Craig has been gone since Monday, and I'm ready for him to be back. I was never ready for him to leave. I have not slept well the whole week. I'll stay up late as possible, to make myself as tired as possible, and it still takes me forever to get to sleep. Like right now, I'm so tired. But, falling asleep without him in the house, or next to me has me unsettled. booooo.
So,I'm over it. I want him back.
We had a shower for my sister today, and my other sister is also in town with her BF. Busy busy. when I think about the next 2 weeks, I am so excited about what it holds. But, knowing it is going to fly makes me just want to soak it all in and enjoy it.
I keep getting that random thought..."Oh, I'll just catch up on sleep tomorrow." OR "I'll just sleep in to make up for the bad night's sleep or the staying up too late." CAN'T. I can't. My life is not my own. No decision I make is made without the thought of my little girl. It's sort of crazy. I realize different things all the time about how a Mom's life is NOT her own. Not at all. But, it's my calling. I'm not sad about it. I would never change it or take it back. Sure, there are times when I would like to just jump in the car and run to the store. But simple things like that can't be done without more thought and more energy. Even though it;'s been almost a year, it's still crazy how a child changes your life.
Hey, so, umm, does everyone else know about this eagle nest that is filmed ALL day EVERY day?????? And I am just finding out???? what??? Ok, so I watched only a few minutes of it today. This mommy eagle, taking care of her babes. This mothering instinct that GOD gave to this eagle, and to me as a momma. Look how big my vocabulary tonight....CRAZY!! (I am so tired.) But, amazed at this eagle, and almost in tears today. Even her life is no longer her own. The food she has is no longer her food, but she has to HELP give it to her babes. Her sleep is no longer her sleep. She has to make sure she keeps her babes warm and snuggled. He life changed when those eggs hatched. I was amazed by watching this. And really wondered if people that are not mommas think of this eagle the way I did.
Whether or not I like it, my life is not my own. I cannot turn my alarm off and sleep in tomorrow. I would like to. But, I LOVE it. I love the role that God had predestined for me and my life. Loving that role does not mean I like the lack of sleep and freedom sometimes. Annabelle's face in the morning, her big, blue, innocent eyes looking at me with a sweet sincere love is something I cherish more than my sleep. The tiny, jammied body that I GET to pick up and snuggle and feed makes my life SO full! To be needed in this way is a feeling I can never explain. It's, here we go again, CRAZY! Thank you, Lord, for my short night's sleep and the sweet little life You have trusted me with.
Goodnight.
4.09.2011
4.05.2011
APRIL
The month of April is so super busy! I know its going to just fly by! Everything happening in April is exciting and fun and I look forward to every minute! I think APRIL is now my favorite month. It will always be full of the most incredible memories. My sister is getting married, which, of course is the BIGGEST thing!!!!! She gets married on what was to be Annabelle's due date last year. I can't wait for her wedding. I am so happy for her. She is going to be gorgeous.
Annabelle also turns ONE this month! I cant even believe it's been a year. A year ago today, I never imagined I would have SUCH an awesome baby. The days in April that led up to Annabelle coming, I remember were long, and often boring. Uneventful really. I had just moved in to this house only a couple weeks before. So, I spent my days organizing the nursery. Thinking I needed everything in order before she came. I had a hospital bag packed for the "just in case" moment. I dreamed of holding my sweet baby girl! I couldn't even picture who she would be or what she would look like. I worried about labor and delivery. I posted a blog around this week, a year ago, about how I thought I would be jealous of Annabelle, because of the attention that Craig would give her, and how having a baby would change the dynamics of our marriage. It's funny to me now that that was even a concern. Craig has been the most incredible daddy, and continues to be the most incredible husband at the same time. Never could I have thought up such an amazing man. But, it is sort of crazy to think about how different our lives were a year ago......
Ya, having a contraction while taking belly pics in the bluebonnets. This was only a couple days before my babe came!!! :)
LAST APRIL...
