being dilated. He had the entire waiting room laughing.

Kameron has been outstanding about it. I was worried he would be terrified of being in a hospital and with having surgery. He says he is good, just as long as mom can be with him the entire time he is awake. :) I am grateful for a great doctor and pediatric anesthesiology team in Boise who has agreed to let mom go back with him until he is asleep and to be there before they wake him up.

Kameron has had a lot more milestones and firsts I wanted to share (and remember when we look back on all of this one day).

Kameron's first award at school!! So proud of his hard work.

Kameron's first art project that he surprised mom with!

Kameron's 1st family portrait. Don't mind the 2 grumpy faces... :)

Kameron's 1st Big Mac, now his favorite hamburger.

Kameron's first Cake Pop. He says they are GOOD!

We also celebrated Toby turning 6 years old. Did you know that the day you turn 6 years old, you wake up much taller, bigger, and faster?? I had no idea.. but it's the truth! Or so I'm told by our very proud six year old.

Toby loved his poke-ball minion cake and lynchee drinks for his birthday

And then there has been a ton of cuteness and pure adorableness going on around these parts. I am so proud of all of our boys. It has been a tough adjustment the past 6 months. But things are starting to settle out. Jesse Jay is learning how to be a little brother and how to share better. Toby's tenacity and ability to persevere in hard times is absolutely amazing. And Noah.. goodness. He can't help but be absolutely 1000% adorable 24/7.

The 3 littlest Maddux's walking to school

Feeding baby goats

Noah showing off his "Chopsticks Face"

We would appreciate your continued prayers for our family. I (Sarah) have been dealing with thyroid issues the past few months, and it has been a challenge to say the least. Some of our adoption adjustments were complicated by my own recent and sudden health issues-- many stemming from my thyroid going "out of whack." Basically, I have learned that I have an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack my thyroid and cause nodules, and when I am under great stressors this is likely to happen off an on, until my thyroid officially fizzles out (sometime years from now). I am taking steps to get healthier and will soon be starting an anti-inflammatory diet that I have great hope in will soon have me feeling better.

The Maddux Family