Why me?!

December 31, 2008 on 1:18 pm | In Craziness of our lives | 3 Comments

Ok, what the h@ll else can happen?! I just peed flushed the toliet and a couple minutes later I heard water splashing in the bathroom… the toliet was pouring water out of the tank. Not the toliet bowl but somewhere from the tank. I managed to get the water shut off and now I’m cleaning up the floor.

My wonderful brother in law is on his way to pick up Joey’s ear drops from the pharmacy in his 4×4 truck since we’re having another SNOWSTORM and I’ll have him look at it when he gets here.

Can I have a nervous breakdown yet????

talked to Joe-Joe’s pedi & a couple pictures

December 31, 2008 on 11:58 am | In Medical, Joey, Joey's ENT | 12 Comments

Joey’s pediatrican called a little bit ago very upset about what happened yesterday. He was very apologetic and couldn’t believe what happened. I’m happy that he called and is as upset as we are.

I downloaded a couple pictures from last night, if you don’t like blood, you might not want to look.

Click below to see the pictures…
Continue reading talked to Joe-Joe’s pedi & a couple pictures…

Special Exposure & Wordless Wednesday

December 31, 2008 on 11:22 am | In Joey, Leah, Wordless Wednesday, Special Exposure Wednesday | No Comments

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For more Special Exposure Wednesdays, go visit 5 Minutes For Special Needs.

For more Wordless Wednesdays, go visit 5 Minutes For Mom and The Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Soooo tired…

December 31, 2008 on 10:25 am | In Medical, Joey, Joey's ENT, Craziness of our lives | 1 Comment

We got home close to 1am with not any answers… the doctors said since they would treat it the same if it was either a ruptured ear drum or just a scratched ear canal, they were’t going to chance hurting him anymore. Not to mention the one ER doc who actually did try to look, couldn’t see a thing due to all the blood in his ear…

They could have sedated him, suctioned out his ear and then looked but we weren’t going to put him through that last night. I’m going to call his ENT today and schedule an appointment with him.

They did give us a script for antibodic ear drops to help prevent an infection wherever his ear is hurt.

Unfortunatly, Joey has lost 1/2 pound. They weighed him on the same scale as a few weeks ago, boo….

Off to the ER…

December 30, 2008 on 8:20 pm | In Medical, Joey, Joey's ENT | 6 Comments

His ear won’t stop bleeding…

Furious…

December 30, 2008 on 6:50 pm | In Medical, Joey, Joey's ENT | 4 Comments

I just took Joey to the pediatrican because he still sounds croupy and has been running a fever. His regular pedi wasn’t in so we saw the one who was filling in for Dr. B.

I gave him a quick history on Joey and told him how his ear canals are extremely small and doctors usually can’t see his ear drum.

He went ahead and tried to look in his ear but couldn’t see anything because of all the wax build up due to his small ears. I then told him how I take Joey every 6 months to the ENT to have his ears cleaned out in the OR while he’s sedated.

This pedi decided he wanted to scrape out some of the wax on his own and WOULDN’T listen to me and needless to say, Joey got upset and started moving all over the place and screaming. The next thing I knew, Joey had blood pouring out of his left ear!

This so called pedi said he didn’t go in far enough to hit his ear drum that he most likely just scratched his ear canal. I can’t believe the amount of blood that came out of my poor baby’s ear!

So needless to say, we left with a script for antibodics and a bloody ear…

I’m so upset!

2008 Blessings

December 30, 2008 on 12:58 pm | In Life, Family, Friends, Holiday fun! | 2 Comments

I’ve felt so blessed this past year that I want to share some of the things I’m grateful for.

1. I feel so extremely blessed to have finally made more friends here in Connecticut thanks to the CDSC & the DS community. I have found lifelong friendships with Melissa and Maureen!

2. I’m grateful that we were able to move to a larger house that has a little yard that I was able to plant a garden in, and that we have such awesome neighbors!

3. I’m extremely grateful to have such a loving and supportive family! My parents came up from Ohio to help when Joey had his surgery. And my in-laws…. they are the best! Whenever I need help with the kiddos, they’re here in a heartbeat!

