Thursday, January 25, 2007
Back in 9 days!
Well, Joey and I are off to Ohio to see our family and friends till next week! Be back on February 4th! If I get a chance I'll try to post an update while I'm there!
Favorite Ingredients Friday- Super Bowl Edition!
Skyline Chili Dip
1. One 12 oz. package softened cream cheese
2. One 13 oz. frozen Skyline Chili thawed OR one 15 oz. can of Skyline Chili
*For those of you who can't find sky line chili, use any hot dog chili, works good too!
3. 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
4. 12 oz. Skyline shredded mild cheddar cheese
Spread softened cream cheese evenly on bottom of 9 x 13 microwaveable casserole dish. Heat chili according to package directions. Pour heated Skyline Chili over cream cheese. Sprinkle diced onions (optional) on top of chili. Cover with Skyline shredded mild cheddar cheese.
Conventional oven: heat at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
Serve with nacho or corn chips.
For more Favorite Ingredient Friday recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy!
Previous Favorite Ingredient Friday recipes:
Cheesy Potato Soup
Peanut Butter Cookies
Saurkraut and Pork Roast
Candied Nuts
Mom's fudge
Peanut Brittle
Beef Enchiladas
Snicker Doodle Cookies
Pecan Pie
Burrito Pie
Apple Crisp
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
I'm on a mission!
I've decided that I need to make a difference somehow helping to educate other women who were in my shoes in October 2005 when I got my CVS results that Joey did in fact have Down syndrome. I've been emailing back and forth with another mom here in Connecticut and hopefully we can start to not only educate medical professionals but also families who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Trisomy 21. Hospitals don't give out enough if any information on Down syndrome so families don't always realize the joy our children bring us and how they're not really much different than a typical child. Joey eats, sleeps and poops just like a typical baby, he might need a little more help getting strong enough to sit, stand and walk, but that doesn't mean to give up on him. His heart beats just like ours and his blood is red just like ours. The more I sit around and think about it, the more determined I become to make a difference!
To be continued...
To be continued...
The year I was born
Michelle had this on her blog and I thought it was pretty cool so I decided to post mine too!
Oh and to add in a little something extra, the day that President Regan was shot was the day I was born! My mom was in labor with me sitting at home waiting to go to the hospital when it came across the TV.
| In 1981 (the year you were born) |
 Ronald Reagan becomes president of the US. Minutes after Ronald Reagan becomes president, Iran releases 52 American hostages that had been held captive for 444 days. President Reagan is shot in the chest by would be assassin John Hinkley. Space shuttle Columbia, the world's first reusable spacecraft, is sent into space. A suspended walkway in the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel collapses, killing 113. A female former lover files a "palimony" suit against tennis star Billie Jean King. President Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor to be the first woman on the Supreme Court. The Pac-Man video game is introduced in the US. Alicia Keys, Elijah Wood, Kelly Rowland, Anna Kournikova, and Britney Spears are born. Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series. Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XV. New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup. Raiders of the Lost Ark is the top grossing film. "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes spends the most time at the top of the US charts. MTV debuts on cable television, playing music videos 24 hours a day. Gimme a Break premieres. |
Oh and to add in a little something extra, the day that President Regan was shot was the day I was born! My mom was in labor with me sitting at home waiting to go to the hospital when it came across the TV.
Dads update
Both of our fathers are doing well and both should get out of the hospital today!
My Dad had his heart cath done yesterday along with a stint and is recovering nicely. Now we're not sure if he had an actual heart attack. He's had 2 doctors tell him yes and one tell him no. But he did have a blockage that required a stint so that's definitely a sign that he needs to eat better and exercise more!
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!
My Dad had his heart cath done yesterday along with a stint and is recovering nicely. Now we're not sure if he had an actual heart attack. He's had 2 doctors tell him yes and one tell him no. But he did have a blockage that required a stint so that's definitely a sign that he needs to eat better and exercise more!
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Stinky Boy!
Well, not only did Joey go #2 once today, he's gone twice and I don't think I've ever seen him so happy after going potty, he was cracking me up and boy did it smell!
Prayers Needed
So Friday my father in law starts having chest pain along with the pain radiating down his arm, finally on Sunday drives himself to the hospital.
Yesterday my father wasn't feeling well so he took himself to his doctor and after taking his blood pressure, his doctor called an ambulance and he was taken to the hospital.
Do you see where I'm going with this? Both my father and my father in law have had heart attacks in the past 2 days! WHAT THE HECK?!
My father in law had a 90% blockage in one artery, less in the some others so they repaired the 90% with a stint and the others they're going to try to fix with medication.
My father is in route being transferred to a different hospital for the heart cath and possible stints.
LOTS AND LOTS of prayers are needed today folks!
Yesterday my father wasn't feeling well so he took himself to his doctor and after taking his blood pressure, his doctor called an ambulance and he was taken to the hospital.
Do you see where I'm going with this? Both my father and my father in law have had heart attacks in the past 2 days! WHAT THE HECK?!
