SMACK!!

This is one of my favorite quotes EVER!!  It smacked me in the face again tonight.

"We are not all called to adopt these children into our families.  But we are all called to look at them, even though it makes our eyes burn, and be willing to let their needs disrupt our lives."

~Kristin Swick Wong

Preach It!!

Ever hear a song that makes you just wanna shout "AMEN!!"?

I love Matthew West's music and heard this song today from his new album "Into the Light".

AMEN!!

And I'm not pointing fingers at anyone but myself.  This song hit me exactly where I needed it and where I reside today...still a work in progress.

In Him,

E

Happy

I had to.  It was $2.

And he calls himself "Santa Gnome".  He's even got the heel click down.

This face makes my heart happy!!

In Him,

E

"This"

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3 

"This".  Why do we do "this"?  It's the question we often hear.  They are the words that are very critically spoken to us.  At us.  About us.  

"Haven't you done enough?" 

"You can't save them all."

"You can stop now because you have done enough to count for 2 other families." 

"What about your other children?" (this kills me because I am assuming the "other children"

are our biological children)

"Who will care for them when/if you can't?"

...and on....and on....and on.

I will say it one more time.  

WE LIVE FOR AN AUDIENCE OF ONE.  ONE.  AND AS LONG AS HE ASKS US TO DO "THIS", WE WILL.  AMEN.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9

Moving one.  Please, look at this face.  This is Sonny who is being advocated for by Reece's Rainbow.

Isn't he handsome?  What a precious little love with that glowing red hair!  Sonny is almost 6 (this is an older picture) and DESPERATELY needs a family.  The reality for Sonny is not good.  You see, he's already been transferred and not to a place that any child should have to live.  

To be "transferred" means that everything you have ever known in your short life is stripped away.  Imagine your 4 year old losing all he knows.  Caregivers, friends.  His bed and familiar routine.  Food and smells that he has grown accustom to.   Living in an orphanage is not ideal for any child.  No way.  But to be sent to an institution is often hell on earth.  And it's happened to Sonny.

This is Sonny now.  Transferred.  No Mommy.  No Daddy.  Noone.  Is he mistreated?  Warm?  Fed?  I have my own conclusions to those questions.  How can this happen?!?!  This is the real "THIS"!!  "THIS" is what we should all be concerned about and praying about!!  "THIS" is Sonny.  A precious child created by God....perfection.  And yet, still the world doesn't see him as that.  Is he not worth it?

The reality of "THIS" is that many children like Sonny don't make it.  They aren't strong enough.  Medical concerns are left untreated.  Food is scarce and only the fittest survive.  I'm not making this up, people.  Just look at him.

Please, join me in praying for Sonny.  Specifically, join me in praying that Sonny's Mommy and Daddy read this and get to him before it's too late.  Sonny has some grant money through Reece's Rainbow.  And I KNOW with everything that is in me that God will provide every single penny for Sonny to come home.  Money should not stand the way of Sonny having a Mommy and Daddy....forever!

"THIS" could have been any one of my children with Down Syndrome if they had been born in another country.  "THIS" is the reality.  

In Him,

E

Today is National Adoption Day.  I have nothing to add.

In Him,

E

Cakie, Cakie

Cakie, Cakie.  That's' what her big bubba calls her.  He can't decide if he prefers "Baby Cake" or  "Cakie, Cakie" (pronounced cake-ee).  Either way, she is simply delicious!

 This girl has my heart.  My how she's captured us all.  She is so sweet and squishy and just oozes with smiles and giggles.  We've spent the past several weeks trying to get some answers to the very many medical unknowns that come along with Down Syndrome- the part of DS that stinks.

In early October, we visited our cardiologist.  During that appointment, Kate had several tests including an echocardiogram.  We knew that she has a VSD that appears to be closing on it's own- praise the Lord!! What we didn't know (and our INCREDIBLE echo tech discovered!) is that she also has a PFO that may require surgery at some point.  It's a big "may" and something that we aren't trying to focus on right now.  

Our next stop was to our pediatrician.  Several things happened during this visit that left a bad taste in my mouth (nothing to do with Kate, but instead, with the medical staff including the doctor) so it looks like we are now on the hunt for a pediatrician that accepts and loves our kiddos for all God created them to be.  Since ears and hearing are a big concern for individuals with DS, the pediatrician tested Kate's hearing.  Her right ear seemed fine while she failed in her left.  Thankfully, I already had ENT appointments scheduled for the entire crew.

