Our Unexpected Journey

Monogram Wreath...For Valentines!

2012-01-24T17:48:00.006-05:00

So remember this post about an easy holiday monogram wreath you can make??

Well if you made one, I hope you kept it because it most definitely can be used for Valentine decor...

I had mine on the door by itself after Christmas and decided I wanted to add more to it. Well then I got to "dilly dallying" as Mike calls it because I'm a major "dilly dallier". After digging through bins I found an old wreath from last year that I decided to spruce up instead but really wanted to continue to use my monogram wreath throughout the winter! I think it looks great in the dining room on this old window!

This is not the wreath I was just talking about but it's another old one that I found in the attic and it was a little beat up from surviving several Pennsylvania winters so I just turned it over to the other side, hung it a little crooked for fun and it works just fine!

This is the wreath I was talking about. I made the main wreath last year, you can go here for how to make it. But then as I continued to "dilly dally" I added a few things like the red, wired ribbon and the oh so fun white, feather balls and then well of course I had to add a tiny little letter "D"!! Cannot have a wreath without the initial;)

I really don't decorate too much for Valentine's Day but the winter can be so long even if there's no snow so it's fun to liven up the house a bit.

A little "frou-frou"? Perhaps but Valentine's Day is a "frou-frou" holiday so why not!

Linked up to:
Savy Southern Style
Home Stories A to Z

Our Unexpected {normal} Journey...

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000-05:00

Looking back at how many blog post I had in the previous year, there has been a big decrease in the amount lately. Of course every day life with 3 kids takes over, moving, holidays, all that. But what I've come to realize and what I never thought would be is: our unexpected journey is pretty darn "normal". At least to me it is and maybe I haven't blogged as much because the crazy life I thought I was going to have with a child that has special needs isn't all that crazy after all. Maybe there's just not a whole lot to blog about. Or maybe it is crazy and I've just gotten used to it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: You adjust. You adjust to your new normal. Everyone's "normal" is different. Everyone has there own kind of craziness in their lives. And I think we all eventually adjust.

Of course my life hasn't been "peachy keen" over the last few years but looking back day to day, it's just.... normal. It's OUR normal. Yes, life can be "normal" with a child that has special needs. I never thought it would be but right now, it is. As far as the future...that's another post for another day.

So with all of this I've realized I haven't updated in a while on anyone really so here goes:

Bennett:

Lot's more walking from this one!!! So fun to watch!
Lot's more talking and signing! I need to share a video of him with his little flash cards, so cute!
We're working on color recognition, counting, saying 2-3 word sentences-still a ways off on this but he has said "ball please" and "want ball" several times. He's initiating things that he wants or doesn't want;) so much more now instead of grunting or crying like: "up", "more", "down", "no", "again", "beats" {fresh beat band;)}.
With all these positive things there are some negatives though: feeding-no real change...ugh. Enough said on that. Juuust about to lose it in that department.
Also, B is extremely attached to me, what can I say the, the kid LOVES me and he's with me ALL.THE.TIME! So...church nursery isn't going so well lately but they haven't had to come get me and they've been very sweet about it. I think I just need to stop apologizing for my crying kid and realize that he's 2, and it has nothing to do with Down syndrome, it's a phase, he'll get over it. But he is pretty darn good at manipulating me;0

Harper:

She's loving preschool and
She's registered for kindergarten! Ahhh!
Harper is a pretty easy kid when it comes to learning things for school and such but she's still 4 so that's a challenge all by itself.
She loves dance, can't wait for her birthday...in May (still talks about it like it's next week though) and pretty much seems to love life.

Ainsley:

She had a birthday in December and turned 7!! Can't believe my baby is 7!
She's loving school as well, reading, adding, subtracting and enjoys playing school when she's not in school.
We have year-round school in NC so during "track out" she plays with the neighbor's girl and they learn from each other while playing school-it's great!
Ainsley has lost 7 teeth and a recent dentist visit revealed that she may need some teeth pulled as well as braces in the near future. That wasn't a surprise.

Mike:

The new job seems to be going well.
A new position always brings new "things" but Mike handles stress incredibly well.
He's been running a ton and I'm so proud of him! I keep pushing him to run "just 10 minutes more" and for weeks he said "NO" but now he is and the girls get so excited when they see daddy running by the house because he's going "just a little bit further"! Nagging from a wife isn't always so bad;)
He had a birthday in December as well!

