Indianapolis Zoo

Today we went to the Indianapolis Zoo. Although not all the animals and exhibits were on display because of the cold, we want to go back this summer. We had a good time. Lincoln liked watching the fish, dolphins, and more, but by the end he just slept and then played with his ladybug toy. He is a really good traveler so he didn't fuss on the ride there and back and just was content to enjoy the day.




Below Lincoln is next to the "dog shark" area. We missed getting a shark in this picture, but it was a good one of him looking at the camera, so we had to put this one in.

These dog sharks were in a similar type of pool that you'd see sting rays in. It was fun to watch them. Their eyes look kind of human like and they are such small sharks. It was fun watching them chase each other.  Vance and I got to touch them, and it was such a funny feeling.

Lincoln and I by the green tree snake. This was right before his nap...he was so tired. He's had a cold (or maybe 2-3 colds) for about 3 or 4 weeks now. He wakes up coughing at night many nights and is almost constantly congested. But his runny noses are clear and he has no fever, so we're just watching him closely. We are doing all we can but I think the sickness is just waring on his little body!

We saw a dolphin "chat" instead of a dolphin show. I think a dolphin chat is just a fancy name for a shorter version of a dolphin show. It was neat to watch them follow the hand signals of their trainers. They sure jumped high and flipped and splashed. We learned that these dolphins a) will only follow the hand signals of their trainer and b) they will only follow the hand signals during a training session. I guess they only want to do their tricks when they know they will be fed!

Handsome Vance doing a rhinoceros impression. I did a giraffe impression but it just looked silly. Vance has the cool poses.

Lincoln and a cheetah!

Lincoln and a cool bird (forgot its name).  This is when he wasn't really interested in the zoo animals any longer. This ladybug is his favorite toy right now. I am amazed how he can play with it for such long periods of time and still find it interesting day after day.We brought Lincoln a hat but we forgot sunscreen. His cheeks are a little red. Vance and I are both light skinned and sensitive to the sun...so we better stock up on sunscreen for the upcoming spring/summer.

A nice lady offered to take our picture in front of these elephants. I feel as if we should be holding Lincoln....but he is in a stroller next to us. Kind of an awkward family photo, but the best one and only one of the day!

Vance has spring break this week. It has been so nice to spend more time with him. I am really grateful for his love and patience for me. He really is my better half.

Work is going well.. I really love my Tuesday mornings when I am part of a preschool assessment team. We assess these cute kids and discuss their needs and placement. It can be tiring, but feels satisfying. I love the people I work with and being part of a team. Every child is so individual and we really try to do what is best for them. It is neat to meet the mothers and fathers of these children who are so concerned and worried and hopefully provide some encouragement and help for them. I really love it. I also work on Fridays with a few groups of elementary aged kids. They are for the most part such happy children.  Last month one of them told me I looked like a movie star.  That sure made my day!

Lincoln and I now only travel to Indianapolis monthly for his appointments with the dermatologist. This is nicer than the appointments scheduled every two weeks. His hemangioma has definitely stopped growing and has a lighter color and is smaller.  When I compare pictures of him from the end of January when he finally was able to start on some medication and now, there is a significant difference. I am so grateful we were able to see a doctor when we did and that I was able to be "pushy" and go back to my pediatrician to get a referral. Because he has been gaining a lot of weight, we've had to increase his dosage a couple of times to keep up with his size. Getting up once or twice during the night isn't really hard at all any more. Knowing that we'll have at least 2:30 am feedings and meds until Lincoln is at least 12-13 months old (and very possibly longer) makes it easier.  Lowered expectations for sure! We know it is well worth it for our little Lincoln that we love so much.

It has been a long cold winter, but we are looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to enjoy the outdoors more. We look forward to doing some more traveling to Indianapolis and seeing some family too. Love you all and miss you.