Speaking of Craig, he is out of town this week and his girls will be missing him! We dropped him off at the airport yesterday, and I already cant wait to go back and pick him up in a week. We love him!!
I realized the other day that I dont take enough pics of Annabelle these days. I am so serious when I say that I dont want to miss a moment. The days of baby-ness are flying and you can never go back. So, I soak up every little thing she does. I dont want to speed through any stage. I want to capture all these incredible moments. I take a lot of pictures with my iPhone, but that just doesnt cut it. So, I pulled the camera out when she was in the tub the other day. I mean, what baby doesnt have bath pics? I had to get some...
Tell me that's not the cutest 11 month old you have ever seen! Gol darnit, I cant handle this cuteness.
One thing I am so loving these days about Annabelle is how she reaches out for me. When sitting on the floor, she will reach her hands up to me for me to pick her up. And when in someone's arms, she will reach for me to snatch her. And I am also loving when someone reaches for her to take her from my arms, she tucks her head in and snuggles a little tighter against my chest. The little things. I love it.
Showers. Parties. Appointments. Family. Wedding. Home. Life. Church. Playdates. Airport runs. =APRIL.
ENJOY!
Annabelle also turns ONE this month! I cant even believe it's been a year. A year ago today, I never imagined I would have SUCH an awesome baby. The days in April that led up to Annabelle coming, I remember were long, and often boring. Uneventful really. I had just moved in to this house only a couple weeks before. So, I spent my days organizing the nursery. Thinking I needed everything in order before she came. I had a hospital bag packed for the "just in case" moment. I dreamed of holding my sweet baby girl! I couldn't even picture who she would be or what she would look like. I worried about labor and delivery. I posted a blog around this week, a year ago, about how I thought I would be jealous of Annabelle, because of the attention that Craig would give her, and how having a baby would change the dynamics of our marriage. It's funny to me now that that was even a concern. Craig has been the most incredible daddy, and continues to be the most incredible husband at the same time. Never could I have thought up such an amazing man. But, it is sort of crazy to think about how different our lives were a year ago......
Ya, having a contraction while taking belly pics in the bluebonnets. This was only a couple days before my babe came!!! :)
LAST APRIL...
Speaking of Craig, he is out of town this week and his girls will be missing him! We dropped him off at the airport yesterday, and I already cant wait to go back and pick him up in a week. We love him!!
I realized the other day that I dont take enough pics of Annabelle these days. I am so serious when I say that I dont want to miss a moment. The days of baby-ness are flying and you can never go back. So, I soak up every little thing she does. I dont want to speed through any stage. I want to capture all these incredible moments. I take a lot of pictures with my iPhone, but that just doesnt cut it. So, I pulled the camera out when she was in the tub the other day. I mean, what baby doesnt have bath pics? I had to get some...
Tell me that's not the cutest 11 month old you have ever seen! Gol darnit, I cant handle this cuteness.
One thing I am so loving these days about Annabelle is how she reaches out for me. When sitting on the floor, she will reach her hands up to me for me to pick her up. And when in someone's arms, she will reach for me to snatch her. And I am also loving when someone reaches for her to take her from my arms, she tucks her head in and snuggles a little tighter against my chest. The little things. I love it.
Showers. Parties. Appointments. Family. Wedding. Home. Life. Church. Playdates. Airport runs. =APRIL.
ENJOY!
4.01.2011
Happy Friday!
Since Monday, I have wanted to sit down and post a blog, but obviously never did. I wanted to share a verse that I heard in church Sunday that was convicting to me....
ACTS 5:41
...rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
We have been going through Acts at church, and I never realized how much I liked this book. But, that verse is awesome. "They" were suffering, and thought it great that they were suffering for Christ's name. That is convicting to me.
ANYWAYS. It's been a good week. I just got back from MOPS, and we have an ECI visit this afternoon. Annabelle has not napped this morning, which is usually the case when we have MOPS. So, I have her in her crib to nap before our OT gets here. Naptime is not happening, and I am REALLY hoping that changes. She gets SUPER cranky with our OT when she has not napped. yikes.
