tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48590612611989165232024-02-18T20:43:47.624-08:00Conroy FamilyEliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-6789007108285622192014-05-16T19:36:00.000-07:002014-05-16T19:36:38.381-07:00T-ball and Parenting the Almost-Five-Year-OldLily started playing t-ball in the middle of March. I think she really enjoys the games, however she doesn't really enjoy the practices very much. I think there is more opportunity to misbehave (throwing dirt, picking grass, stomping on bugs, putting her glove on her head, throwing her hat, playing with her friend instead of listening to coach, you name it, she's done it) than there is at games, and we end of having a "little talk" after every single practice and after some games as well.<br />
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Despite my frustrations with having to have a "little talk" with her after almost every practice and game I know she is learning lifelong lessons in self control, teamwork, persistence, and commitment. All of which will serve her well when she starts kindergarten in the fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOGnC4RwoXBwOSeZK_949VgS_vGu1kPWyar2Aa1BgN1rEbfVAwde4h4TEeQlpt_5mTqPD88AJ1dx-j3y7ynljGixXGlXGnc3jggCMcSChIfYGX2qeTThVBw2j2T2uSNjN0luFGPsYfDM/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOGnC4RwoXBwOSeZK_949VgS_vGu1kPWyar2Aa1BgN1rEbfVAwde4h4TEeQlpt_5mTqPD88AJ1dx-j3y7ynljGixXGlXGnc3jggCMcSChIfYGX2qeTThVBw2j2T2uSNjN0luFGPsYfDM/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Her team finally won a game last weekend and she was so stoked. I think she finally got to see the effects of all the hard work and practice the team had put in so far. I hope it made an impression on her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3ZZxvQicLyTBVXgytb4562ZRYq6_5pEXtC5KYjOEEhj90pqodR2RERfw-uPhfeKwMpe_hboqxuHIxgvbwSDeu06VU4WYFRyyIqn0r7e-aRwT-4u9ThrVvxba5ye3WObzRcCwuSmj31I/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3ZZxvQicLyTBVXgytb4562ZRYq6_5pEXtC5KYjOEEhj90pqodR2RERfw-uPhfeKwMpe_hboqxuHIxgvbwSDeu06VU4WYFRyyIqn0r7e-aRwT-4u9ThrVvxba5ye3WObzRcCwuSmj31I/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kids are adorable. The league is affiliated with the Archdiocese and very Catholic. Rosaries for everyone!</td></tr>
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We only have a few weeks left. Her last games are the first weekend in June. After that we have the whole summer ahead of us! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxHFx8vakM8cVqOfgB-NvS-PIuV4hUmiWue1xLh9TxJyvxkBsbGiPjLbYNVyn8il6rs6mKUExFdUDTivd1x6RCXkReOLbXjbs0hSpUpbyQTXGGJNoa6T_Pa29knzmb4l1dsAXRdNWCwA/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxHFx8vakM8cVqOfgB-NvS-PIuV4hUmiWue1xLh9TxJyvxkBsbGiPjLbYNVyn8il6rs6mKUExFdUDTivd1x6RCXkReOLbXjbs0hSpUpbyQTXGGJNoa6T_Pa29knzmb4l1dsAXRdNWCwA/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even with the smallest uniform available it is a little big on her. My girl is tiny!</td></tr>
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I'm a little nervous about summer and a little excited. Lily is going through an interesting developmental period right now. She is learning a lot about obedience and self control, lets put it that way. I've been a parent long enough now (five years, oh my goodness) that I know this is a phase that will pass, and overall she is an EXCELLENT kid, and I really can't complain...but quite honestly I am not looking forward to a whole summer of her current behavior pattern. On the other hand I know this is just the first summer vacation of many. And I only have her for 13 more years. I'm resolved to make the most of it and just enjoy her as much as possible. I'm sure this summer will involve a lot of personal growth for the both of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXN70eFxhE1YJEaD3xju5qNlYsbfN-Dnnn1NS8pty_HbxT9ivuIZGyutwJw2ksneBn20ilxxqHBRYoqgL5zSAXahuAU5GBCrRGSywUgbbZcvx2Gdq3di46dyXKV3lxrjeNaWHUzrSX_U/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXN70eFxhE1YJEaD3xju5qNlYsbfN-Dnnn1NS8pty_HbxT9ivuIZGyutwJw2ksneBn20ilxxqHBRYoqgL5zSAXahuAU5GBCrRGSywUgbbZcvx2Gdq3di46dyXKV3lxrjeNaWHUzrSX_U/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is so tiny that the helmet doesn't fit her and she has to hold on to it when she runs. This is exactly as hilarious to watch as it sounds.</td></tr>
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<b>"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."</b></div>
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<b>1 Corinthians 10:31 </b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-34623892885430700922014-05-15T11:21:00.000-07:002014-05-15T11:27:39.217-07:00Happy Easter 2014We had a wonderful Easter this year. One of my favorite things about this Easter was that Joe received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter vigil after going to over six months of RCIA classes. Unfortunately I have zero pictures of it since I was the only one there with him and since we were sitting at the very front I didn't want to be snapping cell phone pictures during mass. Anyway. We are all sacramentalized in our family now, and that feels good.<br />
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About a week before Easter Joe's Dad Jack took some pictures of the kids in the bluebonnets. That is one Texas spring tradition that I love, and the bluebonnets were really gorgeous this year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this one of Lily with her Grammy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel was less than thrilled with the bluebonnet expedition. I'm not sure why. My best guess is allergies...</td></tr>
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The day of Easter we were able to relax in the morning since we'd been to church the night before for the Easter Vigil. We went to my Mom's for Easter lunch and we had a great time visiting with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. The kids were absolutely overloaded with sugar and had a blast hunting for Easter eggs. My mom and Jeff did a great job hosting the Easter festivities as usual!<br />
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We have so enjoyed having our children living close to most of their grandparents and extended family. Of course my brother Ryan and my Dad are missed every day, but I am grateful for the family that we do have close. My dad is planning to visit this year for Daniel's birthday party and Father's Day, which we are very much looking forward to!<br />
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So, as you may have noticed, it has been a year since I updated this blog. After a lot of thought, I have decided to gradually stop updating about the kids on Facebook and eventually make this blog members only. What that means is that you will have to be an approved subscriber of this blog to view it. I will probably be completed with this process by the end of the summer, so you have lots of time to make a blogger account and become a subscriber. I will also be removing most pictures of the kids from Facebook, so if you have any favorites, save them now! It has been on my heart lately to be more private about my children's lives on the internet. I want to strke a balance between updating family and friends and letting people I barely know (or don't know at all) have an insight into our family life. Please understand if you are not eventually asked to be a subscribing member of the blog. If I know you in person the chances are overwhelming that you will be. :-)<br />
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<b>"Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.</b><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48028006"><span class="bcv"></span></a> He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. <span class="bcv"></span>Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the
dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.” </b></div>
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<b>Matthew 28:5-7 </b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-71476286433158683482013-04-01T20:13:00.001-07:002013-04-01T20:13:37.704-07:00A Happy EasterWe had a wonderful Easter Sunday yesterday! We started the day out with some gluten free pancakes. Daniel even ate one all by himself...without syrup, but still, his appetite continues to surprise me.<br />
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After that, we headed to church. Both kids were surprisingly good. Daniel slept most of the time so I don't have any pictures from church since we were pretty busy doing church stuff and wrangling kids. :-)<br />
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Then we went to my mom's house for our traditional annual child and adult egg hunts. The Conroys made out really well this year!! I think Lily got almost $20 in cash from her eggs as well as some candy and a few little treats. My mom and Jeff make every Easter so wonderful and we love going there. Lily has been talking about the egg hunt since January. We had a great time. Lily especially loved following her cousin Kelsie around like a little duckling. :-)<br />
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Finally we met Joe's family at a restaurant for dinner. It was so good to see them and I wish we could have spent more time with them on such a special day. Both of the kids love all of their grandparents and aunts and uncles and it was such a treat for them to see so many loved ones in one day. <br />
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Of course there were a few people we dearly missed..if you think you may be one of them, you probably are. Please enjoy these photos of our Easter 2013! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K3ur-jPC4faNokoSooCy51Y_k4hkK5-zjdWDajr2rc4vqwvYKQksZOT3s-xtpoplXdeC1aBW_fLqnAToUxcenRW_dPduc9wQtIhjy1bIyBs6h0OOmBVJd6YZipsvTtpP00Bbm3Otn6I/s640/blogger-image-1960161257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K3ur-jPC4faNokoSooCy51Y_k4hkK5-zjdWDajr2rc4vqwvYKQksZOT3s-xtpoplXdeC1aBW_fLqnAToUxcenRW_dPduc9wQtIhjy1bIyBs6h0OOmBVJd6YZipsvTtpP00Bbm3Otn6I/s640/blogger-image-1960161257.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDEMynM-MXBDlBLblRos4EEYyIUwRyt8YzvSJ1JamBkAef7ouyUt_cH1oYFy2C-kkXCSmJEAOlCUeNfeM-zE4wba2NaRR013Wd1N08QowisuckrdhuK4aVvbe46AY-rdCS9mkjOSRCR0/s640/blogger-image-822500718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDEMynM-MXBDlBLblRos4EEYyIUwRyt8YzvSJ1JamBkAef7ouyUt_cH1oYFy2C-kkXCSmJEAOlCUeNfeM-zE4wba2NaRR013Wd1N08QowisuckrdhuK4aVvbe46AY-rdCS9mkjOSRCR0/s640/blogger-image-822500718.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K-OX0XeagpleAwO5qhJ8OU0InTD0e0BYk-UBslUfjPjBtYXvVh5vADvnIGC8hyphenhyphenbkTejVLd9fErmo5nWcjVL2hLIIoBWyLAZupL-1P821gub699ms8FhcMJjOAhuLG74wVDi1U4eP2HI/s640/blogger-image-737584580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K-OX0XeagpleAwO5qhJ8OU0InTD0e0BYk-UBslUfjPjBtYXvVh5vADvnIGC8hyphenhyphenbkTejVLd9fErmo5nWcjVL2hLIIoBWyLAZupL-1P821gub699ms8FhcMJjOAhuLG74wVDi1U4eP2HI/s640/blogger-image-737584580.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweWEf0VxRRkT_2j3PNsA73qAM2IWbWPJftJU_LoVNqzuucKVBRvl3gyjFXDXAqYMFtQsssMsU5GxBnqVOATcO48RqMpNMEiUw-PTkkKL4NRqr67crDN2-XHM2TywHfpSNOSBX741myOg/s640/blogger-image-1445677169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweWEf0VxRRkT_2j3PNsA73qAM2IWbWPJftJU_LoVNqzuucKVBRvl3gyjFXDXAqYMFtQsssMsU5GxBnqVOATcO48RqMpNMEiUw-PTkkKL4NRqr67crDN2-XHM2TywHfpSNOSBX741myOg/s640/blogger-image-1445677169.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqyQRG6prNZRL1TbTIKLH2xhOaoZjWFbVoQXgVIWAOnkFXIPF1TItUPZdxix48JaTBXaWUcAqkXk7S0nE0aCXvQ3UoojqBRoZ2WxrqvIe6CLuKXldjJgFvWEWjGcwr2JRUFOTNp5Kkbo/s640/blogger-image-2056928537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqyQRG6prNZRL1TbTIKLH2xhOaoZjWFbVoQXgVIWAOnkFXIPF1TItUPZdxix48JaTBXaWUcAqkXk7S0nE0aCXvQ3UoojqBRoZ2WxrqvIe6CLuKXldjJgFvWEWjGcwr2JRUFOTNp5Kkbo/s640/blogger-image-2056928537.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vDBI6Noofb37oWztSJ-c1kYVw0M9TlyUNHnlVHGaLBvEZLogIOMARZLr3EdOL1R1gTgEEyNvzSb4T6Hn0qApC9NyZR9vf5hSIrTKlDzlUrLbEn1nPEdDOCzj1imkQ6dUpPlCZ8c3Lh0/s640/blogger-image--1177563535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vDBI6Noofb37oWztSJ-c1kYVw0M9TlyUNHnlVHGaLBvEZLogIOMARZLr3EdOL1R1gTgEEyNvzSb4T6Hn0qApC9NyZR9vf5hSIrTKlDzlUrLbEn1nPEdDOCzj1imkQ6dUpPlCZ8c3Lh0/s640/blogger-image--1177563535.jpg" /></a></div>Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-83931536901984304002013-03-16T09:01:00.000-07:002013-03-16T09:01:19.967-07:009 monthsSo it has been a while since I last blogged! I plead busy-ness! In the past three months a lot has happened. I've attended two more births as a doula and gotten more involved in the birth community. I'm about ready to submit my certification paperwork to <a href="http://www.dona.org/">DONA</a>.<br />
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Daniel and Lily have both started to do many new things! If you follow me on Facebook you are probably kept in the loop for the most part.<br />
