Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Whats in a name?
L- Loving
E- Energetic
I- Independant
G- Growing Too fast
H- Hard Working
T- Toothless
Y- You Just Want to Squeeze Her
N- Noisy
D-Determined
E- Easy Going
N- Normal Baby
I- Inspirational
S- Special
E- Exciting
T- Troublemaker
O- Only Child
L- Little Girl
L- Loves Music
E- Extra 21st Chromosome
T- Tiring
T- Trendy
E- Energetic
I- Independant
G- Growing Too fast
H- Hard Working
T- Toothless
Y- You Just Want to Squeeze Her
N- Noisy
D-Determined
E- Easy Going
N- Normal Baby
I- Inspirational
S- Special
E- Exciting
T- Troublemaker
O- Only Child
L- Little Girl
L- Loves Music
E- Extra 21st Chromosome
T- Tiring
T- Trendy
Monday, October 5, 2009
New Beginnings: Part 2
Are you thinking what I'm Thinking?
Leightyn was born at 2:18 AM after 3 easy pushes. The doctor laid her on my chest and she was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. Billy cut the cord and when he did the Doctor was saying something about it being really thin and gristly, and explaining how they normally are thicker and have a plump jelly like covering. Thinking back now I guess this should have been the first sign that things were going to be a little different than we had imagined. They took Leightyn after Billy cut the cord because she had not started breathing or cried yet, from here things get a little crazy and blurred. Next they were calling for NICU (neonatal intensive care) and respiratory STAT. Suddenly about 10 nurses and doctors came running into the room. I was obviously a little confused and really really scared. All I could do was squeeze my Moms hand and I told Billy to go over there and be with our baby. They were using the bag to breath for her, they kept tapping on her and talking to her, saying "come on", and timing everything. I heard one of the nurses say "Are you thinking what I'm Thinking?". All I was thinking when I heard this was that my baby didn't make it. I probably watch too much Greys Anatomy but it felt like one of those whispered moments between the doctors right before they deliver really bad news or call time on a patient. Little did I know Leightyn had started breathing on her own and right before they were going to rush her out of room. It turns out what they were thinking was that she had Down Syndrome. My nurse came over to me and said, "your daughter has some of the characteristics of a baby with Down Syndrome", plain and simple that was all she said. They got Leightyn wiped down, weighed (6 lbs), measured (19 1/2 in), and bundled before finally handing her to me. When I held her this time I studied her face and I knew, she had those beautiful almond shaped eyes. They told us they would need to do some blood tests to find out for sure, I hoped they would come back normal, but deep down I already knew they would not. I did not cry right away I was determined to stay strong for my baby, my husband, and family at least for a few more hours. I really didn't know what to think or feel at first, I guess I was in shock. I never imagined when I walked into the hospital that evening that I would be delivering anything but a "perfect" and healthy baby girl. To be continued..........
Leightyn was good at keeping secrets! We had to do more than one ultrasound to find out the sex b/c she refused to get in a good position for us! This was killing me since Billy would not let me shop for anything until we knew what we were having :) I did not have the prenatal testing done because the results were not going to change our mind about having our baby, we were going to love her no matter what!! Since I was only 24, and none of my ultrasounds or appointments showed anything to be concerned about, the doctor didn't press the issue. We had no idea Leightyn would be chromosomally enhanced!
Here are some basic FACTS about Down Syndrome!
Leightyn was born at 2:18 AM after 3 easy pushes. The doctor laid her on my chest and she was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. Billy cut the cord and when he did the Doctor was saying something about it being really thin and gristly, and explaining how they normally are thicker and have a plump jelly like covering. Thinking back now I guess this should have been the first sign that things were going to be a little different than we had imagined. They took Leightyn after Billy cut the cord because she had not started breathing or cried yet, from here things get a little crazy and blurred. Next they were calling for NICU (neonatal intensive care) and respiratory STAT. Suddenly about 10 nurses and doctors came running into the room. I was obviously a little confused and really really scared. All I could do was squeeze my Moms hand and I told Billy to go over there and be with our baby. They were using the bag to breath for her, they kept tapping on her and talking to her, saying "come on", and timing everything. I heard one of the nurses say "Are you thinking what I'm Thinking?". All I was thinking when I heard this was that my baby didn't make it. I probably watch too much Greys Anatomy but it felt like one of those whispered moments between the doctors right before they deliver really bad news or call time on a patient. Little did I know Leightyn had started breathing on her own and right before they were going to rush her out of room. It turns out what they were thinking was that she had Down Syndrome. My nurse came over to me and said, "your daughter has some of the characteristics of a baby with Down Syndrome", plain and simple that was all she said. They got Leightyn wiped down, weighed (6 lbs), measured (19 1/2 in), and bundled before finally handing her to me. When I held her this time I studied her face and I knew, she had those beautiful almond shaped eyes. They told us they would need to do some blood tests to find out for sure, I hoped they would come back normal, but deep down I already knew they would not. I did not cry right away I was determined to stay strong for my baby, my husband, and family at least for a few more hours. I really didn't know what to think or feel at first, I guess I was in shock. I never imagined when I walked into the hospital that evening that I would be delivering anything but a "perfect" and healthy baby girl. To be continued..........