ACTS 5:41
...rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
We have been going through Acts at church, and I never realized how much I liked this book. But, that verse is awesome. "They" were suffering, and thought it great that they were suffering for Christ's name. That is convicting to me.
ANYWAYS. It's been a good week. I just got back from MOPS, and we have an ECI visit this afternoon. Annabelle has not napped this morning, which is usually the case when we have MOPS. So, I have her in her crib to nap before our OT gets here. Naptime is not happening, and I am REALLY hoping that changes. She gets SUPER cranky with our OT when she has not napped. yikes.
3.25.2011
Adventures for this SAHM-This Week.
Not for a second to I take for granted that I am able to be a stay at home momma. It's not easy financially, but sacrifices are worth it. Every day I am so so thankful that the Lord has allowed this for us and our little family.
And, as you know being a SAHM has allowed me to become creative in areas that I NEVER knew existed, for me. SO fun. I have attempted to make some money on my coffee sleeves and hair bows, and have made a little. The truth is, when I make something, I really don't mind keeping it. I usually like it for us. So, if it doesn't sell, I am not to sad. ha. This week, I pulled out paintbrushes and also went back to my sewing machine that I have ignored for a couple months. I attempted to make SHOES. Little baby girl Mary Jane's. I didn't have a pattern when i first started, and just looked and measured a shoe that Annabelle had. It didn't work that great. Then, I found a free pattern and tried my best to follow it. As embarrassing as this is, I am going to post a picture.
As you can see, they aren't great. I cut the fabric differently, so one shoe has horizontal stripes, and the other not. Whoops. I am not sure I will have her wear them in public. I plan to keep trying and get better at them. Look out, TOMS.
THEN, yesterday, I decided to make a skirt. I didn't find a pattern online that I liked, so I just guessed. I measured a skirt of Annabelle's and did my best.
I like it. It's a little snug around that diaper booty, but I'll let her wear it as long as if fits for now. This also, I will keep trying at until I do one I love. :)
I went to Hobby Lobby and saw these plain white, wooden letters and remembered that I had seen them used as hair bow holders. So, I made one. I just painted the letter and glued on a hair bow as an accent.
I also attempted to both paint and antique some picture frames. Was going for the "Shabby Chic" look.
ALSO, being a SAHM has allowed me to take care of this after-baby-body. The beer, pizza and cookies don't help the mid-section, so I work out when I get the chance. One of my MOST FAVORITE things to do with Annabelle is taking her to the park for a jog. It's such a great time to allow me to think, and get Annabelle in some sunshine and fresh air. I have been on our trail enough times now, that I am beginning to see regulars. I smile and wave at the lady pushing the cutest little boy in her stroller. He always has his little green blanket shoved in his mouth. Its adorable. The older, grey heads on the trail are always super friendly and sometimes I think they want to have a conversation about how cute my daughter is. But I just smile and keep running. I also see those girls occasionally who are pushing their jogging strollers, and have makeup on and smell better than I do. I mean, they are cute, in their trendy work out clothes, but who puts on makeup and perfume to go workout? I just throw on sunglasses and hope that I don't run into someone I know. I guess I don't blame them. They look adorable and well put together. Maybe deep down I wouldn't mind looking so trendy on the jogging trail. Seriously though, the trail refreshes my soul. I so enjoy being out there. Whether I actually make it through my whole run, or run out of steam in the middle, I still feel good at the end.
Yesterday, I documented the run as I was realizing that it might be close to one of the last outdoor runs I will be doing before the nasty heat of the summer. Even last week, there was a day or two when I couldn't imagine running outside in the humidity. So, I took pictures during my 4 mile trek yesterday to remind myself that Texas IS beautiful. The jogging weather CAN be amazing. Come June, I will forget that. So, I'll share some for you to see, and for me to look back on a reminisce.