My father in law had a 90% blockage in one artery, less in the some others so they repaired the 90% with a stint and the others they're going to try to fix with medication.
My father is in route being transferred to a different hospital for the heart cath and possible stints.
LOTS AND LOTS of prayers are needed today folks!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Golly, What DID Jon, Joey and every other person with Down syndrome do?
Many of us have been posting this article, but it's worth posting again!
Will: Golly, What did Jon Do?
Written by George F. Will
What did Jon Will and the more than 350,000 American citizens like him do to tick off the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists? It seems to want to help eliminate from America almost all of a category of citizens, a category that includes Jon.
Born in 1972, Jon has Down syndrome. That is a congenital condition resulting from a chromosomal defect that causes varying degrees of mental retardation and some physical abnormalities, such as low muscle tone, small stature, a single crease across the center of the palms, flatness of the back of the head and an upward slant to the eyes (when Jon was born, Down syndrome people were still commonly called Mongoloids). There also is increased risk of congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia and Alzheimer's disease. Down syndrome, although not common, is among the most common congenital anomalies—47.9 per 100,000 births (compared with 77.7 with cleft lips or palates, which also can be diagnosed in utero, and which sometimes result in abortions).
As women age, their risk of having a Down syndrome baby increases. It has become standard practice for women older than 35 years old to be offered genetic counseling and diagnostic testing. But because of the higher fertility rates of women under 35, such women have 80 percent of Down syndrome babies. So new ACOG guidelines recommend that all pregnant women, regardless of age, be offered such counseling and testing.
For the rest of the article, click here.
George Will, a fellow parent of a child with Down syndrome wrote a wonderful article in Newsweek this week. It truly does seem that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists wants to eliminate people with Down syndrome at the rate they are going! 85-90% of prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome result in abortion. If doctors would give more positive information rather than all the negatives, this percentage would go down! What doctors fail to tell you is that people with Down syndrome live full and wonderful lives! People with Down syndrome do not suffer because they have Down syndrome. Many graduate from high school, go to college, live on their own and heck are even getting married! What about the waiting lists of families waiting to adopt a child with Down syndrome? Some people just don't get it...
Like I've said many times already doctors need to focus on the positives and less of the negatives. Don't just offer abortions, offer information on local Down syndrome groups so that soon to be parents could meet families with children that have Down syndrome so they could see the positives.
I had a prenatal diagnosis but I chose life. I'm only 25 years old but Joey had some markers of possibly having Down syndrome during an ultrasound and I wanted to know for sure so me and my family could educate ourselves and be prepared for Joey's arrival. And you know what, I wouldn't have him ANY OTHER WAY! He's perfect just like he is, extra chromosomes and all!
Will: Golly, What did Jon Do?
Written by George F. Will
What did Jon Will and the more than 350,000 American citizens like him do to tick off the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists? It seems to want to help eliminate from America almost all of a category of citizens, a category that includes Jon.
Born in 1972, Jon has Down syndrome. That is a congenital condition resulting from a chromosomal defect that causes varying degrees of mental retardation and some physical abnormalities, such as low muscle tone, small stature, a single crease across the center of the palms, flatness of the back of the head and an upward slant to the eyes (when Jon was born, Down syndrome people were still commonly called Mongoloids). There also is increased risk of congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia and Alzheimer's disease. Down syndrome, although not common, is among the most common congenital anomalies—47.9 per 100,000 births (compared with 77.7 with cleft lips or palates, which also can be diagnosed in utero, and which sometimes result in abortions).
As women age, their risk of having a Down syndrome baby increases. It has become standard practice for women older than 35 years old to be offered genetic counseling and diagnostic testing. But because of the higher fertility rates of women under 35, such women have 80 percent of Down syndrome babies. So new ACOG guidelines recommend that all pregnant women, regardless of age, be offered such counseling and testing.
For the rest of the article, click here.
George Will, a fellow parent of a child with Down syndrome wrote a wonderful article in Newsweek this week. It truly does seem that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists wants to eliminate people with Down syndrome at the rate they are going! 85-90% of prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome result in abortion. If doctors would give more positive information rather than all the negatives, this percentage would go down! What doctors fail to tell you is that people with Down syndrome live full and wonderful lives! People with Down syndrome do not suffer because they have Down syndrome. Many graduate from high school, go to college, live on their own and heck are even getting married! What about the waiting lists of families waiting to adopt a child with Down syndrome? Some people just don't get it...
Like I've said many times already doctors need to focus on the positives and less of the negatives. Don't just offer abortions, offer information on local Down syndrome groups so that soon to be parents could meet families with children that have Down syndrome so they could see the positives.
I had a prenatal diagnosis but I chose life. I'm only 25 years old but Joey had some markers of possibly having Down syndrome during an ultrasound and I wanted to know for sure so me and my family could educate ourselves and be prepared for Joey's arrival. And you know what, I wouldn't have him ANY OTHER WAY! He's perfect just like he is, extra chromosomes and all!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Surprise... new ticker!
