RAISING JOEY

Gym class

Last month we enrolled Joey in one of those toddler gym classes and Patrick has been taking him. I took him this morning so I could see what it’s really like. It’s a great program but it was almost a little bittersweet. Joey is in the class with 2-2 1/2 year olds rather than the 2 1/2- 3 year old class.

It was the first time I’ve seen him in a group of all “typical” peers. He was the only one who couldn’t say his own name and wouldn’t do the things all the other kids were doing.

Should I ask for him to be put down to the class for 1 1/2- 2 year olds that he may be able to do more in??

Everyone there knew Joey’s name and were very accepting of him but a few of the other parents kept telling their kids to “watch out for Joey, not to hurt him”. An extra chromosome doesn’t mean he’ll break more easily…

I know it’s something that I need to expect to face someday especially since he starts school in March, but my pregnancy hormones didn’t help.

Nausea, Ohio & Giveaways!

The past couple afternoon/ evenings I’ve been hit with some pretty nasty nausea. I mean, phew, I wish I could vomit nausea. Not fun at all….

Anyways, I’m pretty excited/ nervous at the same time. I haven’t been home since April when my Grandfather passed away, and I’ve been getting extremely homesick (my preggo hormones haven’t been helping any). So a few days ago, I went over my calendar and realized there was only one week that I’m able to get home without canceling doctors appointments, so I’m going home February 13-22!!

The reason I’m so nervous is because I’m flying ALONE with BOTH of the kids. Yup… me, Joey and Leah on a plane together. Still not sure how this is going to work, but I did call the airlines and got someone set up to help me get the kids onto the plane and Joey’s carseat set up.

I’m so excited to go home! I haven’t seen my grandmother, brother & his wife, my cousins, no one but my parents since April! I’m counting down the days till we leave!

I’ll end today’s post with a few giveaways…

5 Minutes For Mom is giving away…
Kodak Digital Camera

5 Minutes for Giveaways is giving away…
A Dinner For Two During Dal Cuore Nights
Email on the Run? Win a PEEK!

5 Minutes For Special Needs is giving away…
Feeleez Giveaway!

Mama Loves Giveaways is giving away…
A copy of Dandelion Bubbles
Everyday Gift Card Tin from Tumbalina!

Operation Buddy Blanket

I just realized how long it’s been since I’ve posted an update! Sorry about that folks! I’ve seen so occupied with being pregnant, working on things for the CDSC, and cleaning the house, I haven’t thought of much else!

My newest project with the CDSC and The Holland Committee, is called Operation Buddy Blanket. I’m recruiting volunteers here in CT who know how to knit, crochet or quilt to make baby blankets for new babies here in CT who have Down syndrome. We have an average of 40 babies with DS born every year in CT so hopefully I can find enough volunteers to keep up with all the beauitful babies! If you live here in CT and want to help, email me raisingjoey[at]gmail.com.

Joey’s buddy Dillon is back home and doing very well. He has already gained 2 pounds since he had the NG tube placed last week and will be going in a couple weeks for a G tube. Keep him and his mommy in your thoughts and prayers!

Poor Dillon!

If you all have an extra minute, please say a prayer for Joey’s buddy Dillon and his mommy, Melissa. Dillon is sick again and is being admitted back in the hospital for a GI assessment and most likely a NG tube. Pray for a speedy recovery!

Also, if anyone has any problems viewing my blog with the new layout, please let me know, raisingjoey[at]gmail.com.

Wordless Wednesday & Special Exposure Wednesday

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

For more Wordless Wednesdays, go visit 5 Minutes For Mom or the Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Introducing Jon and Company!

“Jon and Company is a specialty clothing company that was started by Annette Liike, mother of Jon (6), who has Down syndrome. Annette was finding it difficult to find clothing for her son that fit well and encouraged independence in dressing, while remaining stylish. The clothing that was easy to put on was usually not very trend conscious, and the clothing that was trendy, was not very easy to put on. Annette realized that she was not alone, so she started her search for someone who could help her design a clothing line for individuals with Down syndrome, which promotes their individual dressing needs and upholds the styles of today. Annette discovered neighbor and friend Yvette Quigley, had a background in costume design and was very interested in designing garments to help kids become more independent. Both women quickly got to work on a clothing line that offers functional and affordable clothing made to fit people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. They offer closures that present ease in dressing for those who present challenges in dexterity, yet have considered a range of abilities by offering many choices on the clothing such as Velcro, magnetic snaps, elastic and buttons.”

And this company gets even better… a portion of each purchase from their Fall Line will be donated to the National Down Syndrome Society.

An omen?

Or just crazy pregnancy dreams?

I dreamt last night that Patrick and I went for my 1st ultrasound (just like we’re scheduled to do in 2 weeks) and we found out I was having twins! Hmmmmmmm….

In other news, my father in law is having his gall bladder removed today so say an extra prayer for a quick and speedy recovery!

Snow fun!

Joey and his Daddy ventured out in the snow yesterday to shovel and have fun!

Peace & quiet

I’m in heaven right now… Joey is at his toddler gym class with Patrick and Leah is downstairs napping and what am I doing?! Sitting at the computer, reading blogs, eating a salami sandwich, watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 and still in my PJ’s!!

How often does this happen!?!?

Favorite Video Friday

I’ve been meaning to post this one for a while. The NDSC has started a “More Alike Than Different” campaign and it’s awesome!

Details…

Well, it appears I’m somewhere between 4-5 weeks. My OB said I’m due around September 21 which is TWO DAYS after Leah’s birthday! But my OB said since I’ve only made it to 37 & 38 weeks, we’ll probably schedule a c-section around September 14.

