Baxter State Park

Kidney Pond 2011
Kidney Pond 2010

Kidney Pond 2009

We couldn't let Leah's cast ruin a tradition so we ventured to Baxter State Park this weekend, but only for a day trip. We drove up and checked on Dad who I think quite enjoyed a Mom and Leah free weekend to fly fish and camp on his own! I wish our 2010 picture was also on the bench on our favorite "hike" to Moose view... must remember to always get a picture there! Happy Memorial Day!

Pre-School Ends for the year!

Leah's pre-school at Hampden Academy ended for the year yesterday. She had not been able to go for a few weeks because of conflicts with pre-op, surgery, recovery and "speech class" so she was thrilled to get to go to the last day of the year. She has enjoyed school so much! Here is her end of the year class picture thanks to another Dad who brought his camera!

Upgrade

Leah's cast got upgraded today, the fiberglass wrap went on this morning. After telling us for days she was going to get green Leah decided on orange. Andrew took this picture with his phone as the tech was finishing wrapping it and while Leah sat on my lap. She continues to be such a trooper about all of this. She will have this cast for 3 weeks and then she will get a shorter one for the last month.

Leah's Anniversary+Dad

Taste of India May 13th, 2011
Taste of India May 11th, 2010

Bal Asha May 11, 2009

Leah's "Anniversary"

Mom and Leah: May 11, 2009

Two years ago today Leah was placed in our arms forever. It is still so strange for us to realize she wasn't always with us and we weren't always with her. There are many things to call this day "Leah Day", "Gotcha Day", "Adoption Day" but today my friend Liz mentioned they used to call her brother's day his "anniversary". I like it. We tried to make the most of the day even though Leah is wearing a cast and Dad is in Vermont at a conference. This morning we went to Audrey's and played with all of Leah's "friends" and this afternoon she went to Maggie's to play while I went to Verizon and got myself a gift for Leah's anniversary- an iphone! My phone went missing yesterday so seemed as good of a reason as any!

We will celebrate when Dad comes home by of course going to eat at Taste of India! In the meantime we documented the day with a picture of Leah and I! Thanks Michele.

Mom and Leah : May 11, 2011

Surprising Husband

Just taking a moment to brag... look how sweet and thoughtful Andrew was for Mother's Day! Luke "sent" me a Mother's Day card from Hyderabad! A couple of weeks ago we did sign the Power of Attorney letter for the Orphanage Lawyer so that was another step in the right direction but other than that no news. Luckily we have our hands full here with a casted 3 year old so we have plenty to keep ourselves busy!

Surgery

Pre-op! Turn getting ready for surgery into "dress up" and you are all set!
Happy that "Monkey George" was on PBS in the room we waited for surgery in!

Home sweet Home

Elevated foot for 48 hours- not a challenge when you have a mini recliner and a new blu-ray!

Today Leah had surgery to balance her tendon on her right foot. We have been so anxious about it since we scheduled it, but as is with most things in life it was not as bad as we had anticipated it would be. She has been AMAZING! She is currently at home, eating snacks, watching "Tangled" in her recliner and entertaining the various well wishers who have stopped by with balloons, bubbles and other treats for her. We are medicating her every 4 hours so it could be a long night, but well worth it if it keeps her pain at bay. She did not want to take her medicine until a very good Papa thought to pretend he was taking it too! Worked like magic! She will have this temporary cast for about 10 days and then a permanet fiberglass one for a month and then a shorter fiberglass cast for another month. Cross your fingers the cast is off for 4th of July!

Here are a few pictures of our "adventure" as Leah called our day. She knew the doctor was going to fix her foot and it was going to be an adventure- that's about it. Close enough.