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Daniel turned 9 months old on the tenth. He is doing just awesomely. Both his developmental pediatrician and his regular pediatrician are just thrilled with his progress so far.<br />
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<br />Stuff Daniel is doing since the last blog:<br />
- sitting unassisted<br />
- getting into sitting unassisted<br />
- army crawling<br />
- feeding himself...the latest...last night he fed himself some thinly sliced cheese. He loved it!<br />
- drinking from a straw cup<br />
- we are about 80% sure he is saying "Dada" to refer to Joe. I am about ready to write it in his baby book as his first word.<br />
- sitting up for baths in the bathtub (due to the slippery-ness this is a harder feat than sitting on land!)<br />
- has sprouted his first tooth (one of the bottom middles)<br />
- Signing "milk"--he has not done any other signs yet.<br />
- Giving kisses!<br />
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So yes, he is doing great. :-)<br />
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Stuff Lily is doing since the last blog:<br />
- Starting to read!! We give her a sticker every night for every word she sounds out by herself.<br />
- Related, she writes letters. She can make most letters herself and can write her name.<br />
- She can also do some simple math in her head (addition and subtraction in units smaller than 10). We haven't worked with her as much on this so this is mostly her...she seems math inclined.<br />
- Still doing ballet. Recital is coming up soon!<br />
- She is just the best big sister ever!! We really have zero jealousy issues with the kids. I know it might not last but I am just so enjoying their sibling relationship right now.<br />
- (this is a big one) Has started to spit her toothpaste out after brushing her teeth! I thought this one would never happen.<br />
- She is the one who reminds us to pray before meals. It is really cute. She knows all the words to several prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, Guardian Angel Prayer, and the Prayer Before Meals. I'm thinking about working with her on memorizing some poetry because her memory is so good.<br />
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Tangent, but related: when we were watching the election of Pope Francis, and he came out on the balcony and asked everyone to say an Our Father, Hail Mary, etc., Lily objected to his choice of those prayers. She wanted to say the Meal Prayer (Bless us O Lord...) instead. It was pretty funny.<br />
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I really do want to keep up on this blog, but it is hard to find time to sit down to do it. I am going to try harder because I do like having this connection to those of you who don't live close to us!! Hope to blog again soon.Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-4941155656157088632012-12-12T18:34:00.001-08:002012-12-12T18:34:55.755-08:006 MonthsDaniel was six months old on Monday!!!<br />
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We had a 6 month well baby visit this morning and he is weighing in at 17 lbs 12 oz. His weight gain finally seems to be slowing down a bit, and honestly I am a bit relieved!<br />
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I was a little worried about him getting exceptionally large when we start solids (next week!!!!) especially since we will be starting with delicious fatty foods like avocado to support brain growth. Although Daniel is not sitting up unassisted yet he is definitely showing other signs of being ready for solid foods....like grabbing a banana out of my hand and sticking it in his mouth!! I doubt he ingested much, but he definitely got a taste! He also likes to watch us eat and will follow a fork or spoon with his eyes from the plate to our mouths. I hope these are all good signs that he will love eating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXerTYJvw7sE_lCQIc-VHsE_iAAfya0h3fWr8CoRAKNUv11xCE34ZrVPVMapOqZUHxm4ikf0OLeQ5g62enXUxElVzwbpW8RoziGhrfIjFZBechQGqLD0Opk4m65YJzhuSDrAHGethQG8/s1600/101_1656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXerTYJvw7sE_lCQIc-VHsE_iAAfya0h3fWr8CoRAKNUv11xCE34ZrVPVMapOqZUHxm4ikf0OLeQ5g62enXUxElVzwbpW8RoziGhrfIjFZBechQGqLD0Opk4m65YJzhuSDrAHGethQG8/s640/101_1656.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little blurry, but a good example of how Daniel is able to sit these days.</td></tr>
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Daniel is still mostly on track with his baby milestones. The biggest difference I see (compared to Lily as a baby) in him right now is his muscle tone in his trunk. He is very unsteady and I think it will probably be several months until he sits unassisted. Lily was sitting as Daniel is sitting currently (and doing it better) at around 5 months of age. I have pictures of her from her first Christmas sitting just like this!<br />
<br />At the doctor we also decided to get a CBC drawn and a thyroid panel. Children with Ds have an increased chance of thyroid problems so it is good to get it checked out. After this we will get that panel run at a year and then yearly thereafter. We should know by the end of the week if all is well.<br />
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Daniel was not so thrilled with getting his blood drawn. We did find out that he has better veins in his right arm, just like Mommy! It brought back a lot of memories of vials and vials of blood being drawn from him when he was just a newborn. I got much more emotional over it than I thought I would. He was quite upset, and stayed upset for about an hour afterward.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily still cannot smile like a normal person. I have no idea what she thinks she was doing!</td></tr>
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These pictures were actually taken before Daniel could catch a nap after the blood draw experience, and you can totally tell how tired and subdued he is just by these pictures!! As opposed to...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nakie time!</td></tr>
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...this picture from last night! He has such a personality. Everyone who knows him agrees that when he smiles, he smiles with his whole body.<br />
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Daniel and I met another milestone together today. He has now been exclusively breastfed for six months. I am so grateful that we were able to breastfeed. I have no doubts that this will benefit him long term and it has been so good for our mama/baby bond, especially in those early days when we felt like our world had been turned upside down! His OT has already seen some awesome benefits of breastfeeding when she was evaluating him in preparation for beginning solid foods next week. As of right now, she sees no difference in him orally from a typical baby. This is AWESOME and pretty much attributable to breastfeeding entirely. :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel's mouth being evaluated by our beloved OT, Miss Susie.</td></tr>
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As far as the future health concerns go, we are still working on getting his hearing checked again by the end of the year. I am also planning on pushing hard to get speech therapy for him starting at the beginning of the year. Although Daniel is vocalizing in an age appropriate way and we have no current concerns, I really want to focus on speech with him. I am honestly not too worried about the age he is when he learns to sit up/crawl/walk. I know he will do those things eventually. What I really want is to communicate with him. So we're going to be starting next year with that goal in mind.<br />
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These past few months have been a little crazy and I haven't really had the time (or the desire when I did have a few minutes of free time) to sit in front of the computer and make updates. There are still a few things I wanted to update everyone on, so maybe I will try to play catch up with the blog as soon as Joe has his winter break, starting the 21rst. My schedule starts to slow WAY down at that point!!! Love to you all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqLdU5P_CpBDWtOZe9gfx8lKmKcJKcOBCHqsartRbrl8ZPE4bSQWBS75hopyotlXNHo16tPRFw5omexu1tjtCWk4gzxgH30qli6jVwio9kfLF39OgyNUUkf0VewlgYv-AvK6SafVIwuI/s1600/101_1642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqLdU5P_CpBDWtOZe9gfx8lKmKcJKcOBCHqsartRbrl8ZPE4bSQWBS75hopyotlXNHo16tPRFw5omexu1tjtCWk4gzxgH30qli6jVwio9kfLF39OgyNUUkf0VewlgYv-AvK6SafVIwuI/s640/101_1642.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although Daniel isn't looking at the camera, I couldn't leave you without a good picture of Miss Lily!! Only genuine smile I got today for the camera.</td></tr>
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<div class="odd" data-verse="38" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="odd" data-verse="38" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Romans 8: 38-9</b></i></span></div>
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<br />Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-77187677952895211652012-10-28T08:56:00.001-07:002012-10-28T08:56:36.715-07:00Harvest Festival!Some pictures from our weekend so far. Hopefully we will do more fun things tonight! Daniel is still very croupy so we are trying to keep it relaxed around here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBDJ0lgQWrOnGjwYSmSQQiTV55lrzsQY4G6XMeGt0uaarB96Zs_Cde5zEcMbGNczcclRD3lNAwxSER-byzKOpSxkYELfgQ0VNaB5H4LmMLrH0-gOuUG_i4GNRcBrU3vp0L0E_na-e72w/s1600/101_1506+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBDJ0lgQWrOnGjwYSmSQQiTV55lrzsQY4G6XMeGt0uaarB96Zs_Cde5zEcMbGNczcclRD3lNAwxSER-byzKOpSxkYELfgQ0VNaB5H4LmMLrH0-gOuUG_i4GNRcBrU3vp0L0E_na-e72w/s640/101_1506+-+Copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took the kids to a Harvest Festival hosted by a nearby church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily enjoyed a train ride!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdall7T2zlXV3d_9NGaxjWPUCtsX2Tpa07OI7K4Kms-LkcGBhdBVQQO8zdBDjB48WWJ-1buvAvqmoOub94_CKymnNE1ko5RS7c7oPn51jweuNW9zvXF3lj_AcDtRZbWRTNugmpVSehn2Q/s1600/101_1514+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdall7T2zlXV3d_9NGaxjWPUCtsX2Tpa07OI7K4Kms-LkcGBhdBVQQO8zdBDjB48WWJ-1buvAvqmoOub94_CKymnNE1ko5RS7c7oPn51jweuNW9zvXF3lj_AcDtRZbWRTNugmpVSehn2Q/s640/101_1514+-+Copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love her face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking around!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath.</td></tr>
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Hope you all have an awesome weekend!</div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-40575299122303252042012-10-24T18:03:00.002-07:002012-10-24T18:03:46.755-07:00So what is that Doula thing you're doing?If you didn't know, I attended a four-day <a href="http://www.dona.org/">DONA</a> workshop over this past weekend as part of my training and requirements to become a certified birth doula. It was amazing. Being in a room for four days surrounded by such a diverse, inspiring group of women is something I will never forget. Every single woman in the room in some way or another humbled me by their knowledge or their spirit or their kindness. We had so much to learn from one another and we were all so hungry for more information. We shared a passion for one thing: supporting and serving mothers and fathers in their quest to have the birth experience that they desire. I will hold this experience in my heart for a long time, and I am still running on a high!<br />
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Please watch the following video to find out more about what a doula does (and doesn't) do!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u792CxDT7cE" width="480"></iframe><br />
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My very first client is due soon, so I'm diving in head first! I am very excited to transition to this new career and way of life, and so thankful for the support of my family and friends as I follow my dreams.<br />
