i could watch these videos all day! i love watching salem grow. she is changing so quickly. please give her a big hug and kiss from me. i know she is working so hard. i love the pictures, too. i'll never be able to capture her smiles like you can! so much love to all of you.

Josh and Keely,
Just thinking about ya'll today between classes and ran across this website. You guys are truly amazing and are in my prayers. I don't think I've seen a baby girl as precious as Salem. Keep up the hard work and God Bless.
War Eagle,
Parker
ps I'm sure Mary would want me to say hello for her!

Wow! Salem has accomplished so much since I last checked it. The walking with the little push toy and the clapping nearly reduced me to tears. Salem is an amazing little girl and you are amazing parents. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that Salem's progress continues to be so rapid and that she benefits tremendously from her next surgery. I will remember Salem and you both in my prayers.

Thanks for the card! It is on our fridge, so we get to see her cute face everyday! I just love the pictures that Erin takes, they are great. I wish she lived close to us! We are praying for you all every day.
Love, Natalie, Jamie and Abbie

Keely and Josh,
Thank you so much for the beautiful card and the beautiful picture of Salem. I love reading your journals and watching the videos of her progress. I will continue to pray for her and for you and specifically that God will lead you to the right doctors.
Much love,
Angela

In the 1906 novella Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, J.M. Barrie wrote, "When the first baby laughed for the first time, his laugh broke into a million pieces, and they all went skipping about. That was the beginning of fairies." Josh and Keely--someone sent this quote to me today and I thought of it as I listened to sweet Salem's laughter. I am praying for this next bit of your journey, and rejoicing--as the angels in heaven most certainly are--at your daughter's laughter. Applause indeed! Love you all,
nancy

Thanks for the frequent updates...keep 'em coming! We're anxiously waiting with you to find out what's next for Salem, and praying for a smooth and speedy resolution. Love the photo booth pictures!

Your lives are an amazing testimony for your faith. Thank you for your updates, I am praying for your family. Salem is precious, I love the video of her crawling! I am thankful that you both have Christ in your hearts to walk through this time with Him. You are not alone, He is always with us.

I'm thinking about all of you today. I'm praying for good things ...

Mx

Thanks for posting your thoughts and for your honesty. We will definately be praying--that you will have peace tomorrow as you wait in the doctor's office, wisdome for the doctors, and continuted strength for you and Josh as you continue in faith. May you all 3 sleep well tonight!!
Love to you,
Matt %26 Laura and fam

Praying for your appt tomorrow. Looking for a miraculous report.

Keely--
My name is Leann (Eggers) Linam, and I am Brian Johnson's cousin. My husband and I are beginning the paperwork to adopt a baby boy from Ethiopia. I'd love to talk to you about it. I haven't had time to read everything on your website, but it sounds like you and Salem have had a difficult journey. I'd love it if you have time to e-mail me and share any insights you may have or advice to us as we begin our journey!

Leann Linam

Keely,
I'm not sure if you will remember me or not, but you guys saw my husband, Scott, and I with our little girl, Haley in the Airport this summer in Nashville. I am one of Summer's high school friends. I found your site by way of reading through Conor and Boothe Farley's blog. Just wanted to let you and Josh know I will add Ms. Salem and the two of you to my prayer list. Thanks for sharing her story. I hate we don't still live in Orlando or it would be fun to meet up with the kids to play. Love to all of you this holiday season.
Kelly Davis

keely -- i just watchd the video of salem, oh so precious, and I LOVED your posting : ). look for an email shortly from me. you all are such gifts....i love you.

ash

Hey guys I just wanted to let you all know we are thinking about you. Abbie LOVES to watch the videos of Salem, we laughed so hard when we watch the one of Josh dancing with her, I bet she watched it 10 times! Its great to see her doing so well. I hope we will get to see you all over the holidays.
--Natalie

Happy Saturday Liem's I am so happy to see Salem crawling oh so proud of her. Just wanted to stop by to say hello. Give Salem a great big hug from the Courtyard!

God Bless you guys.....

I love the latest video of Salem crawling! Thanks so much for the ongoing updates. We think of you often.

