Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

May 28, 2009 on 9:54 am | In Family | 6 Comments

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4 years ago from this exact moment I was at the church getting my hair done for our wedding…

I can’t believe we’ve been married already for 4 years. Two children (one more on the way) later, we have seen good times and bad! We’ve been together through thick and thin and I love you so much for being by my side through everything!

~Thank you for putting up with my mood swings, when I’ve been homesick and through all of my pregnancies or just when I’ve had a bad day.

~Thank you for all the back rubs when I’ve needed them.

~Thank you for all the extra work you do around the house. It means the world to me when you do a simple thing like washing the dishes!

~Thank you for changing all the diapers you do (I know there’s not a lot of husbands that will do that!)

~Thank you for letting me volunteer for the CDSC and not complaining when I have an extra board meeting or committee meeting to go to.

~Thank you for working so hard to provide for our family.

~Thank you for when you let me watch what I want to watch on TV and staying in the room just to be with me.

~Thank you for not complaining about my cooking when I make a bad meal. I know they’re not all good!

~Thank you for just being you! I love you!

Memorial Day 2009

May 27, 2009 on 12:36 pm | In Photos, Joey, Leah, Holiday fun! | 3 Comments

We had a lovely day on Monday, we started out at our town’s parade and then from there went to my in-laws for a BBQ.

The kids LOVED the parade. Joey loved it so much in fact that he wouldn’t even look at the camera, his eyes were glued on what was going on! Leah was opposite, she had to tell me to look at each and every car that passed.

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All THREE of my babies!!!
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Exceptional Jewelry made by Exceptional People!

May 25, 2009 on 8:00 am | In Down syndrome, Shopping, Jewelry, Beverly Beckham articles | 1 Comment

FYI- to all my CDSC families, it’s looking like we’re going to have this organization at our convention this year in November!

An exceptional crew of jewelry makers

By Beverly Beckham, May 24, 2009

Work is more than a job for Cheryl Bleakney.

People sell things every day, and some even like what they sell. But Bleakney is passionate, and not just about the quality of the merchandise she takes with her everywhere she goes, but about the people who make the products and the facility that supports their unique endeavor.

Bleakney sells jewelry, but not the kind you see at every shopping mall. What she carries in her car, and takes to schools and conferences and fund-raisers and walks and churches and anywhere people gather is “exceptional jewelry” made by “exceptional people,” beautiful works of art designed to remind a wearer of someone beautiful in their lives.

True Meaning Jewelry is custom-made and skillfully handcrafted in a workshop in Hanson. Sterling silver and Swarovski beads are strung together one by one into bracelets representing a cause: autism, breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Special Olympics, Down syndrome. And anything else a customer might request.

The company is just a year old, and small, with fewer than a dozen workers. But awareness jewelry is a big seller these days, bracelets the new bumper sticker, people wanting other people to know what they care about. So if you Google awareness jewelry, hundreds of causes come up.

This is good news for True Meaning Jewelry and great potential for growth, because who they are and what they do is unique. The artisans who create every custom-made piece aren’t just artists, but the very people they’re creating the jewelry to honor. All of them have some intellectual and physical challenges. One is visually impaired and needs a magnifying glass to see. Some have Down syndrome and have trouble with fine motor skills. All need direction and accommodations, yet here they are working diligently and earnestly because they know what they’re doing is important. And they take pride in this.

Here’s what usually happens in such a workplace: An artist designs and makes a piece of jewelry, sells it, donates a percentage of the sale to the cause the jewelry represents. And the rest is profit.

Here’s what happens at True Meaning Jewelry: Bleakney designs the jewelry and the artisans make it. They sell it and donate a percentage of the sale to the cause the jewelry represents. But the rest is their collective salary, their personal pride and their independence.

