Well it has almost been two months since Lauren has been out of her cast, it's scarey to think where the time has gone. Garry is now back at work and the kids and I are now enjoying the last little bit of time I have off before I venture back to work in the middle of February.
When Garry went back to work in the begining of January I was torn, I enjoyed us having this family time together, but me home with the kids and him at work made everything just a little bit more normal feeling. I never imagined my maternity leave to end up the way it did; however thinking back on how everything happened and what we did ~ I know we did our best, we made each and every day count for the kids. We ventured out of the house for a daily activity, even if it was just to the mall for Lauren to people watch or climb all over the airplane in the kids area (once she was out of her cast). We walked, went to Science World, The Aquarium, The pumpkin patch, Open Gym, she's been skating (well, stroller skating while Daddy pushed her), to music class, Logos, Bird Sanctuary, Steveston Park, the Train at Lansdowne (I think we funded it while it was here in Richmond). If it is kid friendly, we've been there, we didn't want to waste a day!
Lauren has amazed us with her agility and determination. Each day she tries something new and refuses help, part of me is always in shock and part of me gets it as that is how I am, very independent. With Lauren now in the rhino cruiser life is pretty much back to normal for us, as she is able to get into all of the trouble she was able to get into before her surgery. The only one thing she isn't able to do yet is walk, but it's coming soon. Little L is able to get up and down the stairs, she motors around on her little Lady Bug (and I mean motors ~ she is fast), can get down off furniture, can stand and couch surf and just this past week she has been getting up into a standing position and holding it for up to 10 seconds! Amazing! With her legs in such an awkward position she just pushes herself up and balances, we can't help her or we get "no no no". She also recently started pushing our ottoman around while walking, this is why I don't think it will be long before she is running on her own. Little L, you sure do make us proud to be your parents!
Brayden is just growing up so quickly. You can see the look in his eyes while watching the other kids play, he is just waiting for the moment he can crawl or run after them. My sister and I recently nventured across the boarder with the three kids and took them to Bellis Fair, while there we let the kids burn off a little steam in the play area. Lauren and Logan were climbing all over everything, going down slides, traveling through tunnels and just laughing at all of the kids running around (there were a ton of kids). Well, Brayden needed to be out of his stroller, he twisted and turned to get out of that thing, so I held him in a standing position so he was eye level with all of the kids~it was hilarious, he was squealing and laughing for about 15mins just watching the busyness go on around him! There have been so many firsts for our little man as of lately, he started sitting on his own at just over 5 months, now, you don't dare lay him down or he gets frustrated, he must be standing or sitting so he can see everything going on. He also started rice cereal, it took about a week or so, but now he is an old pro. As well, we also, or I should say "I" finally was able to get him into his own room/crib. The poor little guy was able to touch the top and bottom of his bassinet, so it was time for him to get into his crib. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, Brayden has adapted so well, actually he was more than ready, he is sleeping way better and so am I. I know I say this often, but he is just the perfect addition to our family, we love you so much Brayden, or should I say "smiley"! :)
January has been a busy month for our family, Garry back to work, Lauren back to school twice a week and I finally got time to register for bootcamp and start back running. Garry and I are both taking our eating seriously as well as our fitness. He is back to the gym 4-5 nights a week as well as soccer. Bootcamp is great, as it is three nights a week and will help me get back into running. Three years ago my sister and I joined the Vancouver Sun Run training clinic and unfortunately after doing all of the training I realized that we were going to be in Mexico during the 10km run (I still did it with a friend, just not downtown), so this year I am excited to run downtown with everyone ~ this is something I have wanted to do for sometime! I have found an awesome Sun Run Clinic, the people are awesome and so supportive, it is the exact environment anyone needs to succeed! So, each Saturday, Brayden and I get all geared up to go and brave the elements, although Brayden gets a free ride and normally enjoys a nice nap while I am running my butt off (literally I am hoping). :)
Our next appointment for Lauren with the surgeon is Valentines Day and we are just really praying for good news. Please keep little Lauren in your prayers ~ we really want to make sure she doesn't need another operation, so we are doing everything in our power to try and make her healing successful.
Happy New Year to all of our friends and family. We love you and thank you for all of your support!
The Marcinowsky's