Me:

Mike has done something to the computer and this is the only pic I can add to the blog right now-lol and ugh! Really hoping that's fixed soon!! But this is me last week, just in case your weren't sure;)

As always, I'm thinking of ways to decorate my house, change things up and so on. Pinterest continues to inspire me. And with a new house, I've got lots of "plans"!
I've decided to face some fears, get out of my comfort zone as far as exercise goes and compete in a triathlon so I've upped my running.
Now I need to get back in the pool after being out of it for 12 years and learn how to ride a bike again;)
I celebrated a birthday too and I'm feeling very old (Mike, Ainsley and I are all within weeks of each other!)
I'm also trying to grow my hair out. I know, I'm not very exciting.

But that's us. Just "normal" I guess. May not be normal to some but whatev. We're enjoying the new year so far and I'm looking forward to forming deeper friendships, making new ones, keeping in touch with old friends, more decorating, more crafting, more milestones, kindergarten for H, preschool for B, family time, a warm spring {hopefully}, good health... just a happier year in general.

Thank you for reading our little blog and for all the recent comments lately about how you found us and why you follow. Whatever the reason, I'm glad you're here!

A cure for the winter {decorating} blues....

2012-01-06T18:15:00.009-05:00

It's called post-Christmas-decor depression. At least that's what I call it. You take down all the holiday decor and your house feels bare. The holidays are over and you're wondering what to do now. Some of you don't even really decorate for the holidays anymore or don't celebrate it so you're ahead of the rest of us-no post-Christmas-decor blues for you! But for those of us that went crazy with our garland, wreaths, bows, and whatever else we found on pinterest;) here's my little "pick me up":

Nature! Go outside and bring it in! Snow {epson salt!} and pine cones-why not? Also...pops of color-I'm loving light blue and red right now and probably always will.

White is always refreshing, wintry but still warm.

I saw this on pinterest {where else?!} and since we have a MILLION pine cones in our yard, I thought it would be an easy fix for my windows that once had glittering ornaments hanging but looked so bare after the holidays. I just gathered the pine cones, got my jute string that I use for pretty much everything, hot glued the string to the cones and attached it all to the window with a clear thumb tack. Simple, natural decor.

Here's more of my pops of color-red against blue. The walls are a very light blue by the way, which is very hard to tell with the lighting of these pics-more on the color in a few.

I adore silhouettes and these were so inexpensive and capture my kids right down to Harper's little button nose-love it!

Of course I didn't forget my bub, Bennett;)

Here's the family room, de cluttered from all the holiday decor. I'm keeping the wintery red/snowflake pillows because they make me happy and will probably change them out for a more nautical look come spring or maybe chevron because if you ask me you can never go wrong with chevron. The white pillows stay because white goes with everything!

So I'd like to change out the dark wool rug for something much lighter but just can't seem to find what I'm looking for that's not too pricey and good for dogs and kids! Any suggestions?? I'm looking for something less traditional (I'm thinking big stripes) and basically cheap but still stands up to stains-lol, help me out people!

The other side. See how different the blue walls look from this angle?

More nature for you and an awesome little, silver set from my grandmother.

And the view from the kitchen.

This is probably my favorite house we've had so far {this is our fifth one btw} and not because it's the biggest {it isn't} or the newest {it isn't} or the one with the nicest appliances or the trendiest light fixtures {it isn't} but because it fits our family the best. It's warm, it's homey, it's solid, and we're truly comfortable in this home.

Here's the color I used for most of the downstairs. It's called "In Your Eyes" from Benjamin Moore and I'm soooo happy with it! Using blue in the main living area was a big change for me but it's been a "dream" of mine so I'm glad I took the leap from my old color palette of green and gold. So much lighter and brighter for me. I swore I wouldn't paint another house because I hate painting but I just couldn't help myself!

Oh and I've been meaning to share a very small project of mine {another pinterest inspired one}-the numbered stairs! No, I did not paint them! I paid $12 for these cool vinyl stickers and while it took a while to get them centered and straight {still not sure if they are}, I think they're so fun.

I've got lots of decorating goals in this house this year but hoping not to spend much. One last thing I want to share, a little goal of mine: to add more pictures like these....

I just love old pictures but especially ones that actually have meaning. My dad.

Enough said, period.

My heart could burst with pride. Okay, I know, enough said.

My mom and me (in the stroller) in the Netherlands. I think we look so much alike when I see her in this picture and I love her style. My mom has always been quite the fashionista.

So I want to incorporate older family pictures in with the new ones.

