Young's Dairy Farm

It was a beautiful day and Rick had the day off, so we headed to Young's Dairy.

The goats were quite aggressive and Caroline wasn't quite sure what to think.

She much preferred the cows- they kept their distance!

We found an airplane car to sit in- of course when we said airplane, Caroline was looking for one in the sky.

Now we're into it! Do you think she realizes she's not moving?

The tractor was equally fun. This pic is for the Iowa family- What do you think? I guess she has some farm girl in her after all!

Even better...animals that stay still!

My girls! As you can tell, Lucy is less than thrilled!

Caroline thought it was fun to talk to the cows even inside the ice cream shop!

We discovered that Clifton Gorge is just around the corner, so we went for a stroll.

Lucy is in much better spirits here!

Sometimes it's fun to get a bird's eye view.

Or just giggle with Mommy!

Here's the water we could hear rushing down below as we walked the trails.

And a quick stop at Clifton Mill to see the waterfalls from the covered bridge. What a fun day!

First attempt at helmet fitting

She loves it, don't you think?

Not bad....

This is pretty much the extent of the darn expensive thing...plastic with holes, foam padding, and velcro.

We are spending our first days alternating time in and out of the helmet until she adjusts. We lasted about 25 minutes here and then we were ready for bed. We'll start fresh tomorrow and try again. Perhaps by the week's end we'll have happier pictures to share. Her Daddy thinks she looks like a hockey player. Grandpa Ward said she was ready for the racetrack. And Caroline has shifted her focus from Lucy's booboos to Lucy's hat. Fun times!

Lucy's Journey

Here we are awaiting surgery. (and your Mommy is tired already because she didn't get much rest yesterday.) We arrived at 6:30 a.m and I had visions of a very unhappy and hungry baby, but you were happy and alert and then slept like a champ. We couldn't have asked for an easier transition into surgery.

We had to document head shape so we can compare a year from now.

Grandpa Ward came along to see you off before surgery.

First picture post-surgery..what a sweetie. You were truly a champ. A bit groggy and swollen in your tiffany blue hospital gown, but doing great.

Grandpa Smith came back over later that night spoil you and give Mommy a break. You were very snuggly.

Here's our bright-eyed girl! Your nurse today took one look at you and said, "Awww..I'm lucky!" She was grateful to have a cutie like you to take care of today. It made Mommy feel good to hear that!

2pm on day 2 - You are headed home! Our nurse today fixed your cran cap so it had braids. I can tell you are a bit puffy here.

At home and all smiles the next morning!

Caroline insisted we put your cran cap back on the next morning- to cover your boo-boos!

And she insisted on wearing hers, too! The nurse thought it would be fun if big sister had her own hat too and she loves it! Caroline had a fever for your first 24 hours home, but today she is finally up and about and able to enjoy her sister again. We love you Lucy Bug! You are doing great and we have an appointment to get your helmet on Monday.

Post-surgery smiles!

Happy Friday! Here's our girl who awoke all smiles today! Her big sis saw her this morning and said "Lucy boo-boos." -Yep! But with this little trouper you'd never know. Enjoy!

Surgery went well!

God is good! Our little girl is quite the trouper! What a sweetie. She did give her doc many sweet smiles yesterday which I believe made all the difference!

The worst is over and she is on the mend. She's a bit swollen but really doing well. She is off the morphine and only on Tylenol right now and seems to be tolerating it well. She also has finished her antibiotics, nursed three times, wet her bed sheets twice (darn those IV fluids!), and she's also taken some formula. The nurse is getting ready to help get her cleaned up a bit so we can head home. YAY! Doc has to give the official approval, but I know that those smiles convinced him she's ready. Thanks for all your prayers, love, and support.

And Rhonda- thanks for the peach muffin this morning- it hit the spot and allowed me to keep watch over Lucy. You are awesome! I also appreciated Grandpa Smith's extra time here last night to cuddle with our girl, and I loved the company. I'm ready for a tall drink and a nice massage, but mostly just ready to hold my girl, see her big sister, and get back in to our routine.
Love you all! - Laurie

Lucy's First Boyfriend...

Meet Hunter. He's been hanging around the house for awhile now. She's in love. He makes her smile. Ahhh, young love. Daddy thinks the relationship has cooled down a bit. I'm not sure...it seems that the hotter it gets, the more we see of him. Whatever the case, he does appear to be her biggest fan...

Little Firecrackers!

Caroline insisted on holding Lucy. Her sister looks thrilled, doesn't she?

Putting a hand up in protest?

Well perhaps a bit happier with the smooch! No outdoor flag/parade/pool/or fireworks photos. I was just too busy to tote the camera for the day, but it was a good one! Happy 1st Independence Day Lucy! And Caroline enjoyed her first fireworks display. We heard lots of "OOohh, pretty! Boomboom! and Yes!" Here's hoping you enjoyed yours!