Take a look at my new ticker below Joey's 1st birthday ticker! I wasn't going to say anything for a while, but it was all of you who got me through losing Kiera so I can't keep this exciting news from you!!! I just found out Friday afternoon so say lots of prayers for this time to be a safe and healthy pregnancy!!!!
What a small world!
It was just brought to my attention last night that Tricia from Unringing The Bell also lives here in Connecticut! How cool is that! I love meeting other parents of children with DS and how cool is it that we're both part of the crazy world of blogging!?!? And we're both members of the CDSC!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Much better this morning
Joey went to bed last night without any problems a little after 9:00 but he woke up at 12:30 crying. Luckily I was able to pat his back until he fell back asleep. This morning he's been a little cranky here and there. He's been taking a nap for the past 1 1/2 hour. I'm hoping the rest of the day will be ok.
Patrick didn't have to be to work this morning until 10:00 so I got to sleep in an extra hour! Thank you Sweetie, I need that!
Yesterday the weather man said we were suppose to get 1/2 inches of snow last night. Well, he was wrong! Well, I woke up this morning and looked out of the window and we got nothing :( I was actually hoping for a little snow. Oh well, I'm sure we'll get some at some point!
Also, yesterday I went grocery shopping at Shop Rite. They're having their can-can sale so I once again stocked up on canned goods and anything else I could find for a good price. As I was walking around, they announced in the deli that they had pre-cooked turkey dinners for up to 10 people on sale for $9.99! This included mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, creamed spinish and an 11 pound turkey!You just have to heat everything up! So along with half the store, I rushed over there like an idiot to get my turkey dinner. So tonight, I "cooked" for my in-laws and we're having a turkey dinner! I also got my 12 cans of veggies 12 for $3.48!
Patrick didn't have to be to work this morning until 10:00 so I got to sleep in an extra hour! Thank you Sweetie, I need that!
Yesterday the weather man said we were suppose to get 1/2 inches of snow last night. Well, he was wrong! Well, I woke up this morning and looked out of the window and we got nothing :( I was actually hoping for a little snow. Oh well, I'm sure we'll get some at some point!
Also, yesterday I went grocery shopping at Shop Rite. They're having their can-can sale so I once again stocked up on canned goods and anything else I could find for a good price. As I was walking around, they announced in the deli that they had pre-cooked turkey dinners for up to 10 people on sale for $9.99! This included mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, creamed spinish and an 11 pound turkey!You just have to heat everything up! So along with half the store, I rushed over there like an idiot to get my turkey dinner. So tonight, I "cooked" for my in-laws and we're having a turkey dinner! I also got my 12 cans of veggies 12 for $3.48!
Favorite Ingredient Friday
Cheesy Potato Soup
Ingredients
1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
3. 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
4. 4 cups water
5. 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
6. 15 slices American cheese - broken into pieces
7. 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8. 2 1/3 cups milk
9. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onions and celery in the butter for 5 to 10 minutes, or until tender.
2. Stir in the water and potatoes, bring to a boil and then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add the cheese and stir until melted.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour and the milk and stir well until the flour is mostly dissolved. Pour this into the soup slowly, stirring constantly, until soup has thickened, about 5 minutes. Garish with parsley.
For more Favorite Ingredient Fridays, go to Overwhelmed With Joy!
Previous Favorite Ingredient Friday recipes:
Peanut Butter Cookies
Saurkraut and Pork Roast
Candied Nuts
Mom's fudge
Peanut Brittle
Beef Enchiladas
Snicker Doodle Cookies
Pecan Pie
Burrito Pie
Apple Crisp
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Please restart my heart!
Ok, well that was scary... I was just giving Joey a bottle of juice when he started choking, like I'm talking didn't take a breathe for about 30 seconds, juice coming out of his nose, gasping for air choking. I just hope he didn't aspirate, but it sounded like he did. He just cried himself to sleep so we'll see what happens. It scared the crap out of me though...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Wiggles & DS clinic note
Well, The Wiggles were on The View today, I usually don't even watch The View but Joey's PT & OT were both here and they saw The Wiggles so I turned it up for Joey. Up until now I've refused to watch anything like that. No Wiggles, no Barney, no nothing. The only children's thing I've let Joey watch is his Baby Einstein DVD. Well, even at 10 months old, The Wiggles caught Joey's attention. Joey seemed to like listening to them. So we've been sucked into The Wiggles craze!
His PT & OT usually don't come to the house together but every couple months they like to just to "compare notes" and to give eachother ideas. They both can't believe the progress Joey is making each time they see him!
I just got the Dr's note from Joey's trip to the DS clinic from a few weeks ago. I can't believe how much this doctor went into detail! The note is wonderful! He said "his length is 68 cm, 3rd centile; weight 7.8 kg, 3rd centile; head circumference 44.5 cm, 10-25th centile. On the Down syndrome growth chart, his length is at the 25th to 50th, weight 50th and head circumference 90th centiles". I have DS growth charts, but I have no clue what the heck I'm looking at!
Why can't they explain that in English to where I could understand?