I hope this has inspired you some to use what you have if possible, throw in some pops of color (take some risks!), bring in the nature, and mostly decorate your home with things that make you and your family happy!

Linked up to:
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/wow-us-wednesdays-48.html

Sometimes life...

2012-01-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

{~~or perhaps pinterest at times~~;)} gets in the way of blogging. It's been a while.

Christmas came and left before we knew it but here's a few pics of what we've been up to for the last few weeks...

Christmas morning- trying out a new toy! On the left is Seth (my brother-in-law) and then Ty and Micah-my sweet nephews.

My sister came all the way from Chicago with her family and we had some gorgeous North Carolina weather to share with them!

My sister Alexa with her dog Bear and Micah.

Micah and Ty were loving the warm weather!

We did have one rainy day so we decided to take the kids ice skating indoors...

Needless to say Ainsley didn't have much fun.

It was a rather interesting experience. Harper had fun and begged to go the very next day. I told her maybe in a few weeks and maybe just her;)

Bennett enjoyed time away from therapy or maybe that was just me;). But he became quite attached to Grammy (my mom). There are only two adults (other than Mike and I) that Bennett will really go to and sit with and that's Grandpa (Mike's dad) and Grammy. Hopefully we can add more to his list this year.

Well then after my family left, on New Year's Eve we were lucky enough to have The Tobins come to visit!! Remember this sweet boy??...

Yes, it's precious Colin. And let me tell you, he is a love! I mean seriously!

Bennett had fun sharing all of his toys!

We always like to try for that perfect group picture, don't think it's happened yet! We seem to forget we have two little boys!

The boys are getting so big! {Well Colin is, not so sure about Bennett...just kidding!} We first met Colin and his family almost 2 years ago. Hope to be able to see them every year for many years to come!

So here we are, 2012. Last year was very hard on our family so we're all hoping and praying for a nice, quiet year. Time to settle into our lives. I think we've all felt a little unsettled with new circumstances, new houses, just a whole lot of newness to get used to.

We don't have anything big on the horizon and I like it just fine that way.

Sometimes life...

just needs to be quiet.

Quiet is good.

Happy New Year.

Use What You Already Have...

2011-12-16T16:45:00.001-05:00

This is something I do ALL.THE.TIME. I go up into my attic, search through bins and go shopping...in my own house. This is what I "bought" today....

An old hurricane, epson salt, yankee candle wrapped in left over wrapping paper from last year, tiny ornaments I found in a drawer and jute string=easy and cheap kitchen counter decor;) And it smells good too!

Seriously, just throw what you have together and see what you get, you may be surprised. Okay, so there are some limitations but if you like it and it makes you smile, that's all that matters;)

Merry Christmas!

I have a favor to ask you...

2011-12-12T14:40:00.021-05:00

I REALLY need you to very simply vote for my friend Melissa, as she is currently in first place to win $100,000 for The Ikea Life Improvement Project!! Her project means a lot to me because it's for her son's preschool and what we hope will be Bennett's preschool next fall. Go here if ya just want to vote for it and skip my reasoning for why you need to do it;):

http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com/FinalistDetails.aspx?FinalistId=4

But if you still need a reason why: The school is called The Frankie Lemmon School and it's a preschool for children with special needs. Now, I've thought long and hard about where I want Bennett to go and why I want him going to a particular school. Believe me people, I analyzed it to death. And in my heart, this is truly where I think Bennett will succeed, learn, grow and get prepared for kindergarten. It was a simple decision with the girls but it hasn't been with Bennett. There are sooo many other factors that go into the decision with him.

So Melissa plans to donate the money for technology such as ipads (they already use these in the classes but need more), more education for the teachers that work with these great kids and a website to help other teachers across the country that also work with kids with special needs. Melissa was a teacher herself so she knows what teachers need.

The Frankie Lemmon School is truly a wonderful place. If she wins, this money will help it be an even better place for these awesome children!

So just vote for it, will ya?! It takes 10 seconds!! Here is the direct link again:

http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com/FinalistDetails.aspx?FinalistId=4

Don't forget to confirm your email address after you vote the first time {Only the first time you vote do you have to confirm it but you can vote every day!!!:)}

You won't get spam and you won't get contacted. Just vote!! Voting ends DECEMBER 23rd!!

Vote, Vote and Vote again!!!!

I'll be sure to remind you again though!

Thanks so much to all who have already voted!! Melissa and The Frankie Lemmon school are overwhelmed with all the love!!

From Our Family To Yours...

2011-12-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

Our Halls Are Decked...