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:-)<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">There is a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” -Laura Stavoe Harm</span></b></span></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-89769257561208183902012-10-23T18:01:00.001-07:002012-10-23T18:39:38.362-07:00Daniel's diagnosis story - Part 2<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote the following journal entry when I was a little over five weeks pregnant, obviously too early for any sort of screening test. I edited this a little for privacy reasons but otherwise it is exactly as written on that date. Some of what I wrote is not person-first language, but I've preserved it as written to keep it as accurate as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-----------</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>October 18, 2011</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Baby Signs </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I've kind of hesitated to write about this because I know a number of people reading this don't believe in God, or if they do, they don't believe God can send you signs. But I feel like I need to get it down, so if it ends up happening, other people will know and I won't feel (too) crazy.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">I have strange feeling that God is going to give us a special needs baby at some point. I don't know if it'll be this baby. I just want to document some stuff.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">A few weeks before we conceived this baby, Joe and I were talking, and I asked him,</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">"Do you ever feel like God would trust you with a special needs child?" I'd had a weird feeling about it for a few weeks and I wanted to talk to him about it.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">A few days after I got the positive test, I was walking Kirby with Lily in the stroller, and we came across another family (mom, two boys of different ages) who were also walking their dog. One of the boys was obviously special needs. He was so sweet though. He asked me about Kirby and about Lily. This is a walk I have taken dozens of times, with and without Kirby/Lily, and I had never met this family before.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Today when I turned on the radio (I usually listen to either EWTN radio or NPR in the car, I'm not into the music on the radio), Mother Angelica's show was on. They were talking about babies who get aborted because of their special needs. I got chills throughout my body when I heard what she was talking about. The show was actually really good.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">I have no idea if God is trying to tell me something or not. I realize to some of you I sound a little...crazy. But like I said, I wanted to get this down. If our baby ends up having a disability of some kind, I want to be able to look back and see that God meant it to be that way, and that He has a plan.</span></i></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-------------</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shared this journal entry with a few very close friends and promptly forgot all about it. Mostly. I thought about it a little at my ~20 week ultrasound, and again at my 34 week ultrasound. I remember the ultrasound technician telling me all about how beautiful his heart was, and thinking to myself, "Well, at least it isn't Down syndrome." I think in my heart I knew my child would have a disability...I knew comparatively little about Ds at that point, but I did know that it could involve heart defects. I had no idea how common it is to have perfect ultrasounds, even screening ultrasounds (which we didn't have) and still end up with a sweet baby with an extra chromosome. </span></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The day after Daniel was born my doula Jenny (who also happens to be a midwife) visited us in the hospital. I was still having fears about Daniel, and was still being reassured by Joe. When Jenny arrived, Joe still had not arrived back at the hospital from an errand home to let Kirby (our dog) out, so we were alone. Jenny held Daniel and checked him over so gently and tenderly. I remember our conversation going a little like this:</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">J: "He has a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_transverse_palmar_crease">simian line</a> on his hand."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">E: "Does that mean anything?"</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(long pause)</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">J: "Sometimes. He has such interesting eyes."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(I think at this point I started to panic a little inside because I was starting to realize what I thought was an OCD-like obsession had been validated in some way.)</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">J: "Has the pediatrician been in to look at him?"</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">E: "Yes."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't remember how our conversation went after this, but Daniel's unique features didn't come up again.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the pediatrician had been to look at Daniel. The night before, the same day Daniel had been born, the pediatrician had been in to see him, and hadn't said that anything was amiss. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Immediately after Jenny left I googled "simian line." And as soon as I read what I read, I think I knew. I knew that something was different about Daniel, and I knew it couldn't be one of the more life threatening options, because he was nursing so well and doing well otherwise. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as Joe got back, I shared the info with him. I knew the pediatrician would be in again soon and I asked Joe to bring Daniel's simian line to the pediatrician's attention. I felt like I had to get in the shower. So I did, and the pediatrician arrived while I was in there. Joe peeked his head in and asked me to get out. The pediatrician wanted to talk to us. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">hen I was getting dressed, I thought to myself, </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I will always remember what I was wearing when they told me my son has Down syndrome."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a blue nightgown. And that is exactly what happened.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could tell you a lot about what happened next. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could tell you in detail how we cried, and how my husband said so many absolutely wonderful things about our son that for the first time in my life I knew what it was like to be so proud of my husband that I thought I might die on the spot for love of him.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could talk about telling my mom and stepdad that night about the pediatrician's diagnosis, how hard it was to say the words "Down syndrome" for the first time out loud, and how the first words out of my mouth afterward were, "I am so afraid that people won't see how special he is!" And how they lovingly reassured me. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could tell you about the woman who walked into my stepdad's office the very next day with her husband, wanting to work on financial planning issues concerning her son with Down syndrome. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could write about the first time I took Daniel to Mass, noticing the responsorial Psalm was Psalm 139, and feeling a rush of love from God, feeling like He was holding us in the palm of His hand. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could talk about a million coincidences, "signs" from God, chance meetings, kind strangers, poems and songs out of the blue. I could tell you about the kindness of the pediatrician in the hospital. I could tell you how not ONE single person who loves us ever said the words "I'm sorry."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could talk about how I've never felt closer to God in my life than I have since Daniel was born. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm not going to elaborate about any of those things. Some of those things would make wonderful stories, but the story of Daniel having Down syndrome isn't really my story to tell. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkUyCJ4kodq0aJJ9CC6NBqNa1tqyKSquagFwo9u3o1QLluW4Y6meo-GD4e78Gjp1y_vAzgbuUatdbz45_0LFvbZcv3ka1xhUW0MaWzXgO9V7XE6WCr3mjLsSvBHRPVNQH1VBgNWVBi6M/s1600/101_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkUyCJ4kodq0aJJ9CC6NBqNa1tqyKSquagFwo9u3o1QLluW4Y6meo-GD4e78Gjp1y_vAzgbuUatdbz45_0LFvbZcv3ka1xhUW0MaWzXgO9V7XE6WCr3mjLsSvBHRPVNQH1VBgNWVBi6M/s640/101_0930.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is his. And so far I am feeling so privileged to be a part of Daniel's story.<br />
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<b>"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving."<br />
1 Timothy 4:4</b></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-65701438141269436422012-10-17T12:05:00.001-07:002012-10-17T12:05:26.784-07:0031 for 21, day 9: Variations on a ThemeAs I've been taking photos the last few months, a theme in our household really stood out to me and I thought it might make good material for a more "fun" blog entry. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcvVQxgB8m2UsDAnj-KMXPt6BpsCeeH6h92wwHaInoTgXB2g0T1pR3SgYsbXCAIF8TWL6DqkTSCAFJLViRuJ-vPKcDl5i68EvDxMiJzBa7Xyh074BUhyphenhyphennqlnt1H80TMehSATwlbr0h9s/s1600/101_1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcvVQxgB8m2UsDAnj-KMXPt6BpsCeeH6h92wwHaInoTgXB2g0T1pR3SgYsbXCAIF8TWL6DqkTSCAFJLViRuJ-vPKcDl5i68EvDxMiJzBa7Xyh074BUhyphenhyphennqlnt1H80TMehSATwlbr0h9s/s640/101_1303.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>"I set my rainbow in the clouds to serve as as a sign of my covenant between me and the earth."</b></div>
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<b>-Genesis 9:13</b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-60380452216055287082012-10-15T19:01:00.000-07:002012-10-15T19:01:09.897-07:0031 for 21, day 8: A Lily DayToday was another day I tried to make fun for Miss Lily. She has been feeling pretty badly lately due to allergies (yes she is medicated) so she was not in the best of moods today, but I tried to ignore her ornery behavior and just go with it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47ZQGjqHbVzZ6B-csdx-zVKDkB8R5jnHzAiKmvduQ1BPvZ03ZggqOd0-a_HKp4tfbelZ3qUppZ96kntCjNzop_3ZQQt5Dnr2JHRg-m0KrkzzOEJB9Vt-rcC_T4Z85TMvrw9F4Hxd8j1o/s1600/101_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47ZQGjqHbVzZ6B-csdx-zVKDkB8R5jnHzAiKmvduQ1BPvZ03ZggqOd0-a_HKp4tfbelZ3qUppZ96kntCjNzop_3ZQQt5Dnr2JHRg-m0KrkzzOEJB9Vt-rcC_T4Z85TMvrw9F4Hxd8j1o/s400/101_1478.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning we took an hour long walk on a trail near our house. Despite it being 70 degrees I had no desire to babywear, so stroller it was.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45PMtzFkIOv-_Qxy113RpK3e94zHPehDWFuOrGoMKymGVPFNZndEYRHUOL4x_Rf3JUtOhlFFXZwoKOhXGIGHS7cvxMwgfsdlbgr2n7K0ultNk9Voz0IrHPQuyipyLUZKjaw_qRxWXmo8/s1600/101_1479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45PMtzFkIOv-_Qxy113RpK3e94zHPehDWFuOrGoMKymGVPFNZndEYRHUOL4x_Rf3JUtOhlFFXZwoKOhXGIGHS7cvxMwgfsdlbgr2n7K0ultNk9Voz0IrHPQuyipyLUZKjaw_qRxWXmo8/s400/101_1479.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily was indispensable in regard to keeping Daniel from fussing (he hates the stroller/carseat)!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlGnx9hAyZ4sE8sbcFZDXHAMHwmvlT1t9yWMaV59NZXdBj7A3_u6rq04n5zy1OL7Fgh_Vjly5n28YUBo8YA9rtXJBeR-q6GW_yHoAfyeXp_FlAk9dKVSSOUfeh5dPuj47tv86TdOkfc/s1600/101_1485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlGnx9hAyZ4sE8sbcFZDXHAMHwmvlT1t9yWMaV59NZXdBj7A3_u6rq04n5zy1OL7Fgh_Vjly5n28YUBo8YA9rtXJBeR-q6GW_yHoAfyeXp_FlAk9dKVSSOUfeh5dPuj47tv86TdOkfc/s640/101_1485.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afterwards we indulged in our favorite fast food guilty pleasure location, followed by some time in the playscape. :-)</td></tr>
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We also made a Target run and I took Lily to her make-up ballet class (she missed on Friday due to her fever Thursday night). I tried to get pictures at ballet but they all turned out awful. All in all, it was a good day and I did get a lot of time in for Daniel's therapies as well, especially during ballet class! I was able to multitask by doing therapy stuff with him and watching her dance at the same time. I also managed to make dinner tonight and do a fair amount of house cleaning! Go me!<br />
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Till tomorrow!Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-39278291154515536322012-10-14T09:47:00.000-07:002012-10-14T09:47:19.168-07:0031 for 21, day 7: A Family SaturdayNot going to write much, but just sharing that we got to see lots of family yesterday. The only regret I have is not taking pics with more people!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDrjqJJbWlHGt_IWf9w5YZU54uDC9kvygb3aP46n6oeGTO4B5KbqhRiQSPYm0ogZ0byFfv_DH0aeiQabDjd2wL26gKD7s-t3s0TdsoAjh-qDtRmilBTZcAX_BillI9P51F-nviXjCR9c/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDrjqJJbWlHGt_IWf9w5YZU54uDC9kvygb3aP46n6oeGTO4B5KbqhRiQSPYm0ogZ0byFfv_DH0aeiQabDjd2wL26gKD7s-t3s0TdsoAjh-qDtRmilBTZcAX_BillI9P51F-nviXjCR9c/s400/photo+(7).JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel meeting great-grandma and great-grandpa for the first time!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel was sleeping. Lily was silly. </td></tr>