4. I thank God everyday that Joey’s surgery went so well and that his tummy is doing better!

5. I’m so blessed to have such cute, adorable kiddos! Joey & Leah’s smiles make my heart melt eachtime I look at them!

6. I feel so blessed and grateful that I have such a wonderful husband. I found quite a gem when I met Patrick. He helps me around the house with cleaning, laundry, and changing diapers! I even get back rubs from him! Am I one of the luckiest women on Earth or what?!

7. I’m grateful that I was reconnected with my long lost half brother, Greg. I even found out that I have twin 10 year old nephews!

What are you grateful for this year?

Currently reading…

December 29, 2008 on 12:58 pm | In Down syndrome, Parenting, Books | 1 Comment

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More Than a Mom

This book was one of my Christmas gifts from my mother and so far, I LOVE this book! I can’t wait to read the whole thing! Below is the product description posted by Amazon…

“MORE THAN A MOM explores how women can lead rich, fulfilling personal lives while parenting a child with special needs. The authors’ skillful blend of research, personal experiences, and feedback from over 500 mothers across North America results in a book that is jam-packed with practical strategies, advice, and reassurance for mothers trying to create more manageable and fulfilling lives.

MORE THAN A MOM addresses the universal concerns and questions of all mothers, coupled with the added intensity of raising children with disabilities. This how-to guide looks at the challenges mothers face at home, at work, and within themselves, with special attention paid to:

Staying healthy both physically and emotionally;

Keeping friendships;

Staying organized;

Maintaining your marriage;

Nurturing interests and goals;

Seeking flexible work options;

Changing careers or starting a business;

Rejoining the workforce;

Finding specialized childcare;

Advocating for your child.

The mothers who were interviewed for the book have diverse backgrounds and family dynamics. Given their differences and the fact that their children have such varied disabilities, it s striking that these mothers face such similar issues. MORE THAN A MOM provides mothers with many voices and solutions that will resonate with their own circumstances. Husbands, extended family, friends, support organizations, and service providers will also want to read this insightful and fact-filled book.”

Congrats to Mindy & family!

December 29, 2008 on 10:20 am | In Friends, Blogging | No Comments

Stop by Mindy’s blog, Sharp Pointy Sticks and congratulate her on the newest addition to her family!!

Dinner fun!

December 28, 2008 on 6:39 pm | In Down syndrome, Photos, Friends, Blogging | 3 Comments

Look who we went out to dinner with last night at Buffalo Wild Wings?! Penelope and her family!!

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Christmas 2008!

December 28, 2008 on 3:31 pm | In Photos, Family, Joey, Christmas, Leah, Holiday fun!, Visits from Ohio! | 4 Comments

We had such an awesome Christmas! Patrick and Joey had colds but that didn’t stop us from having fun!

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“Ma, are you starting with the pictures already?!”
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Jenny McCarthy’s book!
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Daddy got a Giants Christmas this year!
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I got a Pandora bracelet from my wonderful hubby!
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“Mommy, I think this book is too advanced for me…”
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“Geez, get this thing off my forehead!”
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Joey & his PahPaw!
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Me & my mom!
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The Heeran girls!
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Me & my babies!!!
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To all my blog readers…

December 24, 2008 on 10:27 am | In Friends, Blogging, Christmas | 1 Comment


Let There Be Peace On Earth

December 23, 2008 on 10:18 am | In Down syndrome, Videos, Music | 1 Comment

I’ve seen this on several other blogs and wanted to share it too.

Poor Joe-Joe

December 23, 2008 on 9:47 am | In Joey, Visits from Ohio! | 2 Comments

He’s sick again, this time a cold. He does seem to be feeling better this morning compared to the past few days. He’s had a very horse voice and a cough at night. Thankfully no fever! We’ve had the vaporizer going 24/7 and I’ve been hiding cold medicine in his juice since he won’t take medicine through a dropper thingy anymore. And of course, lots and lots of fluids.

In other news, we got one heck of a snowstorm on Friday! It was so cool, the snow was falling 1-2 inches per hour! Now we’re all dug out and life is back to normal minus the huge piles of snow everywhere!

My parents got here safe and sound and have been enjoying playing with the kiddos! You should have seen Joey’s face when his beloved “PahPaw” (my father) walked through the door! Joey ran right up to him with open arms for a huge hug! Joey loves my father so much!