Kellie
(Helen and Elora's mom)

I am a friend of Abby and Louie and have been following your adoption journey since Abby told me about you.

I can't even tell you how thrilled I am to hear that Salem is crawling. I will pray that she will continue to exceed the expectations of the doctors! Keely, you are doing a wonderful job as Salem's mommy! Thank you for sharing your story. Natalie McLaughlin

We found your site while researching local families who have adopted from Ethiopia. I will be keeping your familiy in my prayers. Can you please direct me to the Central Florida family group you referenced. THank you

Deanna

Hi! I discovered your blog while researching for our own adoption and have been reading regularly. I wanted to share with you that my uncle has a condition that sounds similiar to what your daughter is going through. Sometimes he needs help, but he rides his bike daily, works a full time job, and taught me to play chess when I was a child. I have every confidence that Salem will live a long and wonderful life especially since she has parents that love and nurture her.
God's blessings to all of you! My husband and I are praying for you.

Iesha (blog.awake2day.com)

Keely, Josh, Salem -

We continue lifting little Salem up each day in prayer. We believe in the name of Jesus that Salem is healed, according to 1 Peter 2:24. "The Anchor Holds"!!!!!

Brice, Darby, Olivia, Zoie, Emma

Parenthood is when you'll make yourself a complete fool--in public!--just to hear your daughter's laughter. LOVE the video of Josh and Say--and the videography is pretty cool too, Keely! It is an honor to pray for all of you, AND to delight in your various mielstones. So many people love you and we are so thakful to have this window into your lives and to Salem's glorious laughter. Thanks for sharing your heart and your joy.
love you all,
nancy

keely ...
I finally found you guys here. I had lost your blog for sometime and wondered often how Salem was doing. I come to read every day and pray for all of you. Your family is in my thoughts and heart. Salem is just beautiful.

A big hug,
Mariella in Canada

Hello,
I've been following your blog since before you got your referral of precious Salem. We're inspired by your strength, which we know only through your writing. I was so touched by the poem by Kelsey S. and wondered about sharing it with my family through my blog www.babyhawkeye.blogspot.com. I would not feel comfortable doing so without your permission. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers from afar.
Sincerey,
Dee Dee

Keely-
she looks great! Not only is she crawling, she is crawling like a champ! I am so thankful for this milestone and will continue praying for the ones yet to come.
mw

Congratulations on having such a beautiful daughter! WTG Salem! For some reason I couldn't access this site a couple of days ago so posted on your old one but in case you haven't seen that comment and are wondering who I am...I stumbled onto your site a while back, can't really remember how but I was born in Ethiopia and am obviously interested in that country and people, and in adoption too so it would have been along those lines. I had been checking occasionally to see how Salem was going but then your site was down. I am so glad to see that she has come through her surgery and is clearly thriving in your family. Congratulations on your famiversary! :)
Robyn (http://robyncausley.blogspot.com)

she crawled!!! i LOVE the video!!! it just looked like pure joy.

Hello friends! Willie and I have enjoyed the videos. We love the smile. Thanks so much for sharing these with us

I keep watching the video of her cralwing over and over!! Praise God! Thanks for sharing...please keep the updates coming!! Love you guys and continuing to pray!

Hi Salem,

It is one if your favorite night nurses checking in on you. I am so excited to see you crawling. Your Mommy and Daady must be so proud. Keep up the hard work. Nia is getting big too! We gave her a fish tank for her 1st birthday and she kisses them every morning. God Bless,

Willie

I'm so excited about thr crawling! Can't wait to see it!! Love you guys!

Oh yay Salem! Maia and I watched you crawl for the first time tonight. We are so proud of you. What a wonderful day. Congratulations baby girl!

we are just overwhelmed with joy at today's news! salem is the cutest flower fairy i have ever seen--i love seeing her look so happy! we love and miss you guys.

Keely and Josh--that video of Salem crawling is AWESOME!!! Way to go, Salem! She is a tenacious little one, isn't she? I am so happy for you guys as you rejoice in this milestone!

