Magda's broke leg

We got a lot of snow last week, which was awesome!

The kids went sledding a lot, which was really fun...

but on one sledding run, Magda had a freak accident 

which resulted in a spiral break of her right tibia.

which was neither awesome or fun..Magda's entire right leg had to be casted.

In purple which lots of her friends signed with a silver sharpie.

Today is the end of the first week.

This week, she has read a lot...but that's nothing new..

Magda is getting around at home really well on her crutches.

Luca, OF COURSE, is the being the best little bro--EVER!

Magda is sleeping a lot, which is good, of course--giving her body lots of down time to heal.

This is one of the best ways for her to sleep, on her stomach.

The stairs posed quite a problem at first, but with some practice

 and gentle coaching from her dad, Magda was able to "trust her crutch" and 

she is becoming a total pro at going up and down the stairs now.

Practically the best part about this whole experience is that school has a wheelchair Magda can borrow for the duration.  Magda's great friend Maddie helps wheel Magda around.

(That is Maddie coming to "pick" Magda up!)

All of Magda's friends are very concerned about her!

And anxious to take her for a spin!

 School has been a little bit of adjustment, but overall, we have a good system in place and the staff including the teachers, nurses and principal have all been very supportive of Magda.

We meet with the orthopedic surgeon next week--at that point we will take another x-ray.  Most likely, she will need the full leg cast for another 2 weeks (so, four weeks altogether for the full leg) and then based on how the leg is healing, she will need a below the knee cast--or even quite possible a walking boot, for an additional 2-4 weeks.  So, the good news is that Magda could be back to normal by April 1st or mid-April.  Right now, that does seems like an eternity away...but in reality, we all know how time flies--and April 1st will be here before we know it! 

Magda has been incredibly brave and strong thru all of this.  Its still inconceivable to us that she actually broke her leg in the first place, but we are all determined to make the most of the situation.  She is reading and drawing a lot and working on a journal.  As a family, we are focusing on the empathy this experience will allow us all to feel in the future for others who are experiencing physical pain.

She is a tough girl and she is healing every day.

We could not be prouder of her.

Magda turns 9!! We HEART DC Animal Rescue League!!

Magdalena turns NINE tomorrow...crazy! 

We talked and talked and talked about what we should do this year for her birthday

and after much consideration--she struck gold with the perfect idea!

She would invite her friends over to make dog chew toys and cat beds out of fleece;  

and then we would see if we could deliver them to a local animal shelter. 

Instead of presents, she would ask the girls to bring donations for the shelter..

and then MAYBE, just maybe-- if we were lucky, 

we could take a tour of the facilities and hang out with some of the animals.  

It all happen--just like that...beautifully!

First, we stocked up on A LOT OF FLEECE (above) and had cut it all up before-hand for the girls.

We got the instruction for fleece dog chew toys here.

And the idea for the cat beds here.

This was a great activity for the girls...they chatted and braided and tied knots.

Very fun and productive!

After every girl made one cat bed and a couple chew toys each, we had a very impressive stash!

After a quick lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup, we were off to a local shelter.

The Washington Animal Rescue League!!

A totally awesome and amazing place!!

About WARL: Founded in 1914, the Washington Animal Rescue League is the oldest animal shelter in Washington D.C. Its mission includes rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for animals who have no where else to go. The League also supports animals through affordable veterinary care, community outreach and education. Learn more about the Washington Animal Rescue League at www.warl.org.

We were greeted by the Leagues's incredible Brittany and amazing James--

who divided the girls up into 2 groups and took them on the tour.

First Stop: The Cats..some cats were just hanging out or snoozing out in the open--which was so nice to see them be able to be out in the open and free.  Some were hanging out in their "cat condos" 

Dexter, below, with the pink tag was going to his forever home the next day--YAY DEXTER! 

(below) This was the best part...

This is the cat bed Magda made.  

This is Magda giving her cat bed 

to Aidan, the black kitten.  

This is Magda feeling pretty proud..

It doesn't get much better than this!!

(below) The shelter had just received 30 animals from South Carolina the day before our visit.  This is one of the sweethearts from that group...she wasn't quite cleared to be cuddled, 

but, boy--did we sure want to!!

(left) The cat pantry! (right) Touring the cat condos.

When the tour was done, James and Brittany brought us into the community room, 

where they would bring out 2 different dogs for the kids to play with.  

First up: Zeke.  Total puppy! He LOVED the chew toys...and he loved Luca!

Next, the much adored Tembler.. (Timblur...Temblr??  Not quite sure on spelling)

This little guy was SO AWESOME...

he was a little shy at first, but then started prancing around like a little circus dog.

  

He was like a miniature shepherd...or as we like to say:

a shepherd crossed with a chihauhua!  

Tembler was a BIG hit!

(Thanks James!!)

We finished off the partay with a little chocolate cupcake and some WOOT-WOOT.
(Karaoke ensued...)

Overall, a really great party and the kids did some good as well.

Awesome!