Angel Tree 2012

Meet Jay Lynn

Girl was born in September 2011

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Jay Lynn's Reece's Rainbow Listing

 This year Jay Lynn is our Christmas Angel. 

• The goal of the Angel Tree is to raise $1000 or more as an adoption grant for each waiting child listed below.    Anyone can give for any child at any time during the year, but ornaments are only available for the children shown below.
• Anyone can help the children by praying, posting to Facebook, Twitter, on your blog, and by sharing with friends and family.
• There is no shortage of families wishing to adopt these children, only a shortage of funds to do so.   The more you are able to raise or give, the better that child’s chances are of finding a forever family.   They are truly living on borrowed time.
• Our “gift basket” program makes it even easier to sponsor multiple children and receive multiple ornaments!   Questions can be directed toMichelle.
• The minimum donation to receive an ornament is $35.
• Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each waiting child donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund as well
• Checks are welcome,  and save us on Paypal fees.   Reece’s Rainbow  PO Box 4024  Gaithersburg, MD  20885
• If you don’t need/want an ornament, please choose “donation only”.
• International donors welcome, we will mail your ornament(s) anywhere in the world.
• Ornaments are available as gifts, just check the “gift” box and Laurie will contact you for recipient/mailing info.  We can send it to you for you to mail personally, or we can mail it to them ourselves.
• Donations will be processed and updated on the site within 24 hours.  Ornaments will be mailed about every other day, so you should expect your order within a week.
• If you have questions about blog buttons or other ways to share our Angel Tree through social media, please contact Lucille.
• CLICK ON “Buy Ornament” under each child for as many as you want; then go to the GIFT BASKET to check out.

Happy October

The month of October is a busy one for us. We have Eian's birthday tomorrow. October is Breast Cancer Awareness. October is Halloween. October is Down Syndrome Awareness. I am Gonna try my best to post everyday this month.

Teamwork Tuesday: Robert

Robert

Boy, born December 2009

Robert is just up from his nap — and look how bright-eyed he is!   He has a couple of little teeth peeking out on the bottom, too 

He has Down syndrome and a patent foramen ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart.  This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.

These children are blessed to be in an excellent orphanage, however this region typically requires 3 trips.  This is a great orphanage and the children receive excellent care, and there is minimal travel in-country.  This orphanage is close to the Capital city, so it's fantastic for sight-seeing.
 

We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences.

 

$1124.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

This is my first Teamwork Tuesday post, stay tuned each week to "meet" a new cutie pie that needs a forever family. 

Planning An Auction For Victoria.

I'm working on plans for an auction to raise money for Victoria's adoption fund. I'm currently looking for donations for it. If you would like to donate an item (no matter how big or small) please contact me at adjolly@ymail.com. I will be donating several items that I make.

31 for 21 Days 16-21: Victoria (Our 2011 Christmas Angel)

This is Victoria, she turned 4 in March of this year. She is one of Reece's Rainbow's orphans. She's a beautiful little Russian princess. Victoria needs a forever family. 

Girl, born March 2007

Eyes: Gray
Hair: brown
Character: calm, sociable

Look at the size of that hairbow!  You know Miss Victoria is an orphanage favorite    She has light brown hair and big blue eyes.  She is very physically active/capable and will be a wonderful daughter!

From one of our adoptive families who visited with her in December 2010:  beautiful, affectionate, active girl, much loved in the orphanage and really needs a family of her own!

This is our 3rd year being Christmas Warriors. We can't wait for our ornament to get here so we can put it on our tree.