“Last year at this time, we were making jewelry for another company,” said Bleakney, a resident of Kingston. “And I thought, ‘Why can’t we make our own jewelry and do it for awareness? Who better to do this than these men and women? Why can’t we start our own little business?’ ”

Bleakney went to her bosses at New England Village, a nonprofit residential community in Pembroke, which also runs the workshop in Hanson, and presented her plan. The village’s stated mission is to help “adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities . . . lead dignified and enriching lives filled with opportunities for growth and friendship.” This was definitely an opportunity for growth and friendship. They gave Bleakney the thumbs up.

Bleakney painted a vacant room, made country cottage curtains, and created a cozy, artistic, comfortable environment for the new artists.

And so it began.

The goal now, she said, is to create more work. “We have 10 young people working. I would like to see 20. I have to advocate. I have to get the word out. Because I really have to keep these guys working.”

They’re home grown. They love making jewelry. They’re involved and engaged and not easily distracted, even when a visitor is looking over their shoulders. They stick to the task.

Their jewelry comes packaged in a silky pouch with silver stars and a thank-you card from the artisans.

“Who better to benefit from awareness jewelry?” Bleakney asks.

For more information about True Meaning Jewelry, visit log on to www.newenglandvillage.org/truemeaningweb/truemeaningjewelry_home.html. Canton resident Beverly Beckham can be reached at bevbeckham@aol.com.

We have a licker!

May 24, 2009 on 9:44 pm | In Joey | No Comments

My little Joe-Joe has developed an almost oral fixation. First the teeth grinding, and now he’s licking everything!

He was never one to put toys in his mouth and now he licks his toys, the windows, his hands, our hands/ arms, his clothes, shoes, pretty much anything he can get his hands on besides solid food. It’s like he knows the difference between food and all other objects!

And he’s finally realized when his nose is running, it needs to be wipped, BUT rather than using a tissue or even a shirt sleeve, he uses his hand and then proceeds to lick it!

Oh the joys of toddlerhood!

In other news, Joey is pretty upset with me this evening. He was in dire need of a hair cut, so I buzzed his hair and he was NOT a happy camper but at least he’ll be a lot cooler in this 80 degree weather!

3 months?!

May 13, 2009 on 8:04 pm | In Joey, Joey GI, Lymphocytic Colitis | No Comments

Joey has been on his new medication, Pentasa, for his Lymphocytic Colitis for almost one month and there’s been no change with his BM’s. I gave his GI doctor a call yesterday and the nurse called me back this morning.

I was curious to know how long it takes for the Pentasa to “kick in”.

I had called my aunt last week, who’s a nurse, and also has colitis who just happens to be on the same medication as Joe-Joe and when she told me it took the Pentasa THREE MONTHS for it to start working.

I just couldn’t believe it, but sure enough, today, the nurse at the GI office confirmed what my aunt said, THREE MONTHS for the medicine to kick in.

At least we’re almost through the first month…

Halfway done!

May 13, 2009 on 9:51 am | In Life, Craziness of our lives, Pregnancy- Aiden | 2 Comments

I can’t believe I’m already 21 weeks pregnant. At this rate Aiden will be here in no time! So far, this has been the most uneventful pregnancy I’ve had, of course that doesn’t mean things have been all peachy.

I never posted about it, but I was put on light duty by my OB a couple weeks back due to my own stupidity. I lifted something I shouldn’t have and strained myself. Thankfully it’s healing and I’m back to doing almost everything I was before (minus picking up things that are too heavy).

My nausea was bad, but not nearly as bad as with Joey and Leah (thank goodness!).

I’ve been feeling Aiden move now for a few weeks. I love this time period before the kicks and other movements get harder and end up hurting, like those oh so lovely kicks in the ribs!

I’ve not had to rush to the bathroom nearly as much to pee this time around either which has been a HUGE blessing!

I have been getting tired a lot more than before, I guess chasing TWO toddlers around the house can be enough to wear out anyone, especially someone who’s pregnant!