I do my best to make it to a 2 mile marker before turning around to go back. I stop at the marker, take a drink and chat with Peanut a second. She was fast asleep yesterday when I looked. Good thing since she had skipped her morning nap.
Pretty, huh? I am glad to be here:
So, naptime yesterday was a struggle. Annabelle thinks it is a lot more fun to sit up in her crib and play. I walked in a few times to see her sitting up. Its gosh darn cute right now, but it might not be so cute to me if she decides to do this daily. but, I caught a great picture of her when I walked in once.
I was having a hard time in the afternoon, which is usually her good, long nap. How long is too long to let your baby stay in their bed with out napping? How many times should I go in to lay her back down with her blanket and paci? I just wasn't sure. so, after about an hour (o gosh, is that too long?) I went in and got her up. She played for about 10 minutes before she was just super cranky. I kept her up for a bit, then put her back to try again, and she was out. Hmmm. Anyway, we will see how today goes.
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!
And, as you know being a SAHM has allowed me to become creative in areas that I NEVER knew existed, for me. SO fun. I have attempted to make some money on my coffee sleeves and hair bows, and have made a little. The truth is, when I make something, I really don't mind keeping it. I usually like it for us. So, if it doesn't sell, I am not to sad. ha. This week, I pulled out paintbrushes and also went back to my sewing machine that I have ignored for a couple months. I attempted to make SHOES. Little baby girl Mary Jane's. I didn't have a pattern when i first started, and just looked and measured a shoe that Annabelle had. It didn't work that great. Then, I found a free pattern and tried my best to follow it. As embarrassing as this is, I am going to post a picture.
As you can see, they aren't great. I cut the fabric differently, so one shoe has horizontal stripes, and the other not. Whoops. I am not sure I will have her wear them in public. I plan to keep trying and get better at them. Look out, TOMS.
THEN, yesterday, I decided to make a skirt. I didn't find a pattern online that I liked, so I just guessed. I measured a skirt of Annabelle's and did my best.
I like it. It's a little snug around that diaper booty, but I'll let her wear it as long as if fits for now. This also, I will keep trying at until I do one I love. :)
I went to Hobby Lobby and saw these plain white, wooden letters and remembered that I had seen them used as hair bow holders. So, I made one. I just painted the letter and glued on a hair bow as an accent.
I also attempted to both paint and antique some picture frames. Was going for the "Shabby Chic" look.
ALSO, being a SAHM has allowed me to take care of this after-baby-body. The beer, pizza and cookies don't help the mid-section, so I work out when I get the chance. One of my MOST FAVORITE things to do with Annabelle is taking her to the park for a jog. It's such a great time to allow me to think, and get Annabelle in some sunshine and fresh air. I have been on our trail enough times now, that I am beginning to see regulars. I smile and wave at the lady pushing the cutest little boy in her stroller. He always has his little green blanket shoved in his mouth. Its adorable. The older, grey heads on the trail are always super friendly and sometimes I think they want to have a conversation about how cute my daughter is. But I just smile and keep running. I also see those girls occasionally who are pushing their jogging strollers, and have makeup on and smell better than I do. I mean, they are cute, in their trendy work out clothes, but who puts on makeup and perfume to go workout? I just throw on sunglasses and hope that I don't run into someone I know. I guess I don't blame them. They look adorable and well put together. Maybe deep down I wouldn't mind looking so trendy on the jogging trail. Seriously though, the trail refreshes my soul. I so enjoy being out there. Whether I actually make it through my whole run, or run out of steam in the middle, I still feel good at the end.
Yesterday, I documented the run as I was realizing that it might be close to one of the last outdoor runs I will be doing before the nasty heat of the summer. Even last week, there was a day or two when I couldn't imagine running outside in the humidity. So, I took pictures during my 4 mile trek yesterday to remind myself that Texas IS beautiful. The jogging weather CAN be amazing. Come June, I will forget that. So, I'll share some for you to see, and for me to look back on a reminisce.