About RR Christmas Tree:
Running from November 1-December 31 each year, the Christmas Angel Tree is our most important fundraiser.
In only five years, more than 500+ children with Down syndrome and other special needs are HOME with their "forever families" this Christmas. The vast majority of this funding comes from our Angel Tree Project each year!
Your donations and advocacy efforts turn the child on the left into the child on the right. *Just like that*. Money is the only thing keeping these children hidden away and languishing.
When you donate $35 or more, you will recieve a beautiful photo ornament of your sponsored child to hang on your tree. This is a very special way to "share Christmas" with an orphaned child, and it's a very personal and meaningful GIFT IDEA for everyone on your list. Gift cards will be sent with the ornament to your intended recipient(s). These are great for friends and family, but also for teachers, therapists, caregivers, doctors, etc. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, our gift cards make wonderful gifts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other seasonal celebration. International sponsors are welcome through Paypal.
To celebrate our 5th Anniversary, our goal for 2011 is to raise $500,000 (collectively) during this two month period. BE A WARRIOR for one child by committing to help raise $1000 or more for their adoption grant. Every penny you raise brings them one step closer to home. Use Facebook, Twitter, blogs, emails, church/work/family/friends/school to serve your chosen child. Make a larger donation for one child, or smaller donations for several children. $5 of your donation for each ornament desired will be shared with our Voice of Hope Fund, to help cover the costs of the ornaments, shipping, and Paypal fees, and to further the work of our ministry in the future. Reece's Rainbow is a true non-profit, and relies completely on private donations to this fund to remain operational, so your gifts for that are greatly appreciated throughout the year.


On November 1st I will put up the donate button for anybody who wants to donate. I will also be donating 50% of all sales I make on Monkmee Designz

31 for 21 days 14-16: Blog Entries From The Past

Here are some blog post from the past. Most are the first few months after Eian was born.
October 7, 2007 - Sunday
OMG My Water Broke (Birth Story)
Tuesday i woke up to my phone ringing it was my grandma she was having trouble breathing and i got up at 5:30am and me and alex took her to the er we where there til 8 and we took her home. i had my appt at 9 am to see my new dr and have the gbs done so i left alex at my grandparents and went. i waited an hour to see the dr and after the appt we called and set my new c-sec date since i was changing hospitals and set it for 10-26 well i left and went back to get alex. we stayed there until about 12:30pm and i got alex up to leave took him to the car and my water broke. so we had my grandma and aunt take us to my moms so she could take us to the hospital i called joel at work and told him. we all got to the hospital at about 2 and it took my dr 2 hrs to get there all the time i'm leaking and having contrations. well after my dr got there they decided to transfer me to a level 3 hospital since i was only 35 weeks and off we went in the ambluance. we got there at about 6 and had to wait until 8pm for the c-sec. we went back and it took them almost an hour to get Eian out cuz i had so much scar tissue from alex. he came out at 8:59pm screaming and he weighted 6lbs and 5oz and is doing great he's a lil sleepy head and you have to wake him to geth him to eat but we got to come home today. his big brother alex just loves him so much. i'm doing good too. this c-sec was much easier than my first.


November 12, 2007 - MondayEian Update
Eian will be 6 weeks old tomorrow and last friday he weighted 8lbs 8oz. he's growing good. he's so sweet and loving. Alex is so protective of him it's so sweet he'll tell people no mine baby bubba. We did find out that Eian has Down Syndrome. Don't be sad for us. I feel like God picked us and we are truely lucky to have him. We are prepared to do whatever it takes for him to have a wonderful life just as we will with Alex. We are taking it one day at a time. We have a wonderful family and Super friends that support us and are will to help us any way they can. I'll keep you updated and post new pictures. This is a journey I look forward to. It maybe a long road but with love we'll make it. and thats what we have is lots of love.
He goes tomorrow at 8am for an u/s of his tummy since he's been throwing up a good bit i've switched his formula 3 times he's down to throwing up about once a day now. but i'm switching his formula one more time tomorrow cross your fingers that works


November 16, 2007 - Friday
Appts, Appts, Appts.
Seems everytime I turn around we have an appt for something but the craziness hasn't even begun yet. once Eian starts Therpy and all I'll be super busy.
We finally got his appt with the ped. cardiologist to have his heart check out. and for those who don't know heart problems go along with Down Syndrome. he's not had his heart looked at any yet so i'm really ready for this appt to make sure everything looks good.
I finally got in touch with Early Intervention. they took my name and info and said he does quilfy for it since he has DS. which is good. that will be his therpies and so forth until he's 3. They said that I would get a call from our local person either the begining of next week or the next since it is a holiday next week.
The dr Switched his milk and he seems to be doing better he's on Enfamil Nutramigen it's only $25 a can lol. lucky for us once i get the paper in to wic from the dr they will cover it thank god.
Eian went to the dr yesterday and he's up to 9lbs 1oz thats great he's gained from 8lbs 8oz in just 6 days. my lil piggy loves to eat.
I gotta pick up Eian's 1 month pictures today so be looking for them i'll get them scanned and posted for all to see.
I'm also gonna take the boys to see santa if he's at the mall today so be looking for that picture too.
Think thats it. Also be watching for my Down syndrome Blinkies coming soon. so everyone can show their support