Hey CDSC Families

December 21, 2008 on 11:20 am | In CDSC, Christmas | No Comments

For those of you that read this, today’s Holiday Party in North Haven has been canceled but will be rescheduled for a later date due to the ice storm that suppose to hit the southern part of CT including North Haven.

So much excitement!

December 20, 2008 on 1:14 pm | In CDSC, Christmas, Visits from Ohio! | 2 Comments

We had one heck of a snowstorm last night! I love it just in time for Christmas! It’s looking like we’ll have a white Christmas here in Connecticut this year!

My parents are currently on their way up here to spend the holiday with us and are driving through Pennsylvania as I write this. Thankfully so far, they’ve had good weather but are driving my mom’s 4×4 truck just in case!

Tomorrow we have the CDSC’s Holiday Party and I’m so excited for that as well. A pasta dinner with music and Santa! I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures!

Also, tomorrow evening (I almost forgot to mention), my sister in law and her husband are coming in from Washington DC! I can’t wait to see them too! What an exciting upcoming week!

Happy Birthday Melissa!!!

December 19, 2008 on 11:44 am | In Friends, Birthday Wishes | 1 Comment

Today is my dear friend Melissa’s birthday! Go over to her blog and wish her a happy birthday!!!


Hopefully the snow will hold off long enough for her and Dillon to get here for her birthday dinner and sleepover!

Mama Loves Giveaways!

December 19, 2008 on 11:32 am | In Contests, Blogging | No Comments

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Check out what the fine ladies at Mom Generations are giving away on their giveaway blog!

$350 PLAYHOUSE BOUNCER from Playhousebouncers.com!!

My Shelfari

December 17, 2008 on 1:37 pm | In Down syndrome, Books | 2 Comments

I just found this and I love it! You can make your own personal virtual bookshelf to post on your blog. I had so many books to add to it, I decided rather than putting it on my sidebar, I would post it here once and also add it to my Down Syndrome FAQ page.

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Find new books and literate friends with Shelfari, the online book club.

Busy, busy, busy!

December 17, 2008 on 11:24 am | In Christmas, Craziness of our lives | No Comments

I’ve been so busy the past couple of days! Finishing up Christmas Cards, baking cookies, fudge, and other goodies for my hubby to take to work, wrapping the last of our x-mas gifts, doing laundry, rearranging our bedroom, cleaning the house & preparing for my parents to arrive on Saturday for the week of Christmas!

So much to do, so little time!

I do have to admit, I am rather excited for Friday, you see, it’s my dear friend Melissa’s birthday and Mel & her son Dillon are coming over for her birthday dinner and a sleep over! YAY!!!!!

Geez, on a sour note, I smell poopy (again), I’m off to see who the culprit is!!

More 5 Minutes For Mom Giveaways!

December 17, 2008 on 11:16 am | In Contests | No Comments

Sweet Pea Cakes, Etc.- I know the perfect expecting Momma to give this to!!

Oral B Electric Toothbrush- everyone can always use a new toothbrush!

Kohl’s “25 Deals of Christmas”- I just plain old LOVE going to Kohls!!


$30 Gift Certificate from Children’s Place- I can ALWAYS use more clothes for the kids!!!!

Wordless Wednesday & Special Exposure Wednesday

December 17, 2008 on 11:04 am | In Joey, Christmas, Leah, Wordless Wednesday, Special Exposure Wednesday | 8 Comments

My kids are terrified of Santa….

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For more Wordless Wednesdays, go visit 5 Minutes For Mom or the Wordless Wednesday’s Headquarters!

For more Special Exposure Wednesdays, go visit 5 Minutes For Special Needs!

New Era, New Worry

December 16, 2008 on 4:54 pm | In Down syndrome, Articles, pre-natal testing | 1 Comment

New tests for Down syndrome could lead to more abortions and less support for families.

Mary Carmichael
NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Dec 15, 2008
Beth Allard was recovering from labor, waiting for a hospital photographer to capture her newborn son’s first day in the world, when a pediatrician walked into her room and told Allard her life was ruined. Allard might have expected as much from a doctor, given what she’d already heard from others in the previous few months: little Ben, who had tested positive in utero for Down syndrome, would be mute and illiterate, they said; he would spend his life hanging off her, drooling. The pediatrician was harsher: “You should consider putting him up for adoption,” she said. “You’re going to end up divorced. Don’t even bother having any other children. Didn’t you have the option to terminate?” Finally, the pediatrician left, and Allard resumed her wait for the photographer. He never came.