2011-12-05T18:18:00.006-05:00

Our tree is trimmed...

and so is our bed;)

Our candles are lit.

Our stockings are hung.

Our cards have been mailed out and new ones are arriving.

It's Christmas time in this house and Santa Claus is comin' to town;)

Linked up to:

and
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/wow-us-wednesdays-44.html

and

http://www.thenester.com/2011/12/2011-christmas-tour-of-homes-2.html

Kelly's Korner

The start of the season...

2011-11-27T20:40:00.004-05:00

...Turkey day!

Thanksgiving 2011

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with some of Mike's family at our house! Mike is an awesome ~~cook~~ chef;) and had everything timed and cooked perfectly once again. I have to give credit to my husband because the man knows how to cook, pretty much anything. Now, I did contribute with 2 casseroles {I can cook, just don't really care for it} and of course Mike's mom helped a bunch too. All in all it was a great holiday!

Mike decided to grill the turkey this year...it was awesome!!

We really do have lots to be thankful for! Bennett got a clean bill of health at the cardiologist this past week, Mike has a job, we're all for the most part healthy. Everything happens for a reason, I've learned that in life and truly believe it.

And so the tradition continues, "Charlie" our elf on the shelf made his debut the day after Thanksgiving and the girls are having fun finding him every morning in his new spot;). Except when Charlie "forgets" to change spots...ehem.

But the house is all decorated {I'll share that in a bit} and now I'm working on some cute outfits for a Christmas parade. I haven't sewn like this in a while (since my dad passed a way) so it's nice to get back to it and have the girls excited to wear something I made.

Looking forward to a good month ahead with more family and friends visiting, parties and birthdays!

A little here, a little there...

2011-11-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

A little Christmas everywhere!

So you know Thanksgiving is next week right? Well, I've slowly started to pull my Christmas things out because:

I put too much effort into decorating to not enjoy it for a while!
We've got lots of family and visitors coming this year
I'm type A and a bit of a nut so I like to get things ready

It's not that I don't appreciate Thanksgiving and what it means though. I just like to have most of my Christmas stuff up and ready to go right after Thanksgiving.

So here's what I've been up to. But before I start I must share this great post from "The Nester". It's really helped me feel less scatterbrained about my decorations. I used to just pull everything out of the attic and basically "vomit Christmas decor". No rhyme or reason. No real theme. If it was a Santa, a holiday stuffed bear, a baby Jesus or red and green, it was set out.

This year I have a theme or maybe a couple of themes. I will not pull out every last decoration. I will not scatter Santas and holiday bears here and there. Baby Jesus will still come out {of course} but he will have a special place, not next to candy canes and big ornaments. I will stick to my theme and I think I'll feel better about taking it all down when it's time instead of dreading it!;)

Okay, okay now I'll show you just a little of what I've done. Let's call my theme(s) burlap & balls. Well maybe that's not such a great name for it, lol. Whatever...

Simple center piece for the kitchen table, staying with my color scheme for this year;)

Needed to dress up these old windows I have hanging on the wall. These sparkle at night and look so pretty-love.

Old candle stick holders that's belonged to my grandmother on each side of the mantle. Kind of whimsical.

Love these fun, oversized ball ornaments that my mom let me have! But just a little goes a long way here. You can't go crazy with these things!

And here's that tree right next to the dining, in the foyer. This belongs to my mom but she doesn't want to mess with it this year since she'll be with us for Christmas so I told her I would take it. It's tall and slim, perfect for our foyer! Thank you mom!!

Still lots to do. We've got the two trees this year and that's where "The Nester's" post has really come in handy. Highly recommend reading that if you're feeling scattered with your decorations!

It may be a few weeks for the full reveal on the inside;) Now I've got my little wreath on the front door but then there's the rest of the outside of the house....

They say the first ones are the hardest....

2011-11-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

Holidays that is.

The first holiday without your loved one.

The first holiday season without my dad.

To catch you up if you just started following: my dad passed away in May from Melanoma. He fought very hard for a year. My dad wasn't old, he was just 66. Worst year of our lives. Full of ups and downs. About drove me to have a heart attack or what I found out later to be panic attacks.

I was thinking about last year at this time when he was just getting over a major surgery and we were preparing for a good holiday season. And it was a good one.

There's this strange thing when someone you love dearly has stage IV cancer. At least for me, there was this dueling fight between two very different feelings. One being the realistic person that I am: My dad has stage IV Melanoma; incurable, aggressive, fatal in almost all cases.

And then there was what I think occurs to many if not most people that are clinging onto the person they love: The superhero mentality. Meaning, you turn the person that has cancer into a superhero. They will be the one to beat this. They will kick cancer's ass. There is no alternative, the cancer has to go. And you genuinely believe this even when you see the person struggling to breathe, struggling to walk.

That's called HOPE.

And if we didn't have hope how would anyone ever beat cancer? What would be the point?

Last Christmas I took lots of pictures of my dad. More than I usually do because the realist in me told me that this may be the last Christmas I spend with him but then he would say something like: {and this was so my dad, always joking, always wanting to see you smile}

"Why are you taking so many pictures of me? Ya think I'm going somewhere?"

And once again, he was my superhero. But it didn't take cancer for me to feel that way about him.

So while this holiday season will be the first without him and hard, I am so thankful for the fact that our last holiday season with him was wonderful. In fact EVERY.SINGLE.HOLIDAY SEASON was wonderful with my dad. So many perfect memories that I have, all of them put a smile on my face.

He was the best, that's all there is to it.

Miss you dad. I think of you every day. You're still my superhero. Always have been, always will be.

DIY Monogram Lamp...

2011-11-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

So for those of you with Cricut machines or the new Silhouette Cameo...I'm jealous. You just have a good old time cutting out all your stuff and looking like Martha Stewart while the rest of us drool over your crafts;) It's on my Christmas list but until then... or never if Santa doesn't bring it, I'll do it my way....

Easy monogram lampshade! Well not as easy if I had a cricut but still easy! I got the idea of monogramming things using clear label paper from this pinterest. Totally want to do the balloons for one of my kid's parties but I got to playing around and found that it looked pretty good on a lampshade too!

Without the light on.

I'm loving it!

So I put one upstairs in the bonus room too! {This room needs serious decorating help when it comes to adding color on the walls but it's gonna be a while. In the meantime, a monogram always adds a nice touch!}

I just created my "D" in photoshop but microsoft word would work just fine too. Then I added a buldge to it because I thought it looked better.

Here's the paper I used.

And then since I had and still have lots of paper left (that will be for those balloons ;)) I tried it in Ainsley's room on her lamps...

Without the light on.

And with the light on! Looks totally different with the light on as far as the color goes obviously but I like it both ways.

I have lots to do in Ainsley's room as far as decorating goes but for now, I'm satisfied;)

Now go monogram some lamps!

First Steps!!!!

2011-11-06T08:15:00.001-05:00

We've been waiting for this for a looong time. Like reeeally long. So yeah, this is pretty darn sweet...

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

By no means is he walking but Bennett is finally taking independent steps!

Yep, I've watched it about 20 times now;) Happy tears.

So proud of my boy.

Let The Decorating Begin!

2011-11-05T12:08:00.010-04:00

Can you believe it's that time of the year again!? Now, I haven't started to drag out my decorations from the attic but I'm definitely thinking about how I want to decorate this year and I've decided to go with a burlap theme! We're in a new and different house so I'm changing things up a little! Can't wait to share!

So I was out shopping with Bennett {my usual shopping companion;)} and we saw this simple wreath with a monogram and holly. I turned it over to see the price and it was $56! It was once again one of those "oh please, I can make that myself" moments. So with a touch of burlap, I did;)

Here's my version! So simple but I think it makes a nice statement. I plan on having garland all around the door so maybe a less elaborate "wreath" will be better.

Here's how I made it:

It's not rocket science, just a cheap mdf letter from Michaels, glue gun {of course}, holly from Michaels and burlap garland or ribbon. I found this burlap ribbon at Michaels as well and it will be perfect to add to my green garland but I'm wanting the wired ribbon to make more bows so I ordered that from Ballard Designs and I'm waiting for it's arrival. The ribbon should be easier to manipulate into a bow as well for other wreaths.

Just cut the holly off and glue! Fill in the spaces and you're done! Depending on the letter of your last name you may have to get creative with how you hang your ribbon from the letter.

So that's my first little tid bit of decor. I'm busy painting most of the downstairs this very pale blue (totally different color scheme for me) and I love it! Can't wait to have everything in it's place and ready for the holidays!!

Stay tuned!

*Edited*

Many have asked about hanging those tricky letters like L, M, H and W. Again, you will have to get creative but here's what I suggest for the letter L:

I would either hot glue or use a staple gun to attach the burlap (to the back of the L) and give yourself enough burlap to then make a big bow. I'm not sure by I'm thinking it would hang straight and not be uneven.