November 25, 2007 - SundayWhat is Down Syndrome?What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a lifelong condition in which a person is born with distinct physical features, such as a flat face and short neck, and some degree of cognitive disability (mental retardation). Although Down syndrome is permanent, most people who have it are able to live healthy, productive lives. Given the proper care and help they need, children with Down syndrome can flourish and grow into healthy and happy adults.
What causes Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division very early in fetaldevelopment. This abnormal division produces an extra or irregularchromosome in some or all of the body's cells. Chromosomes carry genetic material (DNA), or genes, to every cell in the body. The extra or irregular chromosome causes the body and brain to develop differently than in people who have normal chromosomes.
What are the symptoms?
Many children with Down syndrome have noticeable features, such as a flat face with small ears and mouth. Most young children have weak muscles (hypotonia), which generally improves by late childhood.
Below-average intelligence and physical problems often result indevelopmental disabilities. A child with Down syndrome may also be born with heart, intestinal, or ear and respiratory defects. These health conditions often lead to other problems, such as respiratory infections or difficulty hearing.
How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
During your pregnancy, you may choose to have tests to screen for Down syndrome and other abnormalities in your fetus. Screening does not diagnose Down syndrome but rather provides information about the likelihood that your fetus will have the condition. Screening tests include:
Fetal ultrasound, which uses reflected sound waves to provide an image of your fetus and placenta. During the ultrasound the technician may measure the thickness your fetus's neck (nuchal fold). Swelling in this area may indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome.
Maternal serum triple or quadruple screen test. This test measures substances in your blood that can give clues to your fetus's health.
To confirm a diagnosis during your pregnancy, you can have a chromosome analysis called a karyotype. This test can be done on tissue obtained through chorionic villus sampling or on amniotic fluid obtained throughamniocentesis. Getting the sample for a karyotype slightly increases the chance for miscarriage. For this reason, karyotype testing is usually only recommended if screening tests (ultrasound or triple/quadruple screening) are positive for Down syndrome and/or the fetus is at increased risk for Down syndrome, such as if you are age 35 or older.
Karyotype testing can also be done in the first few days after birth from a sample of the baby's blood. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to get the complete test results. However, a doctor often has a good sense of whether or not the diagnosis will be positive based on the baby's appearance, the results of a physical exam, family history, and results of earlier screening tests (if done during pregnancy).
How is it treated?
You and your child's doctor will make a specific treatment plan based on your child's needs. This plan is adjusted as your child grows and develops. Early treatment focuses on identifying and treating health problems. Speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and nutritional counseling are examples of early and continuing treatment.
As your child matures, working with an occupational therapist can help him or her to develop job and independent living skills. A physical therapist may add exercises, and a counselor may offer ways to work on managing emotions.
Proper medical care, emotional support, and social opportunities will all help your child to reach his or her full potential. Many people with Down syndrome live into their 50s and some into their 60s or older.

MORE THAN ANYTHING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE JUST THAT PEOPLE, WHO FEEL, LOVE, LAUGH, CRY, DREAM, AND ACCOMPLISH THINGS. THEY WANT TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. DOWN SYNDROME IS NOT WHO THEY ARE IT'S JUST A PART OF THEM. GET TO KNOW THEM YOU'LL SEE.

31 for 21 Days 10-13: My Silly Eian

Sorry I've been slacking again. I'll do better so enjoy some Eian Pictures of Eian doing what he does best being SILLY!