Ben Allard is now 9, and it’s hard to understand why doctors were convinced he would be such a burden. He’s a friendly, witty kid who’s happily enrolled in third grade at a regular school. He does, says Beth, “all the things they told us he wouldn’t be doing, and more.” She shudders when she thinks about how wrong the doctors turned out to be: she almost took their advice and ended her pregnancy.

She would not have been alone in that decision. Life with Down syndrome can be very challenging for both parents and kids, and according to studies, 90 percent of women whose fetuses test positive choose to abort. Now, because of a technological advance, pro-life and disability advocates worry those numbers may rise even higher. Currently, Down syndrome is picked up with blood screens and ultrasounds, then confirmed with invasive tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, which insert needles into the uterus and slightly increase the risk of miscarriage. Some women forgo the tests for that reason. Next year, though, new, noninvasive genetic screens that pose no harm to fetuses or mothers may start arriving in doctors’ offices. If they become common, they could result in more diagnoses, more abortions, a dwindling Down population and a drop in support for families who carry to term—what Down activist Patricia Bauer has called “the elimination of an entire class of people.” Even now, only 5,000 babies are born with the syndrome each year.

As technology has advanced, doctors’ education about Down syndrome has lagged behind. Allard’s tactless pediatrician gave her an outdated book that used the pejorative term “mongoloid.” Many doctors seem unaware that early intervention with speech and occupational therapy, combined with medications or corrective heart surgery, has allowed some children to grow up relatively normally, graduating from high school and holding jobs. In a large 2005 survey, mothers of children with Down syndrome said they had received little or no information about the positive side of the condition. (Families often end up stronger. A 2003 study in the American Journal on Mental Retardation found that healthy siblings are highly empathetic; another study in the same journal this year showed that parents are less likely to divorce.) Doctors were also in the dark. “Even among obstetrics fellows, 45 percent said their training in how to deliver a diagnosis was barely adequate or nonexistent,” says Dr. Brian Skotko, a pediatrics resident at Children’s Hospital Boston who has studied how doctors tell patients about sensitive diagnoses. In a 2000 study published in Prenatal Testing and Disability Rights, 23 percent of doctors admitted trying to influence mothers’ decisions, usually encouraging them to abort.

Until this fall, a bill based on Skotko’s research—one calling for doctors to provide “accurate and up-to-date information” about Down syndrome to expectant parents—had been stalled in Congress. The new noninvasive tests “put it on the front burner and turned up the degrees,” says Skotko. (So did Sarah Palin’s rise; Sen. John McCain became a cosponsor shortly after naming Palin, who had a baby with Down syndrome in April, as his running mate.) The bill passed easily in September. “It was a rare political moment,” says Skotko. “The pro-life people believed that women making informed decisions might be more apt to continue their pregnancies. And people who were pro-choice saw the bill as pro-information but not telling doctors what to do.” There’s no funding for the new law yet, but disability advocates hope it will go into effect around the same time the new genetic tests do.

The Allards are among those supporters. They testified on the bill’s behalf, hoping to show lawmakers the kind of life they believed their doctors hadn’t told them about. They have a strong marriage, a healthy second son and a great sense of relief that they have their first one. Ben has something good, too—a new pediatrician.

URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/172564© 2008

Now the opposite!

December 12, 2008 on 4:26 pm | In Joey, Joey GI | 3 Comments

Now that Joey’s intestines are fixed and his bowels have had a chance to get back to normal well… now he’s constipated! We’ve gone from one extreme to the other. At least with this one, I can give him miralax and it seems to be working.

I’m just trying to find a happy medium with it all so his poopy isn’t loose! OY VEY!

I need to whine…

December 11, 2008 on 7:13 pm | In Music | 2 Comments

Why do concert tickets have to be so darn much?!?! I absolutely LOVE Toby Keith and just found out he’s coming to town in January so I went online to check out tickets. The cheapest one is $75!! Why do concert tickets have to be so darn much?! It’s no fair!

(SIGH) Someday I will see Toby in person…

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