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Daniel and I also got to see our cousins Rob and Andrea yesterday, but I forgot to take pics! It was kind of tiring running around so much yesterday but the time with family is priceless. Hope you all get some time with family this weekend!Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-13031766232114718902012-10-12T18:37:00.001-07:002012-10-12T18:37:14.536-07:00The Last Mommy/Lily Date- 31 for 21, day 6Lily/Mommy dates had to go on hold this week. Last Monday we were still in the hospital for half the day, and today half of our family was under the weather. Lily had a fever last night so we didn't go to a playdate this morning as planned, nor did we go to ballet. And daddy wasn't feeling well either and came home after working a half day! We did go for a walk and make a short Target run, but today was pretty boring, all told.<br />
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Last Friday we went to Seaworld!!! So, please enjoy some pics of our visit! Hopefully next week we can start over again and have more fun Mommy/Lily dates to share. :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaworld has Hallowe'en themed everything now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what Lily does now when we ask her to smile. I have mixed feelings about this...haha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the sea lion show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otter!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea lion in a Hulk mask!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catch you later!</td></tr>
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<br />Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-55543542297538157672012-10-11T20:32:00.002-07:002012-10-11T20:33:28.716-07:00Four Months- 31 for 21 day 5Thank you all for the wonderful comments on Facebook and emails regarding Daniel's birth story yesterday. It means so much to us!<br />
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Daniel was four months old yesterday. I feel like time is going so fast and he is getting so big. He thought so too--yesterday he rolled over from back to tummy for the first time ever! I was totally shocked. Wasn't expecting it for quite some time yet! He did it again this morning so I am thinking it probably wasn't a fluke!<br />
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I spent some time today taking pictures of Daniel wearing some of Joe's baby clothes. I am so glad I decided to do that today because he barley fit in the outfits!! If I had waited one more week it would have been a futile endeavor. At his four month appointment yesterday, he weighed 15 lbs 9 ounces and was 25 and 3/4 inches long. If you are planning on buying clothes for him anytime soon, go 9 months or larger! He's also just about ready to go into size 3 diapers.<br />
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Daniel got his second DTaP shot yesterday. The rest of the 4 month shots he will get in a few weeks. Unfortunately we found out that he was rejected for the Synagis vaccine (RSV vaccine). He was not premature and his heart defect is not major, so we didn't qualify. As I've told several people, in my mind that means the insurance company is making a bet that he will not end up in the hospital with pneumonia, so that is why they rejected him. If they're willing to bet on Daniel being healthy, that reassures me a bit. We also got a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist, so hopefully we will find out more about Daniel's eyes soon! </div>
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While we were in the hospital, the pediatrician there upped Daniel's dose of Zantac (reflux medicine) to the maximum dose and we haven't had as much "abnormal movement" (what we thought was seizures) as the pediatrician described it. So the pretty much confirms that what he had was severe reflux. Thank you to everyone who was praying for us over the weekend and those who continue to pray for baby Daniel as he grows and matures. We so appreciate your thoughts and prayers! We certainly felt them over the weekend.</div>
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Daniel has been doing so much better at keeping his head up lately, but he is still not super proficient. The technical term for this is "head lag" but we are working with both an OT and PT now, so I am confident he will catch up soon. Other than that he has a little bit of weakness in his shoulders, but otherwise is still on track for baby milestones. As you can see he is a happy little dude and I have been getting him to laugh really well lately. His laugh sounds more like a manly chuckle than a giggle, it is pretty hilarious!!<br />
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Hopefully I will get to write more tomorrow! Love to you all.Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-20593585548558021982012-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:002012-10-10T17:15:15.748-07:00Daniel's Birth Story--31 for 21, day 4As promised, I am sharing Daniel's birth story today! It is kind of an emotional thing to share so we'd appreciate any comments and support. A few things you should know:<br />
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<li>I tried to keep it "audience friendly" but I also don't really leave anything out. So if you are super squeamish this might not be the read for you. If you're used to reading birth stories this is definitely on the milder side.</li>
<li>Daniel was not diagnosed with Down syndrome the day he was born. So that is not included in this story! I will share part 2 of the story on the 21rst. </li>
<li>I realize I'm not doing so great at this blogging every day thing. I'm just letting go and letting it happen if it happens! </li>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Daniel's Birth Story </div>
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I knew the evening of June 9th, 2012 that I would be having my baby boy the next day. The contractions had a certain quality that I can’t really describe. I had thought I was in labor at least twice before--false alarms. But these cramps were different. Deeper. I slept fitfully, all alone in the bed, while Joe slept with a similarly fitfully-sleeping Lily in the next room.</div>
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Morning came early on the 10th. It was around 5:00am that I woke for the day and knew that my son would be coming soon. I texted Jenny (my doula) and let her know that today was the day! I woke Joe and Lily up as well. I remember very little about this time. I do remember sucking down one of those squeezable apple sauce snacks and forcing myself to drink some water. I took a shower. I’m sure I also threw some last-minute items into my hospital bag. </div>
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I remember the car ride the best. I remember Lily telling me, “It’s okay to scream, Mommy.” For the record, I wasn’t screaming! Just moaning loudly. My contractions were coming pretty close together…less than four minutes, and were lasting at least a minute. Joe joked about not making it to the hospital on time, but I wasn’t worried. </div>
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If I remember correctly we arrived at the hospital around 6:30am. I waited out a few contractions, hunched over the car in the drop-off area at the entrance to Labor and Delivery. I was not going to go in without giving my sweet daughter a hug and proper goodbye. It was the last time I’d see her as my only child. As I entered the hospital, I remember seeing my sister-in-law Jess (she was there to watch Lily), and saying something like “It hurts!” while rushing past, trying to get to registration as quickly as possible. </div>
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The lady at registration didn’t seem that excited to be there. I tried joking with her- “I don’t know how you do this job…women in labor are so cranky aren’t we?”- but she didn’t even crack a smile. I was directed to the triage area where I was forced to sign some forms in between contractions. I signed that I understood the risks of both vaginal and cesarean delivery, etc etc. It made me smile. What was I going to do--not sign? The baby was going to come no matter what. </div>
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A nurse led me to a curtained area and asked me to put a hospital gown on. A few minutes later, she came back around the curtain and checked me. 7cm! I was pretty surprised. So far, the pain hadn’t been that bad, and I was almost done!</div>
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I honestly don’t remember how I got to the delivery room. I assume I was wheeled there on the bed, but I could have walked. I honestly don’t know. The magic of labor-land! I do remember being glad to see Jenny and Joe. My friend Karen arrived at some point too. She had graciously offered to take birth photos.</div>
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A hep-lock was inserted into my arm and a fetal monitor strapped to my belly. The nurse had to see the baby’s heart rate do something specific in response to my contractions before I would be allowed to move around. There was only one problem: I really had to pee. Like, bad. I kept telling Jenny that I really had to pee. It was the only thing I could think about. Laying down the way I was forced to while the nurse got heart rates from the baby was making the feeling much worse. I continued to moan through contractions and demand to be allowed to get up to pee. Jenny was wonderful and kept telling me that I was doing a great job. I love her!</div>
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Finally the baby did what he was supposed to do, and I was allowed to pee. I asked Joe to come into the bathroom with me. I actually remember praying out loud, “Jesus, please just let me pee!” on the toilet. I am sure if anyone heard me they had a little giggle, but I didn’t care. I did finally pee a little bit. As soon as I peed, the contractions started coming hard and fast. They hurt really bad and I could start to feel myself losing emotional control of the situation. Intellectually I knew that I was very close to delivering my baby, but I physically could not move. I think I said something like, “I can’t do this anymore!” and Jenny came rushing into the bathroom. Yep, I said the classic thing women say when the baby is almost there! </div>
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Jenny urged me to get back into the hospital bed, but there was just no way. I couldn’t move my legs if my life depended on it. Joe told me later that Jenny said, “Elicia, don’t make me do this!”, but I don’t remember anyone saying anything. All of the sudden, I knew I was pushing! I don’t think I even pushed more than two times, and there he was in Jenny’s hands, screaming his head off. 7:50 am, less than three hours after I woke up that morning. I think that was when the OB, who had been paged to come to the room at least twice before, walked into the room. </div>
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God only knows what he was thinking, but the OB did not look happy. I was instructed to walk back to the bed, while Jenny held my son, still attached to me by his cord. I duck walked to the bed, splashing blood all over the floor. It wasn’t my most graceful moment. Thank you, Karen, for not capturing that forever on film! </div>
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Our son’s cord was quickly cut (by Joe) and he was handed to me. I stared at him. He was beautiful! But something nagged at me. I do remember asking Jenny, “Does his face look normal?” She reassured me, but everything was in such an uproar at the time that I am positive she did not get a good look at him.</div>
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The doctor didn’t even introduce himself before asking me to slide down the bed so he could inspect things. He did lots of uncomfortable things which I won’t go into here (not uncommon or unnecessary things, he just did them not very nicely or gently), but my first and only post-birth experience with an obstetrician (I should note he was NOT my regular OB, who happened to be out of town visiting a sick relative when Daniel was born) was pretty horrific.</div>
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The doctor was upset that my son’s birth had gone the way it did...that Jenny had ended up catching the baby in the bathroom. Mad at the nurse, mad at me, and mad at Jenny. I think Jenny was even berated by a nurse in the hallway, though I do think she tried to shield me from as much of the drama as possible. She said goodbye quickly and left the hospital to help diffuse the situation. </div>
