RAISING JOEY

Peace & quiet, how about an article?

I’ve been so busy lately with the kiddos, I’ve not had much time to do my usual daily article check but guess what!?! Both Joey and Leah are napping at the same time, dishes are done, I’ve cleaned the house a little sooo… I’m actually browsing the internet & reading articles!
Brownback, Kennedy collaborating on Down syndrome bill

By Sam Hananel, Associated Press

Denise Sawyer didn’t find out her second child had Down syndrome until after Ana was born.

Still, the Mulvane, Kan., special education teacher says she never would have considered terminating her pregnancy, even if a prenatal test had revealed Ana’s condition.

“I could have had the test, but I didn’t want it because I knew that it wouldn’t have mattered,” Sawyer said. “I would have had this baby anyway. What she has given us in our lives is a new perspective.”

But Sawyer’s view is not typical of most parents who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Doctors estimate that 80 to 90 percent of women who learn they are carrying a fetus with the genetic disorder decide not to have the child.

That could change if Congress passes a bill that is an unusual collaboration between Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., lawmakers with diametrically opposite views on abortion.

The measure would require doctors to offer more comprehensive medical information about Down syndrome when parents receive a positive test, including facts about life expectancy, referrals to support networks and options for caring for children with the condition.

The bill is a response to some reports that health professionals often focus only on the most negative aspects of Down syndrome when they counsel patients, ignoring the potential for people with Down syndrome to lead positive, independent lives. Continue reading Peace & quiet, how about an article?…

Poor Joey…

I thought he was feeling better but I was wrong. He’s still so congested and miserable! He had a bloody nose last night (scared the heck out of me). I ended up taking him to see his pedi yesterday and he was put on an antibodic… I hope it works soon. It’s so hard seeing him this sick. Did I mention that I have a sore throat coming on too?? Hopefully it’s just a figment of my imagination…

Joey & his pudding…

Joey sure is starting to love his chocolate pudding! But we only give it to him on bath nights, why you may ask? Look at the pictures below…

One year ago…

It was one year ago yesterday that was one of the hardest days of my life. Even though I have Leah now, my heart still aches for the baby I lost. Going through a miscarriage was something I pray I never have to go through again. No one should have to deal with losing a child, no matter if it’s in-utero or a child that’s already born. So today, I light a candle for my baby I lost, Kiera…

Picture perfect!

Check out who’s picture made the CDSC’s Fall Newsletter, go to page 4!!!

Thanksgiving update & pictures!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. So many things to be grateful for this year!! My parents were a huge help since my husband had to have surgery and was out of commission for a few days (thankfully feeling MUCH better). Unfortunatly, they had to go back to Ohio on Saturday. I wish they could have stayed longer!!

Pat and I with his siblings and in-laws!

Joey and his Uncle Christopher playing with blocks

Joey enjoying his sweet potatoes!!

Leah is feeling better but Joey is still sick. The poor little guy has a runny nose that appears to be turning into a sinus infection. If he’s not feeling better by tomorrow morning I think I will be taking him to the doctor.

Did I mention that I’m now a babywearing Mommy?

I love my sling and Leah does too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone! Sorry about the lack of updates the past week. My parents are in town visiting and helping me around the house. My husband had surgery on Tuesday on his sinuses and throat to repair a devated septum and to hopefully cure his sleep apnea. He’s recovering well, still very sore but getting better each day.

The kids are feeling better, both are still a little stuffy, Joey more than Leah. Well, speaking of the little ones, Leah crying. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Figures…

Joey’s runny nose wasn’t caused by his teething, he was actually sick and guess who’s sick now? No, not me, Leah. The poor thing… I feel so bad for her. She had such a rough night last night, her breathing sounded awful from all the congestion.

I had a bad feeling she would get sick. Joey loves her so much and is always wanting to give her hugs & kisses, and is always grabbing her pacifers. I hope she gets better very soon!

Joey & a feeding update

Before last Friday we could barely get a chewie tube or a NUK brush in Joey’s mouth. Heck, we couldn’t even get him to put a toy in his mouth now he’s starting to put them in his mouth! I never thought I would be so happy to see my child put something in his mouth! I’ve been so proud of him the past week! Many parents take so many milestones for granted but when you have a child who has a disablity like Down syndrome, you celebrate that milestone. For us getting Joey to put something in his mouth has taken HOURS of therapy and hand over hand play with the Chewie Tubes, Nuk brushes and any toy. He still won’t put food in his mouth with his fingers but he’ll use the spoon! We’ll get there though! He is starting to slowly accept Veggie Sticks so I’ve been working with him using those.

I’ll try to update again soon. My parents are coming in this evening from Ohio so I may or may not be on much for the next week. Until then, how about some Joey cuteness with his Chewie Tube?!

Cranky boy

Well today Joey has two more teeth coming in plus either a cold or just VERY congested from teething… both of which are contributing to a very cranky little boy! Poor guy has snot going clear down to his chin and feels just awful! Yesterday he was cranky and it seems that’s what he is again today. Pray for me to make it through the day without having a nervous breakdown, LOL!

A typical morning

Joey was playing so nice by himself this morning and being so cute, I had to grab  my camera and film (not to mention Leah for once wasn’t crying from her colic) so here’s another video to enjoy (a little long).

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Pudding Meltdown

Don’t you just love it when you give your little one a treat like chocolate pudding or ice cream and you run out and the kiddo decides to have a complete and total meltdown?? Requested by my mother, here’s the not so happy side of Joey! But at least he signed “more”!!!!

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Congresswoman’s interview

Back in May I posted about Washington Congress woman Cathy McMorris Rodgers who gave birth to her son, Cole, who has Down syndrome. CNN recently interviewed her and what it is like to have a child with Down syndrome, Mom’s Down Syndrome Decision.

My Big Boy!

Many of you know the stuggles we’ve had getting Joey to feed himself. And how stressed out I’ve been about it in the past. He wouldn’t even put a toy into his own mouth, or even pick up a meltable puff or biter biscuit. Well… I think the light came on in Mr. Joseph’s head! He still won’t pick up food like a the puffs or biscuits but look what he does now! For me, I’m more proud of this milestone than any other up to date!!

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An update and video!

A quick post before Leah wakes back up. We’re still here, things are becoming a bit more hectic with two little ones. Joey is starting to want more and more attention when I’m caring for Leah so it seems most of my free time (the little I had) is now gone. Whenever they’re both sleeping at the same time, I’m either taking a quick shower, doing laundry or trying to cook. And as I type this, I hear someone crying! Bye for now!

 Oh, and here’s a video of Joey being a big boy using his cup!  

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Wordless Wednesday

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The most handsome turtle ever!

So I’m a day late but that’s ok… here’s Joey’s Halloween costume! Joey and I went Trick Or Treating last night for the first time and had a blast! Ya know, it’s funny I never thought I would see the day when I would be taking my own child out Trick Or Treating, I loved it!