I do my best to make it to a 2 mile marker before turning around to go back. I stop at the marker, take a drink and chat with Peanut a second. She was fast asleep yesterday when I looked. Good thing since she had skipped her morning nap.
Pretty, huh? I am glad to be here:
So, naptime yesterday was a struggle. Annabelle thinks it is a lot more fun to sit up in her crib and play. I walked in a few times to see her sitting up. Its gosh darn cute right now, but it might not be so cute to me if she decides to do this daily. but, I caught a great picture of her when I walked in once.
I was having a hard time in the afternoon, which is usually her good, long nap. How long is too long to let your baby stay in their bed with out napping? How many times should I go in to lay her back down with her blanket and paci? I just wasn't sure. so, after about an hour (o gosh, is that too long?) I went in and got her up. She played for about 10 minutes before she was just super cranky. I kept her up for a bit, then put her back to try again, and she was out. Hmmm. Anyway, we will see how today goes.
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!
3.21.2011
Annabelle is Incredible.
I have seriously been meaning to sit down and post a blog, but just have not taken the time, and sometimes I feel like I don't have a lot to write about. Today I do. So, this might be "long" in order to catch up the last couple weeks, and I promise pictures, and maybe a video. :)
I actually have tears streaming down my cheeks at this very moment. To be honest, I don't really cry much these days. Today, I cry because today is WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY. It is on 3-21 because Trisomy 21 means and extra copy of chromosome 21, making 3. And why the tears on this day? I am really not too sure. For some reason as I was sitting here thinking about what to write, to raise awareness for these incredible individuals, a stream of emotions overwhelmed my heart. I want to think right now of ALL individuals with Down Syndrome, but I can't get my eyes past the ONE, the GIFT who was given to me and my husband. When I look at Annabelle, I don't think, Down Syndrome, and I don't think 'special needs'. I don't see those things. I see her as Annabelle. I, for my sake, would NEVER EVER EVER change who she is. But, today I was thinking about her future, and when I think about her future, and our future with her, there are certain fears that raise their ugly head.
I don't wonder ever if I will love her less, or wonder if I will just get so so frustrated with her set-backs, whatever they may be. I don't wonder if her family will accept her, I don't fear how she will look. I don't even fear that life might be 'more' difficult for her. Life is difficult for EVERYONE, so that isn't something to avoid. I fear if she will have a best friend. Will she be made fun of by bratty kids? Will she have health problems? When she finds out she is a little different, will it hurt her feelings?
I have a confession. I don't educate myself on Down Syndrome by reading books or by searching on Google. I don't read the books that were given to me by the hospital at her birth or by friends and family. And, I try to avoid blogs that talk about what if's of DS. You might say that I am making a bad decision in that. But, I just can't bring myself yet to read the what-if's through books. It raises incredible fear in my heart. When something happens with Annabelle, IF something happens with Annabelle, I will search for answers through those books. For now, I am not getting to know Down Syndrome. I am getting to know ANNABELLE. I am raising her as I would if she wasn't born with Trisomy 21. Meaning, as my child, as my baby. That is not to say that I have not learned A LOT about DS. I have learned a TON in the last 11 months. I have learned that they are some of the most caring, and passionate people. I have learned that they love and befriend people that others may not love or befriend. I have also learned that they can do a whole hell of a lot more than people know or give them credit for. Incredible. Incredible people they are.
And when it comes to babies, I have learned that they have lower muscle tone. They might need glasses early. They might not grow very fast. They typically don't hit milestones like other children. And I thought I was just blessed with a really good, easy going baby, but after talking with other moms who have DS babies, they say the same. :) They are awesome from the start!
Here is ANNABELLE at 11 months.
-She has hit ALMOST every baby milestone.
-She still does not have teeth.
-She still inch worm crawls, but let me tell you, its a speedy little inch worm.