He also said that Joey should have a pediatric opththalmology evaluation done within the next month to see if there is indeed a modest left esotropia (WebMD & google here I come!). On that note, I'm off to the DownSyn forum to post this to see if anyone can explain growth charts to me! Or if any of you could help, please do!
His PT & OT usually don't come to the house together but every couple months they like to just to "compare notes" and to give eachother ideas. They both can't believe the progress Joey is making each time they see him!
I just got the Dr's note from Joey's trip to the DS clinic from a few weeks ago. I can't believe how much this doctor went into detail! The note is wonderful! He said "his length is 68 cm, 3rd centile; weight 7.8 kg, 3rd centile; head circumference 44.5 cm, 10-25th centile. On the Down syndrome growth chart, his length is at the 25th to 50th, weight 50th and head circumference 90th centiles". I have DS growth charts, but I have no clue what the heck I'm looking at!
Why can't they explain that in English to where I could understand?
He also said that Joey should have a pediatric opththalmology evaluation done within the next month to see if there is indeed a modest left esotropia (WebMD & google here I come!). On that note, I'm off to the DownSyn forum to post this to see if anyone can explain growth charts to me! Or if any of you could help, please do!
My M&M self portrait
I was watching TV today and saw a commercial to make myself into an M&M and gave it a try! Pretty cool to do with the kids! Just thought I would share. Become an M&M!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Finally!!
Today is finally the day! Joey is done with his helmet!!! And I think he's as happy as I am!
Joey's close up!
I took this video last week and forgot to post it! Anyways, Joey was sitting on my lap being cute as can be so I grabbed my camera and started filming.
Monday, January 15, 2007
back in the day...
I often sit back and think about my days in high school. My friends, the things we did together (some I regret, some not), and my days in AFJROTC and marching band (yeah, I was a dork). There are some I still have contact with, and some I wish I could be in contact with. Many have grown up, some still have growing up to do. I was part of a very close net group of friends. We all were in either band or ROTC together. I was fit and in shape, not to mention about 30+ pounds lighter than I am now. I love popping a tape in of an old marching band performance and picking myself out. Some of my friends joined the military, some went away to college, and some stayed home and went to local colleges. I wish I could find the few I have no clue where they are. I have a myspace and a facebook account and unfortunately, not everyone is on them.
(I'm the second from the left)
Then I look back on the couple years before I moved up here to Connecticut. I worked my butt off at various jobs, hung out at a local bar (often drinking too much) and taking turns with Patrick flying back and forth so we could see each other every other month or so. I am a much different person I was back then, I have grown up more in the past 2 years than I ever thought I could.
But yet, I look back on the old days, and miss it. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change my life back for anything now. Being home all day long DOES get very lonely though, I know I could get out more but part of me just doesn't want to.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this post, but just wanted to let any of my friends from Ohio know that I miss them. If any of you guys stumbled across this link via my myspace or facebook profiles and now read this, be sure to drop me a comment saying hi!
(I'm the second from the left)
Then I look back on the couple years before I moved up here to Connecticut. I worked my butt off at various jobs, hung out at a local bar (often drinking too much) and taking turns with Patrick flying back and forth so we could see each other every other month or so. I am a much different person I was back then, I have grown up more in the past 2 years than I ever thought I could.
But yet, I look back on the old days, and miss it. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change my life back for anything now. Being home all day long DOES get very lonely though, I know I could get out more but part of me just doesn't want to.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this post, but just wanted to let any of my friends from Ohio know that I miss them. If any of you guys stumbled across this link via my myspace or facebook profiles and now read this, be sure to drop me a comment saying hi!
New blog!
I just wanted to share a new blog starring a little boy Jaden, who shares the same little extra chromosome as Joey, Jaden's Journal.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
weekend update
Saturday morning, Patrick and I went to test drive the van we've been looking at. It drives like a top! I'm so excited, I just hope this one works out better than the last one we looked at. The guy who is selling it is going to let me take it to our mechanic to look over to make sure there's no major problems hiding under the hood. As long as it checks out ok, I'm going to have a new/ used van!
Saturday afternoon, Joey's Aunt Maureen, and I went and bought Joey a new car seat. He hasn't completely outgrown his infant car seat, but since he's getting his helmet off on Tuesday and they warned us that his car seat that he has would put more pressure on the back of his head and might help his head to regress back to being flat easier. So, after making a trip to BJ's then to Babies R Us, then BACK to BJ's, I chose a car seat that adjusts from 5 lbs, to 80 lbs. And even in the infant setting, his head doesn't seem to have as much pressure on the back of it.
Today was spent going to noon mass then spending the rest of the day cleaning and doing things that I've been wanting to get done. Unfortunately, I ran out of time! There was so much more I could have gotten done today, but hopefully I can get most of the things done this week.
I still can't believe Tuesday is the last day with Joey's helmet! The last 13 weeks have gone by so quick! Tomorrow I'm actually going to let Joey have his helmet off for intervals so he can start getting used to not wearing it. He had it off for about 45 minutes this evening and didn't seem to be too happy to have it off, especially when he hit his head on a toy. It'll take a little adjustment getting used to it being off for good.