And thanks for being real, Keely. We cannot afford to compare our children to others, no matter how much our flesh wants to. She isn't anyone else; she's Salem. This is how God made her, and He is good.

(I know you know that. It's just what I have to tell myself over and over when I'm tempted to compare Thad with Seth or Seth with another kid.)

love, sarah :)

We just wanted to let you guys know we are thinking about you and praying for Salem everyday.We love you all. Natalie,Jamie,and Abbie

Happy famiversary to you! (That is a spectacular word).

Keely,

I finally had the time to sit down and read your blog of Salem's progress. She is such a beautiful child and a fighter. Fortunately I knew of her surgeries from Corey and Erin and have been praying for you all, and will continue to do so. I know you have had difficult news recently but one thing is for certain, you will still have the joy of watching her daily wonder at God's creation and how he is blessing and developing her. It may not be on the "normal" time scale but it still will be wonderful. I am so thankful you have this little girl to cherish. -Jennifer

Keely, Josh and Salem,
I really wish I had something profound to say, something more than that you are all always on my heart, but words fail me.

Hello from the Courtyard Atlanta! We all wanted to say hello to Salem %26 let you know that we are thinking about you %26 your family. We will continue to keep you'll in our prayers!

God bless.

I’m so glad that you shared your heart so in your latest post. I grieve with you in your grief. And I hope with you in your hope. You’re in my prayers. I love you guys.

Hi, Keely....it's been awhile. I've been following the Farley's story, another friend's story and yours, all the while being pregnant and receiving concerning news from our ultrasounds, blood tests, etc. All might be well....then again, it might not. There is so much uncertainty with being a parent. And yet our children truly are blessings from the Lord--each one of them, no matter their struggles. In fact, their struggles remind us of the hope that we have--the Hope of the now and the not yet. Perfect little people, flawed because of the fallen world in which they live....and awaiting the day when the flaws and the tears and the heartache will be gone. They're waiting just like we are, only they are oblivious and completely trusting. They are good role models for us, yes? I keep thinking of how sweet it was for the Father to give you the name Salem for your daughter, even before she was born. Peace. We love you guys....

love, sarah, jeff, and kiddos

My heart aches to read these words Keely and words escape me. My thoughts are with your family on this day.

Salem certainly has her challenges! How incredible that our Father has allowed her to live in the greatest home and legacy of love on both sides of the family that she could possibly have. We certainbly rejoice at every good word and go to our knees at every "discouraging word" but know thar our Father is not surprised at any turn and is there for each of you. God bless and encourage you. Rus

Hello Leim family! Josh, it has been a very long time since I've seen you, but, I've been following your sweet daughter's story over the past couple of months. You and your wife are such an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness to His children. I will be continuing to pray for your little girl and your preious family!! Maybe we'll all run into each other at CCC soon!!

Courtney

She is so cutte feeding herself those peaches. I also laughed out loud at her laughing at the balloon.. So great.
Can't wait to see yall and hang out.

love yall,
amanda

My eyes filled up with tears when I read your news! I am so happy to hear how things went in Atlanta!! Please continue to update us. With love and prayers for your precious family, Abby

Great news!!!

A little mama to mama tip from one who's been there done that with craniosynostosis surgeries. Don't let anyone (any doctor ie your neurologist) worry you about surgery post-op issues other than her plastic and neurosurgeon teams. They are just about the only doctors who will be able to tell exactly what to worry about and what not to worry about. We had a very similar experience with our son when some of his "hardware" in his head didn't dissolve in the expected timeframe. Our pediatrician began to worry and discuss things like "hardware removal" etc. Our team at Duke took one look and said in a very kind way "normal!" :)

Keely-
It's Molly Martin from the Oak Hill Days! I came across your site completely randomly through a mutual RTS friend that we have. I have read all about Salem's journey and am completely amazed at your family's strength, faith, and obedience to God's call in all of this. I am so proud of you all and lifting you up in prayer. I am so thankful for Salem. Having lived a somewhat similar situation (multiple brain surgeries and uncertainty about the future) through my best friend and her 4 year-old, I have a newfound heart for and appreciation for all of God's children, especially the ones who seem to have such a rough go like Salem and "my" precious Virginia. My husband and I are expecting our first child in February. I hope that he/she and Salem can meet and play together some day if we happen to cross paths back in Nashville!
In His Grip,
Molly (Martin) Witherington

I have been praying for you throughout the day today and I am so glad to hear the wonderful news! Praise God!