31 for 21 Day 9: Prayer Request

Those of you in the DS community have heard of Joany George. Her sweet daughter went to be an angel 18 months ago. Carly had Down syndrome and had fought and won her battle with the horrible "L" word (Leukemia). She unexpectedly passed away. Recently the George family saw their oldest daughter off to Navy training. They need prayers now as last night while they were out their house burnt down and their son Brad did not make it. They really really need prayers. Thank you so much.

31 for 21 day 8: Reece's Rainbow

If you follow alone in the Down syndrome community you've heard about Reece's Rainbow. RR is an awesome organization that connects children with DS in other countries with families to adopt them. In those countries children with special needs are considered not worthy of living they are placed in orphanages and forgotten. But RR helps those children and not only kids with DS but other special needs as well. Go check them out and see all the good they have done.

31 for 21 day 7: The Difference (repost)

Today is a repost of a topic I blogged about in Jan 2010.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Is It Different?

Is raising a child with special needs different than a typical child?I've gotten this question serval times. I'm sure more people wonder but don't ask. I've been writing the post in my head for months now. So I'm finally gonna write it here.

My answer is Yes and No.

I really dont see my boys as different than any other set of siblings. They are alot alike and alot different than each other. As I sit here watching my baby ( who's not a baby anymore) sleeping on the couch, I think about the differences in raising him and his brother. Both were easy babies. No health problems other than being lactose intolerant. Both came home with me from the hospital.

(This is were I have to pull out the baby books).
Both were sleeping throught the night and had their 1st smiles around 1 month old. Alex laughted at 2 months and Eian at 3 months. Alex rolled over at 4 months and Eian at 2 1/2 months. Alex sat alone at 6 months and Eian did at 8 months. Alex crawled at 8 months and Eian at 10 months. Alex stood at 9 months and walked at 9 1/2 months. Eian stood at 10 1/2 months but didnt walk til he was 16 months. Alex waved bye-bye at 8 months and Eian didn't until he was 17 months old. Alex's 1st word was at 5 months and Eian's at 8 1/2 months.You can see that for the most part Eian wasn't too far behind his brother in hitting milestones. Eian did have to work harder to hit them where they just happened for Alex.

At 2 years old, Eian's not as verbal as most kids his age. But he's pretty good at letting you know what he wants. Don't get me wrong Eian talks and can talk up a storm and say anything he wants(some things he shouldn't) but only when Eian wants to. He won't say a word if he doesn't want too. At 2 years old Alex wouldn't shut up, and still won't.

With having a special needs child I've met more doctors and specialist than I ever did with my "typical" child. Eian does 2 hours of therapy a week (1hr OT & 1hr ST) and an hour of Early intervention a week at home. Alex has been in pre-k since age 3 so he didn't feel left out. That year and a half of pre-k has done a wonder of good for Alex. Next year Eian will enter pre-k.

Do you treat them the same? Is the next question I get. Why yes I do. They both get dispilned, they both go and do things. I don't go anywhere with 1 that I wouldn't take the other. Joe wrestles with Eian just like he does with Alex. I do think in some ways I treat Eian a little different but it's only because it can't be helped. Like the bottle at 2 years old Eian is still on the bottle 24/7. I took it waya from Alex shortly after his 1st birthday and I would have Eian too but he's still not able to control his suck. So if he drinks from a sippy cup or a nipple that isn't slow flow he chokes and leaks all over himself. Now we do work with a sippy cup and he's getting better but still nowhere near going full time with one. My goal had been 1st of the year but with his T & A coming up on the 11th I'm not even gonna go there. I had thought that I would have him off before Will gets here in April but I'm not gonna push that either. He's gonna have enough adjustment issues with a new baby as it is.

What I'm trying to say(take my post how you want) I love my boys just the same, and I would not change either one of them. Alex made me a mother which is what I had always dreamed of. Eian made me a better mother and a better person. I have learned to enjoy everyday and celebrate every little milestone. Even taking off the socks that now I wish he hadn't ever learned lol.

My wish for Will is for him to be just as happy and healthy as both his brothers, with and without Down syndrome.

