Spica Week 14: A Full House and Full Hearts

This past week we were lucky to have Londyn’s aunt and uncle and three cousins come visit us! We don’t get to see them very often, so it was a treat to spend time with them. Our house was a flurry of activity and (mostly) happy chaos all day, every day. The weather was very warm, which can be a bit of a challenge with a baby in a spica cast. Londyn has done alright so far, as long as I keep her in the shade, or her stroller. We explored Lake Michigan while attempting some family photos, and I already cherish the ones we got! 

It was so precious how Grayson immediately started running around with his cousins and couldn’t care less if I was present or not. I love his independence, and I’m thankful he has such a strong head on his shoulders already. I know that though his strong will is difficult for me to guide, it will serve him well in years to come. Londyn was absolutely thrilled to have her cousins here also! She has a special bond with my niece Elena, who was happy to hold her on the couch and entertain her during baths and diaper changes. I really wish I could keep my niece! She made Londyn exceptionally happy even at times despite her hunger or sleepiness.

It took a little bit for everyone to get used to holding Londyn in the spica cast, but they all did great. Even Noah, my six year old nephew, would hold Londyn’s hand, give her toys, or ask if she could watch Netflix with him. Sofia is Grayson’s age and she would fluctuate between sweetly spending time with “baby” or defending herself from Grayson’s nunchuck attacks. They gave further proof to the science that two year olds do not mix well. Their possessiveness was astoundingly entertaining! Londyn was so busy watching the kids all day that she actually slept through the night three nights in a row! This is a magnificent accomplishment for us. She is generally very restless at night. Of course the first night she slept all night I was up half that time wondering when she was going to wake up, or if she possibly died because I gave her little bits of an organic hot dog for dinner. 

I’ve noticed when we’ve seen family with Londyn in the cast, there is a small period of adjustment for the family member who has not seen her in the cast yet. It’s as if they need a little time to grieve the fact that here’s this adorable soft baby “trapped” in an uncomfortable cast. I absolutely understand that need; I certainly went through it myself. But whether this baby being casted is sad or not, it’s been our reality for 14 weeks now, so it’s easy for me to not even think those thoughts anymore. But when I see the sadness in my family members’ eyes, it does give me a little pang of grief. Yes, this is sad. Yes, this is lousy for all of us. But we are making it, and if you just look at Londyn’s sweet smile she will show you the way. At least, that’s what I do!