Nicola had a baby girl yesterday. Gianni. She was born with Downs Syndrome and had to have an operation for a problem in her duodenum. I am feeling very heavy on their behalf as I think about what they will have to deal with. Especially as they already have 5 kids under 8. I cant imagine how they will find enough time for the kids, let alone each other.

Lauren has been competing at the State Championships the past week. She has done incredibly well. She had a very full program and we were concerned that she wouldn't last the whole week. Today is her last day and so far she has done all PBs or just over and has had one third, 4 fourths and 2 sevenths. This in an open field that includes four people who competed at the World Championships. She is very happy with how she went.