-She is growing (length wise) pretty slowly. (in fact, it has me a little concerned the last couple months. at the beginning, she grew out of clothes and diaper sizes fast. But, she has been wearing the same size clothes and diapers for a long time. My pediatrician doesn't seem to be concerned, so i try not to be. Others who haven't seen her in a while say she has grown, but I might just not be seeing it. Oh, she has a little belly and chubby cheeks, but length-? I just pray about it. )
-She loves to eat! She can not self feed yet, but I present little things as often as possible.
-She still breast feeds and LOVES it.
-She sees a PT every month, and pretty much hates it. Ha. She gets super feisty with her. But, I am thankful for ECI. The PT has been SO impressed and happy with Annabelle's progress.
-She stinkin LOVES her daddy.
- Besides a little bit of loose stools one week, she has not been sick. (Thank you, Jesus.)
- She loves car rides.
-It seems everything is an exciting adventure to her.
- She enjoys the church nursery.
- She is starting to bring herself into sitting. (only every now and then. Sometimes she 'pretends' to forget how. :)
- She tries to jump out of my arms.
-She learned "SO BIG" and Pat-A-Cake really quick, but doesnt do them for me anymore. stinker.
-She loves books.
-She is a good napper.
- She is learning that whining might not always get you what you want. O wait, maybe she hasn't learned that yet. ;)
- She likes kids.
- She has a favorite blanket already. A cozy pink blanket knitted by Nana.
- She does her best to communicate with us. She has lots of stories to tell.
Anyway. I could go on forever. I love that little stinker. (my tears subsided by the end of that list.)
A couple weeks ago, Craig and I went to lunch on a Friday afternoon. While we were sitting at our table on the patio, a group of really cute ladies sat only a few tables away from us. One had a stoller with a little boy in it, and I saw the face of DS immediately. I whispered to Craig to look and tell me if he thought the same thing. He just nodded. I wanted so badly to say something to the woman, but how do you bring it up? What if he really didnt? that would be terrible. The ladies were looking at Annabelle the same way. Saying how cute she was, but it was almost like us, the moms, knew. But neither of us could bring it up. Eventually she did. She was looking at Annabelle saying how cute she was, and i said the same about her little boy, who was now snuggling up against her chest. she said' "Did she have any surgeries?" And that was the ice breaker to us talking about Down Syndrome and our babies. Her's was 18 months old. I felt like it was a moment that was a gift from God. And Craig thought so too. For both of us moms to talk in a language that maybe only we understand. So, after that, I prayed. I pray for some mom friends with some kiddos with DS. To be able to talk in our own language, and understand each other. I love it. :)
The tears I had today surprised me a little. I am not sad that Annabelle has DS. I don't ask 'why us' questions. I seriously mean it when I say I would never change it. I freakin LOVE this gift. (Please remind me of this when I need encouragement one day in the future.)
Ok, so here is a little catch up over the last weeks....(NOT in any order)
One Sunday afternoon, we took a little trip to Houston to see Craig's dad. He was in town for a short bit. It was SO great to see him, and great to see Annabelle get a little bit of Grandpa love.
This past week was my mom and my sister's Spring Break, which really means it's also a break for me. I feel like I get to play more than normal too. And we did. We took a little trip a couple hours from home for the day and a night. It was a blast. My sister and I visited some wineries, and enjoyed some microbrews at a local brewery. It was an awesome trip. The day happend to be St.Patty's, so I had to adorn Annabelle in green of course. we even when to the tiny town of Luckenbach. I mostly wanted to go just to get a pick with Annabelle there.
11:30 AM. HEY, it was vacation, and it was awesome. Cheers!
Occasionally, I will walk in the room to discover Craig has fixed Annabelle's hair. I often get a big kick out of it. THIS is what I found last week. Craig had found a few of his favorite bows, and decided that she needed to wear them all, at once. I loved it. But, did not leave it. ;)
These last two pics are from this morning. She put her applesauce and oatmeal in her hair, and when I tried to take a picture, this is what I got. Better than I expected.
and, she is trying to use those little fine motor skills to pick up this little cheerio! cutie.
alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586593898886007554" />
^^^(not sure what this little link is, but I can't get it to go away.)