Since writing that post, Will was born without Down syndrome, Eian is an awesome big brother most of the time. I've watched Eian blossom when we increased his therapies. He did half a year in the same 3k program that Alex did and did wonderful. Sadly we had to move. Since moving we decided to put Eian in a special needs preschool here in NY. He finished out the 3k part, did summer school, and is now in 4k there. He gets all his therapies there along with a "typical" preschool setting. He's having alot of behavior issues this year, hitting, biting and kicking. I'm not really sure whats up with it as he is having the same problems at home.  

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month 31 for 21 Days 1-5

Even though I'm getting a 5 day late start (my bad) I'll be doing 31 for 21.

So here are post 1-5 all rolled into one :)

Day 1: Down Syndrome Facts

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

(from the NDSS.Org)

Day 2: My Eian Turns 4

4 years ago today Eian came into this world full of surprises. 5 weeks early and with and extra chromosome. He's yet to stop surprising me. The boy is full of life and loves everyone. He is so social and makes friends where ever he goes. He's talking and signing more and more everyday. I'm so proud of my little monster.

Day 3: Down Syndrome Creed

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

Day 4: Watertown NY Buddy Walk

Day 5: My DS Video (from when Eian was a baby)

I need to update this but I wanted to share this again.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Help Bring Lera Home

Im pretty sure everyone in the Down syndrome community knows all about Lera. For those who don't let me tell you about her. Lera is a beautiful blond haired, blue eyed Russian beauty. She is actually just a few months younger than my Alex making her soon to be 6 years old. Lera also has something in common with my Eian, she also has Down syndrome. Lera has spent her whole life in an orphanage, and has recently been sent to an institution. Let me tell you that is a fate I don't even wanna think about. Lera has a way out. The Higbie family are in the process of adopting her. The only catch is they are short the money they need to have or they wont be able to adopt her. This is the facebook status that Diane Higbie posted.As if the situation couldn't be any worse. Lera may lose yet another family. Diane has told me that SWAF will not let the move forward unless they have $35,000 by the end of March...they would need $18,000. This is awful, this is something only God can change...Please please please pass this on, please share with your church, your families, your friends, FB, your blogs...PRAY, DONATE, SHARE!!
So I ask you please go over and check out Diane's blog Saving Lera and join in on the giveaway going on to help raise the money, or just donate. Lets help get this beauty home to her family.

Meet Nana!

This is Nana, my Reece's Rainbow Angel this year. I am a Christmas Warrior, well not just me my whole family. This year we got a adorable little girl named Nana from Russia. Nana was born January 2009, which means she's almost 2. I'd love to take her and be her forever family, but financially we still don't have enough income to adopt yet for our family size. So my mission is to help raise money to help cover her adoption so Nana can find her forever family and be home for Christmas next year. Just like my Angel from last year, who is spending his 1st real Christmas with his Forever Family this year.

About Nana (taken from Reece's Rainbow)

Character: passive, uncommunicative girl calm, even somewhat passive, affectionate, friendly. In response to the emotional appeal and tactile contact with an adult reacts to a smile, she does not go to the contact. Self is not sitting, turns his back on his stomach. Toys she picks up a few hanging over his chest trying to capture, beating on them with his hands. Enclosed in the hand holding the toy did not last long with both hands, pulling at his mouth, licking tongue. Wick listens to adult, finds the sound source. In the active voice observed actively Goulaine. Appetite is reduced, the food is selective, trying to keep their own hands a mug.

Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree Sponsor Page

Our 5th Annual Christmas Angel Tree

Running from November 1-December 31 each year, the Christmas Angel Tree is our most important fundraiser of every year. Hundreds of families hope to adopt our children, but they lack the funds to do so. With an average cost of over $20,000 to adopt, your generous sponsorship in 2010 can truly change the course of a child's life!

When you donate $35 or more for a child, you will receive a beautiful photo ornament (WHEN DONATION MADE BEFORE DECEMBER 15!) of your sponsored child to hang on your tree! This is a very special way to "share Christmas" with an orphaned child, and to make it possible for other American and Canadian families to afford the high cost of rescuing them from orphanages and mental institutions around the world!

This is also a very personal and meaningful GIFT IDEA, and gift cards will be sent with the ornament to your intended recipient. These are great for friends and family, but also for teachers, therapists, caregivers, doctors, etc. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, our gift cards make wonderful gifts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other seasonal celebration. We also welcome international sponsors through Paypal!

