Spina Bifida Holiday Party

Today we attended the Spina Bifida of Colorado Association Holiday party. It was so nice for us to meet other families who have already traveled this journey before us. It was a small dose of reality to see that yes, these kids have medical problems, some of them use walkers, some of them use crutches, and some are even in wheelchairs, but behind all that they are just kids. Just as Evan is just a sweet baby boy. I know that he will be able to someday accomplish whatever he wants. Not having your legs work doesn't mean that you can't be a doctor, or a lawyer, or...whatever he dreams to be. Lauren made many new friends and had a great time decorating cookies and making crafts. Best of all, Santa showed up with gifts for all the kids.

Back to Normal

It's amazing to think that Evan has now been home longer than he was in the NICU. He is already 8 weeks old and it is hard to remember what it was like before he joined our family. It finally feels we are living a normal life again. We are incredibly lucky to have such a good baby. He sleeps really well and so far has been an easy baby ( I probably just jinxed it). Lauren is getting excited for Christmas. Her letter to Santa has been written and the tree is up and decorated.

Yesterday we went to a birthday party and Lauren went on a sled pulled by dogs, then she and I went on a horse drawn carriage.

Trying this Again

I couldn't believe when I opened this blog today that it had been since March that I had posted anything. So much has changed. I've decided to go back to this blog because I felt like I wanted to be able to document our new journey with Evan and continuing journey with Lauren, if for no one else but myself, and I hope that some of you will follow us along the way. So much has already happened and I want to remember everything. The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the day we got Evan's diagnosis was how wonderful people have been to us. Something as life changing as this changes your relationship with people, and you definetly figure out quickly who will be there for you in the tough times. I don't think I will ever be able to express my thanks and gratitude to those people who have been by our side during this time. I think one of the hardest things about having a baby with Spina Bifida, is the not knowing. When we met with multiple doctors during my pregnancy we were always told such a range of things that Evan may have to deal with once he was born. It's very much a wait and see situation. I think that I have always been okay with that. A mom of a little girl who also has Spina Bifida told me early on after our diagnosis "things are going to happen, but they aren't all going to happen in one day." Probably the best advice I've ever gotten, not just applying to our situation with Evan, but to my whole life. Things are okay today, but tommorow they may change, and when they do I will worry about them then and figure out how best to deal with them. I know that worrying today about what may happen with Evan is not goood for any of us. So for now, he is doing better than anyone expected and is showing everyone what a stong little boy he is. Evan was born on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 2:41 pm weighing 4 pounds 1 ounce, measuring 16 inches long by c-section. Like a lot of other mothers, I imagine that after delivering a baby once you hear that sweet cry, you let out a sigh of relief. A sound I won't forget. So tiny and sweet. The nurses quickly cleaned him up I was able to see him quickly, then he was off to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to begin his care.Our time in the NICU was difficult, but I count our blessing every day that he had such amazing care while we were there. After 29 long days Evan came home. Amazingly, he is already 7 weeks old. In those 7 short weeks he has already been through so much, but he is doing so well. So many days I find myself looking at him and thinking he looks just like a normal baby, and then it occurs to me that he is. I know that we will have many hurdles along the way, but right now, he is doing amazing and fills our hearts with love and joy.

Apology

I know that I have been horrible about updating this blog... if anyone is still out there to apologize to. I have no new picutures, but thought I could at least fill you in on whats going on here.
We are a little stressed trying to figure out where Lauren is going to Kindergarten, even more stressed that she is going to Kindergarten. I can't believe she is old enough to go to Kindergarten. Her 5th birthday is 12 days from today.
Every day I realize how big she is getting. Her reasoning is so advanced. Everyday when I go to pick her up from school it amazes me the things that they are doing. She is learning to read, count money, tell time. I am so proud of her.

This is her latest statement that still has me laughing:

Last night after I put her to bed I was laying in bed, she came into my room and asked "mommy, which is my elbow and which is my shoulder?" So after telling her I asked why she needed to know, she replied "because Mommy I want to play Hokie Pokie in my room before I go to bed!"

Lauren being her typical funny girl!

White Fence Farm

Tonight we had dinner at White Fence Farm. A restraunt, farm, playground and more. Before we ate, we fed some goats and sheep their dinner.

Lauren sat in some old fashioned buggies

And visited a retired carousel horse

Roller Skating

Lauren had a great time this weekend learning to roller skate at a birthday party. She made it around the rink two times by herself, I am so proud of her.

New Adventure

Today Lauren and I had a new adventure. We went to the Stock Show and Rodeo. Jeff had to work, so we ventured with some friends and their two little girls. So, we loved it. It was so fun, I think it is now to be an annual event.

1-20-2009 Change is Near

Tommorow is the start of a new America. Change is near.

Destined to go to Hollywood

Laurens new favorite activity is doing "shows" for who ever may be present. She puts much time and consideration into each costume... This has to mean Hollywood is in her future.

Happy New Year- 2009

This was the first year since Lauren was born that Jeff and I spent New Years with Lauren. She spent her first new years eve with my mom and it became their tradition to be together, then spend New Years day watchcing the Rose Bowl Parade. This year, though, our family was still in Kansas with Jeff's family and my mom was in New York. We had a Lauren style party though, with hats, necklaces and of course sparkling apple juice. I think we did our count down around 9:40 pm. All of the adults were ready for bed by then. So Happy 2009 to everyone.