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After Jenny left our female relatives came into the delivery room to meet the baby. Lily, my mom, my mother-in-law June, and later my sister-in-law Jess all came to meet our precious boy. I didn’t let any men in the delivery room other than Joe! Lily was pretty set on the name Daniel for him towards the end of my pregnancy, so when she met him that day we made it official. Daniel Foster Conroy. Named after both Joe’s and my grandfathers. Karen took some beautiful pictures. I know at some point Karen left because she hadn’t slept well that night (she was also pregnant at the time!) and wanted to get home and rest.</div>
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It took a little while to get Daniel latched on, but he finally did and nursed well for quite some time. Eventually he did have to go to the nursery for his bath and to be checked over and observed. Everyone left, I think to have breakfast or to see Daniel in the nursery or something, and I was left alone in the delivery room while they started trying to get me ready to go onto the mother and baby unit upstairs. The head nurse came in and interviewed me about the “incident” (Daniel being caught by non medical personnel), I think just to make sure we wouldn’t sue them. I was fine with it obviously, so the discussion went well. </div>
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Eventually I was transferred upstairs to our room, and we got to see Daniel for a short time. At this point I took several pictures of him to post to Facebook. I remember picking the one where his face looked the least “weird.” It makes me a bit embarrassed to even think back on that now. I love his face. I think that was my first real indication that something might be really different about him, if I had to cull pictures of a cute baby for public consumption. He wasn’t with us long before he was brought back to the nursery for observation because he was unable to maintain his temperature, even skin to skin. </div>
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I remember asking Joe several times that day if he thought Daniel looked different in any way. Joe even asked me, “You don’t think he has Down syndrome or something, do you?” </div>
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I said no. </div>
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If you know me at all, you know I am kind of a hypochondriac and that I have dealt with anxiety issues. I worry about everything health-related. I knew I was starting to obsess about Daniel’s features and I was really trying to remain calm about it. I was worried that nothing was wrong with him, but that I would continue to obsess and that it would turn into yet another thing I obsess about. I don’t think I honestly thought anything was different about Daniel at that point. I thought something was wrong with me.</div>
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(end of part 1)</div>
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Enjoy some of the wonderful photos Karen took of Daniel's birthday!! The song in the background is "Psalm 139" by Danielle Rose. I encourage you to make it full screen if you can.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My bones are not hidden from you,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was being made in secret,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">fashioned in the depths of the earth.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your eyes saw me unformed;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">in your book all are written down;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">my days were shaped, before one came to be.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Psalm 139: 15-16</span></b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-89604826418494145632012-10-08T16:07:00.001-07:002012-10-08T19:43:18.939-07:00The Big ScareOn Saturday afternoon, Daniel was making some weird movements. He would draw his legs up, throw his head forward, stick his tongue out, and bulge his eyes. He would hold that position for a few seconds, release, and do it again. We were terrified that he was having seizures. He made the odd movements over 100 times, and it looked very uncomfortable for him. He also had slept a lot that day. We decided to call our pediatrician. She recommended we go to the ER for an EEG.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZDb5wEacy8ZkaiN1N7S37pATUxzBOXaZtvmevhvFK-XXKDCycsN5tbX_g65I0Z-XOHWKQreVoIWkoNy7XoSW485Cjyrdgu1q3KU37lODl4xpncLSbk7YJe7EGPQWIJfUUODqNarsBio/s640/blogger-image--274865050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZDb5wEacy8ZkaiN1N7S37pATUxzBOXaZtvmevhvFK-XXKDCycsN5tbX_g65I0Z-XOHWKQreVoIWkoNy7XoSW485Cjyrdgu1q3KU37lODl4xpncLSbk7YJe7EGPQWIJfUUODqNarsBio/s640/blogger-image--274865050.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the 1 hour EEG.</td></tr>
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After the 1 hour EEG, we ruled out infantile spasms, the big bad of the early childhood seizure options. We were relieved but still nervous that he could be seizing. We decided to do the 24 hour video EEG.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileyLI1hSmVxeu1QK9eZOLH9MT3toOI7c-FQ2pivtZFRaJKVOy06Ju0AfrvRm7uUHgx-CEYaf0KkvFq5qxhlj5ToduLpR9Kg1DccLZKUU915FO0w3Mbg4OK5v2SbR5sLfjjt1nTDqW_CE/s640/blogger-image-13269712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileyLI1hSmVxeu1QK9eZOLH9MT3toOI7c-FQ2pivtZFRaJKVOy06Ju0AfrvRm7uUHgx-CEYaf0KkvFq5qxhlj5ToduLpR9Kg1DccLZKUU915FO0w3Mbg4OK5v2SbR5sLfjjt1nTDqW_CE/s640/blogger-image-13269712.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Daniel did not like his EEG contraption on his head. He slept a fraction of the time he normally does and was extremely irritable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZTrmFfnmQhvbhWVqsS-rx3-wgGnXcHNh69ojAtY6iLXMk6fTJg2i3CzUH5US9jcONr_axuCs7MOaZ2UVUorrhsYebtM1MTX6vMXAbCuOuv2P3yTt-Fp-Tb806Xk0rmZ-6zIPQQ_IoOM/s640/blogger-image-868806901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZTrmFfnmQhvbhWVqsS-rx3-wgGnXcHNh69ojAtY6iLXMk6fTJg2i3CzUH5US9jcONr_axuCs7MOaZ2UVUorrhsYebtM1MTX6vMXAbCuOuv2P3yTt-Fp-Tb806Xk0rmZ-6zIPQQ_IoOM/s640/blogger-image-868806901.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the video window on the bottom righthand corner. The lines are the electrical activity in different parts of his brain. I took this when he was sleeping.</td></tr>
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We practice attachment parenting. The only time he is not in arms is when he is sleeping at night or if whoever is caring for him is eating or in the bathroom. I couldn't hold him during the video EEG unless he was nursing because he had to be in his hospital crib in view of the camera. This was very stressful for both of us. <br />
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When the 24 hour EEG was over, I cried in anticipation of getting to hold my sweet baby again as much as I wanted to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8GKD5MsBtLb4YO9RYT-rtodLSHLhTH9GmDtn0IuFyuXrWtQSPgjZLwVmPHlZ8hVXYFSlm534Us3YdT5dX-1_-hVH2LfPtkCTpvo29te3A77S2Vc0RqdgYxialFb4dDfK-RzNDZDyuS0/s640/blogger-image--123905054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8GKD5MsBtLb4YO9RYT-rtodLSHLhTH9GmDtn0IuFyuXrWtQSPgjZLwVmPHlZ8hVXYFSlm534Us3YdT5dX-1_-hVH2LfPtkCTpvo29te3A77S2Vc0RqdgYxialFb4dDfK-RzNDZDyuS0/s640/blogger-image--123905054.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I took this picture when we had less than one hour left on the 24 hour EEG...I was hovering over the crib, impatient to hold my baby!!</td></tr>
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After all that, the verdict: no seizure activity. He most likely has uncontrolled severe silent reflux. We are so relieved (though the bad reflux isn't great, it is better than seizures!) Although we spent a lot of time in the hospital, I am so glad we did the EEG. Being uncertain about whether or not my baby was having seizures was not pleasant, and an EEG is the only way to know for sure.<br />
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We are extremely exhausted but glad to be home! Thanks to everyone who helped us out by watching Lily or visiting us in the hospital. We love you guys. :-)Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-27294831334597628732012-10-04T20:28:00.000-07:002012-10-04T20:30:02.195-07:0031 for 21, day 3<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post will be quite short as I have limited time! I wanted to share a quote from one of my favorite blogs, keeping in yesterday's theme of the impact of a child with special needs on their siblings:</span><br />
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<b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">My hope is that through this journey, each of my children will see the value I have placed on their own lives. I have unconditional love for who ever it is that happens to “show up in my uterus” whether I planned on them being there or not, and whether they have the correct amount of chromosomes or not. Each of the 4 individuals that began their lives through me are a blessed gift from God, and I refuse to see it otherwise."</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">That was written by Aleisa Yusko while she was still pregnant with her daughter who was diagnosed prenatally with Trisomy 18. Her journey is incredibly inspiring and little Nora Rose is doing so awesome! I urge you to check out her blog, <a href="http://noraroseyusko.com/">I Will Carry You</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">Till tomorrow!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 12: 4-8</span></b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-90759319101971215322012-10-03T20:53:00.000-07:002012-10-03T21:02:14.330-07:0031 for 21, Day 2As you may have noticed, I didn't post yesterday! I literally did not have time. Joe and I attended the <a href="http://www.dsasa.org/">DSASTX</a> parent support group last night. The topic was on special needs trusts. We got home too late for me to blog and do everything else I have to do at night. Hopefully I can make up for the missed day by doing two blog posts in one day! We shall see.<br />
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Today I'd like to write about Lily. Since having Daniel, my time with her has been very different. Not only because she has a new baby sibling, but also because he requires more of my attention because I really cannot neglect his physical and occupational therapy that we must do every day. A lot of the time this looks like I am just playing with him!! But I am really giving him a great workout. It may not seem like a big deal, but it does take time. This means less time for her.<br />
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It may surprise you to learn that I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. It isn't the end of the world to learn that your parents' lives to do not revolve around you and your desires. It would have happened with a new sibling anyway, but is more pronounced because Daniel has special needs that cannot be ignored. Learning to put others first, especially if they are not as fortunate as you are, is a lesson that Lily will have to learn early. And I praise God for that.<br />
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Some of you may know that Lily goes to school three days a week. On those days I feel less pressure to be "on" all the time as her parent because I know her school is a very enriching environment. So I decided that the two weekdays that she is not in school, I will try to make as exciting as possible for her, of course without neglecting Daniel's needs as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg0sG-ux0zOhZ0AcvdhEp08hUij4Xq_n04YW-xMJi8TB_6YcU4fQgtwtTQeO6ZC3AOVSqhqsk_9WZS4vrtjCwredTRlRwN9aFu22dCWAft7nnIhiBj3Ry4oQJ32oK9h1OjgQQt59LJoQ/s1600/101_1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg0sG-ux0zOhZ0AcvdhEp08hUij4Xq_n04YW-xMJi8TB_6YcU4fQgtwtTQeO6ZC3AOVSqhqsk_9WZS4vrtjCwredTRlRwN9aFu22dCWAft7nnIhiBj3Ry4oQJ32oK9h1OjgQQt59LJoQ/s640/101_1445.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This past Monday was my first experiment with this idea, that two days a week would be "Awesome Lily/Mommy days" and that the other three days I could cut myself some slack on trying to be supermom for everyone, to preserve my own sanity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His name is Walker and he is a really friendly neutered male, for those who might want to adopt! We highly recommend him.</td></tr>
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And I have to say, it was a massive success. We went to the park, we delivered hand picked organic figs from our garden to a neighbor, we painted, we did some homeschooling, we took a walk, we ate awesome food, and we even took a trip to the Humane Society to look at kitties (no we are not adopting one! this was a "just for fun" trip). With some planning I was able to fit all of Daniel's therapies in. I even made dinner!<br />