Make a larger donation for one child, or smaller donations for several children. $5 of your donation for each ornament desired will be shared with our Voice of Hope Fund, to help cover the costs of the ornaments, shipping, and Paypal fees, and to further the work of our ministry in the future. Reece's Rainbow is a true non-profit, and relies completely on private donations to this fund to remain operational, so your gifts for that are greatly appreciated throughout the year.

CLICK HERE to view and sponsor the "waiting angels" on our Christmas Angel Tree!

Nana is the first child on the fourth row. Will you help her find a family?

The Mama Behind The Blog

Wanna know more about Mama Monkmee? Ok here goes. I'm Dawn aka Mama Monkmee. I'm 26 and have 3 little boys, Alex (5), Eian (32 months), & Will (2 months). I'm married to my high school sweet heart Joel.

I started blogging on MySpace on August 23, 2005 my 1st blog entry was.
"Hey everyone. It's me Dawn, and for those of you who dont know me you will very soon.

I just wanted to get this up and running , now I must get back to Alex.
Dawn's the name, Mama's what they call me!"

Not the greatest but everyone has to start somewhere. I moved over to blogger on May 10, 2008. I choose the name Mama Monkmee cuz I loved monkeys and my oldest son Alex called them monkmees.

I blog about my life the ups and downs of raising 3 boys all 30 months apart, my life long love of Joel(ok half my life), my son's Down syndrome and anything and everything in between.

I was your typical 23 year old mom of 1 son and another on the way when Eian was born with Down syndrome. It changed my whole life. It made me a better person. Most importantly it made me a better mom. I wouldn't change Eian for the world. I love him just the way he is.

So me, well I'm a computer geek. I love making graphics. My biggest passion is photography. Although I've been slacking in my photo taking. I deal with anxiety issues. I get stressed out super easy. I used to be a cutter, but I've not gone that route in years. I wont lie life is stressful being a SAHM of 3 small boys. Eian has therapy twice a week outside of the house. It's a 45 min drive to and from his therapy. He also has Early intervention once a week at our house.

I have 2 on bottles, ok not really I have 1 on a bottle and 1 on the breast. I have 2 in diapers. I use cloth diapers, most of the time. I try to live green. I love text messaging. I've been married for 10 months. I got pregnant with Will the night of my bachelorette party. Lol I found out I was pregnant 5 days after I got married.

My 5 year old is a video game nut just like his daddy. He'd play all day if I let him. My 2 year old knows more sign language than I do. My 2 month old is spoiled.

I'm real and this blog is about my real life. I started doing giveaways to give me something todo while nursing Will since I spend a good bit of time hee at the computer.

My husband leaves in 2 months for basic training with the Army. He'll be gone for 16 weeks He'll miss mine, his  and Eian's birthdays. He'll be home in time for christmas. then he'll be gone again. Me and the boys are stay here until next summer when we will join him provided he's somewhere we can go.

If there is anything else you wanna know about me, the boys, our life anything leave a comment and I'll answer it. Thanks

E's Getting A New Carseat

In getting ready for Will I noticed E's getting bigger and is 5lbs from out growing his current carseat rear facing and only 10lbs left to foreward face in it. So I started the long, long search for the right seat for my chunky 2 year old with Down syndrome, who will not be ready for a booster seat, like the one beside him that Alex uses. I took me weeks and lots of asking questions. I got some great advice. We decided on a Radian XTSL It rear faces up to 45lbs and then foreward faces them harnessed up to 80lbs.

This the one he his getting. I'm ordering it today. I'll post pictures once he gets it and trys it out.

Will is going to get E's old carseat for when he out grows the baby seat.

Reece's Rainbow Results

Grab This Button

Is It Different?

Is raising a child with special needs different than a typical child? I've gotten this question serval times. I'm sure more people wonder but don't ask. I've been writing the post in my head for months now. So I'm finally gonna write it here.

My answer is Yes and No.