The really cool thing is that along with me being pregnant, one of my sister in laws is expecting too and she’s due a little before me so our new babies are going to be born at the same time! How cool is that?! Not to mention, I’m finally going to be an Aunt and my kiddos will finally have a cousin!

I’ve actually thought for about the past 2 weeks that I might be pregnant. I just haven’t felt “normal” and with each pregnancy, it’s been the same way. Not to mention the waves of nausea, having to pee more than normal, I’ve had a little extra water weight (my pants are a little tight) and odd cravings! For the past week, I’ve been eating salads with Italian dressing and feta cheese! At least my baby is wanting to eat healthy!!!

I go to see the nurse practioner on the 30th, my first ultrasound is February 2nd and I meet with the OB, February 24.

Well, I guess that’s all the details I have for now!

Wordless Wednesday & Special Exposure Wednesday

That’s right folks! How’s that for wordless & special?!?!?! More details to come!

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

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

Here birdy, birdy!

We’ve had evidence lately of bird mutalations left on our front porch steps and I figured out who the culprit has been. I caught him in the act of trying to grab up a cute little birdy early today.

Edit: I just went online and did a little research and found out that my big birdy is actually a Cooper’s Hawk.

Ok you lurkers!

I love knowing who all reads my blog, so if you never comment, today is the day to do so! It’s Delurking Day 2009 today! So come out from cyberworld and let me know who you are! That includes all my friends and family back in Ohio, I’d love to know who all still reads my blog!

Happy Delurking Day!!

Family My Way

One of my dear online friends has recently started up a new family oriented website called Family My Way and I wanted to share it with everyone and even take place in her Photo Frenzy! This week’s theme is Winter Fun, so I thought I would re-share a picture of Leah from Christmas.

Happy Monday!

I’m soooooo excited, we got a little extra cash and my wonderful husband agreed to me buying Toby Keith tickets for me and Melissa to go see him on January 23 at Mohegan Sun Casino! I’m completely and totally psyched at the moment!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I love Toby Keith so much! See, now I sound like a giddy high school girl, LOL!

In other news, if you’re up here in the North East, be sure to go to ShopRite this week! They’re having their famous CanCan Sale! Canned veggies for 4 for $2!! And lots of other good buys too! I got laundry detergent on Saturday for $.99! And I just discovered that when you view their weekly circular online, you can click on the items you want and you can make your own shopping list! How cool is that?!

Both the kiddos are feeling MUCH better! I didn’t want to chance jinxing us so that’s why I haven’t posted an update lately. Joey and Leah are back to normal chasing eachother around the house. Leah has been clingy and cranky the past 24 hours, I think she’s getting another toofer…

And if you get an extra second, be sure to say a prayer for Parker. He needs to have another surgery done on his tummy.

Happy 60th Birthday Joe!!

Today is my father in law, Joe’s, 60th birthday. I am extremely blessed to have such an awesome father in law who is so supportive and just an all around awesome guy! He is one of my favorite people! He is the best grandfather too!

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY JOE!!!

2nd Annual Cans 4 Corey!

Once again, my dear friend Cecily is hosting Cans 4 Corey to help raise money for the CDSC! If you’re in Connecticut, I hope to see you there!!! Start saving your soda cans today! Here’s my post from last year!

Bringing Kellsey Home

One of my blogging friends is in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl named Kellsey. Renee is holding a raffle on her blog for a $50 Honey Baked Ham gift certificate to help raise funds for this. Please help this family bring her home to them!

Giveaways Galore!

5 Minutes For Special Needs is giving away a Fill In The Blankie!

Over at 5 Minutes For Giveaways, they’re giving away a Crock Pot e-Lume! They’re also giving away a Baby Dipper Bowl.

Sticky Feet (Part Deux) is giving away a pair of Stride Rite Shoes!

Sandier Pastures is giving away a Resist T-Shirt of your choice! I really like the Peacock one!

Nurse Mommy is also giving away a t-shirt, this one is a Fly High Joy t-shirt of your choice!

My latest creations

I was so excited the other day when I realized that I had sold all of my Down syndrome awareness bracelets that were in my Etsy Store! So I’ve been busy making new ones, below are my latest creations!

How about some kiddo cuteness??

Rather than moan and groan about our sick house, I wanted to post some fun pictures from a few weeks back! The kiddos discovered how much fun a simple cooking pot could be…

Quick update

Well, I appear to be feeling better (I hope), I still have yet to eat. I’m just not hungry, heck, maybe I’ll lose a little weight, LOL!

Joey finally seems to be feeling a little better too. Still coughing but not acting as sick as he was and he hasn’t had a fever in almost 48 hours. I did get him an appointment with his ENT for Monday to have his ear looked at to check for any damage from that dumb pediatrican.

Leah is still feeling pretty crummy. She was still running a fever as of last night so I’ve been alternating tylenol and moltrin. Her cough is still pretty bad too.

Well I guess that’s it for now! Hopefully I’ll post again later!

My turn!

Well at 4am I woke up feeling like I was going to vomit and like I’d been hit by a truck. So now, I’m sick and my wonderful hubby is taking care of the kiddos. It does appear that my father in law has the same thing…

2009 Resolutions & Goals

1. To lose at least 15 pounds, if not more!
2. EXCERSISE! Lord, I’m out of shape! Gotta love Excercise TV on OnDemand!
3. Read at least one book a month.
4. To be a better wife and mother.
5. To get home to Ohio at least 4 times. Even though I just saw my parents, I miss the rest of my family so much!
6. Work on getting The Holland Committee up and running for the CDSC.
7. To be a better advocate for Joey and other’s with Down syndrome. To learn more about disability law and the history surrounding it.
8. To clean our house more and get rid of clutter!
9. Back to #1 & 2, eat healthier foods, snack less!
10. Save money, I need to control my spending habits!
11. To write more blog posts and to read more blogs!