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I think a lot of times, people assume that a child with special needs will cause resentment in the other siblings who are typically developing. I really do not want that to happen in our family, but I also want to teach Lily that joy can be found in sacrificing for others. And I think that will be easier for her if she is continually reminded how special and important she is to us. I think these "Lily focused" days will really be a help for all of us and I really can't wait to do some more fun activities with her on Friday!<br />
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<b>Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,</b></div>
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<b>each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.</b></div>
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<b>-Philippians 2:3-4</b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-78914230554628188832012-10-01T18:59:00.000-07:002012-10-01T18:59:02.152-07:0031 for 21, Day 1October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. There is a "blog challenge" out there in the blogosphere to challenge people who blog about Ds to blog <em>every day</em> of the month of October in order to raise awareness. I've decided to attempt to participate! I can't promise that every entry will be long...because I don't have a lot of time to devote to it! But I will be sure to blog about the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>I decided to move Daniel's birth story to the 10th of October, when he will be exactly 4 months old.</li>
<li>I will be moving his diagnosis story to the 21rst (in honor of his extra 21rst chromosome).</li>
<li>I will be blogging about the Buddy Walk within the next few days.</li>
</ul>
Everything else...we shall see! I will surprise myself, and everyone else as well I guess! For today, I've decided to share this video of Daniel "talking." I think we took this early last week. So he was about 3.5 months in this video. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please excuse the bare mattress...Lily had just spilled a bottle of baby massage oil all over the bed and it soaked down into everything including the mattress pad, so it all needed to be washed. At least it's a clean mattress. We must have standards, after all.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And one other "random fact" about Daniel that would only make sense to share today: If Daniel had been a girl, he would have been named Margaret Therese. Margaret after my Nana (her name is Marguerite) and Therese after one of my favorite Saints, <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=105">St. Therese of Lisieux</a>. Her feast day is today. :-)</div>
</div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-52717365468382962902012-09-27T21:29:00.000-07:002012-09-27T21:29:25.114-07:00An Heirloom for LilySome background: when Joe and I first started buying toys for Lily, we decided that we wanted to invest in some heirloom-quality play furniture for her. We didn't want a ton of plastic stuff that we found aesthetically displeasing, and we also wanted quality items that we could pass down. Since her first Christmas, starting with a wooden kitchen, we have purchased, or asked others to purchase, high-quality wooden play furniture for her.<br />
<br />For her birthday this year, her Pap-pap got her a much-desired doll bed. And it was wonderful. There was only one problem-it needed bedding! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YR7CkhU-8mQ4G7hrd5Nb-4kJHQ_xjfXE8tn1z70rWnfLxvGv67-NzfiDyC_NsRdWij9a4jcw_K9Pojq2KcEKwmkIz1feGak0TF45pJ5B12JYEm7Sybyha1bmi-a6mQGVNdpB6ESTZ8E/s1600/101_1425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YR7CkhU-8mQ4G7hrd5Nb-4kJHQ_xjfXE8tn1z70rWnfLxvGv67-NzfiDyC_NsRdWij9a4jcw_K9Pojq2KcEKwmkIz1feGak0TF45pJ5B12JYEm7Sybyha1bmi-a6mQGVNdpB6ESTZ8E/s640/101_1425.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I had long ago sewed and embroidered a doll pillow for Lily, but I needed a blanket for the doll bed, and since at the time I was sewing and knitting several items in preparation for my friend Karen's baby shower, I decided to buy one. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu_-FPB9zwGko34OI5XGTLP0_myIWCPwDvSeC7r8CXhQgc1JFBKsRu-u3WWqK5K49xOPVAAI762D8zB5_uq-K95swJI_ZPtAl5Klq7MY1WYUbrjyZK-HMRWugKPOxOtE19zyVBYrrfTM/s1600/101_1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu_-FPB9zwGko34OI5XGTLP0_myIWCPwDvSeC7r8CXhQgc1JFBKsRu-u3WWqK5K49xOPVAAI762D8zB5_uq-K95swJI_ZPtAl5Klq7MY1WYUbrjyZK-HMRWugKPOxOtE19zyVBYrrfTM/s640/101_1426.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That's where Emily and Brenda of <a href="http://masterpiecequilts.com/">Masterpiece Quilts</a> came in. Soon after Daniel was born, I was searching Etsy for something unrelated one day when I happened to see a picture of a girl with Down syndrome (Emily) in one of the listings. Intrigued, I clicked on the link and it took me to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/masterpiecequilts">Masterpiece Quilts Etsy store</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y44eujv-vEouVDw_6Hy8IQ9kwcSx9ti8oQmON-FYlLxwfg8aJlLLAnQYctlfsAbjvgymmnMeNk_L7bK9AFJwmI9Itl7zRhiyy7cjY2rynR8bNM6CbZ8eQaqXAKGUf7G8HiaaFG9XRTM/s1600/101_1428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y44eujv-vEouVDw_6Hy8IQ9kwcSx9ti8oQmON-FYlLxwfg8aJlLLAnQYctlfsAbjvgymmnMeNk_L7bK9AFJwmI9Itl7zRhiyy7cjY2rynR8bNM6CbZ8eQaqXAKGUf7G8HiaaFG9XRTM/s640/101_1428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was amazed to read that Emily, Brenda's daughter, picks all of the fabrics for the quilts herself, designs the quilt, and helps her mother to piece together the fabric and sew the quilt. This was so inspiring to me, and reading about Emily was such a balm to my new mama's heart as we had recently learned that baby Daniel had Down syndrome as well. I really wanted to purchase a quilt from Emily. Not only did I need one, not only did I think the quilts were absolutely beautiful, I also got to support someone like my son by purchasing one. That meant so much to me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AJOvyjJWUcYyJgHkkAqrWKFsQ18hPbN_wMviGPWjLuZumNXV7HFZsZi8DEL2rvQ7robIiM-cak3zFduyEVA1zAKIpdfd5pRytzBtaryijHsUVDEgDPxXpSULvQEIlh6zaZ5mYQg_lJI/s1600/101_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AJOvyjJWUcYyJgHkkAqrWKFsQ18hPbN_wMviGPWjLuZumNXV7HFZsZi8DEL2rvQ7robIiM-cak3zFduyEVA1zAKIpdfd5pRytzBtaryijHsUVDEgDPxXpSULvQEIlh6zaZ5mYQg_lJI/s640/101_1431.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of the main things I worry about when it comes to baby Daniel is how his life will be when he becomes an adult. Will he be happy? Will he be able to do things that he loves and feel like he contributes to society and can be productive? Will our society support him and encourage him? What happens if they don't?<br />
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If this gorgeous doll quilt is any indication, as long as he has loved ones supporting him, just like Emily does, we have nothing to worry about. Thank you Brenda and Emily for creating this gift that I am sure Lily will cherish forever, and for showing me that with love, anything is possible. :-)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to
the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> But God has
chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God
has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things
which are mighty; </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>and the base things of the world and the things
which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to
bring to nothing the things that are,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>that no flesh should glory in
His presence. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us
wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1 Corinthians 1:26-31 </b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-89610147086421264622012-09-24T18:43:00.003-07:002012-09-24T18:43:39.244-07:00A Good DayAs some of you might know, last week was a hard week for me. From reading a few depressing news items about Down syndrome, to preparing for a friend's baby shower (which I was glad to do, but still stressful), to spending most of that baby shower missing my family who happened to be attending a beautiful wedding that day up in Pennsylvania that I really, really wanted to go to. Unfortunately due to medical bills and the inadvisability of flying with an infant with a sensitive immune system, I didn't get to go. I have seen pictures, though. Everyone was beautiful!<br />
<br />
And everyone at the baby shower was beautiful too. Probably the best one I've been to, but I'm biased as I was one of the hostesses. :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lNhpUijV37qnt2Zbn5Rk2aQV3bs5NMsRRNY3AECfxCFQmYUB3jhPQRPj4_zPdV_fcO5dNZtNN9UmVF8YbsAmnNyMgvQbKjid_ueyQobG38r4JB1a7050UOqzTP-WUe35kSCXeEWJu9U/s1600/101_1367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lNhpUijV37qnt2Zbn5Rk2aQV3bs5NMsRRNY3AECfxCFQmYUB3jhPQRPj4_zPdV_fcO5dNZtNN9UmVF8YbsAmnNyMgvQbKjid_ueyQobG38r4JB1a7050UOqzTP-WUe35kSCXeEWJu9U/s640/101_1367.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gift for baby Parker...who I am now allowed to share is a BOY!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today was much better. I felt more "me" than I have in a long time. It wasn't perfect. I didn't get dinner made (we improvised). I didn't get to clean the bathtubs. But it was good.<br />
<br />
Lily got homeschooled while Daniel slept in this morning. We all took a long walk together after we were all dressed and fed, and I got an awesome workout pushing almost 70 lbs (Lily+Daniel+carseat+stroller) for over half an hour! I planted some stuff, and Lily got to play in the backyard for at least an hour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLyNgJCVgVzraRM4_Ttpp6mWl2BAu9s_diGWHDzUYDN09r5Z4ZZod5RRDzN7p-hXaXhKY3EqZ-ueYfOeyJ3QKDWmUZDGszzPaWum3NNVKk_HEam39ice67dnhhFjN47W8_c3ydjrdktI/s1600/101_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLyNgJCVgVzraRM4_Ttpp6mWl2BAu9s_diGWHDzUYDN09r5Z4ZZod5RRDzN7p-hXaXhKY3EqZ-ueYfOeyJ3QKDWmUZDGszzPaWum3NNVKk_HEam39ice67dnhhFjN47W8_c3ydjrdktI/s400/101_1375.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel loves floating in the bath. He floated for a few minutes at the beginning of Lily's bath this evening, and afterwards he received a full body massage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQrnQzQ4wQwaW4JwJog9wqlHN_tOsC84CJDWwLMwRzwJRgYiuOTy7E1dGESEsuHKhSp47eDQL8VtuDr1OC3UpwaBlA84k32u92MbAI4SCJOLB2NIfuiFMxSFgRPEvWG-LiGbfp5_xQLM/s1600/101_1393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQrnQzQ4wQwaW4JwJog9wqlHN_tOsC84CJDWwLMwRzwJRgYiuOTy7E1dGESEsuHKhSp47eDQL8VtuDr1OC3UpwaBlA84k32u92MbAI4SCJOLB2NIfuiFMxSFgRPEvWG-LiGbfp5_xQLM/s640/101_1393.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing therapy on the couch for head/neck control, while Daniel is mesmerized by the ceiling fan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwZZWGfnHNSgD-wkpI2FNQuFBr2lTmuHyUNxCww4hQP07wvliBV3EtIY49d2JMEUAXtfbjtuE0kAVIS2dUx1wH3P06f2SM2n63DPtE6V_Uiwpitp_EfzeHZZHorxy2UvplwCo6y1XPdc/s1600/101_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwZZWGfnHNSgD-wkpI2FNQuFBr2lTmuHyUNxCww4hQP07wvliBV3EtIY49d2JMEUAXtfbjtuE0kAVIS2dUx1wH3P06f2SM2n63DPtE6V_Uiwpitp_EfzeHZZHorxy2UvplwCo6y1XPdc/s640/101_1406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and I made pumpkin scones this evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw1tnasiigQ2gra_vlq0-1-VpjK34_Ny2_Gf8UCPik6CslItQwj6W0cg4W8cRuT0W10x1Hggs_Mf4nre-mVnDbGpf6jkch5C1RsjWQDFnbEBg3VOn3Zr9luVNXILnWmGF1tN-onbnfvg/s1600/101_1414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw1tnasiigQ2gra_vlq0-1-VpjK34_Ny2_Gf8UCPik6CslItQwj6W0cg4W8cRuT0W10x1Hggs_Mf4nre-mVnDbGpf6jkch5C1RsjWQDFnbEBg3VOn3Zr9luVNXILnWmGF1tN-onbnfvg/s640/101_1414.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While they baked I painted her toenails "red like Grandma's" at her request, and she demanded books as she waited for them to dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX78fbpuSB3XSmaL9RCBLMgY26RPrPedv3QZSTMRUhbMRnfLvXk34B2jMckEowprZDxdv9DHTXlY_N4JXk-ElCZ7R1rXkhqDW8lZOfPxyQ6FN14CqinqUpFVwNMwB6sAh5WkqMwdD3qU/s1600/101_1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX78fbpuSB3XSmaL9RCBLMgY26RPrPedv3QZSTMRUhbMRnfLvXk34B2jMckEowprZDxdv9DHTXlY_N4JXk-ElCZ7R1rXkhqDW8lZOfPxyQ6FN14CqinqUpFVwNMwB6sAh5WkqMwdD3qU/s640/101_1416.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father/son naptime. <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sometimes you just need a beautifully ordinary day to get you back on track. Thank you, God, for ordinary days.<br />
<br />
I have a few blog entries planned this week that I am really excited to share. Here's an overview:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A few products/services offered by people with Down syndrome who inspire me so much.</li>