Tomorrow I need to go back to Babies R Us. Today Joey used a medium flow nipple on his bottle rather than a slow flow for the first time and did good. No choking, so we're going to try medium flow for now on. Mostly because his slow flows are wearing out and he needs to use the ones more for his age.
I just checked my bloglines and realized that I've not read many of my favorite blogs all weekend and I'm getting too sleepy to read them tonight, so I'll save that for tomorrow morning during Joey's first nap of the day to catch up with all my favorites and try to read a couple new blogs too!
Saturday afternoon, Joey's Aunt Maureen, and I went and bought Joey a new car seat. He hasn't completely outgrown his infant car seat, but since he's getting his helmet off on Tuesday and they warned us that his car seat that he has would put more pressure on the back of his head and might help his head to regress back to being flat easier. So, after making a trip to BJ's then to Babies R Us, then BACK to BJ's, I chose a car seat that adjusts from 5 lbs, to 80 lbs. And even in the infant setting, his head doesn't seem to have as much pressure on the back of it.
Today was spent going to noon mass then spending the rest of the day cleaning and doing things that I've been wanting to get done. Unfortunately, I ran out of time! There was so much more I could have gotten done today, but hopefully I can get most of the things done this week.
I still can't believe Tuesday is the last day with Joey's helmet! The last 13 weeks have gone by so quick! Tomorrow I'm actually going to let Joey have his helmet off for intervals so he can start getting used to not wearing it. He had it off for about 45 minutes this evening and didn't seem to be too happy to have it off, especially when he hit his head on a toy. It'll take a little adjustment getting used to it being off for good.
Tomorrow I need to go back to Babies R Us. Today Joey used a medium flow nipple on his bottle rather than a slow flow for the first time and did good. No choking, so we're going to try medium flow for now on. Mostly because his slow flows are wearing out and he needs to use the ones more for his age.
I just checked my bloglines and realized that I've not read many of my favorite blogs all weekend and I'm getting too sleepy to read them tonight, so I'll save that for tomorrow morning during Joey's first nap of the day to catch up with all my favorites and try to read a couple new blogs too!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Favorite Ingredient Friday
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
2. 1/2 cup peanut butter
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 1/2 cup packed brown suger, or 1/4 cup honey
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
7. 1 egg
8. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
9. 1/4 cups all purpose flour
10. granualted sugar in a bowl
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the granualated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. If necessary, cover and chill dough until it's easy to handle.
2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in additional granualted sugar in bowl to coat. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten by making crisscrosse marks with the tines of a fork. Bake in oven on 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack and let cool.
** This is my favorite PB cookie recipe and comes out of the Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook.
For more Favorite Ingredient Friday recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I need relief!
I used to enjoy wearing perfume and scented lotions, now I can barley walk through the perfume section of my favorite stores without sneezing 10 times. I would always wear my favorite perfume, Miracle, but now it's just a pretty bottle sitting on my dresser along with my Bath & Body Works lotions. I can't even light my favorite candles anymore without getting a headache and sneezing! Gotta love allergies that arrived in my early twenties. Medication doesn't even help me sneezing to my favorite scents! These allergies have also brought on a new enemy... mold! In November, my allergies seemed to be getting better in that department after our first freeze. WELL, thanks to the past couple weeks of the temperature being in the 50's, 60's and even last weekend in the 70's, my friend, Allergy has reappeared. I've been sitting here sneezing my head off for the past couple weeks. We had a freeze last night so I'm hoping for some relief in the near future. Not to mention, I'm running low on Kleenex!
I want a Nintendo DS!
I've been sitting here thinking about what would help to make me a more Hip Mom. What a better way than to get a pink nintendo DS lite? I too haven't touched a videogame in years and think it's about time! Many of my friends have their fancy video games and I think it would be so cool to have one myself. You see, over at the Crazy Hip Blog Mamas, they're having a contest to see who would be the most hip with a new pink nintendo DS and brain age game. My son is still too young to think I'm hip, but wouldn't he get a kick out of seeing pictures of me in a couple years playing my PINK Nintendo DS?! It would be a great way to spend what little free time I get by racking my brain playing brain age too!! I need something to get my mind back in shape! Not to mention, I've never won anything in my life so it would be pretty cool to win. I consider myself a pretty hip mom and this would just add to the reasons why I am!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
ears, homesick, vans & helmet update!
Patrick and I noticed this morning that Joey didn't seem to be hearing as good as he had been for the past couple weeks since his surgery, so I called his doctor this morning and took him in. Sure enough, his little ear canals were already filling with wax again! So his Doc did as good of a job as he could cleaning them out. And he does actually seem to be hearing a little better now.
Yesterday I was sitting here at the computer and started getting homesick, well I've been homesick, but I was sitting here thinking about it so I decided it was time to plan another trip home. So, I'm flying out the 26th and coming home February 4. It's about time I go home. I haven't been home since October and I miss my family. I just saw my parents, but I really miss my brother, sister in law and my cousin, well I miss everyone! I can't wait!!!
