The Kranendonks: A Year In Review.

Wow! It's been a looong hiatus from our family blog. Let me apologize for that. This post comes at a time when our family is embarking upon another change. You see Lucy will soon be a year old. which means she will be transitioning from infancy to toddlerhood. It also means mommy is preparing to go back to work and daddy is trying to help mom prepare. But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself here. Lets take a step back and review the past year.

February 8th, 2011- Lucille Pearl Kranendonk was born. She was a shiny and brand new baby for Lisa and I to take home, however, due to some unforeseen complications we had to stay in the hospital for what was close to a full week. I won't go into too many deets, but by the end of the week both Lisa and Lucy were healthy and ready to go home.

The first ride home - we live 1 block if even that from the doors of the hospital. However, with Lucy in tote I made it my duty to make sure we got home safely. I was literally shaking as i put the car into reverse and pulled out of the parking lot of the hospital. My eyes were pealed for any jack ass who might harm our new baby girl and 10 mins later we were home. Yes, I am certain it took us that long to make it there as I felt it was necessary to drive like an old man on a Sunday afternoon coming home from church. We were welcomed home by our family and when they left we were left like "holy shit!! we have to take care of a baby now".

Breastfeeding - It's a beautiful thing. It really is, mom and baby cozy and close bonding it really is a sight to be seen. However, noone tells you that it takes about 3-4 months to get to that point. You see not all babies are patient. Some are like "wahhh give me milk...wahhh give it to me now!" but it doesn't happen like that. It takes work. Well Lucy was one of those impatient kind of babies which made breastfeeding not so glamorous. It's at this time that I would like to give huge kudos to my wife who never wavered on her decision to breastfeed. She is truly strong as it would have been easy to give up at any point. But eventually they both caught on and it was wonderful and the bond that it built between them is amazing! Note to future dads: Be available and be ready to get your wifey things at a moments notice. In early months breastfeeding time is not the time to be playing videogames, playing on your cellphone (oops!), or doing any other activity that may make you hesitate your woman's needs. Tread lightly during these times.

Other Stuff- So it was also during these first few months that i found the worlds greatest weightloss plan (mind you I wasn't trying) But somehow in Lucy's first months alive i managed to lose around 50 lbs. This was not good. It was the result of a hyperactive thyroid which eventually needed to be radiated (which made for fun times crossing the Canadian/American border). In short, thyroidisms are easy to treat so all is well.

So after about 3 months after Lucy was born Lisa began training for a half marathon. She ran a lot and seemed to enjoy the time she was able to get away (like all mommies should -its much needed). We even went on a short family vacation to Kentucky during her training and she still ran in lovely hot humid Lake Cumberland state park.  The vacation was also fun too (Thanks rents!!). All in all Lisa ran the half marathon on September 24th and finished in 2:44. Lucy and I were at the finish line to cheer her on. We were proud of Mommy.

Holiday's - Went by like a blur. I barely remember them. I know that Lucy had a wonderful x-mas thanks to all our family and friends.

Present day- So now that we kinda know what happened over the past year what's in-store for the Kranendonk family this year. First up, after all the holiday binging on food and drink, our family has decided to embark upon eating Paleo/primal. For thoes of you who do not know what that means here is a link Yummy! I have dabbled around with it some over the course of the past 3-4 years, and Lisa has decided that we should go full on. Nothing wrong with being healthy right?

So once Lisa has to go back to work Lucy will have to go to daycare. This is a scary thought for a parent as not all daycare settings are awesome and have trustworthy people. But we did find a place and hopefully it will be a good fit for her. The good news, however, is I am fortunate enough to work at a place where I can have a 3 day weekend. So Lucy and I will get to spend Friday's together. This should be fun. Navigating Sault Ste. Marie. Trying to find activities for a 1 year old and her dad to do. I am looking forward to this time to continue bonding and sharing new experiences with my daughter.

In closing I'd like to say that I will post more often (can't promise, but I will try). Thanks for letting us share with you.

Sheldon, Lisa & Lucy Kranendonk (and Molly too!)