I moved into my maternity clothes a lot quicker this time around too! It was like after 7 weeks, I was already in my maternity pants and I’ve been in my maternity shirts for several weeks too!

My allergies are unbelievable this year. I typically have bad allergies but thanks to being pregnant they’ve been even worse. It’s effecting my breathing, everything! I go see an ENT next week and an allergy specialist the following week.

Well, I can’t think of anything else to update about pregnancy wise so that’s it for now!

Through Mom’s Eyes

May 12, 2009 on 6:03 pm | In Down syndrome, Articles, pre-natal testing | 2 Comments

Through mom’s eyes, life is beautiful, not ‘compromised’

By Lauren Beckham Falcone, Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I am the mother of a 5-year-old girl with blonde pigtails and an obsession with cupcakes, Julie Andrews and “Rotten Ralph.” She rides horses and sings Shirley Temple songs. She can sit through a two-hour dinner at a fancy restaurant as long as the waitress keeps bringing the bread.

She also has Down syndrome.

I wish that statement didn’t terrify most people.

But I live in a world where 90 percent of babies with DS - also known as trisomy 21 - are aborted, and it’s perfectly fine to admit you “don’t want to raise a genetically compromised child.”

I read this courtesy of author Ayelet Waldman, who made headlines in 2005 when she penned a New York Times [NYT] piece admitting she loved her husband, author Michael Chabon, more than her four children.

Waldman has been making the media rounds promoting her new book, “Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace” (Doubleday, $24.95). This time, abortion is on the agenda.

“I did calculations in my mind of what I could tolerate - physical malformations, fine. Who cares? I measure five feet - I bet there are parents in the world who’d be horrified at the prospect of having a child doomed never to grow taller than that. But developmental delay. That shook me to my core. Mental retardation. I couldn’t go there.”

Waldman’s baby had a “trisomy,” though she doesn’t specify which type of genetic abnormality. She had a second-trimester abortion.

“I have no regrets,” she wrote in a 2005 piece on the subject for Slate.com.

So there you have it. Another well-meaning, well-educated woman telling the world - in Time magazine, on NPR and in the papers and on the Web - she couldn’t do it. Couldn’t possibly disrupt the family, burden the kids, risk their marriage.

That’s her truth.

As someone who is raising “a genetically compromised child,” here’s mine:

T-ball with the “typical” kids sends me home with cravings for martinis. I’d prefer playdates over after-school speech and occupational therapies. And I have the shameful, unnatural thought about whether it would be better if I outlived my own daughter.

So, it’s not easy.

But then Lucy, all 37 pounds of love, charm and obstinacy, will do something magical, like hit the ball off the tee and run to first base, or recite all the words to “Where the Wild Things Are,” or unpack her backpack all by herself. Or say “Mommy, I want more Cheerios, please.”

And I’m reminded of what every parent of any type of kid knows: Nothing worth having is easy. And Lucy’s is a life worth living.

I was at Carney Hospital the other day when a nurse, Dottie, told me her brother has Down syndrome. He’s 45 and lives with her and her family.

“You are so blessed,” she called to me as we left.

Yes, we are.

Teeth grinding

May 11, 2009 on 5:04 pm | In Down syndrome, Joey | 3 Comments

Oh my! Joe-Joe won’t stop grinding his teeth and it’s getting worse and worse! The sound is unbelievable! It’s like fingernails going down a chalk board, phew! I can’t stand it! I know this is a very common thing with kiddos who have Down syndrome but holy cow, it’s driving me & Pat NUTS!!!

Anyone have any ideas, tips, or pointers??????

Mother’s Day Recap

May 11, 2009 on 5:02 pm | In Family, Holiday fun!, gardening | No Comments

Yesterday was such a nice day. We started off going to church in the morning followed by going & buying our plants for our veggie garden. Then we came home, put the kiddos to bed, then I enjoyed the peace & quiet of planting the garden by myself.