Leightyn was good at keeping secrets! We had to do more than one ultrasound to find out the sex b/c she refused to get in a good position for us! This was killing me since Billy would not let me shop for anything until we knew what we were having :) I did not have the prenatal testing done because the results were not going to change our mind about having our baby, we were going to love her no matter what!! Since I was only 24, and none of my ultrasounds or appointments showed anything to be concerned about, the doctor didn't press the issue. We had no idea Leightyn would be chromosomally enhanced!
Here are some basic FACTS about Down Syndrome!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Can You Tell?
Can You Tell?
Many times I wonder
As I go throughout the day,
Can you tell I'm special,
When you look my way?
Can you tell I'm different,
When you look into my eyes,
And see the tiny Brushfield spots,
That sparkle when I smile?
When you see my chubby little hands,
The line so deep and long,
Can you tell that I’m unique,
When I sign to you in song?
Can you tell by looking at my face,
So sweet and full of joy,
I’m as precious as they come,
Mommy’s Little Boy?
And Daddy’s Little Girl When she twirls all around,
Can you tell when she's dancing,
In her ballerina gown?
Can you tell by my expressions,
By the way my body moves,
By the little things that differ,
From the children known to you?
Can you tell that I’m a blessing,
Sent from up above,
To live here on this earth with you,
And fill your world with love?
Can you tell that I have feelings,
The same as all of you,
Sometimes I laugh,
sometimes I cry,
My heart is human, too.
Can you tell that I am worthy?
Do you see me less than whole?
I hope you can appreciate,
My selfless perfect soul.
My love is unconditional,
Loyal ‘til the end.
Can you tell that I am capable,
Of being your best friend?
Can you tell that just like other kids,
I love to run and play.
But, at times I need to do these things, In my special way.
Don’t judge from my appearance,
There are differences, it’s true.
But, when you think about it,
Can you tell I’m just like you?
by Becky S. Bowen
I found this in the etsy profile of a Mother with a child who has Down Syndrome!
Many times I wonder
As I go throughout the day,
Can you tell I'm special,
When you look my way?
Can you tell I'm different,
When you look into my eyes,
And see the tiny Brushfield spots,
That sparkle when I smile?
When you see my chubby little hands,
The line so deep and long,
Can you tell that I’m unique,
When I sign to you in song?
Can you tell by looking at my face,
So sweet and full of joy,
I’m as precious as they come,
Mommy’s Little Boy?
And Daddy’s Little Girl When she twirls all around,
Can you tell when she's dancing,
In her ballerina gown?
Can you tell by my expressions,
By the way my body moves,
By the little things that differ,
From the children known to you?
Can you tell that I’m a blessing,
Sent from up above,
To live here on this earth with you,
And fill your world with love?
Can you tell that I have feelings,
The same as all of you,
Sometimes I laugh,
sometimes I cry,
My heart is human, too.
Can you tell that I am worthy?
Do you see me less than whole?
I hope you can appreciate,
My selfless perfect soul.
My love is unconditional,
Loyal ‘til the end.
Can you tell that I am capable,
Of being your best friend?
Can you tell that just like other kids,
I love to run and play.
But, at times I need to do these things, In my special way.
Don’t judge from my appearance,
There are differences, it’s true.
But, when you think about it,
Can you tell I’m just like you?
by Becky S. Bowen
I found this in the etsy profile of a Mother with a child who has Down Syndrome!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
They are the happiest/sweetest little kids!
We had big plans for the day so I was a little worried when I remembered (last night) that we were supposed to go to the flu shot clinic this morning for Leightyn's second dose of the flu vaccine. I was quite impressed with the set up there since we were in and out in 10 minutes max and got free coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts to boot. I got to hold Leightyn while she got her shot and although she made a weird face for a few seconds she did not cry at all :) Poor baby has been poked so many times it doesn't even phase her anymore. She came home ate a full bottle and napped before we headed to lunch.
