Three Northern Stars: Back to Work

Monday, August 16th was Mike's first day back at work and my first full day at home alone with three children. I must admit I was a little scared to juggle the needs and wants of all three kids on my own. And of course, Mike didn't want to go back to work after a great month off, but it had to be done to pay the bills! The first day went pretty well. I handled the boys' swimming lessons by putting Lauren in the carrier so I could keep her away from the water, and we mostly just played around the house. The following day was pretty rough on Lauren as she missed her daddy and the undivided attention that one of us could always give her when both of us were at home.

Mike took Wednesday off so he could stay at home with the boys while I took Lauren to her first doctor's appointment in the US. Lauren did great with the doctor until the shots. Poor girl screamed! Overall, Lauren was given a clean bill of health by the doctor. She weighed in at 21.7 pounds (38.8%) and her height was 2'6.5" (69.96%). One thing we need to be on the lookout for is the way that she is sitting. The doctor noted that she has too much rotation in her thighs and hips. This is something that should resolve on its own but we need to encourage her to sit on her bottom cross-legged or with her feet out, instead of on her knees with her legs sticking out like a W.

Thursday, August 19th was the last day of swimming lessons for the boys. Kyle passed his level but Cameron did not despite the fact that he did everything on the required list! He was so disappointed as he did it all and tried so hard. We are so proud of both boys and the progress they made in the water. Way to go Cam and Ky.

Friday brought us back to the doctor's office for the dreaded blood draw. Lets not sugar-coat it...it was HORRIBLE. They could not find a good vein on my baby girl and poked around in both arms for about 20 minutes while I had to hold her down and cry with her. Lauren screamed the entire time and eventually exhausted herself and slept. That was one of my toughest mommy moments.

On Saturday, August 21st we hit the lake for some more water fun. Lauren loved exploring the sand and water with daddy. The boys loved "swimming" and playing football with mommy. What a beautiful day.

Sunday was a pretty special day as we introduced Lauren to Grandma Judy, Grandpa Al, and Great Grandma Betty. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and some playtime. At first Lauren wasn't so sure about these new visitors in our home. They had been the first visitors into the house since we came home. But soon enough Lauren decided that Grandpa Al looked like he might have a comfortable lap and climbed up to check him out. She loved the extra attention. Now she just needs to meet her other grandparents and aunts and uncles.

We enjoyed three nice playdates this past week and Lauren got to meet some my friends and their children. Thanks to Amy, Nancy, Jody and Ann for the fun. Lauren loved the other kids but liked to stay close by me.

School will be starting soon here. On Tuesday, August 24th I had to attend a parent information night for Kyle's preschool. The start of school also means fall soccer for Cameron. He had his first practice on Thursday and already loves it.

Mike also took Wednesday, August 25th off to spend the day with the kids and help me out with some scheduling conflicts. Cameron had a friends' birthday party that day, Lauren had her first dentist appointment, and in the morning we had our first post placement visit (one month) with our social worker. Can't believe Lauren has been home a whole month now! Our social worker thought that Lauren's attachment was going well and she seemed really at home with us. She also agreed with us that she is super smart and cute.

Here are some more random photos from the past two weeks: