It was so nice to be home minus a couple bad news days, but I'll get to them later. Saturday was my cousin's baby shower. Everything went great, she recieved a lot of the things off her registry. It's so exciting... she's having a little boy September 10 and her brother's girlfriend is due to have a little boy the end of October. We're all going to have little boys!!!

Saturday night I went to my friends' bar and got to see some of my old friends. It was karaoke night, I didn't sing, I usually do, but just didn't have the karaoke itch in me that night. But my friend Josh did sing a very good rendition of "Baby Got Back" that was priceless to watch :)

Sunday we went to the Dublin Irish Festival to see my father-in-laws best friend John perform. He's an incrediable musician and such a fun person. He was the MC for the festival's finale. There were so many amazing Irish musicians on the stage at once... Celtic Tenors, Gaelic Storm, 2 of the fiddle players from "Lord of the Dance", just to name a few. We also ate a lot of great food, I think I enjoyed the corned beef and cabbage the best!

(John is the accordian player in the middle)

So much happened in the past week it's going to take a couple entries for me to update everything!!

I'll go backwards though... today wasn't as crazy as I thought it was going to be at the airport. We arrived at Columbus at 2:00 for our 4:30 flight. Luckily the security checkpoint line wasn't too bad. Joey and I made it through the medal detectors but they saw something in my purse that looked funny so they took us off to the side to search my purse and of corse found NOTHING! The hardest part of today was not being able to take water with me. I had to buy water to make Joey's formula but then couldn't take the leftover water on the plane with us. Oh well... Joey did great on the plane except for the last 20 minutes. He didn't scream his head off but he was definitely not a happy little boy.

After we got back to our house, we weren't even home for 5 minutes and the power transformer blew outside of our house!! I had just turned on my computer and sat down to get online and "BOOM!!!!", it sounded like a shotgun was shot right outside our front door! So needless to say after a day of traveling with a 5 month old, all I wanted to do was come home and get on my computer and we had no electricity!! We came over to my in-laws house until our power wil hopefully be put back on soon! Luckily it's only in the 70's tonight. I just hope my computer didn't get fried in the process!!

I'll update about our trip tomorrow, computer permitting!

Joey and I are off to Ohio tomorrow until next Friday, we'll talk to you all in a week!!

We went to the Social Security office today to apply for Joey to get SSI, unfortunatly Patrick makes $300 a month too much to qualify for it, BUT... that doesn't matter now because PATRICK GOT A NEW JOB!!!!! Now he'll be making more and money won't be as tight. We can finally start saving up for a house too! We're going to move into a little bigger of an apartment this fall/ winter, then start saving!! Pat has been looking for quite some time for a job, but it's hard to find a job for an attorney who's been practing for less than 2 years. But our patience paid off in the end and the other plus to this new job, FULL BENEFITS!! We've been paying for our health insurance out of our own pockets and now we don't have to!!

I just want to say a quick Happy birthday to Michelle!!

Just thought I'd give a quick update. Between Joey's first case of diaper rash and the poor little guy being constipated it's been a long two days. I finally got him to eat some baby food prunes in with his rice ceral so hopefully that will help. Wish us luck!!!

Well we're off to Ikea and the Christmas Tree Shop to spend money!!!

Also, don't forget to keep brainstorming ideas for our buddy walk team's name!!!

I just came across this website, T-21 Club and I want to buy everything off of it! I've been wanting something different to get certain family members and I think I found it!

I don't think I have much else to update on. I'm going to be busy helping to plan the CDSC's Buddy Walk on September 30. Pat and I joined the committee and are doing what we can to help. It's only the CDSC's second walk, but we're expecting around 400 people. It's been nice helping to plan something as important to DS awareness as the Buddy Walk. I'm looking forward to get more involved as time goes on. It's hard right now with Joey only being 4 1/2 months old, but once things get more settled down, it'll be easier (I hope).

I've been thinking about before Joey was born, how boring our lives were and how lonely I was. We got married and I moved up here to Connecticut with Patrick and knew no one besides Pat's family. I still don't know many people, but having Joey has actully helped me to make friends... if he didn't have T-21, I wouldn't be meeting the wonderful families that I have, not to mention all of you other Moms that I've met on here.

Back to the Buddy Walk, I've been trying to come up with ideas for our Team Name. I don't want to do "Team Joey", there's going to be other Joeys there so I need something different. Does anyone have any ideas?

I've been trying to read new T-21 and other parenting blogs and added a couple new ones to my list Overwhelmed With Joy, Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie, and Till My Head Falls Off. I'm looking forward to reading more!!

I've been tagged!!

Big Blueberry Eyes Tagged Me!!

Five items in my freezer - Ground beef, ice cream, ice, chicken pot pies, popsicles

Five items in my closet - clothes, blankets, shoes, purses, belts

Five items in my car - stroller, CDs, blankets, kleenex, hands free cell phone thing

Five items in my purse - Driver's license, debit cards, cell phone, appointment calender, makeup

Five people I tag - Always Chaos, Brady's Bunch, and whoever else feels like doing it!!

CDSC Picnic

Today was the Connecticut Down Syndrome Conngress's Annual picnic. We had a great time, it was at Hammonasett Beach. Joey was the hit of the picnic with the other T-21 children. It was so weird, there was other babies there but they all clung to us and Joey. I don't know if it was because we're younger parents, I dunno, but Joey was definitely one the hits of the picnic! They had an Elvis Impersonator, a DJ, kites for everyone to fly, and of corse the beach to go swimming!

Gigi's Playhouse

Here's a very interesting article called Learning to Read With Down Syndrome written by Karen Meyer. It's about a literacy program at Gigi's Playhouse in Chicago. You can also go to http://www.gigisplayhouse.com/

Today was a better day. No more episodes with Joey, hopefully it was just a one time thing. I found something at Target today that absolutely made my day though... Animaniac's on DVD!! It was my favorite cartoon when I when I was 13! It was one of Patrick's too so I splurged and spent the $29 on it.

Then we spent the afternoon over at my mother-in-laws. Patrick's family has been so good in helping me out. I know I've said this in the past, but I don't know what I would do without them, especially his mom.

This evening, Joey was in one of the best moods I've ever seen him in... he played/ exercised for about 20 minutes (he usually only lasts about 15). He was talking away to Pat & I, it was great!! Joey wants to sit up on his own so bad, but he's not strong enough yet, but the look on his face when he tries in so determined. I don't think it will be long at all until he's able to do so. Anyways, I guess that's it for now!

Reece's Rainbow

Always Chaos posted a link to this website, Reece's Rainbow. I can't express how important it is to pass this site along to any family who might be interested in adopting a child with Down syndrome. Or at least if you know someone who is generous in making contributions to charities, this one is definitely one worth giving to.

Today was definelty a bad day... it started around 1:30 when Joey's physical therapist was here. He was in a great mood... laughing, smiling, I couldn't of asked for a happier baby. About 20 minutes later he started crying and it wasn't his normal crying. It was different. His PT was even worried. She stayed around for a bit, then a few minutes after she left, his crying got worse, then he stopped crying and his eyes rolled back in his head and started shaking. This lasted about 10 seconds then he started crying uncontrollably again. I'm not sure if he had a seizure or what. I called his pediatrician in a panic and he said since Joey wasn't running a fever that he doubts it was a seizure. I just don't know what to think. The only thing I know is that it scared the hell out of me. After crying for about 30 minutes longer, he fell asleep. My mother-in-law came over a little bit after that. Joey woke up and was fine and happy as could be. But I had never been happier to see Pat's mom in my life. Joey really scared me, I just didn't know what to think when his eyes rolled back and they started shaking all over the place. Thank God he's ok now, I just hope that never happens again.

Meme!

Miss E tagged Joey!!

