We have now been in SLC for a week... and it has flown by and dragged by all at the same time. Our routine has somewhat fallen into place, and that helps to pass the time. I am reminded every day that, if not for my mother's presence here, I would not eat. Simple as that. Well, maybe I would. But it would be cold, pasty oatmeal...how very appetizing. 

Levi is now up to ten pounds on his weights. For those of you who see us regularly, this next part will make you excited... he no longer walks with a limp! Too cool. Sleeping has been the biggest challenge, because it involves lots of tweaking. There is a fine balance of making sure that he has at least some level of comfort, tilting the bed so that the weights hang properly down the back of the bed, while also tilting the bed enough so that he isn't pulled up to the top of the bed. (Thanks to the weights.) It's complicated. Since one pound of weight is added every day, we 'tweak' constantly. It's a constant process, but we seem to figure it out daily. Levi does really well, and since we've *sort of* figured out the bed, he doesn't complain as much when it's time to go to sleep. 

Mom and I are taking turns doing the all important Starbucks runs, and, again thanks to my mother, I am able to get in a daily dose of cardio. Charlotte and I have begun to tackle what we affectionately refer to as, "The Hill." The hospital sits on a hill, and the road leading down into the surrounding neighborhoods and also the downtown area is called Virginia. (I am convinced that there is at least a 7% grade on this beast.) Every day before lunch, I load Charlotte into our trusty Moby wrap, and off we go! It's downhill for the first half...so that's fun. (Haha) In all seriousness, it is a great way for me to get some fresh air, throw on some tunes, and clear my head. 

Levi has made friends with all of the staff members here. (Big surprise.) Not to toot our own horn here, but all of the doctors, nurses, and staff are constantly telling us how very smart he is. (Again, we are not surprised...hahaha.) He is fearless at making new friends with the other kiddos that come through here during the week, and he is currently working on mastering the game of Ping Pong. If any of you would like to drive down here and volunteer as the ping pong ball 'chaser' we would not turn you away. 

There are volunteers that show up almost every night of the week to do fun activities with the patients, and since we are almost the only ones pulling an extended stay, Levi usually gets the activities all to himself. So far, he has bowled, played pool, ping pong, and had a few foot races. Rumor has it that Bingo is Friday nights, but we shall see. 

Tomorrow is a Holiday Bazaar here at The Shrine, so hopefully that will be fun. I am sure Levi will find several items that he, "needs." We are looking forward to our weekend visit from Daddy, and this week, also from some dear pastors/friends. In the meantime, enjoy some more of our awesome photos... : ) 

Painting a wooden race car with his friend, Andrea. (Child Life coordinator)

Bowling 

Charlotte enjoying Activities Time 

This is Mr. Snowman. We walk by him every day. 

The greatest boy's 'doll house' ever. The Firehouse. 

Monumental moment today: Levi's bed was put on 'the block'. He has enough weight now that he is pulled up to the top of the bed otherwise. We are making progress! 

Outside playing in the snow! This was his first outing since we arrived. The pins can ache if they get too cold, so we have to be careful of the temperature.