We met my best friend at House of Japan a birthday tradition. It is a Japanese Steakhouse where they cook your food in front of you. Leightyn was a little unsure what to think of the huge flame and the heat when the chef lit the cook surface but she wasn't bothered at all by the clanking of his utensils as he tossed them into the air doing tricks. This was surprising since noises like that have been known to startle or scare her in the past. She spent lunch first eating herself, then cooing/talking to Tiffany, and she was a huge fan of the orange sherbet they bring out for dessert. I somehow managed to lose one of Lay Lay's new little fall outfits from her bag, but other than that lunch was great and I was more than full when we left!
We went back home so Leightyn could get another nap and bottle in before heading out to meet Tiff again for The Gallery Hop , another birthday tradition. I considered getting a sitter for Leightyn since we had already had a busy day and weren't supposed to meet Tiff until 6. We decided to give taking her along a try. I love the Gallery hope with all the people watching, music, and beautiful art and was hoping she would like it too! The Fall weather has really set in around here so we bundled Leightyn in layers and put her cute little dog hat on her. She loves music so was a happy happy baby as we walked up and down the streets with all the live musicians out on the sidewalk. I even managed to push the huge stroller in and out of several of the shops and galleries without having to accidentally purchase anything which was a huge feat! That area is so far from being handicap (stroller) accessible, the side walks are horrible, shop doors have huge steps to get into them, and the shops and aisles are so tiny, not to mention the large crowds on nights like tonight making it even more of a challenge. Nest time I think we will try the baby carrier so we can just strap her to my belly or Billy's back!
We ended the night with some more food, Z Pizza! Honestly I was hoping for something a little more fun since one of the best parts about the Short North area is its unique eateries. However with the baby this seemed the easiest and least crowded option and was right on our way back to the car. To my shock it had its own uniqueness, everything is made with fresh organic ingredients and the pizza is cooked on bricks over fire. There were the classics as well as some yummy twists, I had the BBQ Chicken, Billy had the trusty pepp and chz, Tiff went with the Greek, and Leightyn even had a piece of crust. The pizza not only tasted amazing but it was super affordable our bill was $8.95 for 2 large slices of pizza, a beer, and a coke! The Short North is the only Z Pizza location in Ohio but there were several in other states and it is definitely somewhere we will be frequenting! I love eating so this is a topic you will probably hear a lot about!
Now to my point of the day! People were talking about Leightyn being a doll at lunch and then tonight all people kept saying was how cute that baby in that hat is, how happy that baby is, and how awake and alert that baby is at this late hour (and no it really wasn't THAT late, it was only 9 when we left for home). It got me thinking about something I am sure every parent of a child with Down Syndrome has heard, "They are the happiest/sweetest little kids!" or some similar variation of that. It is one of those things people always say to you when they find out you have a baby with DS. I know they have the best of intentions and really think they hope it will somehow make you feel better about the diagnosis. This is one of the biggest myths about Down Syndrome. Okay, today yes, Leightyn was the happiest sweetest little baby, but that is not always the case. I will prove that in another post here this month I am sure. Leightyn's good mood tonight had nothing to do with her diagnosis and a whole lot to do with her taking 2 long naps, and eating all 4 of her 8 oz bottles as well as cereal, a fruit, and veggie. Then add in some good music, lots of people, lights, plus new surroundings to check out and you get one happy baby! I wonder when these people make these comments do they know she has DS? Can they tell by looking at her? If they know is her very happy mood tonight feeding into their assumption that our children really are sweet and happy all the time? The answer to those questions I will never know. One thing I do know is that Leightyn like any baby in this world has both good days and bad. She definitely makes being a Mommy easy most of the time and really is an easygoing and happy person but that, I am sure, has nothing to do with Down Syndrome, and everything to do with the fact she is my daughter. She must get that from me :)
We met my best friend at House of Japan a birthday tradition. It is a Japanese Steakhouse where they cook your food in front of you. Leightyn was a little unsure what to think of the huge flame and the heat when the chef lit the cook surface but she wasn't bothered at all by the clanking of his utensils as he tossed them into the air doing tricks. This was surprising since noises like that have been known to startle or scare her in the past. She spent lunch first eating herself, then cooing/talking to Tiffany, and she was a huge fan of the orange sherbet they bring out for dessert. I somehow managed to lose one of Lay Lay's new little fall outfits from her bag, but other than that lunch was great and I was more than full when we left!
We went back home so Leightyn could get another nap and bottle in before heading out to meet Tiff again for The Gallery Hop , another birthday tradition. I considered getting a sitter for Leightyn since we had already had a busy day and weren't supposed to meet Tiff until 6. We decided to give taking her along a try. I love the Gallery hope with all the people watching, music, and beautiful art and was hoping she would like it too! The Fall weather has really set in around here so we bundled Leightyn in layers and put her cute little dog hat on her. She loves music so was a happy happy baby as we walked up and down the streets with all the live musicians out on the sidewalk. I even managed to push the huge stroller in and out of several of the shops and galleries without having to accidentally purchase anything which was a huge feat! That area is so far from being handicap (stroller) accessible, the side walks are horrible, shop doors have huge steps to get into them, and the shops and aisles are so tiny, not to mention the large crowds on nights like tonight making it even more of a challenge. Nest time I think we will try the baby carrier so we can just strap her to my belly or Billy's back!