OK, and I found this video hilarious. I set up a little couch cushion on the floor so she could use those arm muscles and pull herself up. and the OT said that going up stairs or things like this might help her get up on those hands and knees to crawl properly.
Happy Monday. And Happy World Down Syndrome Awareness Day! I think the afternoon calls for a trip to the park. :)
I actually have tears streaming down my cheeks at this very moment. To be honest, I don't really cry much these days. Today, I cry because today is WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY. It is on 3-21 because Trisomy 21 means and extra copy of chromosome 21, making 3. And why the tears on this day? I am really not too sure. For some reason as I was sitting here thinking about what to write, to raise awareness for these incredible individuals, a stream of emotions overwhelmed my heart. I want to think right now of ALL individuals with Down Syndrome, but I can't get my eyes past the ONE, the GIFT who was given to me and my husband. When I look at Annabelle, I don't think, Down Syndrome, and I don't think 'special needs'. I don't see those things. I see her as Annabelle. I, for my sake, would NEVER EVER EVER change who she is. But, today I was thinking about her future, and when I think about her future, and our future with her, there are certain fears that raise their ugly head.
I don't wonder ever if I will love her less, or wonder if I will just get so so frustrated with her set-backs, whatever they may be. I don't wonder if her family will accept her, I don't fear how she will look. I don't even fear that life might be 'more' difficult for her. Life is difficult for EVERYONE, so that isn't something to avoid. I fear if she will have a best friend. Will she be made fun of by bratty kids? Will she have health problems? When she finds out she is a little different, will it hurt her feelings?
I have a confession. I don't educate myself on Down Syndrome by reading books or by searching on Google. I don't read the books that were given to me by the hospital at her birth or by friends and family. And, I try to avoid blogs that talk about what if's of DS. You might say that I am making a bad decision in that. But, I just can't bring myself yet to read the what-if's through books. It raises incredible fear in my heart. When something happens with Annabelle, IF something happens with Annabelle, I will search for answers through those books. For now, I am not getting to know Down Syndrome. I am getting to know ANNABELLE. I am raising her as I would if she wasn't born with Trisomy 21. Meaning, as my child, as my baby. That is not to say that I have not learned A LOT about DS. I have learned a TON in the last 11 months. I have learned that they are some of the most caring, and passionate people. I have learned that they love and befriend people that others may not love or befriend. I have also learned that they can do a whole hell of a lot more than people know or give them credit for. Incredible. Incredible people they are.
And when it comes to babies, I have learned that they have lower muscle tone. They might need glasses early. They might not grow very fast. They typically don't hit milestones like other children. And I thought I was just blessed with a really good, easy going baby, but after talking with other moms who have DS babies, they say the same. :) They are awesome from the start!
Here is ANNABELLE at 11 months.
-She has hit ALMOST every baby milestone.
-She still does not have teeth.
-She still inch worm crawls, but let me tell you, its a speedy little inch worm.
-She is growing (length wise) pretty slowly. (in fact, it has me a little concerned the last couple months. at the beginning, she grew out of clothes and diaper sizes fast. But, she has been wearing the same size clothes and diapers for a long time. My pediatrician doesn't seem to be concerned, so i try not to be. Others who haven't seen her in a while say she has grown, but I might just not be seeing it. Oh, she has a little belly and chubby cheeks, but length-? I just pray about it. )
-She loves to eat! She can not self feed yet, but I present little things as often as possible.
-She still breast feeds and LOVES it.
-She sees a PT every month, and pretty much hates it. Ha. She gets super feisty with her. But, I am thankful for ECI. The PT has been SO impressed and happy with Annabelle's progress.
-She stinkin LOVES her daddy.
- Besides a little bit of loose stools one week, she has not been sick. (Thank you, Jesus.)
- She loves car rides.