So happy for all of you!!!

Its Amy from SR and I will immediately begin praying.

I know you have family but please call if there is anything I can do for you guys.

770-595-8353

keely, Josh and Salem, I just don't have words -- but I am thinking of you.

My prayers go with you this morning as you head once again to Atlanta. May our Lord hold you three ever so close to His side...In Him, Mary Lea

Keely and Josh--Though I find words hard to find with this new development, I am lifting all of you up, especially your beautiful little one, before God's throne of mercy, grace, and provision. Praying for a good report tomorrow with all my heart. We love you all,
nancy and gene

I finally had a chance to look at this site! AMAZING!!! I just wanted to say that your daughter has touched my heart in many ways and I am so thankful to god that I was able to meet such a lovely family and beautiful little girl. I have so much respect for you guys for the things you have done. I took care of sweet Salem at Scottish Rite. I hope I have touched your hearts as much as u have mine. I wish you all the best.

Jenny Brown RN at Scottish RIte

Josh and Keely,

In my time this morning God brought you all to mind so I spent some time praying for you. For your marriage, for your daughter, for peace, for God to overwhelm you in a fresh way, for time in the word. Then I looked you up to see if I could contact you all and found your site. I am overwhelmed at all that you have walked through! I know how to pray and will continue to do so. Julie sends her love. May God let you experience His grace and mercy today!

blessings,
dave

Josh and Keely--
We are thankful and relieved to hear of the success of Salem's recent surgery. We have been tracking and keeping up with you through the Buck's and Crowe's and knew that you would be receiving top-notch care at Scottish Rite. I am terribly sorry that so much time has passed since we last spoke. I wish we could have seen you while you were here, but we certainly understand the demands of the circumstances. Please know that we miss you and love you! write when you get a chance! XOXO, Amy

Glad you are home! Look forward to seeing you soon.

WOW--I am so delighted to see that Salem is home doing so well! The picture of her is great, as is the video. She's a real trooper!!

Sweet Salem - I'm thanking God for you right now - and your amazing recovery. You definitely are one spunky, beautiful girl - you take after your mommy! You are an inspiration to so many of us!!

Love,

Amy

We are rejoicing with you that you are home! Salem looks beautiful! And the parents look radiant.

thank you God!! i am so excited that you are home!!! i am praying for restful days of hope and some good ole' fun. may all three of you get to enjoy each other!! love to you!

less than a week since the surgery, and already she is bouncing on rody with such gusto!!! it's so great to see her beautiful, happy, and energized already. love to you all.

Josh and Keely -

Love you, guys, and can't wait until can bring Salem home. We continue to pray for a full and complete recovery and for comfort and strength for Salem each day.

Carl

Our prayers have not stopped for all of you. Your website is a testimony in itself of God's love and touch upon your lives - even in the midst of such trials. May He continue to surround you and may His touch heal precious Salem...In His Holy Name, ML

I am so happy and relieved to hear how quickly and well Salem seems to be progressing through her post-op recovery and that she is coming home.

Hana

What a delight to hear how well Salem is doing and for the blessed gift of Life that our God has given. May you know His arms of Love about you, His banner over you is love, and His unfailing love that sustains you.

Because He Lives,
mary lou kirkendall

praying for rest and joy and healing for everyone!

Yay!! Great news!!! I'm so glad to hear she is out of the hospital and doing so well :)

We are rejocing with you and will continue to pray.

The Chapman's: Harry, Angela, Whit, Caroline, and Andy

Keely,

Oh, it is so joyous to read your entries this morning. Praise God for Salem's amazing recovery! It is so sweet to read about her big smile as Josh plays the guitar. Soon she will be "back" and a huge milestone is behind you. Congrats...you're an inspirational mother.