We ended the night with some more food, Z Pizza! Honestly I was hoping for something a little more fun since one of the best parts about the Short North area is its unique eateries. However with the baby this seemed the easiest and least crowded option and was right on our way back to the car. To my shock it had its own uniqueness, everything is made with fresh organic ingredients and the pizza is cooked on bricks over fire. There were the classics as well as some yummy twists, I had the BBQ Chicken, Billy had the trusty pepp and chz, Tiff went with the Greek, and Leightyn even had a piece of crust. The pizza not only tasted amazing but it was super affordable our bill was $8.95 for 2 large slices of pizza, a beer, and a coke! The Short North is the only Z Pizza location in Ohio but there were several in other states and it is definitely somewhere we will be frequenting! I love eating so this is a topic you will probably hear a lot about!
Now to my point of the day! People were talking about Leightyn being a doll at lunch and then tonight all people kept saying was how cute that baby in that hat is, how happy that baby is, and how awake and alert that baby is at this late hour (and no it really wasn't THAT late, it was only 9 when we left for home). It got me thinking about something I am sure every parent of a child with Down Syndrome has heard, "They are the happiest/sweetest little kids!" or some similar variation of that. It is one of those things people always say to you when they find out you have a baby with DS. I know they have the best of intentions and really think they hope it will somehow make you feel better about the diagnosis. This is one of the biggest myths about Down Syndrome. Okay, today yes, Leightyn was the happiest sweetest little baby, but that is not always the case. I will prove that in another post here this month I am sure. Leightyn's good mood tonight had nothing to do with her diagnosis and a whole lot to do with her taking 2 long naps, and eating all 4 of her 8 oz bottles as well as cereal, a fruit, and veggie. Then add in some good music, lots of people, lights, plus new surroundings to check out and you get one happy baby! I wonder when these people make these comments do they know she has DS? Can they tell by looking at her? If they know is her very happy mood tonight feeding into their assumption that our children really are sweet and happy all the time? The answer to those questions I will never know. One thing I do know is that Leightyn like any baby in this world has both good days and bad. She definitely makes being a Mommy easy most of the time and really is an easygoing and happy person but that, I am sure, has nothing to do with Down Syndrome, and everything to do with the fact she is my daughter. She must get that from me :)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Leightyn Crawls!!!!
Today is my 25th Birthday and I do not think I could have received a better present from Leightyn. We have never really worked on the motions of crawling, so far mostly the strength building so she could get on all fours. At therapy this morning her PT was working with her on using one leg at a time to move forward. I sat on the floor in front of them holding a pinwheel and her therapist alternated bending a leg and letting Leightyn push off of it. She was able to get all the way to me doing this and seemed very proud of herself for doing it. Her therapist asked her to please say mamamama for me today, her current vocabulary consists of raspberries and dadadadad! Leightyn decided to do something even better! When we got home this afternoon she saw a small piece of paper on the floor and I could see she had her eye on it. I watched in awe as she popped up onto all fours and lunged forward as I was heading over to grab it before she could. I was stopped in my tracks as she did this several more times until she had the prize in her hands!! I am so proud of my baby girl! I had to fight back the tears, I have the utmost faith in Leightyn and her abilities and I know she will meet every milestone on her own time, but I am so glad she picked today for this one. At the DSACO meeting on Monday the father of one of the younger kids was watching Leightyn play on the floor and wiggle and he said he hopes that his daughter is doing as much as Leightyn when she is that age. It really touched me for some reason, maybe because I have had that same hope for Leightyn when seeing the other children at the monthly meetings, events, and reading the blogs I follow. As they reach each milestone and accomplishment they are just one step closer to the next! Leightyn has always done well with new skills after we help her figure out what to do with her body she is quick to pick up on it, watch out world! Time to really get on that baby proofing! So she cant make a liar out of me by not showing off when everyone else is around here is a video we got of her after Daddy's remote, Enjoy!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
I am joining in the 31 for 21 so I will be writing 31 new posts in the Month of October to Celebrate my daughter Leightyn and everyone else who was born with designer genes! I hope to give some facts, dispel myths, and most importantly share stories of hope! I am only ten months into this journey that has become my crazy beautiful life and I am so glad to be able to share it with you all. For tonight a picture of my inspiration!
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