The motto is actually, The City of Brotherly Love, but my wonderful friends came to visit me this weekend so its been renamed the City of Sisterly Love at least for this weekend. Bria, baby Lauryn, Lindsey, Julie and Hannah all hopped on a plane on Thursday and came to visit for a couple of days. We had a great time and had great weather. Luckily, Lindsey invested in a selfie stick so we were able to document all of our good times (once we figured out how to work the selfie stick). Thursday morning the girls arrived after a very early departure from West Michigan. Here is a picture in front of Independence Hall. Since it was a Moms Gone Wild weekend, it wouldn't be complete without Bria changing a diaper blow out and Julie using her breast pump in the park at the same time on the same bench. Moms gotta do what a Moms gotta do!
We obviously had to do the Double Decker bus ride again, Its a great way to see the city when one person is in a wheelchair and another in a stroller. Philly is beautiful but the side walks are 300 years old, narrow and cobblestone. Makes for a bumpy ride.
Bria and super baby, Lauryn. Lauryn is best baby East of the Mississippi.
Liberty Bell Selfie
Pat and Genos. We got Philly Cheesesteaks from both and did a taste test comparison. I think most of us voted for Geno's with the cheese whiz. If you are ever in Philly you need to visit Pat & Genos and then head down the street for cannolis and espresso.
The girls in front of their old apartment during this Philly Semester.
Good ol Ronald McDonald. Hannah & Lindsey stayed for an extra night and got to experience the Ronald McDonald House and its hospitality.
We went to Haddonfield for dinner and got a pic with Haddie, the statue of the first full skeleton found in North America.
Lauryn needs to be super baby for Halloween.
Throughout this whole journey our family has felt very blessed with the outpouring support from our friends, family, co-workers, church family. It truly takes a village. Having my friends come visit was such a nice treat for me to look forward to. I think most people feel like these 13 weeks are going fast but for me it seems like forever since I was at home in Zeeland. I am very lucky to have such a close group of girlfriends. They are all busy mommas who made time for me and I am so grateful. I am exhausted though! I spend most of my days crocheting and watching HGTV and I can only be on my feet 10 minutes at a time. I will sleep well tonight.
Before the girls arrived Janet and I have been finishing up our Christmas shopping and sight seeing. We did a few trips and ended up in Ocean City, Valley Forge, Peddlers Village, Daniel Boone's Homestead and IKEA.
Since moving in to the Ronald McDonald house, Janet has pushed me in my wheelchair to my check ups. Its exactly one mile to CHOP and its a pretty wheelchair ride through Penn's campus. My most recent check up was last Wednesday. The baby weighed in at 3lbs 12 oz. I am really trying to get this baby to at least 6 pounds before its born. I'm taking the "eating for two" to heart. Our next appointment is next Thursday as long as everything continues to go well. We will be meeting with the Spina Bifida coordinator who helps us find physicians in our area. In addition to a pediatrician we also need a pediatric urologist, neurologist or neurosurgeon, orthopedist and also will need to find a place for physical therapy and probably a few other specialists. We will also be educated on latex allergies. Many Spina Bifida babies have latex allergies due to prolonged exposure.
As I'm writing, the boys are headed out for their two week stay at Ronald McDonald. I talked to Peyton on the phone while Jeff was driving and found out they were having cinnamon rolls from Burger King for dinner. Oh boy! I can't wait to see them. Before August, I had only had a night here & there away from my boys. I had never been away from Myles for more than one night and the longest I had been away from Peyton was when I had Myles. Two weeks is a long time! Counting down the hours until they are safely here.
Many of you have asked for our address out here,
Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
3925 Chestnut St
Room #43 Carlson
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Joyfully from the City of Sisterly Love,
Shawna
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