3 Things That Scare Me
1. Gas
2. Running out of milk
3. Dirty Diapers


People That Make Me Laugh
1. My Mommy
2. My Daddy
3. My Twin Aunts Margaret and Maureen (we'll count them as one since they look alike)

3 Things I Love
1. A clean diaper
2. A full bottle
3. A car ride to make me fall asleep

3 Things I Dislike
1. Gas
2. Shots
3. Dirty Diapers

3 Things I Don't Understand
1. how to tell my mommy what's wrong
2. why my diaper feels funny sometimes
3.

3 Things On My Floor
1. my bumbo chair
2. my tummy time mat
3. a rattle

3 Things I'm Doing Right Now
1. babbling
2. trying to finish my bottle
3. smiling

3 Things I Can Do
1. roll over
2. hold my head up
3. smile & laugh

3 Things I Can't Do
1. crawl
2. walk
3. talk

3 Ways to Describe My Personality
1. spoiled
2. determined
3. comedian

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To
1. Celtic music
2. baby einstein
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd

3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To
1. me, when I have gas!
2. me, when my diaper is dirty!
3. me, when I'm hungrey

3 Absolute Favorite Foods
1. milk
2. rice ceral
3. applesauce

3 Things I'd Like to Learn
1. how to crawl
2. how to talk
3. how to walk

3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
1. formula
2. water
3.

3 Shows I Watch On Occasion
1. Baby Einstein
2.
3.

3 babies or toddlers I tag:
1. Tristan from Channelle and Tristan
2. Vincent from Prince Vince
3. that's it!!!!

Patrick's boss brought Joey home a set of Mickey ears when she went to Disney, isn't he just the cutest thing?

Also, cross your fingers for me that my digital camera is up and working again :)

Poor Joey, I took him to his doctor yesterday for his 4 month check up and he got 2 more vaccinations. He was running a slight fever still this morning, even with me giving him tylenol. It is so obvious he doesn't feel good. He's slept most of the day away and when he hasn't been sleeping, he's been crying. I feel so bad. The good news about his Dr. visit, he weighs 12 lbs 8 oz and he's 23 inches long!! I can't believe how big the little guy has gotten!

One of our local groceries is having a sale on canned goods this week so I figured I would go and stock up. Well I get there and it was a MAD HOUSE! I braved the crowd anyways, found some good deals and got the heck out of there. Sometimes I just think that it's not worth getting messed up in the crowds and waiting in the lines just for a cheaper grocery bill, but then a penny saved is a penny earned :)

Yesterday, Joey's speech therapist decided that we should go ahead and try Joey on another food besides cereal so we tried bananas. He loved them! His smile got bigger with every single bite! I don't think I have ever seen him so happy before. Today, applesauce!

I can't believe how hot it is today! The news said it was 85 degrees at 7:30 this morning. I'm so glad that we have air conditioning... where would we be without it?! I thought moving from Ohio to Connecticut would give me a little freedom from the extremely hot summer days, boy, was I wrong!

Joey can't fall asleep on his own during the day. I lay him down in his crib for a nap and he screams his head off so I try rocking him, patting his back, feeding him and it rarely works. He gets so tired, he can barely keep his eyes open and starts crying. Finally when he falls asleep, I put him down and he wakes up 5 minutes later. The only way I can get him to stay asleep is if I lay him on my chest, which doesn't give me a break during the day to get stuff done. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Chad's Chopp'N Company

Another great article...

A man with Down syndrome starts his own business. Posted in the Star-Telegram written by Terry Lee Goodrich.

Wow, I'm on a role today finding articles!! Here's a couple more that I really enjoyed today...

"Swimming lessons of a lifetime" written by Brad Gaskins. Hunter Thomson decided for his senior year project that he was going to teach his neighbor who has Mosaic Down syndrome how to swim. A wonderful article!!

Another great article, "Can-do Kim Bain refuses to let Down's syndrome hold him back" published in the Freeport News is about a man with DS who was voted employee of the month at his job.

As some of you might remember, I wasn't very happy with TIME magazine (look back to my November 16 post) after they published an article called "The Down Dilemma. Is a life with the syndrome worth living? A first-trimester test raises the question earlier than ever". Many parents including myself were very unhappy with this article, but they actully published an article worth reading this week, "A Very Special Wedding. A new generation of people with Down syndrome are living longer, finishing school, getting jobs and now--with a little help--beginning to marry" written by Claudia Wallis. I cannot wait for the day to see Joey go to school, graduate college and get married.

The groom, Sujeet, has his own webpage with more details from their wedding!

I just wanted to share this website in honor of Olivia Grace May, a baby girl that had Trisomy 18 who passed away after couple days after she was born. I had read a little on Trisomy 18, but the impact this baby girl had on her family and friends was amazing and I just wanted to share it with you. Thank you to Barbara for posting Olivia's webpage on her blog.

I just wanted to wish a Happy 3rd Birthday to Michelle's daughter Kayla!!!

4 MONTHS!!

I can't believe how quickly the past 4 months have gone... Joey is 4 months old today! It just seems like yesterday that I was in the hospital giving birth to him!!

I was on the phone with the social security people for almost 20 minutes this morning trying to get a human being and finally got through to someone. I made our appointment to get Joey on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Between formula and diapers the little guy is going to bankrupt us so I figured it was time for SSI.


The past couple days, Joey has been crying a lot. I don't know if adding cereal to his diet has upset his tummy, or if he just wants to be held all the time. I dunno, it's just getting really frustrating at times.

unfortunately, my digital camera is on the outs, I'm hoping I just need a new memory card, so I have no new pictures to post :(


Anyways, I will leave you with this...

Cereal, oh my!

Well, I started Joey on baby cereal. The first attempt didn't go so well, the second a little better and today it actully went fairly well. More still got on his face and bib than in his mouth, but with practice, we'll get better! The pictures don't do justice to the amount he was actully wearing by the end of the feeding!!!
Any advice or suggestions?

I found a very heartwarming article called The birth of a 'messenger from God' written by Norris Burkes. Like this mother, I feel like we were chosen by God to be Joey's parents. During my pregnancy, I turned to prayer when the doctors told me that Joey had some health problems. Thank goodness, my prayers were answered and Joey has helped to make my outlook on religion much stronger. I just wanted to share this article with everyone and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Vacation

Well, I had this awesome post about our trip and somehow managed to delete it (don't you hate it when that happens?!

Anyways, our trip was so much fun. We got spoiled by my mom... every morning when Joey woke up, she would feed him and let us sleep in!! My dad bonded with Joey daily... they took naps together! We went to the pool almost everyday, Joey even got in once!

Friday, we went out to the bar that my friends own. It was nice to see everyone. My cousin's Sara and Carrie were there with us. I even had a couple drinks! Well, a couple too many, but luckly, I felt ok the next morning. It felt so good to be out with my friends and having a good time!

Saturday, we went to church and saw Father Ray. He was so happy to see Joey for the first time.

Sunday, we went to the Cincinnati Zoo. It was 100+ degrees outside, so we left Joey home with my parents. It was a lot of fun though. The zoo had a nice hands on birds exhibit so we were able to feed them and dodge getting pooped on! Margaret and Maureen seemed to enjoy the zoo too!

Monday, my dad took Margaret and Maureen fishing for the first time. They each caught a fish, one caught a couple bluegills and the other caught a bass!!

On the 4th, we went met up with some of my friends from high school at Delco Park. The rain held off until about 10 minutes before the fireworks started so we braved the rain and enjoyed the fireworks show rain and all.

Unfortunatly, our trip went by way too quick but luckly, Joey and I are going back next month for the Dublin Irish Festival in Columbus.

We just got home today from our vacation to Ohio to see my family. It was so nice to be home with my family and friends. Patrick and I took his twin 13 yr old sisters with us. We had such a great time. I'll post details and pictures hopefully tomorrow. Right now, I'm extremely tired, we drove through the night last night then had dinner this evening over at my in-laws THEN I had to go to the grocery so I think it's time for me to hit the sack!!

Please repost!!

This was posted on the Connecticut DS message board and needs to be passed around ASAP... There's a little boy in China with DS and needs to be adopted ASAP!!

http://www.prolifeblogs.com/articles/archives/2006/06/urgent_adoption.php

We had a nice time over the weekend despite the rain. The Irish Festival was a lot of fun, I got Joey the cutest shirt that says, "I drink me milk by the pint"!! The twins danced at the feis and did pretty good. The music was great like always and I can't wait for next year. I'm actully going home to Ohio in August for another Irish Festival that is going to be even larger than the one we went to yesterday! Before I met Patrick, I never listened to Celtic music or even knew what a feis was, now I can't get enough!!

About a month ago, I planted a couple tomato plants in larger patio pots and they've been growing on our back porch. I just went out back to check on them, and they're going to outgrow the pots I currently have them in! And to top it all off... I actully have little green tomatoes forming!! SUCCESS!!!

I just want to thank Radonna for letting me copy her adorable DS blinkies!! THANK YOU!!

Onto a Joey update.

I finally got him to laugh today! Before, he would try to laugh, but no sound would come out, and finally today, I got a couple giggles out!! Now I just need a "MaMa"!!!!!! Of corse that's a couple more months down the road, until then, I have his new laughter :)

The past two days Joey has been trying so hard to hold onto his bottle. Well, he's been trying for a while, but yesterday and today he is determined to hold the darn thing. The only problem is, he can't seem to keep his left hand up, but practice will make perfect :)

He's also been sleeping a lot more lately. He sleeps through the night (10pm-7am) and his naps have been getting a little longer during the day (which has been nice for me). I've also been finding myself getting tired a lot more, being a mom is definetly hard work!! When I was younger I would look at my mom and think how fun and easy it would be to be a stay at home mom and I've found out how hard it truely is!!

This weekend is going to be a lot of fun. Patrick's friend, Curt from law school is coming for a visit. We haven't seen him since our wedding so it's going to be nice to see him again. And as long as the rain holds off, we're going to the Irish Festival. Pat's Dad's band is playing and the twins will be step dancing at the feis on Sunday. Good music & food, how much better can it get?

I figured since a lot of the other moms have shared their children's montage, I decided it was time I make Joey one too.


I can change the world!

It seems like everyday, Joey does something just a little different. Today, his smile seems to have gotten bigger.

Tonight, Patrick, his brother and I are going to a concert! It's our second time getting out by ourselves without Joey. It's going to be so nice to have a night to have fun and maybe even have a couple drinks. We're going to see one of my favorite bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd. I really need to start getting out more, it's like, I know I need to get out, but I don't want to leave Joey. And we don't leave him with just any babysitter, it's Patrick's sister Eileen who I trust with my life. Even when I leave Joey with Patrick, I feel like I have to hurry home to take care of Joey. Why can't I just take time for myself? Am I just weird or is it a first time Mom issue?

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to wish my husband a Happy Father's Day. A year ago from now, Patrick and I never expected to parents within a year of our wedding. We were married on May 28 and a little over a month later I became pregnant. He has been the best daddy ever, he doesn't even complain when changing a poopy diaper! Patrick and Joey are best buds and I don't see that changing ever!

Everyday when Patrick gets home from work, it becomes Daddy time. The first thing when he walks in the door he takes Joey from me and give him a big hug and kiss. He doesn't even put Joey down while eats his dinner. He cherishes every single moment with his son and I think that it is so wonderful.

Up & Going

I just came across this great article about a 45 year old man with DS in Malaysia who is considered one of the town's most important figures because of his job.

Say Cheese!!

I just wanted to share these new pictures that were taken by Joey's Aunt Stephanie (thanks Steph!). I just submitted the one with the race car bib to the NYC Buddy Walk photo contest... I love Joey's face in it!!

Cued Speech

I just signed up to take a workshop on Cued Speech and was wondering if any of the other T-21 parents have any experience with this or have any comments on this method rather than ASL or baby signing. Let me know!
Thanks!!!!

BUMBO!!!

Wow, I just realized how long it's been since I've given a true update! Joey is blabbling away now. He's so funny!
Joey loves sitting up although of course he can't do this on his own yet. I've been getting tired of dragging his high chair through the house so he can sit in it so last night Patrick and I went to Target and bought Joey a bumbo seat. He loves it!! I'll be sure to post pictures of him sitting in it as soon as I get a chance.
Speaking of the little devil... he's waking up from his nap so I better get going!!!

4 Legged Therapy

Last but not least... I just read a couple articles about horse riding therapy for children with disabilities. Pretty interesting... High Times With a Four Legged Friend by Susan Reinhardt and Horsing around, child’s play just another day at work for physical therapist by George Diepenbrock.

I also just found this article written by Jeremy Harmon. It's about a man with T-21 and about how times have changed since the 1960's and also about the accomplishments he has made in the special olympics.

Just a couple articles (thanks to RNP) that I found worth posting...

My Brother is Not His Disability written by Colgan Leaming.
Also, Down Syndrome, The Positives written by Peter Schworm.

Wonderful Weekend!

We had such a great weekend! First of all, our little vacation was exactly what we needed. Poor Patrick, he didn't want to go back to work today. Friday, we went to Mystic Aqaurium and to the Seaport. Of corse Joey slept through the first half of the aquarium. Then Saturday we went to our friend's wedding in Providence, Rhode Island. It was such a beautiful wedding! Joey was the hit of the day! All the women we're crazy about him! He's such a lady's man! On our way home on Sunday, we stopped back in Mystic and walked through some stores.

Friday night in the hotel, Joey had a HUGE breakthrough. He not only discovered that he has a voice and knows how to use it, but also that he can smile! Now he's babbling away! I'm so happy! He's such a little comic! Of corse, everytime he's smiling and I go to take his picture and stops smiling... I'll catch him one day soon! He also discovered mirrors a couple days before our trip and now he loves to watch himself!

Yesterday, we took Joey to the beach for the first time! Of corse the water was too cold to put him in yet, but the look on his face when I put his feet in the sand was priceless!

Sunday was our one year wedding anniversary. I can't believe I've been married for a year. That also means, I've been away from home and my parents for a year. It still doesn't feel like it's been that long. Where does the time go?

Focus of the positives!!

As I was reading an article that RNP's posted in her blog today, I decided to post how this article especially hits a personal note for me and Patrick. As most of you know, Joey too had a pre-natal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. The doctors told me that I had to option of terminating my pregnancy. Just like Harrison in the article, Joey already had his name. Looking at him now (even though he's only 2 1/2 months old), I could never imagine him not being here. Doctors need to focus on the positive, not the negative! There was only 2 doctors during my whole pregnancy that focused on the postitives of T-21. It was usually "you're child will be delayed in learning to walk, talk, ect..." and "your child many have many other birth defects". We were prepared for whatever God decided to throw our way. Fortunately for us, Joey was born perfectly healthy and got to come home from the hospital the same day as me.

I just don't understand how a woman could chose to end an innocent baby's life just because it has down syndrome. There are so many families that are willing to adopt a child with T-21. If you feel you cannot care for a child like this, there is a family that would be willing to. I just don't get it....

?!?!?!?!

It's people like this that truely piss me off...

Why would you steal from an organization that is out to do good?! Grr...

Making up for lost time

This article is such a tear jerker... it just shows how times have changed and society has improved (although it still has much more improvement to go...). Although the person in the article doesn't have T-21, this happened to many T-21 children years ago and it's so sad.

Learning as I go...

Wow, sorry for the lack of updates! Joey is doing pretty good. His acid reflux is slowly starting to get better. Everytime I would lay him down for a nap he would start crying then it hit me... "gee, when my acid reflux kicks in, it kills me to lay down, maybe if I sit him up, he'll feel better!" Sure enough... I sit him on my lap and he goes right to sleep! For naps, now I've been putting him in his baby swing and he loves it. I had his swing reclinded as far back as it would go and he hated it so I adjusted it to a more sitting position and he's fine. He also loves sitting in his high chair watching me in the kitchen too! I love learning new ways to keep him happy!!

The next couple weeks are going to be so busy! My brother in law is graduating from college in Long Island and my sister in law is graduating from college in Rhode Island both on Sunday! It's going to be such a confusing weekend! Half the family is going to one, the other half is going to the other. Then the following weekend, we have a wedding (which is also our first anniversary!) in Rhode Island. So we're going to stay a couple nights for our first family vacation! THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND my other brother in law graduates from high school! BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!

Anyways back to Joey... he's been getting so strong! His therapists are amazed at his strength!!!! He can already hold his head up for about 10 seconds on his own! He's also trying to reach for his feet! His speech therapist wants to start baby signing next week with him. She says he's alert enough to start!

A mad Joey!!!

Me and Joey

Nap Time!!!

Yesterday I took Joey to his 2 month check up and he's up to 9 lbs, 1 oz!! My little guy is growing so fast!!!! He's almost doubled his weight! He's also grown 1/2 inch taller since he was born. The doctor also gave him his vaccinations... poor little guy had a small reaction to them. He had a 101 fever and would barely wake up, scared me to death! So I paged his doctor and he called back and was like, "oh, that's normal, give him tylenol and call back if it doesn't go down". Gee, nice of him to warn us in advance of this! It's so difficult being a first time parent!

Yesterday was Joey's ENT appointment. The doctor didn't want to put him through the stress of looking in his ears and nose. He said his ear canals are still too small and it would hurt him too much. He also said he's not too worried about his hearing until he's around 6 months old. So I have to take him back in November to have everything looked at then. He did say that the noise we've been hearing from Joey that we thought was coming from his sinus is not from there that it's actully acid reflux due to him swallowing too much air when he's eating so now he's on medication for that. And it's actully working! He had been crying a lot and having a lot of gas, today he's already shown improvement! No crying today! Well, at least no gas pain crying, just hunger and poopy diaper crying.

Speaking of the little guy... I hear him waking up so time for a diaper change and bottle!

Our trip to Ohio went wonderful! My family and friends got to see Joey for the first time. My parents had an open house for anyone to come over and see us and it was so nice to see my people I haven't seen since the holidays. Everyone loved Joey to death! Especially my couins Carrie and Sara, and my brother. Here's a picture of Carrie with Joey... He did so good on the plane rides too! He slept almost the whole time and wasn't one of those crying babies that everyone hates to on the plane with. I actully had people commenting me on how good of a baby he is!! I just wish our trip could of lasted longer.

Tomorrow I take Joey to the ENT to see if there's fluid in it. His pediatrician doens't have the equipment to see in his little ear canals. Hopefully we'll get an answer as to why he keeps failing his hearing tests in that ear. He's also been congested since the day he was born so maybe he can help to fix that. I've always had ear/sinus issues myself so it wouldn't suprise me if Joey does too along with the fact that T-21 chldren usually have problems with their ears and sinus too.

Thank goodness Joey doesn't have strep throat... just me! Actully, my throat doesn't even hurt now but my ear is still killing me! Oh well, anyways, Joey's speech therapist came over yesterday and we worked on his feeding techniques. She gave me some softer nipples to use on his bottels so he can eat a little easier. And then today, his physical therapist came over and we worked on exercises. He can almost lift his head up, well he can for a couple seconds then it falls back down. The other cool thing she worked on him with was grabbing for toys! He's starting to grab (yay!). So now I know more exercises to do with him and before I know it he will be crawling!

I'm so excited for this weekend! My mom is coming tomorrow! I miss her so much! Then Sunday we have Joey's baptism and Tuesday I'm flying back to Ohio!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't been home in 4 months.... it's going to be so nice to see everyone!

This morning, Patrick is getting ready for work and he goes outside and comes back in and has this weird look on his face and says, "Ummm... there's ducks out front". I would of thought nothing of this if I was back in Ohio, but here in our neighborhood, there's no ponds, no creeks, nothing. They were the tamest little guys ever! I dunno if they were looking for a place to nest or what, but they were cute!

I just realized I got to post a new pic of Joey and that he starts physical therapy tomorrow and speech therapy Thursday! Of corse he's not going to be talking anytime soon but she's going to be helping to get his facial muscles stronger and to feed better. I also just joined a WebRing dedicated to raising children with down syndrome and down syndrome awareness, there's a link to it on the sidebar. I also wanted to let my new DS parent friends know that I also have a myspace (which I have met lots of other DS parents on. It's a great place to go for support and to hear other parents stories).

A couple days ago my right ear was little achey, but I strugged it off thinking it was sinus pressure, well I should of known better with my history of ear infections, but lately I've been stubborn. Anyways, I woke up this morning thinking my ear was going to blow off the side of my head it hurt so bad. So I call my doctor, no openings today or tomorrow (CRAP). So I get out the phone book and look for an urgent care. I guess it's an Ohio thing cause up here in Connecticut, they have clinics and they're nothing like the urgent cares in Ohio. I don't want to sound stuck up or like a rich snob (cause I'm not), but I finally found one that takes our insurance and I felt like I was at a poor person's clinic. It was so dirty looking and obviously needed up to date equipment badly! So, after waiting a hour to see the doctor, I get called back and they did a strep throat culture on me and it came back positive! I've NEVER had strep throat before in my life! Along with that, I have an awful ear infection that the doctor said if I would of waited another day or two, that my ear drum would of ruptured! So now I'm on horsepill sized antibotics (yay). Then on the way home I start thinking that maybe the reason Joey hasn't been eating or sleeping the past two days is because he might be sick too. So I call his doctor in a panic and they tell me to bring him in. His ears and throat look to be ok but they did an overnight strep test on him so I have to wait until tomorrow to get the results! The good news is, they weighed him today and he went from 6lbs 12 oz last Tuesday to 7 lbs 5 oz today!! He's getting so big!!!

A huge thanks to Josh for talking to me on the phone last night... I needed to hear from someone back home. I'm still feeling kinda blue, but better than yesterday. I'll try to update again tomorrow.

Joey had his first occupational therapy session today. It went really good, his therapist taught me some new exercises to do with him. She said his legs are stronger than a lot of down syndrome babies but still weaker than they should be and that his upper body is very weak. She also taught me some massages to do to his face to help stimulate his mouth muscles since he's having a harder time sucking on his bottles.

Today has been very frustrating... Joey has only taken 2 naps today (one of which is right now). Usually by this time he would of taken 4 or 5... this has made him very cranky and I've not been able to get ANY house work done. The only reason I'm on here is because I needed some time to myself and relax! Plus it helps to get my feelings out. I know having a child with specials needs is going to be more of a challange than a regular child, but DAMN... at times it's getting harder and harder now that he's becoming more alert. It takes him so long to drink a bottle because of his sucking problems and I know he can't help it, but it's getting so frustrating. I find myself missing Ohio more and more the more frustrated I get. I have more support in Ohio than I do here. Don't get me wrong... I have support from Pat's family, but I have no friends up here and I need friends right now. And I need my mom. It's starting to get really hard, I feel so alone. At times it's I'm up here and it feels like everyone has forgotten about me. Luckly Joey and I are flying to Ohio next Tuesday for 5 days so I will be able to see everyone.

Sorry about the kinda depressed post but bad days happen. Hopefully my next post will be happier.

I just had to post a couple new pics...

Ain't he just the cutest thing ever?!?!

Joey had his birth to three (physical, occupational, speech therapies) evaluation today. The therapists seem to have a good outlook on Joey's future. The physical therapist said he does have low muscle tone, but with work, we can make him stronger. The speech therapist says his tongue is too large and that's why he can't breast feed and is having problems sucking and swallowing out of a bottle at times. But they did say that he is better than many other down syndrome babies.

I actully went out by myself today for the first time! Patrick stayed home with Joey and I went out to Target. I needed to get out and see how I would do leaving Joey. I actully did better than what I thought I would do. I had birthday money from my family and I need a couple new shirts so I went and spent money on myself for the first time in a long time... of corse I also bought Joey stuff too, but it felt good to get myself some new things. I also got Alf season 1 on DVD!!! That was my favorite show to watch with my brother when I was little so I had to buy it.

Well I guess that's it for now, toodles!!!

Welcome Joey

Wow, I just realized I've not updated this thing since Joey was born! Things are going great! Joey is such a wonderful baby!!!! His personality is starting to show. He's so funny!!

We gave Joseph his first real bath last night. We had to wait until his little umbillical cord came off so needless to say, he wasn't too crazy about the bath. The minute his little butt hit the water, he peed all over my shirt!! Then he started crying, after a couple mintues, he finally calmed down.

Anyways, I will update again soon when I get a chance.

I figured I would give y'all a quick update. Wednesday I started having stronger contractions so I called up the doctor and they had me come in. I'm 1 centimeter dialated and my cervix is 50% thinned and the contractions were 7 mintutes apart. The doctor sent me home with instructions to drink lots of water because apparently, you can become even a little dehydrated and that can cause contractions, well, it worked for a while, but I'm still having contractions! The doctor said I could go like tomorrow or in a week! Babies with down syndrome are usually born early, rarely on time, So ANYTIME!!! Yesterday I started having more pressure too and I just feel funny. I just want to go into full labor and get this over with! I'm so excited now! So needless to say, I'm drinking lots of water to keep myself hydrated, my bags are packed for the hospital and now I just need my baby Joey to come!

Onto other news... we found a new home for Chewie. We are taking him to his new family tomorrow so that's really depressing but it's not only better for Patrick and I, but also for Chewie. He'll get more attention this summer with his new family than what we would be able to give him with a new baby. The really funny thing about this family is that the mom works at Yale in the Maternity Center so she's going to be one of the people taking care of me and Joey! They are very willing and want us to come visit Chewie and promised to keep us updated on how he is doing.

If I don't updated for a while or I'm not on AIM or MySpace, you know that I'm prolly in the hospital having Joey!

Wow, I'm way overdue for a new post on this thing so per Stephanie's request... here I go!

Not much new has been happening. Well I can't say not much... unfortunatly, we have to get rid of Chewie, which is totally breaking my heart but I have to think about my family first. He tried biting one of my brother in law's friends and he also snapped at me. We thought he was doing so much better and he's not. He's still snippy with strangers and since there's going to be therapists coming and going from our house for Joey, we just can't chance him biting one of them. Also, seeing that he snapped at me, now I don't trust him with Joey. So now I'm in the process of finding him a new home. I contacted a pet rescue and they are helping me to find Chewie the proper home. I get to interview the people interested in him over the phone and if I think they're a candidate, then take Chewie to see if they get along. If Joey comes before I find Chewie a home, he will go to a "foster home" rather than to a shelter. This is so unfair to him, but it's something I have to do. Anyways, before I start crying....

I finally got Joey's nursery finished! It looks so cute! Now I just need Joseph to make the room complete! Only 5 more weeks! I go next week to the doctor to see if I'm "progressing" for labor. And I go once a week now! I'm almost there!

For those of you who don't have a myspace... get one! It's so addicting seeing who all you can find from high school and to see what they're doing. Here's the link to mine.

Well I better go do some laundry or something! Toodles!

It's been a pretty good week. Valentine's Day was wonderful!! Patrick got me this beautiful necklace!! I love it so much! Today is his birthday. I can't believe he's 28! Poor guy, he's almost over the hill! Tonight we're going with his family and friends to the Irish Club to watch John Whelan play. It's going to be so much fun, I can't wait! Well I better get going, sorry for the short post, but I need to take a nap before we go out for the evening.

My poor body...

As my body keeps changing more and more, I'm noticing odd things...

-As I mentioned before, I HAVE NO BELLY BUTTON!
-Hot Flashes! I never used to get hot, always cold!
-Swollen feets and even toes!
-More freakles poping up all over the place!
-I HAVE TO PEE ALL THE DAMN TIME!
-Cravings for food I usually wouldn't eat... chicken wings, apples, celery, oreos (which I liked before, but now I go crazy for em), milk, ceral (apple jacks is awesome), tootsie rolls
-My emotions go crazy, like yesterday I got pissed off and usually I just let stuff blow over my head, but damn, I let something really get to me and I starting bawling (thanks Carrie for being there)
-Stiff joints all over the place! My poor hands!
-Some little dude's feet & butt pressing against my ribs on my left side and actully brusing them (ouchie)!!


Anyways, I went to the doctor on Wednesday and had an ultrasound done. They were concerned on how small Joey is. So they sent me out to Yale for a more "high tech" ultrasound to check his umbillical cord and placenta, I guess sometimes if there's a problem with either it can cause the baby to be small. Well, nothing is wrong with Joey besides the down syndrome, which the majority of DS babies are small to begin with. In addition, Patrick and I are both smaller people, so the two of those combined is making me have a small baby. Most babies by this time (33 weeks) are usually around 4 pounds so they were just concerned which about gave me a heart attack, but luckly everything is fine and like usual I'm just counting down the days until Joey is here! The good thing is, the doctor said my weight/ body is the picture perfect pregnancy, so that helped to make me feel better :)

On the same note with pregnancy, here's a cool article... you go girl!!!

Not much to update on. We had Pat's family over last night for the Super Bowl. I'm still working on Joey's nursery! I finally got a changing table/ dresser, and I put it together by myself!!!!! I was so proud. It even got my brother-in-laws approval! Speaking of which, he fixed our toliet!!! I was so happy (thank you Christopher!!!- Steph, he's the best!)!! For those of you who have been to our house... our toliet is a piece of crap (no pun intended) and our land lord said he fixed it BUT, to flush it, you had to hold the handle down until it was completly flushed then pull back up the handle... PAIN IN THE ASS, so Christopher fixed it. You have no clue how happy I am to have a toliet that works right!!! Ok, well I better get moving.

ZAP!

So last night Pat and I went to Petco and bought one of those anti-bark collars for Chewie, ya know, the ones that shocks the dog when they bark. Well... Chewie barks, it shocks him and he continues to bark through the damn shocks! He's not barking as much, but the little ass doesn't get the clue! Hopefully he'll learn after a while... BARK+COLLAR= ZAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who don't know Chewie, just understand that he HATES our landlord whom lives upstairs and will bark, snarl and actully snap at him. It gets very old when the dog does this every single time Bruce goes in and out of his door (which is multiple times a day). He also barks out of control at anyone who comes to our door and isn't very nice to people at times. We're trying to break him of this habit before Joey comes. Locking him up doesn't work, yelling, screaming, nothing works! So we're trying this. Pat and I aren't trying to be mean to the little guy, he just needs to learn to stop barking like he does. He's a little yapper!

HELP!

Edit: I read a little more into the collar... if he barks continously, the shock gets stronger. Well, he just had a really loud, long barking episode at Bruce and needless to say, it got him! He hasn't barked since :) I'll update soon!

RAINY DAY

I hate rainy days! I really need to get out of the house and get stuff done but it's raining and it's too cold out. Oh well, anyways, I've been calling around today trying to find a pediatrician for Joey. I just need to call a couple back since I called when the offices were closed for lunch.

My newest craving! CELERY!! Don't know why, but I've just been craving it! I ate a whole thing of celery the other day. I've never really been a big celery eater and now it's like all I can think of. Does celery even have any nutritional value?

Wow, I was just reading this online pregnancy guide... right now Joey weighs approx. 3-4 pounds! Only 2 more months to go! I still can't believe how close I am to having this little guy! So little time, so much to do!

Opps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be soooooo embarrassing!

Anyways, I had a nice weekend. Friday night, Patrick and I went to TGI Friday's. I didn't think I was ever going to stop eating! Saturday was our birthing class, aka Lamaze class. Pat and I couldn't help but laughing at times. We did learn a lot of helpful information, I don't want to call it good info cause for me, it's going to be PAINFUL, but that's ok. Joey will be worth it! Then we went over to Pat's parents house for dinner. Sunday, I did absolutly nothing! I felt sick most of the day until the middle of the afternoon, but then I still didn't feel right. I probley did too much on Saturday. Oh well.

I guess I better get some stuff done today. I need to call and order oil to heat the house with (buh-bye $400), and do laundry.

I went to the doctor yesterday and from what the doctor could tell by feeling my tummy, she said that Joey is right on track size wise and she guesses that he'll be around 6-7 lbs. Anyways, things are going great... I've been working on Joey's nursery. I got the crib set up with all the bedding in it (it looks so cute!!) and my rocking chair in there too. Now I just need his changing table/ dresser, then the room should almost be complete! This Saturday, Patrick and I have our childbirthing class... I can't wait to see how Pat does!

I'm starting to get homesick again, the worst part is... the doctors don't want me traveling anymore! I miss my family and friends back in Ohio so bad right now and it sucks since the next time I'll be able to travel is after I have Joey and he's able to travel which could take a couple months. I can't ride in a car for 12 hours and I can't fly due to the cabin pressure! I've never felt so stuck before! Not to mention so lonely... don't get me wrong, Patrick's family is awesome, but I need my family and friends too. At least my parents, Carrie, and brother will come up here when Joey is born (10 weeks to go!).

Ok, well I better get working on laundry and whatever else I can find to clean!

MIDNIGHT CRAVING!

OK, so it's not midnight, it's 11:15 and I'm starving! So far, in the past 20 minutes, I've eaten a bowl of strawberries, a granola bar, a pouch of fruit snacks, and a glass of orange juice... the bad part is... I'M STILL HUNGRY!!! 10 more weeks of these cravings and I'll be huge! The only thing left in the pantry is oreos and once I start with them, I won't stop so I better not start! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a new little feature here on my blog... I've started counting down the days till my due date (believe me, you would too!), so I found an online pregnancy countdown thingy. Unfortunatly, I can't figure out how to get it to the top of my blog so at the bottom of this page you will see my countdown. Hell, I'm proud I figured out that much! I'll update soon!

My parents had my dog, Peanut put to sleep this morning. I grew up with that dog, we've had her since I was 10 years old. The past couple months, she started getting sicker and sicker and finally stopped eating. My parents decided it was best to put her down.

Nutty was with me through good times and bad. She actully helped to pull me through some rather tough times. I am going to miss her terribly.

RIP Peanut- My Nutty Buddy

The Down Syndrome Creed

"WONDER" by Natalie Merchant

My face may be different, but my feelings the same.

I laugh, I cry, I take pride in my gains.

I was sent here among you to teach you to love.

As God in the heavens looks down from above.

To Him I'm no different, His love knows no bounds.

It's those here among you, in cities and towns,

that judge me by standards that man has imparted.

But the family He's chosen will help me get started.

For I'm one of His children, so special and few,

that came here to learn the same lessons as you.

That love is acceptance, it must come from the heart.

We all have the same purpose, though not from the start.

The Lord gave me my life to live and embrace.

And I'll do it as you do, just at my own pace.

-------------------

Remember we ALL have the same purpose.

Just because one has a disability or looks

different in some way, we are all God's children.

Remember this next time you see some one who's a little different!

BUTT PASTE!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, this is a real product! I recieved it at my baby shower (it's used for diaper rash- what a great name!), I just laugh everytime I see the name of it. Anyways, last night Christopher and the twins came over. My rocking chair and ottoman was delievered and needed to be assembled so I called my very handy brother in law to help. He also put together Joey's highchair for us. Well I better get back to cleaning, we're going to try to have the nursery put together by next week (as long as it doesn't rain or snow long enough for us to take the extra mattress & boxspring over to my in-laws for storage).

Last night Patrick and I were laying in bed and he out of nowhere asks me, "what do you think Joey will be like?". I had no clue how to answer, I don't know if he meant his down syndrome or just as a baby. I answered as a baby, I said, "a happy baby". I started to choke back tears, it hit me then and there that I'm going to be a mom in less than 3 months! I'm not upset about him having down syndrome or even nervous about the DS, I'm just nervous about being a mom. I've had this life growing in me for over 6 months now. It's really starting to hit me that my life is never going to be the same... it's going to be better. Patrick once asked me what I wanted to do or be after we got married, the only thing I could truely think of was a mom. I've always wanted to be like my mom and just stay home and raise my children. Now my wish is coming true! I have so many different emotions and feelings going through my body right now- happy, scared, nervous, excited... I could go on and on.

There are so many more things I need to do to prepare for Joey's arrival. Set up our birthing classes, get a tour of Yale's Maternity Center, take pre-baptism classes at church, find a pediatrican that has experience with Down Syndrome, and my favorite... fix up his nursery!!!!!!!! At times I feel so over whelmed not knowing if I'm missing something that I need to do. I've even gone as far as looking online for a list to look off of for stuff to pack when I go to the hospital!

I better go before I drive myself even more crazy thinking of all the things I still need to prepare for, time to do laundry!

I found this on a joke website and had to post it, enjoy!

24 Fun Things To Do In An Elevator...

1. Grimace painfully while smacking your forehead and muttering: "Shut up, dammit, all of you just shut UP!"
2. Whistle the first seven notes of "It's a Small World" incessantly.
3. Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside ask: "Got enough air in there?"
4. Offer name tags to everyone getting on the elevator. Wear yours upside-down.
5. Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
6. When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
7. Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake and ask them to call you Admiral.
8. On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go "plink" at the bottom.
9. Stare, grinning, at another passenger for a while, and then announce: "I've got new socks on!"
10. When at least 8 people have boarded, moan from the back: "Oh, no, not now, damn motion sickness!"
11. Meow occasionally.
12. Holler "Chutes away!" whenever the elevator descends.
13. Walk on with a cooler that says "human head" on the side.
14. Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce "You're one of THEM!" and move to the far corner of the elevator.
15. Wear a puppet on your hand and talk to other passengers "through" it.
16. When the elevator is silent, look around and ask "is that your beeper?"
17. Say "Ding!" at each floor.
18. Say "I wonder what all these do" and push the red buttons.
19. Listen to the elevator walls with a stethoscope.
20. Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers that this is your "personal space."
21. Announce in a demonic voice: "I must find a more suitable host body."
22. Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.
23. Wear "X-Ray Specs" and leer suggestively at other passengers.
24. Stop at every floor, run off the elevator, then run back on.

You Should Get a JD (Juris Doctor)

You're logical, driven, and ruthless.You'd make a mighty fine lawyer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

I find that so funny... I married a lawyer! And I find myself so far from wanting to be one!

Wow, I'm offically 6 months pregnant and in my third trimester! Less than 3 months to go!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!! I'm so nervous! I'm going to be a mom and my life is going to change so much! Joey has obvisously changed positions in my tummy. Before, I felt most of his kicks below my belly button and now it's all above my belly button. Also, my tummy moves around so much now. You can actully see him move around. Before you could see it, but he moves so much more now that he's turned.

Anyways, we had one heck of a snow storm yesterday. I find it so funny that they name the big snow storms up here. This was the second one of the season, "Winter Storm Beverly". I just find that weird.

I have to agree with Josh... I think the Bengals will go to the Super Bowl. Gotta have faith.... it's been way too long since they've had the chance and they kick ass this year. It would be awesome if it was the Bengals vs. the NY Giants (Pat's favorite team). Both teams have had great seasons. Monday night was awesome when OSU beat Notre Dame. Notre Dame is not only Pat's favorite team, but also his father's. So I had my minute of glory when OSU won. It felt great!!!!!!!!!!!!

A day late but Happy New Year!!! We had such a busy weekend! It was a great time. Friday, Pat's friends from law school, Greg & Erica called us. They were in Boston with his sister and were coming down to Connecticut to go to the casino, so we met them there Friday night. We had dinner then played the slot machines. Of corse we lost, but it was still fun.

Saturday, Pat and I cleaned all day. His family came over that night to exchange gifts and to watch the ball drop. I think the funniest gift of all was the gift that Steph and Christopher gave Patrick. It was this old, ripped up T-Shirt of his that I couldn't stand! I tried throwing it away but he wouldn't let me, well, they took it and framed it along with a picture they found of him wearing it years ago. It was great!

Yesterday, we were lazy and didn't do much of anything. Went to church and that was about it. I didn't feel too good, so I slept a lot. Oh, I made chicken and noodles... it was pretty good.

Ok, I guess that's about it for now!

I'm not sure to add a link to the side of my blog so this is a link to my online picture album...

Christmas was wonderful!! It was so nice being with my family and having Patrick there with me. Let's see...

Friday- We had dinner with my parents, Charlie, and Tony (Pat's room mate from law school) then, we went to Softrock for their customer appreciation party. Met up with Sara, Alicia, Tony, Josh, Jenna, Ashley, Nate, and all my other Softrock friends. It was a great time!!

Saturday- Christmas Eve... slept in, went to church with Grandma Fetty and Aunt Mary Jo, then went to my Aunt Mary Beth's to see the Carolus', then we went home and exchanged gifts.

Sunday- again slept in, then went to Grandma Fetty's for lunch and a game of Fetty style bingo, then Patrick and I went to go see Helen at Lincoln Park Manor, then went to Terry Paul's for dinner with the Carolus's (again).

Monday- Poor Patrick, he was so sick ALL DAY LONG!! So, I hung around the house and took care of him, then went with my mom and Connie to my baby shower that Laurie and Aunt Dolores had for me. I felt so bad though... none of the Carolus' could be there... they were all sick just like Patrick, luckly it was only a 24 hour flu. But the shower was a great time for all that were there. Joey got lots of cute clothes!!!! We also got his bassenet, high chair, and most of his bedding set.

Then yesterday- we did the oh so lovely drive from Ohio back to Connecticut. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike driving though Pennsylvania?!?!?!

Anyways, got lots good stuff for Christmas. The big gift I was so happy to get was a sewing machine that my parents got me. Anyways, I better get back to cleaning!!

I figured this would be my only time to post until after Christmas since we're leaving tomorrow for Ohio. Today I did a little last minute shopping and got my eyebrows waxed (OUCHIE!!!). Now I just need to finish wrapping the gifts and pack. I just got my car cleaned out so at least I have one thing finished. Today it's like I wrap one to three gifts, then Joey decides to kick my bladder so I have to get up and pee like every 15 minutes to half hour. I really hope he doesn't do this tomorrow or it's gonna be ONE LONG RIDE!

For those of you in Ohio who may read this, Patrick and I will be at Softrock friday evening, so try and stop by and say hi. It's pretty much our only chance to see our friends.

Well, yesterday after I posted, I got a call from my mom. She was like, "You're never going to believe what you're father did!" Needless to say, he was working and in a hurry like usual, fell and at that point thought he broke his ankle. He was at a different factory making a delivery and there was no one else outside, and he couldn't get up!!!! So he called 911. Thank goodness he only sprained his ankle and didn't break it. But they still wrapped it up good and he's using cruches. Poor guy :(

Anyways, I just want to say Merry Christmas to everyone and that I hope you all have a great weekend with your families!!

Wow, I'm posting two days in a row!! Chewie is being so bad this morning! He won't stop barking and it's driving me crazy!! He's obsessed with barking at our landlord, they don't like eachother and Chewie lets him know how much he doesn't like him, except today, our landlord isn't even home but Chewie thinks he is! Crazy dog.

Unfortunatly, I have to go to Walmart today. I used to love our SuperWalmart, until last month when everyone decided that they love it too. I really hope the crowds die down there quick, it takes like 1/2 hour to check out in the darn place due to the long lines!!! And people in the store are so rude! Oh well, that's the East Coast for you.

I'm also trying to figure out what to fix for New Year's Eve dinner. Patrick and I are having his family over to exchange gifts and watch the ball drop. I have to think of something that the twins will eat. Maybe tacos, except I'll use ground beef instead of turkey so Pat's brother doesn't get grossed out :) That should be easy enough for over 10 people. So Steph, you guys are coming over here for New Years Eve!

Well I better get in the shower then off to run my errands for the day!!!

Not much has been happening. It seems like I'm getting bigger everday! It's funny laying in bed and watching my belly move. I actully felt Joey get the hiccups yesterday... that was weird. It was a lighter movement that was constant for like 5 minutes.
Patrick and I finally got all of our Christmas shopping done, well all but my mom but I know what I'm getting her, just got to go get it.
Last night I decided I needed to trim Chewie's hair... it took Patrick holding him down while I cut his hair. Needless to say, after a few minutes, we gave up!!!
Ok, I've run out of things to blab about.... Toodles!!!

I've been baking Christmas cookies all darn day! And I just went to start baking another type of cookie and realized I don't have one of the ingredients. Grrrrr.... so I'm taking a quick break, then running to the store.
Not much has been happening. Still a little sore from falling down the steps. Joey is doing great, it seems like everyday he starts kicking me harder and harder. Not to mention that I'm getting HUGE!!!!
Patrick, Chewie, and I leave next Thursday for Ohio for Christmas. I can't wait! It's going to be a long drive, but that's ok.
Anyways, I better get to the store and get back to baking!

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! I just wrote a really long post, then I pressed the wrong button and deleted the darn thing!! Opps... anyways, I'll try to remember what all I wrote about.
Mom and Dad came up the week of Thanksgiving. They went with me to Joey's fetal echocardiogram appointment. His heart is good!!!! There are no holes large enough to detect, just a little bit of fluid around his heart. But the doctor saw no reason to have a cardiologist on standby when he's born, that's one less Specialist in the delievery room!!!!
Thanksgiving day was great. It was our first holiday with both the Carolus's and Heeran's together! It was a great day. Even Chewie had a good time over at Pat's parent's house playing with everyone.
That weekend I went back to Ohio with my parents for a week. On the way to Ohio, we stopped at Orange County Choppers... it was pretty cool seeing a lot of the bikes we see on TV. I even got to see the NY Yankees Chopper.
I managed to keep myself somewhat busy in Ohio. Spent time with family and friends. I didn't have a car to go places and had to rely on people to come get me. But it was nice to be home for more than a weekend.
I had a big scare yesterday. I fell down the porch steps. They were covered in ice and I was even telling myself as I started down them "be careful, there's ice", but next thing I knew, I was falling and then I was on the driveway. Luckly, I went down on my backside and not my belly. I ended up falling down 5 steps. So I went back inside and called my doctor. They told me to come in right away. It was so scary, I didn't feel the baby move for 45 minutes. I thought that I had hurt him. The doctor checked both me and Joey out, and things seem to be ok. I'm just very sore and have one HELL of a bruised butt. I had a guardian angel on my shoulder yesterday, that's for sure!!!
Well, hopefully, I won't delete this entry. I need to get started on Christmas cards!

Hey there,
Just thought I'd give y'all a quick update.
Mom and Dad will be here on Friday!!! I'm going to be so busy with them next week! Then a whole week back in Ohio!! I've been trying to decided what food to fix for Thanksgiving. I told Pat's mom I would help her cook that way she's not stuck doing it all herself.
I feel so bad for Pat's sister Kerry! For those of you who might remember, she's the one who was in the bad motorcycle accident in August... well, Sunday night she hit a deer and totaled her car! Talk about bad luck!!! I feel so bad for her! Her insurance won't cover her car being fixed so they have to total it unless they can find someone real cheap to fix it. Plus, she doesn't have the money to have it fixed right now. She just started an intern job with a newspaper and isn't making much money. But looking at her car, I don't know how that deer didn't go completely through her windshield! It was all caved in and there's glass all over the front seat of her car, and how she didn't get her face cut up, I have NO clue! She got really luckly again for the second time this year!
Time Magazine just published an article http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129545,00.html It's titled "The Down Dilemma, Is a life with the syndrome worth living? A first-trimester test raises the question earlier than ever" In my opinion (along with many other Down Syndrome moms), they could of picked a much better title than that. Of corse a life with down syndrome is worth living! What life isn't worth living?! Every unborn child deserves a chance at life! I just needed to share my anger with Time Magazine with you guys.
Well, only 2 more days of work left! I'll update again soon!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My belly button is disappearing!!!!!!!!! My innie is now almost flat and soon will be an outie!!! Being pregnant is so cool but really weird at times. Joey lets me know when he's not happy... like when I lay down the wrong way and Joey doesn't like it, he will kick constantly until I get into a position that he likes. Anyways, I need to go find something to feed Patrick for dinner! BYE!

Listen to the Mustn'nts, child
Listen to the Don'ts
Listen to the Shouldn'ts
The Impossibles, the Won'ts
Listen to the Never Haves
Then listen close to me-
anything can happen, child
Anything can be.
-Shel Silverstein

Chewie's newest favorite thing to play with... cheaper than squeaky toys!!


Well, good news!! I had my ultrasound done... the cystic hygroma is almost gone! I'm so happy! He has crooked pinky fingers, something slightly wrong with his bowels, and his umbilical cord is coiled very well. The umbilical cord is the doctors' biggest worry, it can get tangled around him when he's being born so they have watch it with the ultrasounds. The other really good news is that from what they could see on the ultrasound there is nothing major wrong with his heart. The week of Thanksgiving I have to have a fetal echocardiogram done which will check his heart more.
Onto a little bit of bad news... I lost my job. My last day at Yale is November 18. You see, I'm considered a temp, not a permanent employee and legally, they had to post my job internally within the university and hospital for so long, well a permanent Yale employee decided they were interested in my job and since they had the same experience as me, they had to give my job to them. Hopefully I'll be able to collect unemployment for a while, Patrick is checking into it. If not, we're screwed, cause nobody will hire me now. I'm over 4 months pregnant and who would want to hire someone that could only work for a couple months!? Legally, places of employment can't say no to hiring a pregnant woman, but they still do. The other crappy thing is that there's no other positions that I can find at Yale that I could do. Oh well, things will work out somehow.
Mom and Dad are coming up for a visit the week of Thanksgiving! I'm so excited, then I'm driving home with them to Ohio for a week!!!!!! It will be so nice to be home for more than a weekend!
Patrick and I went to the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress Convention today. It was very interesting . We met a lot of other DS parents, which helped to make me feel not so alone. I can't believe how HUGE the DS community is! We also got to talk to one of the best doctors in Connecticut who specializes in down syndrome.
Ok well, I don't know what else to update about... I think I've covered just about everything. I'm just sitting here waiting on Patrick to get home and we're going over to his parent's house for the evening.

The wedding went great! No problems, I did feel like a cow in the dress but Patrick says I looked great so thats all that matters :) The twins danced at the reception, Stephanie caught the Eileen's flowers and Christopher caught the garter which I thought was so cool that the two of them caught them! The band was awesome! I got to meet more of Patrick's family that I had never met before including his cousins from Texas. Besides the cold, nasty rain, it was a great day!
I stayed home from work today, I had the most awful headache last night and woke up this morning with it still, so I called off. It seems to have almost gone away (thank goodness!)
Little Joey keeps kicking, its so weird! Before, it felt like little flutters, but now, it actully feels like a little kick! He does it the most after I eat and when I lay down for bed. I had some blood work done and it came back negative for spina bifida and a couple other neurological problems (thank God), but it did also show the down syndrome. Next Tuesday I go for my next ultrasound, so pray that the cystic hygroma has gotten smaller and that there's nothing else wrong with him. I somehow have a feeling that he's going to be ok. I do want you guys to read this http://www.ctdownsyndrome.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=41 that actully is a very good description on how Patrick and I have felt the past couple weeks and even how some of you might feel about our Joey too.
For those of you in Ohio that remember my dad's best friend Sandy, he passed away Monday. You all know he was very sick with cancer so he's in a better place now. Dad seems to be ok, a little depressed, but ok. The viewing is tonight, I just wish I could be home for it, but at least I got to see Sandy when I went home a few weeks ago. The Carolus family will definetly miss him, he was a dear friend and second father to me.
RIP Sandy

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted... I've been so busy, and when I get home I'm usually too tired to even go online. I'm actully bored at work right now so I thought I'd do a quick update. Nothing new on the baby. No more appointments until Novemeber 1 when I have my next ultrasound.
I'm so excited! My sister-in-law Eileen is getting married this weekend. So I get to walk down the eisle with Patrick for the 2nd time in less than 5 months! It's going to be such a fun weekend. I'm going to be a bridesmaid for the first time ever! Of corse I'm going to look like a cow in a maternity dress but thats ok... it's still gonna be a lot of fun.
OK well, I better get back to work.

Yeah, well, most of you know what's going on, for those of you who don't, here it is. I've not had the easiest pregnancy so far between all the morning/ evening sickness, and my trip to the hospital when I was bleeding. The doctors have been watching after me and 2 weeks ago, I had another ultrasound done and they found a couple things wrong with the baby. I had to go in and have a CVS (Chorionic villus sampling). It's where they take a very long (and painfull needle) into my stomach down into the baby's placenta. Anyways, they pretty much took a biopsy of the placenta and took it for testing. Yesterday, Patrick and I got the call that all parents to be dread getting, the baby has down syndrome. We won't know for another 4 weeks the extent of the birth defects. We just have the pray for not much. We already know that it has a Cystic Hygroma, which is a fluid filled sac on its neck, and what seems to be barly any of a nasal bone. Luckly, we seem to have the BEST support group with all of our family and friends that anyone could ask for. I just ask that everyone prays for our little Joseph (yes the test also confirmed that it's a boy!!!!) Patrick and I both seem to be doing ok, it's very hard to come to terms with, but we're going to love Joey with all our hearts and souls just like we would a healthy baby. When I find more out, I'll post whatever I know to keep everyone updated.
-Jess

Lots of things have been happening, too much to write about in here but everything is ok. Work has been going good, I'm finally starting to truely get the hang of things there. It's just hard dealing with cancer patients all day long. Patrick is doing really good, busy at work. Chewie... is a little crazy dog like usual. Right now he's running back and forth through the house with a pumpkin squeekie toy (that he blew the squeeker out of 15 minutes after I gave him the damn toy!).
I'm so excited to be going home this weekend! I really just need to come home and see everybody. I still don't know how I've done it... I've only been home twice since our wedding! I can't wait to see my parents! It's so hard.
Well, Pat just got home so I'll talk to y'all later.

Here are the ultrasound pictures from monday... this first one, the baby is sucking its thumb. This one, the baby has its head kinda between its legs like it's mooning the camera :)
Here my little bambino is doing flips!
This one, it's being good and resting :)

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Our computer decided to be a poohead and freeze everytime we turned it on and finally I think I fixed it. Computers are so weird! Anyways, things are going good. We had a bit of a scare last Thursday, Pat had to take me to the ER, but luckly the baby is ok and I just spent the whole weekend on bedrest and I'm not allowed to lift very much for the rest of the pregnancy. As soon as this blog thingy will allow me to download a picture, I will post a new ultrasound pic on here also.

Right now I'm just sitting here waiting on Patrick to get home, then tonight I get to clean the kitchen (yay).

Also, so all you Ohio people know if I haven't already told you, I will be home the second weekend in October. It's saurkraut festival weekend and I can't miss that!!! Pregnant and give up the kraut fest?!?!?! I dunno if the baby is going to like saurkraut too much, but we'll find out!

OK, well I better get going and cook dinner!

Well, I felt the baby move tonight!!! I've been feeling it, but I just realized what it really is... it's almost like a fluttering movement. It's so weird! Anyways, our trip the Cape Cod was really nice. We spent a day in Plymoth and we saw plymoth rock and the replica of the Mayflower. Unfortunatly, the water was too cold to go swimming but it was still very nice. Too bad, I had to go back to work on Tuesday. But tomorrow is already Friday!!! And I think it's time to go eat ice cream!
Toodles!

Wow, I'm slacking on this updating thing... I've been really busy between work, trying to clean, cook, do laundry, and doctor's appointments! Patrick and I are taking somewhat of a honeymoon this weekend up to Cape Cod. His aunt runs a bed and breakfast there so we're going to go and stay there with her. There seems to be a fair amount of stuff to do up there so we'll keep busy. Anyways, I'll update again after this weekend.
Toodles!