Stop #3- endocrinology.  The thyroid- something individuals with Down Syndrome have to have tested on an annual basis.  The results?  She is good as gold...but we already knew that.   Cakie is quite round around the edges, but we now know it is not due to hypothyroidism.:)

And last but not least- the ENT.  An eventful visit filled with tears (Hello!!  Apparently she DOES NOT like her ears to be messed with!!).  First, several tests were run to measure how well K hears at many different frequencies.  The results were that she failed both ears.  The doctor examined her, cleaned her ears and asked us to repeat the hearing tests immediately.  He was confident she would pass because her ears look very healthy and there is no fluid hanging out.  The results?  She failed again.:(  Of the 6 measurements they were looking for, she failed 4 in one ear and 3 in the other.  Kate is now scheduled for repeat testing in one month.  We are praying she passes with flying colors, but if not, a sedated test will be scheduled.  Our prayer is that she has no hearing loss but we must be realistic.  Time is of the essence when dealing with hearing loss.  If we don't move quickly, valuable time will be lost.  But, again, our prayers are focused on total healing and perfect hearing in December!!

Our Cakie, Cakie is perfect regardless of what medical challenges she may face.  I realize that more often than not, people cannot grasp why we choose "this".  "This"- yep.  That's what they say.  I want to clarify one thing.  I am tired of hearing it.  The "this" you are referring to is my daughter.  My son.  And my other daughter.  The "this" is perfection created in My Heavenly Father's image.  The "this" is love overflowing regardless of what medical challenges may lie ahead.  Because guess what?  The "this" is a child.  My child.  HIS child.  Perfection.

My heart is aching for HIS children, and I have a very important post coming.  

My heart is breaking for "THIS".

In Him,

E

Reading Johnny Tremain with big sister:)

Preschool Prep

For a couple of months we have been using a few Preschool Prep products with Charlie to expand not only his vocabulary but also his recognition of colors, shapes, letters and even words.  To put it simply....I LOVE THEM!!  And he thinks they are great!!  

My guy (and most children with Down Syndrome) are visual learners.  Long term memory just isn't a strength, so while I could ask him to repeat a 4 or 5 word sentence the chances of him remembering all 5 words long enough for him to repeat them back is slim.  But, the Preschool Prep curriculum is all about repetition and visual learning...and it is FUN!!  It helps that there is music involved!:)

All 10 DVDs $49.99 (regularly $150!!!!!).

 I was so crazy excited last night when I pulled up Zulily and found Preschool Prep as one of their deals!!  Strangely excited really.  All items are at least 50% off and many are up to 66% off!!  I, for one, will be stocking up on items for Christmas and next birthday.

DVD and flashcard set on sale for $49.99 and regularly $110!!!

DVDs on sale for $8.99 and regularly $15!!

And remember by clicking this link, you will receive $10 off your first order.

Now, I should have planned ahead and had video of Charlie using the program but I am a failure and don't.  If you'd like to see a cutie pie that also rocks T21 in action and VERY successfully using the program, head on over here.  But remember, you must come back and click this link if you want to take part in receiving $10 off your order.  Also, know that you can only receive the $10 credit for signing up until midnight tonight.  The credit itself will expire 11/26.

Flashcard set on sale for $44.99 and regularly $99

On sale for $19.99 and regularly $40

In Him,

E

Zulily

I know.  I am posting about it AGAIN.  But....I love this site and the amazing deals I find there.  AND, right now, by following this link you will receive $10 off your order!!:)  Can you say "free items!!"!!!!!    

Here is just a sample of the "under $10" items I found in my 2 minutes on the site.

Happy free Christmas gifts!!!:)  Just click here.

In Him,

E

Tis the Season

I know, I know.  It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I am DETERMINED to be ahead of the game this season so I can enjoy and spend every moment soaking in my family's goodness and making memories with them.  

While doing some online shopping tonight, I came across a super cute deal.  

 Ink Garden is offering 25 customizable gift tags for only $2.25 SHIPPED!  Select your design and personalize- so easy!:)  Then, at check out use code FREETAGS

Just know that this offer ends 12/17/2012.