<li>Daniel's birth story, which I hope to share on Friday.</li>
<li>Daniel's diagnosis story, which I hope to share on Saturday.</li>
<li>Sharing the experience of our first Buddy Walk!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"<span style="background-color: white;">First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,</span></b></div>
<dd style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b>for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."</b></dd><dd style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b>1 Timothy 2:1-2</b></dd>Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-91565136699356781062012-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:002012-09-16T20:34:05.906-07:00She's CraftySo I thought I'd change up this blog post a little bit from the norm. And maybe show off a little. :-)<br />
<br />
As some of you may know I like to sew and knit. And with so many babies being born recently I've done a lot of sewing and knitting. So here are some of the items I've made in the past months for Daniel as well as some beloved friends' babies:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfshlB9MTuH_bVf1iRSVo7rDZbJJ2BNL6ePJoxdkrwBXZmUOCAPldQkKXYPnfQgymihpkDqX8C8wdyDYQxF_arxalwlLEMU3YnBdDYY2XUvXFX3jHU9GssdZ4fC0oMcZcGPfMJ_-NyTU/s1600/101_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfshlB9MTuH_bVf1iRSVo7rDZbJJ2BNL6ePJoxdkrwBXZmUOCAPldQkKXYPnfQgymihpkDqX8C8wdyDYQxF_arxalwlLEMU3YnBdDYY2XUvXFX3jHU9GssdZ4fC0oMcZcGPfMJ_-NyTU/s640/101_0846.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going-home outfit for Daniel. I sewed the pants and embroidered the shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO-da70OqZUzXohqN59RZBn8Pwa9GRNAcedn5zwW0Kd-ET9scmEdT7offFgBoO4pKehSXDeU6TWIh_A1in2vc6wvS4VT2FRPNZzWZX_cCWum3TNWDjNs2mtcJQJF8ekm-UZ5z8ZEO85g/s1600/101_0849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO-da70OqZUzXohqN59RZBn8Pwa9GRNAcedn5zwW0Kd-ET9scmEdT7offFgBoO4pKehSXDeU6TWIh_A1in2vc6wvS4VT2FRPNZzWZX_cCWum3TNWDjNs2mtcJQJF8ekm-UZ5z8ZEO85g/s400/101_0849.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool diaper soaker I knit for Daniel. He stopped fitting it just about the time I found out cloth diapers weren't the best for him at the present time. I also knit him a grey one but I don't have a picture of it yet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3l_CUQcpfZZ6awJY8KxPu8aDOl1bu_MJ0rVnhmvDAuZHhayrKFOvgBHXfroTHXHJe44iXyoUHfONLw45dLJoBjC4H4fsDdVuV7wZQ8rTwGh41CKxwCAMK2XdnZUWQ1HyY6SWB-92I3s/s1600/101_0884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3l_CUQcpfZZ6awJY8KxPu8aDOl1bu_MJ0rVnhmvDAuZHhayrKFOvgBHXfroTHXHJe44iXyoUHfONLw45dLJoBjC4H4fsDdVuV7wZQ8rTwGh41CKxwCAMK2XdnZUWQ1HyY6SWB-92I3s/s400/101_0884.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pants for baby Ben.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_webw-fWUZ4Cpfd4y5nKRYK69rZf0l6WS4FnPm77-BfWuxyxDMKEORcy7U9kpDLVRSiwG4taOqONk_7P9FLv2AyHmxU-6vEtUijcrsi8DF2icFxXILzDw2ZfUX3aZgLqWI2tZUiAX6KA/s1600/101_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_webw-fWUZ4Cpfd4y5nKRYK69rZf0l6WS4FnPm77-BfWuxyxDMKEORcy7U9kpDLVRSiwG4taOqONk_7P9FLv2AyHmxU-6vEtUijcrsi8DF2icFxXILzDw2ZfUX3aZgLqWI2tZUiAX6KA/s640/101_0885.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit vest for baby Ben. I found the buttons at Walmart of all places after searching all of my hoity-toity knitting shops!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOXUHgGupy8AmVcB2zIZhEXnkQOu6RTWpQWDrkxhponKmMmT7fPUlUBfELmeZj9OBUO1GMjLRQM2MRv6DV2bMryexQwhIeqGD6BBtHAByROlFBAEBo53-FKVQCyIq2P3W38SBYW1VTAM/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOXUHgGupy8AmVcB2zIZhEXnkQOu6RTWpQWDrkxhponKmMmT7fPUlUBfELmeZj9OBUO1GMjLRQM2MRv6DV2bMryexQwhIeqGD6BBtHAByROlFBAEBo53-FKVQCyIq2P3W38SBYW1VTAM/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pants for Daniel from my favorite fabric in the world.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-VASBZH0VYdwKLYfb4CzqZOub6BP-uHmLI9tKvr8ziDmXjpRoW8fMkclW0AoezeqxxxmmFyj8Qp4jkdbinhScntzqzNx1WkNcojWL4kHDTYJyVQ2eJCzfKbMsCgqWDrEG-1I0-VTxss/s1600/101_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-VASBZH0VYdwKLYfb4CzqZOub6BP-uHmLI9tKvr8ziDmXjpRoW8fMkclW0AoezeqxxxmmFyj8Qp4jkdbinhScntzqzNx1WkNcojWL4kHDTYJyVQ2eJCzfKbMsCgqWDrEG-1I0-VTxss/s400/101_1335.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semi-matching pants for baby Parker :-) As you can tell I couldn't bear to part with more than just a little of the fabric!</td></tr>
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And this is just the stuff I have pictures of! I think I'd like to share my crafts with you all every few weeks because it is such a large part of my life and what makes me happy. :-) I'm a much better knitter than I am a sewer (as some of you experienced sewers may have noticed...) but I enjoy both very much.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She seeks out wool and flax</b>
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<div class="poi" style="text-align: center;">
<b>and weaves with skillful hands.</b></div>
<div class="poi" style="text-align: center;">
<b>- Proverbs 31:13 </b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-53762620616149371912012-09-13T17:22:00.002-07:002012-09-13T17:26:47.894-07:003 MonthsDaniel was three months old on Monday. The old adage about the "fourth trimester" seems to be accurate in Daniel's case...he is really coming out of his shell this week! I took him to the lactation center to weigh him today: 13lbs 12 oz! I think he will have no trouble doubling his birth weight by 4 months. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvj4dvRjUMfdIiWDH0WyuUyoXQFNCn17XbYkaa0tmbzyXpdzhP6azH1guNIoqEoaR4Wt5lbylbksvnZ58C5uw8IHpTp_UZlHEDKFQosERdgUdrt0SQY7hKFA27yw2Zgz9rmezduzjy-Y/s1600/101_1328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvj4dvRjUMfdIiWDH0WyuUyoXQFNCn17XbYkaa0tmbzyXpdzhP6azH1guNIoqEoaR4Wt5lbylbksvnZ58C5uw8IHpTp_UZlHEDKFQosERdgUdrt0SQY7hKFA27yw2Zgz9rmezduzjy-Y/s1600/101_1328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He is also fitting into our family rhythm pretty well. Everything is getting easier. Honestly, the first week or so after we brought him home seemed a bit surreal for me. Suddenly I was a parent of a child with special needs. It seemed like a Lifetime movie or something that happens to someone else. The weirdest part was that he really didn't seem all that different than a normal baby! <br />
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But now...our life is just our life. I can honestly say we are all happier with Daniel here with us than we were before he was born. Daniel has taught us so much about unconditional love and opened our eyes to truths we had never understood before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseNjAZG8ttweie-wxO1j3_C_mCDSVnlVEwKhitm2YOH3l8RHEt6ukJhkiO0qh5vpMxJW9hqMKaVi6nQb_jieqql-uXJpAlttAqsUYitRzBKzB4-A8Tmfh0sypL6aaLYsJnCNkT5L__0U/s1600/101_1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseNjAZG8ttweie-wxO1j3_C_mCDSVnlVEwKhitm2YOH3l8RHEt6ukJhkiO0qh5vpMxJW9hqMKaVi6nQb_jieqql-uXJpAlttAqsUYitRzBKzB4-A8Tmfh0sypL6aaLYsJnCNkT5L__0U/s1600/101_1287.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is staring at his black and white picture board. :-)</td></tr>
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So far the only delay in Daniel's development I've noticed so far is lack of head control compared to how Lily was at this age. His strength when he's on his belly is great, but when he's upright (like when being held) his head is still pretty wobbly. We're working on it, but honestly I'm fine with him where he is. In my eyes he doesn't get his worth as a human being based on his capabilities. I know he'll hold his head up well eventually. <br />
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He has an appointment with a developmental pediatrician (I think I mentioned this in a previous update about him) at the end of the month. They will evaluate him and give us a plan of action to support his development in the coming months. We are also working with our insurance to see if he can get approved for the RSV vaccine (Synagis). Since he has a heart defect and Ds, he's at higher risk for serious complications if he gets RSV (like pneumonia). We would appreciate any prayers that this gets approved!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBJIGUffiVOPwa_ZlqL3iWb3UrgdOrHeu59jE6kbMylXNLkdD5gDP0Slkq3o5ixXwGOz13hnpW5C1iRm-KlI_V2sxibqeRiNXBrIwxafBSf4Zq0dS11Ma3wGtu0jyg9LV0KdhQFRp7Os/s1600/101_1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBJIGUffiVOPwa_ZlqL3iWb3UrgdOrHeu59jE6kbMylXNLkdD5gDP0Slkq3o5ixXwGOz13hnpW5C1iRm-KlI_V2sxibqeRiNXBrIwxafBSf4Zq0dS11Ma3wGtu0jyg9LV0KdhQFRp7Os/s1600/101_1298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite thing about him at this age is how happy he is, as you can probably tell from these pictures. He's the happiest baby I've ever been around, seriously! He loves interacting with people, smiling, imitating sounds and mouth shapes that other people make (so far he has imitated a kissy mouth pretty well), and "talking" (baby talk)! I have a "conversation" with him almost every night that lasts almost half an hour! He especially seems to love talking to his Grandma (Elicia's mom). Something about her just brings out some super chattiness in him! It is so cute. We all love him so much.<br />
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<span class="bcv"></span><b>For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,</b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.</b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.</b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them,</b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; </b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, </b></div>
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<b><span class="bcv"></span>for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:</b>
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<div class="pof" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“Awake, O sleeper,</b></div>
<div class="poi" style="text-align: center;">
<b>and arise from the dead,</b></div>
<div class="pol" style="text-align: center;">
<b>and Christ will give you light."</b></div>
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<b>-Ephesians 5:8-14 </b></div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-32391948848929921372012-09-03T20:21:00.000-07:002012-09-03T20:29:04.391-07:00Little Girl, I love you.There is something special about that first dance class. I was a little older than Lily when I took my very first, and I remember it pretty well. When you're a girl child, ballet seems to be the height of femininity and grace--and of course you feel like the most beautiful princess in that leotard and your ballerina slippers. It was an emotional experience watching her...my Lillian Frances.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vj7UWoX1k-pqK5hY7W_4kKsXm6OlFaZsc2Sl0wuRypQfj43QHxSpnZTGGT3OhXvmRIe7gBBLq13XPDx1uTqvDObCLXOb-u3DcVOszCx95s1Qn3plchabT6sQUzSpJW3vsA3RoBXmAEg/s1600/101_1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vj7UWoX1k-pqK5hY7W_4kKsXm6OlFaZsc2Sl0wuRypQfj43QHxSpnZTGGT3OhXvmRIe7gBBLq13XPDx1uTqvDObCLXOb-u3DcVOszCx95s1Qn3plchabT6sQUzSpJW3vsA3RoBXmAEg/s640/101_1222.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She had a "dress code"--pink tights, leotard, slippers, and hair up--but since she had such a selection thanks to her Aunt Jaci and Uncle Daniel, I let her pick out just <i>which</i> pink leotard she wanted to wear to that very first class. The one she picked was classic Lily: one with an attached flowing skirt, but embellished at the top with shiny metal studs. My girly-girl with some spunk.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpIDd1zNRl044T3c5HVfXfhvPUVlM9R9a8g3LR-mbbD78lBCLrPWDzDCQeIW3X3-NdSLt4JFNZTSPgc0WqyiDPDaYh7LSe7GdPRxWQMv_qdkSdLUWRZ42ihXhU7r9OsPeFumwd4bEU9g/s640/101_1243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was so excited that sitting still for pictures did not happen. This was the best I got!</td></tr>
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One thing about living so near family that I absolutely love is that when anyone has any sort of important life event, everyone shows up to support them. Other than myself, Lily had five other relatives come to observe her first ballet class and be there for that milestone. It makes me emotional every time. I am so grateful that our children are constantly reminded how very loved they are by so many people. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bcgh87C57tiNMrm4cK-_Law_evSBvWQMqBe4uTvnrRQiUnn5jIewe6Fkn4y0z3EQmDcRiVm4I-MHVzwX1NXucnZkKgsMikg8x5NR6sq0v8qckq2eRHXoFmPCoZq39tHg3BA-aR3xF_E/s1600/image(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bcgh87C57tiNMrm4cK-_Law_evSBvWQMqBe4uTvnrRQiUnn5jIewe6Fkn4y0z3EQmDcRiVm4I-MHVzwX1NXucnZkKgsMikg8x5NR6sq0v8qckq2eRHXoFmPCoZq39tHg3BA-aR3xF_E/s640/image(1).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One awesome benefit for me was that I could just observe her class without having to worry about taking pictures! Such a gift, as I was wearing Daniel in the baby carrier and having to also take pictures would have been extremely stressful. My father-in-law Jack took all of the rest of the photos on this entry, including the one above. :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXlfSIl-purOq99LPrPNzX5d81GIrrn-KdBUt7iiv44X_65IizR_HGob4guB3FGKHXLg0Hkl4L2dctmJOXYdlCPfi09EpZfL0Tphwz6fsIM6qclwyTmDjEJLukPMtTqiM6hdmI4IjIlo/s1600/image(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXlfSIl-purOq99LPrPNzX5d81GIrrn-KdBUt7iiv44X_65IizR_HGob4guB3FGKHXLg0Hkl4L2dctmJOXYdlCPfi09EpZfL0Tphwz6fsIM6qclwyTmDjEJLukPMtTqiM6hdmI4IjIlo/s640/image(2).jpeg" width="406" /></a></div>