Today I went and looked at another van. The other one we looked at ended up having a leak in the transmission and the guy wasn't willing to pay the full amount to have it fixed so it's his loss. But it's good that we didn't buy that one. It was a 1997 and today the one I looked at was a 2002 and only $1000 more! And come to find out the guy who's selling it is a friend of a friend and is going through a divorce and needs to pay of the loan. So we're going to talk to him in the next couple days. Cross your fingers this one works out!
Less than a week and counting left with Joey's helmet! And I can't wait! Well a broad range of topics talked about tonight but I think I got everyone caught up on the latest!
Yesterday I was sitting here at the computer and started getting homesick, well I've been homesick, but I was sitting here thinking about it so I decided it was time to plan another trip home. So, I'm flying out the 26th and coming home February 4. It's about time I go home. I haven't been home since October and I miss my family. I just saw my parents, but I really miss my brother, sister in law and my cousin, well I miss everyone! I can't wait!!!
Today I went and looked at another van. The other one we looked at ended up having a leak in the transmission and the guy wasn't willing to pay the full amount to have it fixed so it's his loss. But it's good that we didn't buy that one. It was a 1997 and today the one I looked at was a 2002 and only $1000 more! And come to find out the guy who's selling it is a friend of a friend and is going through a divorce and needs to pay of the loan. So we're going to talk to him in the next couple days. Cross your fingers this one works out!
Less than a week and counting left with Joey's helmet! And I can't wait! Well a broad range of topics talked about tonight but I think I got everyone caught up on the latest!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Meme time!
I've been tagged by the FlipFlop Mama! This is a pretty interesting meme, kind of like an interview about you and your blog.
1. Do you like the looks and content of your blog?
I think so, I do want to get a blog makeover as soon as I have a little extra cash and also get my own URL.
2. Does your family know about your blog?
Not all of them, I've been meaning to share the link with them though!
3. Can you tell your friends about your blog?
Yeah, but sometimes they think I'm a little crazy :)
4. Do you just read the blogs of those who comment on your blog?
I try to read everyone's blogs who leave me comments although sometimes it's hard seeing that I have 47 blogs that I've suscribed to on bloglines. I also try to read a new blog everyday.
5. Did your blog positively affect your mind?
Yes, it's my way of getting out my feelings on being a parent and also a wife.
6. What does the number of visitors to your blog mean?
That I have a lot of visitors :)
7. Do you imagine what other bloggers look like?
Most of the blogs I read have a picture of the writer in the profile and many of the writers also post pictures so no unless they don't post any pictures, then I wonder what they look like.
8. Do you think blogging has any real benefit?
yes, it's actually therapeutic to me!
9. Do you think that the blogosphere is a stand alone community separated from the real world?
Sometimes no, sometimes yes
10. Do some political blogs scare you? Do you avoid them?
I try not to read them very often, they tend to confuse me. But my husband reads them!
11. Do you think criticizing your blog is useful?
sure
12. Have you ever thought what would happen to your blog in case you died?
I never thought about that before! Ummmm, I would hope that my husband or someone would let my readers know.
13. Which blogger has had the greatest impression on you?
Rebecca, Michelle & CJ. They were my first readers and got me into blogging more!
14. Which blogger do you think is the most similar to you?
Geez, I have no clue! We're all so much alike yet so different!
15. Name a song you want to listen to.
Right now? Ummmm.... how about Kelly Pickler's "Red High Heals".
And now I tag:
Rebecca, Heather and Christina
1. Do you like the looks and content of your blog?
I think so, I do want to get a blog makeover as soon as I have a little extra cash and also get my own URL.
2. Does your family know about your blog?
Not all of them, I've been meaning to share the link with them though!
3. Can you tell your friends about your blog?
Yeah, but sometimes they think I'm a little crazy :)
4. Do you just read the blogs of those who comment on your blog?
I try to read everyone's blogs who leave me comments although sometimes it's hard seeing that I have 47 blogs that I've suscribed to on bloglines. I also try to read a new blog everyday.
5. Did your blog positively affect your mind?
Yes, it's my way of getting out my feelings on being a parent and also a wife.
6. What does the number of visitors to your blog mean?
That I have a lot of visitors :)
7. Do you imagine what other bloggers look like?
Most of the blogs I read have a picture of the writer in the profile and many of the writers also post pictures so no unless they don't post any pictures, then I wonder what they look like.
8. Do you think blogging has any real benefit?
yes, it's actually therapeutic to me!
9. Do you think that the blogosphere is a stand alone community separated from the real world?
Sometimes no, sometimes yes
10. Do some political blogs scare you? Do you avoid them?
I try not to read them very often, they tend to confuse me. But my husband reads them!
11. Do you think criticizing your blog is useful?
sure
12. Have you ever thought what would happen to your blog in case you died?
I never thought about that before! Ummmm, I would hope that my husband or someone would let my readers know.