There’s something about digging in the dirt that’s calming to me. So far, we have 6 tomato plants, 5 peppers, 6 eggplants, several lettuces & spinach, peas & greenbeans, squash, basil and parsley. There’s still a few more to get, I need onion bulbs & possibly another squash and maybe a zuchini….

Later on that afternoon my in-laws, and Melissa & Dillon came over for a nice little cookout. I wish yesterday could have lasted longer!

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2009 on 8:43 am | In Holiday fun! | 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow mothers out there today! I wish you all a great and relaxing day!


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And the winner is…

May 8, 2009 on 1:34 pm | In Contests | No Comments

The winner of the $25 gift certificate to ECO Store USA is Cate from I Don’t Know What to Say!

I taped Leah drawing the winner but of course my computer won’t load it sooo I’ll just have to announce it the old fashioned way!

Congrats Cate! I’ll email you for your info!

2 Little Monkeys…

May 7, 2009 on 12:10 pm | In Joey, Videos, Leah | 3 Comments

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Also, today is the last day to enter my giveaway for a $25 gift cerfiticate for Eco Store USA here!

My pretty, pretty princess!

May 7, 2009 on 11:45 am | In Photos, Leah | 2 Comments

All hail the banana eating, Princess Leah!

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She wants to grow up so quick, she’s already trying to fill her mommy’s shoes!

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My best buddy!

May 7, 2009 on 11:44 am | In Photos, Joey | 1 Comment

Joey has been home from school the past 3 days with a yucky cold but today he finally is feeling better, I kept him home today more as a pre-caution than anything.

Anways, it’s been so hard lately to get a good picture of him. Whenever he sees my camera, he gets mad and won’t smile or even look at the camera. But I caught him in an extremely good mood the other day so I snapped a few quick pictures!

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Ok, well maybe one good picture…
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Things to say and not to say

May 5, 2009 on 5:17 pm | In Down syndrome, CDSC, The Holland Committee | 5 Comments

I’m working on a list of things to say and not to say to new parents of babies who have Down syndrome for The Holland Committee soooo all of you DS parents, could you please comment on this post things that people said to you when your child was first born or when you recieved your prenatal diagnosis that really upset you or things that meant the world to hear someone say.

Also, I’m collecting suggestions of things that friends/ families can do to help these new parents.

The more I collect, the more we can help new and expecting families!

Quick update

May 5, 2009 on 10:01 am | In Joey's ENT, Houses | No Comments

Well, I have Joey home from school today. Yesterday he had a runny nose and throughout the day it kept on getting worse and we decided to keep him home today. I just hope this doesn’t turn into a sinus infection!

We’ve been busy looking at houses. The house we’re in now will definetly not work very long after I have Aiden. We need more room!! Not to mention, we really want to buy a house rather than renting!

We went to one open house that the house is a possibility so keep your fingers crossed!!

Also, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a $25 gift cerfiticate for Eco Store USA here!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

May 3, 2009 on 1:36 pm | In Down syndrome, Articles | 1 Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an article and I love ones like this so here ya go!

Couple with Down syndrome celebrate first wedding anniversary
Sunday, April 26, 2009
By Monetta Harr, For the Citizen Patriot

A school-age snapshot of Alex and Alexis sharing a hug clearly shows the affection between the two when they were classmates at Columbia’s Miller Elementary School.

Flash forward to high school. Alex’s family had moved to the Napoleon school district, and the friends lost contact until his photo appeared with a Citizen Patriot story about him serving as manager of the boys basketball team.

Alexis’ mother saw it and suggested her daughter give him a call and invite him to prom.

Today they celebrate their first wedding anniversary. It is a love story made even more so because the couple have Down syndrome.

“I can’t even put into words how wonderful that feels, that Alexis found someone to love and be happy with. It’s what every parent wants for their child, and it’s wonderful,” said Laura Smith of Clark Lake, Alexis’ mother.