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Of course I am slightly biased, as I feel that my daughter is the best, most talented little girl in the world, but I think she did a great job at her first class. No, she didn't do everything perfectly. But she tried hard, and I think she impressed the teacher a few times with what she could do. I have a feeling it won't take long for her to get used to this type of class and excel. But even if she doesn't, that's okay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IRTV0jO74-GBfU6WK37Ik_WoAc3C5-1A52piJpNdBQNkdRIEBa9I8Uotfhl_QCWV1fcb4rnp4JeuKKZB4-mmOd-YUyaBdeT-XtwKAwYlEHfzO25C_nfm1kPyxBGpM2OqE0Ou-mvkJHg/s1600/image(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IRTV0jO74-GBfU6WK37Ik_WoAc3C5-1A52piJpNdBQNkdRIEBa9I8Uotfhl_QCWV1fcb4rnp4JeuKKZB4-mmOd-YUyaBdeT-XtwKAwYlEHfzO25C_nfm1kPyxBGpM2OqE0Ou-mvkJHg/s640/image(3).jpeg" width="520" /></a></div>
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The important thing is, Lily got to feel like a ballerina princess. What girl could ask for anything more?</div>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-53665866041322166302012-08-31T19:21:00.003-07:002012-08-31T19:21:56.564-07:00Exceeding ExpectationsFirst of all, we would like to thank everyone who has donated to support our Little Daniel team for this year's Buddy Walk. We actually more than doubled our fundraising goal. I originally set the goal at $500, as we had never done a Buddy Walk before and had no idea what kind of response to expect. You all blew our expectations out of the water and we are so thrilled. That you would donate your time and money to tangibly show us how loved Daniel is...it means everything. Thank you. We still have almost a month left to accumulate more donations, so who knows where we'll be by the time the Buddy Walk is upon us!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpMVNpn9ZEvqsF2j_LGbh1y7_Y2oaEt2gsxmzDDhLdcUsA9udK_lwBMWs7flfl67nIIZEPLO7QcnY8Ealx4aKY7WBPCZdUCjr9V-JJRLn0lbyiQ3fYOShN1K0fi4As2I1r9BlO_877V0/s1600/Danielbuddywalk1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpMVNpn9ZEvqsF2j_LGbh1y7_Y2oaEt2gsxmzDDhLdcUsA9udK_lwBMWs7flfl67nIIZEPLO7QcnY8Ealx4aKY7WBPCZdUCjr9V-JJRLn0lbyiQ3fYOShN1K0fi4As2I1r9BlO_877V0/s1600/Danielbuddywalk1.png" height="486" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow!!! Thank you!!</td></tr>
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And if that weren't enough, as of now we are currently in the top five teams in terms of fundraising!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiC9D-Jk8qOtGENJ6Xnkf14rjYn0KEKSpsqx5g-3v5-B0di0b7YbcVMMwIyEaQr4K9zfROOF705U0MEGNo0530fGgvrKR7aF9Yy4rt-k-J_vhA2ej_CW-vJWaH_5JlY01jAyy6iVQEe4/s1600/leaderboardbuddywalk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiC9D-Jk8qOtGENJ6Xnkf14rjYn0KEKSpsqx5g-3v5-B0di0b7YbcVMMwIyEaQr4K9zfROOF705U0MEGNo0530fGgvrKR7aF9Yy4rt-k-J_vhA2ej_CW-vJWaH_5JlY01jAyy6iVQEe4/s1600/leaderboardbuddywalk.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you!</td></tr>
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We only need five more people to walk with us to meat our team member goal. If you are willing and able to walk with us on the 29th, please do! Joe's sister Jess is even designing special custom t-shirts for us to wear, so if you're interested in ordering one, let me know and I can hook you up.<br />
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Lastly for today, I'd like to share a series of pictures with you that I've entitled "Fun with Black and White Toys."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jrzGpm6gi6ZuOYNj2epMBUSyqML0sROy8RaqrCKOY8uMGLc7r_xatcLDOZ7ajHyftsFrbk7gA5fmDUJ5_cgAecACQ6D4enW1a0WRnBgJXkOJi3DLhLCTsPTHplKoFJUOLCh585oFjo/s1600/101_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jrzGpm6gi6ZuOYNj2epMBUSyqML0sROy8RaqrCKOY8uMGLc7r_xatcLDOZ7ajHyftsFrbk7gA5fmDUJ5_cgAecACQ6D4enW1a0WRnBgJXkOJi3DLhLCTsPTHplKoFJUOLCh585oFjo/s1600/101_1249.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel loves anything black and white. His OT recommended we obtain more B&W toys to motivate him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrkQu8Tw4N7A34X8GsI0nEYZQ8HTgrogAjwinIfJNKapC_NtuIrODjwg6l3SeG4bHChclElOmCX_kt6v8G2E5FtLKz1e6Mf8PYHOeJVvVJEVQAIox7yXmhoH2O95cX19BtizKLj8exz4/s1600/101_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrkQu8Tw4N7A34X8GsI0nEYZQ8HTgrogAjwinIfJNKapC_NtuIrODjwg6l3SeG4bHChclElOmCX_kt6v8G2E5FtLKz1e6Mf8PYHOeJVvVJEVQAIox7yXmhoH2O95cX19BtizKLj8exz4/s1600/101_1258.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wow, Mommy, I like this!"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvxzIsYJD9Iheh6SGm6W-7tVwrGqR44VhAPNs76XKJURlkyrDvgAyLW4PzfbOLOUqA8cmh5NhC0MHp-kve65st8AI_hN2hZoUqAX4htXrHSW_y0BzEP-iPxW2XNcWyPLkFc2ACE3yPLs/s1600/101_1253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvxzIsYJD9Iheh6SGm6W-7tVwrGqR44VhAPNs76XKJURlkyrDvgAyLW4PzfbOLOUqA8cmh5NhC0MHp-kve65st8AI_hN2hZoUqAX4htXrHSW_y0BzEP-iPxW2XNcWyPLkFc2ACE3yPLs/s1600/101_1253.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before this he had never actually paid any attention to the toys we placed on his chest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2MQjoV5y0LwP1vJssO2CYwzZII4mgCgeDxwG0YGohih0xG5_zbG2JdXCDEHc1zuItdDQwYVqt50xqCvaKZHjnL94MoVpuSOlpa1raXz1EJlMX8cAtVKrlbofAjOIYvjB8odD_-l3ApY/s1600/101_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2MQjoV5y0LwP1vJssO2CYwzZII4mgCgeDxwG0YGohih0xG5_zbG2JdXCDEHc1zuItdDQwYVqt50xqCvaKZHjnL94MoVpuSOlpa1raXz1EJlMX8cAtVKrlbofAjOIYvjB8odD_-l3ApY/s1600/101_1254.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this point I was practically peeing my pants with excitement! Not only was he looking he was purposefully touching!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWNur0jjqA0wi8_DxBQHIPtvG1xrFk_WnVXm3JNhEjT-iMJBu38ge9WLzuHCC_KMcsFEMmxY-6FVJIQKCsuX0JfGRsLI950M00Apm7jf_2iSvm7UEzTIcf43vMSjOrIca3kwStXmrjW8/s1600/101_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWNur0jjqA0wi8_DxBQHIPtvG1xrFk_WnVXm3JNhEjT-iMJBu38ge9WLzuHCC_KMcsFEMmxY-6FVJIQKCsuX0JfGRsLI950M00Apm7jf_2iSvm7UEzTIcf43vMSjOrIca3kwStXmrjW8/s1600/101_1257.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then he picked it up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaH_raoQJEp6RxSf7LLvwsSlU2bEc2ITKVkD0ZGd7D0VlERqZVfGL6zKkegjO77qowLOqNIB9sKDDMzT1dkbHBAI6gx7QCPpUOA8ErNLYVh9gvH4IWwZzxwzepMey86eWh4Ji7PgnboE/s1600/101_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaH_raoQJEp6RxSf7LLvwsSlU2bEc2ITKVkD0ZGd7D0VlERqZVfGL6zKkegjO77qowLOqNIB9sKDDMzT1dkbHBAI6gx7QCPpUOA8ErNLYVh9gvH4IWwZzxwzepMey86eWh4Ji7PgnboE/s1600/101_1260.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wow! I love this toy!" Someone loves pandas just like his Pap-pap. :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzLpbzLO0rVzhkoFJtqJgjDE4YWfwL3RBMT002ng-_GSJ3_q00rUjb_9gJzeY9IkA8dGyo_AUdaqKDDgYWJCAQl-6NtMrbZp3iGMkENOcFmgd-NUxSumrbZKjXBC7WChxzPs5XabuXiI/s1600/101_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzLpbzLO0rVzhkoFJtqJgjDE4YWfwL3RBMT002ng-_GSJ3_q00rUjb_9gJzeY9IkA8dGyo_AUdaqKDDgYWJCAQl-6NtMrbZp3iGMkENOcFmgd-NUxSumrbZKjXBC7WChxzPs5XabuXiI/s1600/101_1261.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He has brought toys to his mouth before. But this is the first time I've ever seen him pick up a toy all by himself. </td></tr>
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We are so thrilled with our OT and these toys. Daniel is still right on target for his baby milestones and we are so proud of him!<br />
<br />
Links to our favorite B&W toys (so far):<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-210480-Wimmer-Ferguson-Double-Feature/dp/B003DA5YLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346465427&sr=8-1&keywords=wimmer+ferguson+double+feature+mirror">Wimmer-Ferguson Double Feature Mirror</a> (the B&W toy that started his obsession)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sassy-80021-Look-Photo-Book/dp/B002J4U8L6/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1346465482&sr=1-1&keywords=look+book+baby">Sassy Look Book.</a> You can add family pictures or leave some of the black and white images visible.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Genius-Educational-Products-Bright-Start_5/dp/B001THQWD2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1346465538&sr=1-2&keywords=genius+baby">Genius Baby Bright Starts Gift Set</a>. Already love this, and it just arrived today.<br />
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The only thing I personally wouldn't buy in black and white is a crib mobile as I feel that is supposed to be a calming and not a stimulating area. Might be great for over a changing table, though!<br />
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My next update will be about Lily's very first ever ballet class, which was so cute that I cried several times (uh, I guess my kids make me cry a lot...mostly for good reasons). Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<dl><dd style="text-align: center;"><b>"And day by day this pathway smooths,</b><b> </b></dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><b>Since first I learned to love it;</b>
</dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><b>The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,</b><b> </b></dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><b>A fountain ever springing;</b>
</dd><dd><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All things are mine since I am his--</b><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How can I keep from singing?"</b></div>
</dd></dl>
Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859061261198916523.post-23312242539035990672012-08-26T21:35:00.000-07:002012-08-26T21:39:04.467-07:00Prayer RequestsI don't have an update for everyone yet (probably this week will hold many updates!) but I do want to ask for some prayers for the following intentions:<br />
<br />
1. That Daniel continues to do well! He is such a smiling happy baby and is "verbalizing" (baby noises in response to us talking to him) so well, which is such a good sign. We are specifically asking for prayers for his continued success with baby milestones as well as that the final hole in his heart closes!<br />
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2. That Lily do well with the very quick transition from slow-paced summer days to the busyness of 3 days of school and a ballet class each week, not counting the normal visits with family and playdates! It will be a lot for her to take in.<br />
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3. This last request will require some explanation. As I encounter more people who have children with Down syndrome and hear their stories, I have realized (yet again, as they are continually awesome) how blessed we are in our family and friends. I have heard countless stories of mothers and babies being abandoned by the husband and father when faced with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. I have also heard stories of extended family members ignoring or outright verbally abusing children with Down syndrome, or telling the parents they should have aborted their child. I can honestly say that none of these scenarios even crossed my mind when we got Daniel's diagnosis in the hospital, and our family and friends have truly lived up to my high expectations and have accepted and loved Daniel with their whole hearts. So I ask you to pray for those who are not as lucky as we are. This issue has been heavy on my heart the last few days!<br />
<br />
Thank you! Hope to have another update soon! And if you'd like for us to pray for your intentions as well, don't hesitate to email me!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBxC3g6K3FteZQXP-AdyqY1KhBOpubMNg74u3O6j6HHoSEnlBLPSCpplGsrRP91HLtmwQNY63FnwKqQ44lxWB5x73FAuFcv2dh1MiGqIYFhQhTNfIG3b_-xAxoaKech4qc684RB_thNE/s1600/photo+%285%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBxC3g6K3FteZQXP-AdyqY1KhBOpubMNg74u3O6j6HHoSEnlBLPSCpplGsrRP91HLtmwQNY63FnwKqQ44lxWB5x73FAuFcv2dh1MiGqIYFhQhTNfIG3b_-xAxoaKech4qc684RB_thNE/s400/photo+%285%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Daniel says, "Thank you for being awesome!"</td></tr>
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<br />Eliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138074456064966991noreply@blogger.com0