13. Which blogger has had the greatest impression on you?
Rebecca, Michelle & CJ. They were my first readers and got me into blogging more!
14. Which blogger do you think is the most similar to you?
Geez, I have no clue! We're all so much alike yet so different!
15. Name a song you want to listen to.
Right now? Ummmm.... how about Kelly Pickler's "Red High Heals".
And now I tag:
Rebecca, Heather and Christina
21 reasons why...
Finally, my montage is done! I chose to use the theme of 21 reasons why I chose life while I was pregnant with Joey.
Monday, January 08, 2007
catching up!
Joey has been taking an extra long nap this morning so I've been taking full advantage of it! I've actually gotten caught up reading all of my favorite blogs. I now have a total of 46 that I've suscribed to on bloglines and I read all that had new posts today! I also got caught up on the dishes, got a load of laundry in the washer and re-potted a couple of my plants that had outgrown their pots, which meant since it's raining and too chilly to do it outside I had to re-pot them on my kitched floor which meant I had to sweep the floor. And I even just ate my lunch without Joey trying to grab it out of my hands!
Speaking of the grabbing, Joey is full fledge into the grabbing stage! Everything he sees, he wants. The TV remote, the phone, food I'm trying to eat, anything! Last night, I was sitting on the floor clipping coupons and who rolls over to me and trys to help? Joey!! But hey, it kept in occupied for 30 minutes playing with the paper!
Be sure to cheer for Ohio State tonight when they play!! GO BUCKS!! OH-IOOOOO!!!!!
Speaking of the grabbing, Joey is full fledge into the grabbing stage! Everything he sees, he wants. The TV remote, the phone, food I'm trying to eat, anything! Last night, I was sitting on the floor clipping coupons and who rolls over to me and trys to help? Joey!! But hey, it kept in occupied for 30 minutes playing with the paper!
Be sure to cheer for Ohio State tonight when they play!! GO BUCKS!! OH-IOOOOO!!!!!
another article
This article was posted on DownSyn and I just wanted to share it with those of you who might not have read it yet. It's written by a doctor and about prenatal testing and is actually worth reading! Steve Calvin: OK to test for Down syndrome? It's complex.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Doctors visit
Our visit with Joey's new doctor went very good. I heard a lot of things that I already knew and some new things. He answered each and every question I had to ask. A couple things I guess I really wasn't expecting to hear and didn't want to hear.
He drew Joey's blood for his thyroid & CBC tests, and he also had enough left over to send out for a chromosomal analysis. I had the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 but after Joey was born I refused to let them draw blood again for another one to check for MDS. Apparently it doesn't always show up in prenatal testing. He said that there was a small chance that Joey might have mosiac DS, but with way Trisomy 21 is Trisomy 21 and his diagnosis won't change.
Joey has the cutest pinky fingers. Many children with DS have crooked pinky fingers but I guess I never realized that Joey is missing a complete bone in each of his pinkies until the doctor pointed it out too me. He only has 2 joints instead of the 3 typical people have.
He also told me yesterday that there's a chance that Joey won't walk until he's 2 years old. I just can't believe that, I won't believe that. Each of our children is different and I'm going to hope and pray that Joey walks by 1 1/2, if not sooner. I quit reading the books about babies with Down syndrome soon after Joey was born. Each of our children are so different and the books make each child with Trisomy 21 seem the same exactly the same kind of like a text book.
He did give me wonderful ideas of certain types of shoes to buy for Joey to help him stand better, different techniques to use when eating and drinking that our OT had not told us about, and showed me a massage to use on Joey's high palate if Joey will corporate.
I went to the appointment with a pile of Joey's medical records that he didn't have yet in Joey's chart. He was quite happy with that. I also brought the before pictures when Joey was fitted for his helmet. He was very happy to see the progress Joey's head has made.
Well, I guess that's all that I can think of right now that went on yesterday at the appointment. I think it went good minus him telling me about Joey and the possiblity of Joey not walking until he's 2. He will walk when he's ready to walk!
He drew Joey's blood for his thyroid & CBC tests, and he also had enough left over to send out for a chromosomal analysis. I had the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 but after Joey was born I refused to let them draw blood again for another one to check for MDS. Apparently it doesn't always show up in prenatal testing. He said that there was a small chance that Joey might have mosiac DS, but with way Trisomy 21 is Trisomy 21 and his diagnosis won't change.
Joey has the cutest pinky fingers. Many children with DS have crooked pinky fingers but I guess I never realized that Joey is missing a complete bone in each of his pinkies until the doctor pointed it out too me. He only has 2 joints instead of the 3 typical people have.
He also told me yesterday that there's a chance that Joey won't walk until he's 2 years old. I just can't believe that, I won't believe that. Each of our children is different and I'm going to hope and pray that Joey walks by 1 1/2, if not sooner. I quit reading the books about babies with Down syndrome soon after Joey was born. Each of our children are so different and the books make each child with Trisomy 21 seem the same exactly the same kind of like a text book.