-It seems everything is an exciting adventure to her.
- She enjoys the church nursery.
- She is starting to bring herself into sitting. (only every now and then. Sometimes she 'pretends' to forget how. :)
- She tries to jump out of my arms.
-She learned "SO BIG" and Pat-A-Cake really quick, but doesnt do them for me anymore. stinker.
-She loves books.
-She is a good napper.
- She is learning that whining might not always get you what you want. O wait, maybe she hasn't learned that yet. ;)
- She likes kids.
- She has a favorite blanket already. A cozy pink blanket knitted by Nana.
- She does her best to communicate with us. She has lots of stories to tell.
Anyway. I could go on forever. I love that little stinker. (my tears subsided by the end of that list.)
A couple weeks ago, Craig and I went to lunch on a Friday afternoon. While we were sitting at our table on the patio, a group of really cute ladies sat only a few tables away from us. One had a stoller with a little boy in it, and I saw the face of DS immediately. I whispered to Craig to look and tell me if he thought the same thing. He just nodded. I wanted so badly to say something to the woman, but how do you bring it up? What if he really didnt? that would be terrible. The ladies were looking at Annabelle the same way. Saying how cute she was, but it was almost like us, the moms, knew. But neither of us could bring it up. Eventually she did. She was looking at Annabelle saying how cute she was, and i said the same about her little boy, who was now snuggling up against her chest. she said' "Did she have any surgeries?" And that was the ice breaker to us talking about Down Syndrome and our babies. Her's was 18 months old. I felt like it was a moment that was a gift from God. And Craig thought so too. For both of us moms to talk in a language that maybe only we understand. So, after that, I prayed. I pray for some mom friends with some kiddos with DS. To be able to talk in our own language, and understand each other. I love it. :)
The tears I had today surprised me a little. I am not sad that Annabelle has DS. I don't ask 'why us' questions. I seriously mean it when I say I would never change it. I freakin LOVE this gift. (Please remind me of this when I need encouragement one day in the future.)
Ok, so here is a little catch up over the last weeks....(NOT in any order)
One Sunday afternoon, we took a little trip to Houston to see Craig's dad. He was in town for a short bit. It was SO great to see him, and great to see Annabelle get a little bit of Grandpa love.
This past week was my mom and my sister's Spring Break, which really means it's also a break for me. I feel like I get to play more than normal too. And we did. We took a little trip a couple hours from home for the day and a night. It was a blast. My sister and I visited some wineries, and enjoyed some microbrews at a local brewery. It was an awesome trip. The day happend to be St.Patty's, so I had to adorn Annabelle in green of course. we even when to the tiny town of Luckenbach. I mostly wanted to go just to get a pick with Annabelle there.
11:30 AM. HEY, it was vacation, and it was awesome. Cheers!
Occasionally, I will walk in the room to discover Craig has fixed Annabelle's hair. I often get a big kick out of it. THIS is what I found last week. Craig had found a few of his favorite bows, and decided that she needed to wear them all, at once. I loved it. But, did not leave it. ;)
These last two pics are from this morning. She put her applesauce and oatmeal in her hair, and when I tried to take a picture, this is what I got. Better than I expected.
and, she is trying to use those little fine motor skills to pick up this little cheerio! cutie.
alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586593898886007554" />^^^(not sure what this little link is, but I can't get it to go away.)
OK, and I found this video hilarious. I set up a little couch cushion on the floor so she could use those arm muscles and pull herself up. and the OT said that going up stairs or things like this might help her get up on those hands and knees to crawl properly.
Happy Monday. And Happy World Down Syndrome Awareness Day! I think the afternoon calls for a trip to the park. :)
3.02.2011
Blue Skies
Spring weather makes me giddy...This was yesterday. So gorgeous.
Annabelle and I came home with pink noses and cheeks. woops.
Happy mid-week!
And this is from a couple days ago when my sister had her bridal portraits done. me and Annabelle played dress up. I cant get over this cute face.
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