Sarah (parents2b on the forum)

Keely,

I only met you for brief second yesterday at Scottish Rite, just hours before Salem was discharged home. I am a friend of Susan and Madison Winn. I read your story and can tell from the few moments I saw you, that you and Salem are truly blessed to have found each other. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers for a long, healthy life together. Salem has a beautiful story to tell.

We sure do miss being there with you guys. I am so excited that Salem is back in the hotel with you tonight. I continue to be amazed at her strength and sweetness. Seeing her courage in
the midst of such a painful and scary situation was such a gift to me. We love all of you so much and are so grateful for you! Love and hugs and kisses to Say. Please ask her to tell Symone and Beyonce hello for me.

I’m so glad Salem is getting better and that you have her with you! I hope you are quickly back in Orlando. I look forward to seeing you all. Love you guys!

Hey guys,
Just amazed to hear the news of salem eating and playing, what a precious sight that must be. We will be praying for you all tonight as you will have her back with you. Can't wait to see you all.. Ellie says hello and keeps asking questions about salem. We love the beautiful pics of her on here.
love yall..
bucks

The Key Family is praying for Salem. We pray for a quick recorvery and healing.
God Bless,
Brice, Darby, Olivia, Zoie %26 Emma

Hi--just read your pos about today and am rejoicing at the image of brave Salem sipping from her sippy cup and playing with her toys. What a miracle of God's grace that children are risilient and so passionate about life. Thank you for letting us know to pray for the other children thre at the hospital. I just finished addre4ssing a package to our sweet patient and hope she will be home to play with it soon! We love you all so much,
nancy and gene

Bryna was looking over my shoulder as I was reading your updates today. She saw "Baby Salem" and asked where she was, I think her question was wondering if she was back home, yet. As a family, we continue to pray for you and as a church community, we are praying for you. It was divine that you visited our church not too long back so that our prayer warriors were able to put faces with names when I sent them your lists of prayer requests. Incidentally, our prayer time was Thursday morning at 10 am, so we prayed together. Matt had a special time praying at the 9 o'clock hour with Dr. Coffield. And the kids are really lifting up "Baby Salem" during their nighttime prayers and often throughout the day, too. We love you, friends, and we're standing in the gap for you!

Keely and Josh,

We are praying for Salem every day. May God richly bless and comfort and encourage you both as Salem recovers from surgery.

Love,
Jim and Carol Ann

Just wanted you to know we are continuing to pray for you all. God will certainly show His Glory through your faith and little Salem's strength.
Blessings
Andrea and Don

Josh, Keely and Salem,
I have tried to post before and hope that it works this time... I have been praying for you all. I know I have never met little Salem but I feel that I know her very well through Erin. I was so glad to hear that the surgery went well and pray that Salem has as much comfort in her recovery as possible. What a beautiful baby girl. Once she is up and at em again, and you make another visit to alabama, I would love to meet her, and let Aunt Erin's other neice play with her. You all are loved very much and I admire all that you do! Keely, as I read your updates... I especially admire your strength, I can only imagine as a mother what you are going through. Thankfully you have a wonderful husband and lots of family and friends that I can tell through your messages are such wonderful supporters, not to mention God himself lifting you up through such a difficult time. He is GREAT!!

Much love and prayers!
Casey (Corey's sister)

Keely,
Just want you to know I'm continuing to pray. I am SO glad that they used the dissolvable sutures. When I had my cochlear implant surgeries... the first two times they used staples and my recovery took so long. The third time, the dr used the sutures, and I felt so much better just a day or two afterwards! That was my specific prayer for Salem, since I felt I could identify with that.

I am continuing to pray for healing and comfort for her.
much love

It was wonderful to get to know you and to have a small part in her stay at Scottish Rite. I am praying for her, you guys and your family that this will a quick recovery and you can get home quickly. I am truly blessed to have met all of you and your friends and family rock!!!!