He did give me wonderful ideas of certain types of shoes to buy for Joey to help him stand better, different techniques to use when eating and drinking that our OT had not told us about, and showed me a massage to use on Joey's high palate if Joey will corporate.
I went to the appointment with a pile of Joey's medical records that he didn't have yet in Joey's chart. He was quite happy with that. I also brought the before pictures when Joey was fitted for his helmet. He was very happy to see the progress Joey's head has made.
Well, I guess that's all that I can think of right now that went on yesterday at the appointment. I think it went good minus him telling me about Joey and the possiblity of Joey not walking until he's 2. He will walk when he's ready to walk!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
New Doc
Tomorrow I'm taking Joey to meet Dr. Bob for the first time. He's a genetic doctor who specializes in Down syndrome out at the University of Connecticut health center. I'm interested to see what all he has to say but then I also have a feeling he's going to be telling me the same things I've already heard and read about. We met Dr. Bob when I was pregnant with Joey at the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress's convention almost 2 years ago, and he was such a nice man. I love learned new things and I'm hoping me can teach me more! Not to mention that all the other parents here in CT absolutely LOVE Dr. Bob. I'll be sure to give you guys an update after our appointment!
In other news, Patrick and I are going tonight to look at a van. I stopped and looked at it the other day and fell in love with it, well didn't fall in love with it, but it's really nice. The only thing is that it's a 1997, but it only has 99,000 miles on it and the inside and out are both in excellent condition. It's a Dodge Caravan and a deep red color. And for the price that they have on it, it's possibly worth buying. We'll see. I want to see if it has a carfax report or anything so we can see the maintenance history of it. Cross your fingers it's a good one, I could really use a new/used car!!!
In other news, Patrick and I are going tonight to look at a van. I stopped and looked at it the other day and fell in love with it, well didn't fall in love with it, but it's really nice. The only thing is that it's a 1997, but it only has 99,000 miles on it and the inside and out are both in excellent condition. It's a Dodge Caravan and a deep red color. And for the price that they have on it, it's possibly worth buying. We'll see. I want to see if it has a carfax report or anything so we can see the maintenance history of it. Cross your fingers it's a good one, I could really use a new/used car!!!
Piano Man!
Joey recieved The Fisher Price Baby Grand Piano from his Uncle Terry and Aunt Laurie for Christmas and absolutely LOVES it! I wish the lighting would have been better in the video so you could see the expression better on his face!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
ENT visit
I took Joey today for his follow up appointment with his ENT after his ear surgery a couple weeks ago. His ENT was so pleased with the results. He wants to take Joey in twice a ear to clean his ears out since they don't want to drain on their own. Of course this means, going under a general anesthesia twice a year, but I think it will be worth it after seeing the results from his surgery. He went from not responding to sound, to looking at us, jumping when something startles him and being so much more vocal!
Dental info
I was doing my daily search of DownSyn last night when I came across this article. It's from the Nation Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and it's about practical oral care for people with down syndrome. It has some pretty interesting information for anyone who's not read it yet or that might be interested in it.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2 more weeks!
Today was Joey's final helmet adjustment! We go back in 2 weeks for his final molding & graduation. I can't believe how fast the past 13 weeks has gone! And the difference in the shape of his head is amazing! I just hope his head doesn't regress back very much. The therapist there said that sometimes infants with Down syndrome head's regress back more due to how soft their bones can be. I don't know, Joey seems pretty hardheaded to me!
Speaking of Joey's being hardheaded, his little temper is coming out more and more everyday! If he doesn't get what he wants, he lets you know!
Speaking of Joey's being hardheaded, his little temper is coming out more and more everyday! If he doesn't get what he wants, he lets you know!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Resolutions
I figured since it was January 1st, I figured I should compile a list of resolutions/ goals that I would like to meet in the upcoming year.
1. To move out of our apartment and either buy a house or put the money we have saved up into a CD for a year to make interest on it and save up more. Either way though, we've got to move into a different place! Our apartment is way too small!
2. Get pregnant again (swim spermies swim!)
3. Get Joey crawling and walking!
4. Buy a new/ used van... my 1994 Saturn Station wagon is on it's last leg!
5. In between pregnancies to lose some weight.
6. To get a budget made up and follow it! I need to get better spending money!!
1. To move out of our apartment and either buy a house or put the money we have saved up into a CD for a year to make interest on it and save up more. Either way though, we've got to move into a different place! Our apartment is way too small!
2. Get pregnant again (swim spermies swim!)
3. Get Joey crawling and walking!
4. Buy a new/ used van... my 1994 Saturn Station wagon is on it's last leg!
5. In between pregnancies to lose some weight.
6. To get a budget made up and follow it! I need to get better spending money!!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!!!
We actually got a babysitter last night & went out! I rarely get out without Joey and it felt so nice to be out with people my own age! So thank you to Stephanie for watching Joey last night!
We actually got a babysitter last night & went out! I rarely get out without Joey and it felt so nice to be out with people my own age! So thank you to Stephanie for watching Joey last night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