And....if someone on your list loves coffee or hot tea or hot chocolate, receive a custom mug (many designs to choose from) for only $1.  Just click here.  Deals, deals, deals!:)

Just funny...that's all

We didn't take anyone trick-or-treating.  The weather was just too cold and our 11 year old went to a friend's "Candy Corn" party.  We had the 2 oldest and 3 youngest at home- none of which cared a thing about filling a basket with candy.  Nevertheless, we had cute costumes from here and there and felt the need to dress up the littles and head out to eat.  One loved being dressed up.  One was far from enthused.  And one could have cared less.  Can you guess who felt which way?:)

My Jellyfish.  We didn't really think her costume through and take into account the weather when she decided to be a jellyfish.  It had been windy for days and the 31st proved to be no different.:)

My little kitty.  

My muscle man.  He protected me from the bad guys all night.

I think this will become the standard picture of the littles.  Charlie grinning while Kate slowly falls to the side.  Meanwhile, Celia looks very afraid of why she's been left alone with them both.:)

And here's the one that was NOT happy about having to wear such a ridiculous costume.  Of course, I'm not sure she would have been impressed with any costume, really.  As her mother, though, it had to be done.

In Him,
E

Kate and a Quick 7 Week Recap

OH, how we LOVE this girl in all her squishy cheek, fluffy mohawk goodness!!  I cannot believe that just a little over 7 weeks ago we were headed to New York to meet this precious bundle.  And I feel as if she has changed so much in such a short time.  Our Baby Cake (as her bubba calls her) has such a sweet personality that is blossoming before us.

*Please, excuse poor picture quality.  It's called momma trying to wrangle a couple of octopuses (or is it octopi?:) while taking photos of moving baby with camera set on manual.

This month has been FULL of special traditions for our family and firsts for baby Kate.

It all started with the annual Buddy Walk downtown.  Here is a picture of our youngest half.  Kate, of course, is just going with the flow while Charlie wraps his chubby little fingers as tight as he can around her chest.  And notice Celia?!?  WHO KNOWS what she is doing!!  I'm sure it had something to do with wind and grass and her brother sitting 3 inches away with a sly grin spreading across his face because mom had left him in charge while she danced trying to get the crew to at least look IN the direction of the camera.  Dare I say this was the best of about 7 shots in 8 seconds.:)  Thank you, Kate, for being the most cooperative!

Oldest and Youngest- Sweet sisters at the Walk

And sleeping angel on the way home from the Walk.  I think it's safe to say that she enjoyed herself.  I will post separately about the Walk.  What an INCREDIBLE day it was!!!

Another firsts of Kate's was to head north to one of our favorite places this side of heaven- the North Georgia Mountains and a pumpkin patch we have been visiting for 16 years.  We began going when I was pregnant with our daughter who will be 16 in December.

After each child chooses (yes, Kate even got to choose) his/her favorite pumpkin to purchase, we head over the bridge for a picnic.  Just look at how strong this little lovie is!!

I think it's safe to say that Miss Kate wore herself out smiling at all the passersby.:)  

Oh, her lips- I love them!!

Kate has quite a tongue thrust.  And as far as we (and our feeding/speech therapist) are concerned, the sooner we can get into that mouth and "teach" her muscles the proper way to move and eat, the better.  We take advantage of the Beckman Oral Motor techniques and stretch/move her mouth and facials muscles several times a day.  We use these techniques with all 3 of our little ones who have lower tone and have seen great results.  She often blows raspberries which, although great for oral motor development, isn't so great when mommy just put on a clean shirt before feeding the baby peas.:)

And just another few (blurry) shots of our girl showing off her newly gained head and trunk control.  Also, we noticed quite early that Kate didn't use her hands very much to grasp objects and very, very rarely even brought them to midline.  I am happy to announce that while grasping is coming along slowly, she loves to hold and play with her hands and play with objects in front of her now.

And look at this super strong girl!  She was quite floppy when we brought her home with very little core muscle strength at all.  After several weeks of exercise ball work outs with momma and practice sitting, she is able to sit almost completely unassisted at the therapy bench.:)  Yay Katie Bug!!

And last by certainly not least, a perfect sleeping angel.

I feel God stirring my heart to write about several things that have been heavy on my heart lately.  

So stay tuned.  Just a few ramblings to come-

Adoption- Where we stand today as a couple and a family.

 The "T" word- therapy.  

Tools and toys we love.

Where God has me.  Priorities.

The ins and outs of our daily lives.  

What we've been up to in more detail.

In Him,

E