On April 26, 2008, Alex DeNato, 27, and Alexis Smith, 25, were married in Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, vowing to love one another as husband and wife.

They have a two-bedroom apartment in Alpine Lake Apartments, chosen because it is on the Jackson Transit System line and they use its Reserve-A-Ride service to get to work.

Alex washes dishes and peels potatoes at the Napoleon Café, and Alexis bags groceries at Polly’s Country Market in Brooklyn. They walk to Citizens Bank on Fourth Street and often walk to visit his parents, Mark and Chris DeNato, in Summit Township.

Alexis handles their money and checkbook, and Mark DeNato tracks it online, but rarely does Alexis make a mistake.

Laura Smith drives them to Polly’s Country Market at Ferguson Corners one weeknight each week.

“I usually sit in the car and talk to my sister,” said Smith, an X-ray technologist at Columbia Medical Center in Brooklyn. “They do their own shopping, have a list, and they don’t need me.”
 Continue reading Happy 1st Anniversary!…

Another reason to like Jamie Foxx!

May 2, 2009 on 9:22 am | In Down syndrome, Music, Siblings & DS | 2 Comments

Jamie Foxx is not only a funny and talented actor but also has a wonderful voice and is a musician as many of you know. Well, some of you might not realized Jamie Foxx has a half sister named Diondra Dixon who just happens to have Down syndrome! And she made an appearance in Jamie’s new music video! Towards the end of the video, you can actually see Jamie holding onto her and mouthing, “that’s my sister.”

In my opinion it’s not really a video the younger crowd should watch, seeing that the name of the song is, “Blame it on the Alcohol” and all during the video it shows people drinking, but I give him kuddos for including his sister in the video.

Then I just read this on the blog Ten Squares and Three Squiggles and wanted to share it with you, “Recently on the Regis and Kelly show, he mentioned Diondra and how proud he was of her. He also described her as ‘4 feet 11 of nothing but pure love’ during his Oscar acceptance speech for his role in “Ray”.”

What an awesome brother!

Click here to see the video!

Giveaway time!

May 1, 2009 on 3:46 pm | In Contests, Shopping, Product Reviews | 8 Comments

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I recently recieved some products from Eco Store USA which is which is an extension of a 20 year old New Zealand company www.ecostore.co.nz that makes plant based, non-toxic Household Cleaning, Baby and Personal Care Products that contain No Nasty Chemicals.

I tried two of their baby products, Baby Sleepytime Bath and Baby Body Wash, both of which ROCK! Both are aromatherapy products and smell great! The scents aren’t overwhelming so many other baby bath products are in my opinion. With my allergies, I have to use things that have a mild scent and this one works very well with me! Even giving the kids I bath, I have to watch out for my own allergies!

They’re even offering free shipping on orders over $25!

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So, thanks to the awesome folks at Eco Store USA, I have one $25 gift certificate for anything on their online store to giveaway! Wanna chance to win? Just leave me a comment for your chance. This contest is open to US residents only.

I will announce the winner on Friday, May 8!

Couldn’t resist…

May 1, 2009 on 2:54 pm | In Photos, Leah | 2 Comments

Sharing a picture of my beautiful little girl with you! She picked her first flower the other day!

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Dr. Bob day

May 1, 2009 on 12:09 pm | In CDSC, current events, The Holland Committee | No Comments

On Wednesday, I headed up to the Capitol Building in Hartford to see Joey’s genetic doctor, Dr. Bob Greenstein get honored by the House and Senate for his 40 years of service to families here in Connecticut. CT’s Govenor Rell named April 29, Dr. Bob Greenstein Day!

Dr. Bob not only is the head of genetics at UCONN Hospital, he is the medical advisor for the CDSC and is on The Holland Committee with me.

Thank you to Dr. Bob for all your hard work and dedication to families like ours and all you’ve done to make the lives of children with genetic abnormalities of all sorts a better place!

You’re the best!

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