Amy

So glad to hear Salem was able to be free of staples and that she is so supported. I offered prayer among my chaplain coworkers yesterday and today at St. Vincent hospital in Indianapolis. Know that there are some 20 chaplains and the Catholic Sisters of Charity who are praying for your little one. May this be a weekend of healing and peace.

Tracy

Hey guys,

We have been praying and are thrilled to hear that Joe was able to make it by. He brought back a good report to all and I am thrilled to read the web update that things went so well. Praise God for His continued hand of healing on Salem and for you.

We keep praying,
B.A.

We are praying constantly for you. God Bless, joe

Bless your hearts! I will pray for Salem right now. I am sorry she is having some bleeding complications from the surgery. :(

I do have a tip regarding the pain meds. Keep a little log yourself of what meds she needs and when they are to be administered. (I kept a little notebook with me at all times during our son's two surgeries for cranio). For example, morphine for my son was every 2 hours at first. When it started to be about 10 mins to dose time, I would page our nurse and ask for his pain meds. Whether he looked like he needed them or not. It is really hard on anyone, particularly littles, to get behind on pain meds. The body has to work that much harder (as does the med) to "catch up". It's hard in hospitals for meds to be administered right on time unless parents give a gentle kind nudge. I've found that to be true in our case each time.

(((hugs))) I know how hard it is right now. Our son developed complications as well after his 2nd surgery. But Salem is a fighter! And she will get through this and this surgery has already helped her by easing the pressure in her brain.

So glad to hear the surgery went well....we are continuing to pray for healing and development for Salem. I know the Lord will continue to be strong for you in this time of need. Love you guys and let us know if you have any needs in Atlanta....we have plenty of family/friends that would love to help out in anyway.

Hello from NC! Wanted to let Josh, Keely, %26 Baby Salem know that we are praying for you here. You are amazing parents with a strong little princess. Thank you for your faith %26 openness - you are an inspiration to me :)

Josh and Keely,

We are so happy to read this news about Salem! We pray that she recovers quickly and that you know the peace and love of the Lord in the times ahead. We look forward to seeing you all and giving you big hugs when you get home! We love you!

LA and M

Josh and Keely,

We were so happy to read Salem's surgery news. We will continue to pray for her comfort and recovery... and for your peace and ability to sleep! This mama's heart goes out to that sweet baby girl... oh, and don't worry about Jezebel and Muffin getting along - they're behaving like old friends, chasing each other around the house.

God Bless You! See you soon...

Keeley and Josh,
Don't know that you remember me. I am Erin's "other Mother." Nancy just told me abut Salem's surgery and I just want you to know that I will keep all of you in my prayers. You are all so brave and wonderful and little Salem is lucky to have such a great family.

Dear Keely, Josh and Salem,
We have prayed for Salem and will continue to for her healing and recovery. Reading your website in preparation for this brought tears to my eyes. That fierce peace Keely is so very real.
Love, prayers, healing, peace,
Jennifer and Sarobira

wanted you to know that we are praying for Salem tonight.

My family will continue to keep Salem %26 your family in our prayers. God bless you'll!

Hey guys,
We love you all so much and are rejoicing with you all. So amazing how God answers prayers so perfectly. We will continue to pray for a fast recovery. Love and hugs and prayers...

the bucks

praying for all of you! love from us to you!
the rosenbaums

When I heard the good news of Salem's surgery, my heart leaped for joy! I'm so thankful to our faithful Lord! We are lifting you in prayer and I cannot wait until you're home! Love you all!

This year has brought so many changes for your family and for me. Don't know if you remember me (Jessica's friend from Alabama). I am sure you didn't recognize my new name (just got married last month yea!).
Beautiful Salem has changed so much since the last picture I saw. I have thought about you so many times and wondered how you were. Jess shared the news of Salem’s health concerns and we are praying for her, the medical team that will administer her care and Salem's wonderful parents. May God give you strength. Love in Christ ~ Leslie

I have never met you, but have read about you and seen your beautiful daughter on Erin Nolen's website (she also photographed my daughters). My entire family is praying for Salem. You are all in out prayers and on our hearts.
Robyn Davidson, Birmingham, AL