I really dont see my boys as different than any other set of siblings. They are alot alike and alot different than each other. As I sit here watching my baby ( who's not a baby anymore) sleeping on the couch, I think about the differences in raising him and his brother. Both were easy babies. No health problems other than being lactosintolerant. Both came home with me from the hospital.

(This is were I have to pull out the baby books).
Both were sleeping throught the night and had their 1st smiles around 1 month old. Alex laughted at 2 months and Eian at 3 months. Alex rolled over at 4 months and Eian at 2 1/2 months. Alex sat alone at 6 months and Eian did at 8 months. Alex crawled at 8 months and Eian at 10 months. Alex stood at 9 months and walked at 9 1/2 months. Eian stood at 10 1/2 months but didnt walk til he was 16 months. Alex waved bye-bye at 8 months and Eian didn't until he was 17 months old. Alex's 1st word was at 5 months and Eian's at 8 1/2 months.You can see that for the most part Eian wasn't too far behind his brother in hitting milestones. Eian did have to work harder to hit them where they just happened for Alex.

At 2 years old, Eian's not as verbal as most kids his age. But he's pretty good at letting you know what he wants. Don't get me wrong Eian talks and can talk up a storm and say anything he wants(some things he shouldn't) but only when Eian wants to. He won't say a word if he doesn't want too. At 2 years old Alex wouldn't shut up, and still won't.

With having a special needs child I've met more doctors and specialist than I ever did with my "typical" child. Eian does 2 hours of therapy a week (1hr OT & 1hr ST) and an hour of Early intervention a week at home. Alex has been in pre-k since age 3 so he didn't feel left out. That year and a half of pre-k has done a wonder of good for Alex. Next year Eian will enter pre-k.

Do you treat them the same? Is the next question I get. Why yes I do. They both get dispilned, they both go and do things. I don't go anywhere with 1 that I wouldn't take the other. Joe wrestles with Eian just like he does with Alex. I do think in some ways I treat Eian a little different but it's only because it can't be helped. Like the bottle at 2 years old Eian is still on the bottle 24/7. I took it waya from Alex shortly after his 1st birthday and I would have Eian too but he's still not able to control his suck. So if he drinks from a sippy cup or a nipple that isn't slow flow he chokes and leaks all over himself. Now we do work with a sippy cup and he's getting better but still nowhere near going full time with one. My goal had been 1st of the year but with his T & A coming up on the 11th I'm not even gonna go there. I had thought that I would have him off before Will gets here in April but I'm not gonna push that either. He's gonna have enough adjustment issues with a new baby as it is.

What I'm trying to say(take my post how you want) I love my boys just the same, and I would not change either one of them. Alex made me a mother which is what I had always dreamed of. Eian made me a better mother and a better person. I have learned to enjoy everyday and celebrate every little milestone. Even taking off the socks that now I wish he hadn't ever learned lol.

My wish for Will is for him to be just as happy and healthy as both his brothers, with and without Down syndrome.

Alek Update

Alek Has A Family Now!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't that great. I'm so excited this time next year he"ll be with his mommy and daddy.

Meet Alek

Alek just turned a year old in October and he's waiting on a forever family. He's healthy, happy and developing very well. He's currently living in Eastern Europe in a very good orphanage being taken care of by care givers that love him very much.

Something about this little guy has stolen my heart. We at this time do not meet the income requirments to adopt. But I can tell you that if we did and trust me I've cried over this, we'd be working to bring this little one home. But since we can't our goal is to help raise the money to find him a forever family.

Shelley over at Embracing Life as Household Six is his Christmas Warrior. Head on over to her post about him and donate to his fund if you can. $35 will get you a wonderful Christmas ornament with his picture on it. I got mine yesterday and it will be going on our tree soon as it goes up next week, right along with my boys yearly ornaments.

Look at those chubby legs and his big brown eyes. Lets help him find a family.

Go Visit Lily!!!

Lily is a beautiful 9 year old little girl who just happens to have Down syndrome. Which is no biggie in our house lol. She is Turning 10 and in honor of her birthday she's having a giveaway bash to benefit Jaxson and Parker. Go check it out she has some wonderful things. Also up until her birthday she is doing random giveaways and I won the last one. Lily is too cute you have to go see her. NOW GO!