For those letters that have 2 points {for lack of better words}:

You could decorate the H, M, W etc. with holly berries and then get a basic stick wreath and hot clue jute string to the top of each point on the 2 pointed letter {lol} and then tie it around the letter and then add a burlap bow, an extra step but not expensive. I've done this before for a wreath I made for my sister:

This was for fall so of course you wouldn't have all the extra stuff on the side, just the stick wreath, the holly berry letter and a big burlap bow. Still simple but a way to hang that tricky letter.

The letter I purchased at Michaels for the holly berry letter wreath was a black MDF letter and it's 12x11 in size.

Hope this helps!!

Liked up to:

The Son That Never Existed.

2011-10-31T07:32:00.000-04:00

I wrote this back when Bennett was just 5 months old. So in honor of Down syndrome awareness month....

I've been doing some thinking. Thinking about how upset I was when I first found out that Bennett had Down syndrome. Almost immediately a little boys life flashed before my eyes. A boy I didn't even know but I felt I was losing him. Dreams that I had for this boy seemed to vanish, dreams that I had made up, dreams that we all make up. His face that I had envisioned seemed to vanish and even the names I had picked seemed to slip away. It was as if all of a sudden I was given this new child that I was not prepared for and that did not fit into my plans.

Now, I know that all of these feelings I had were normal and I don't think there is anything wrong with mourning the death of child you thought you were having. Because essentially that's what it feels like at first. However, I've come to realize that the child I had dreamed about and that I thought I was having never even existed. There was never a Bennett without Down syndrome. The moment Bennett was conceived, that extra chromosome was there.

When he was first born I used to wonder what he would look like if he didn't have Down syndrome or what he would be doing if he didn't have it. Would his eyes be big and round like Harper's? Would he be a strong baby and holding his head up more as an infant if he did not have DS? But now when I look at him, again I remind myself that there was never a little Bennett of mine without Down syndrome, he never existed. For some reason this thought puts me to tears, like really makes me cry but I don't think it makes me cry because I'm sad that there was never a Bennett without Down syndrome, I think it makes me realize how much of this life is not in my control and how God has his hands on everything and that's a good thing.

In the beginning I struggled so much with whether or not this just happened by mistake or if God knew this all along. Like when I was a little girl did God know that I would one day have two little girls of my own and then something special would happen and Bennett would be conceived? I struggled because I thought why would God cause this to happen, why would he want my son to have something that would cause him to be different or "not perfect"? But now I've come to believe that God allowed this to happen and although I do not know his plans or why it would happen to us, his ways are much bigger than my ways and it's okay to not know why. And for some reason it puts me at peace to know that this child I had in my mind, the child I thought I was having never was meant to be. Bennett, however was meant to be. He was perfectly placed in our family and not because we are special parents that have the strength to handle a child with special needs, because 1) we aren't and 2) we don't but because God has plans. And I'm so thankful I can now believe that Bennett was always the son I was meant to have, from the very beginning, just the way he is.

Through the years....

2011-10-29T10:58:00.002-04:00

Isn't it fun to look back? I found these pics and had to share. They crack me up because of how ridiculous the dogs look and how funny I am about dressing them up as well! Once Bennett arrived it just got to be too much to get them to stay in the darn picture! Maybe I can get them back in the Halloween pic this year though....

Our first Halloween as a little family-2005:)

2006

Harper's here! Pumpkin Patch 2007

Halloween 2007{Please look at Blitzen-the dog on the right-lol}

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Halloween 2008- {again with the dogs!}

Bennett's here! Pumpkin patch 2009-

I can't find a pic from Halloween 2009 but I know we all had the Swine Flu and it was miserable!

Pumpkin patch 2010

Halloween 2010

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Halloween 2011 will be here in just a few days! I'm gonna attempt to get all five of them on the steps-need to dig out the dog costumes!

Feeling a little deflated but....

2011-10-27T20:45:00.003-04:00

So this month is almost over and I'm feeling a tad deflated right now.

I'm feeling deflated because October is Down syndrome awareness month and I haven't posted much about it on my blog but should have-ugh! I know, we just moved into our house, we're getting settled, blah, blah, blah-I have an excuse...whatever.

I'm feeling a little deflated because 2 people have used the word "retarded" in my presence this past week and I didn't say anything and I should have. I can come up with excuses for why I didn't speak up but still, there should be no excuse for that.

I'm feeling a little deflated because sometimes I can't stand how hard Bennett has to work at something and how mad and upset he gets when we make him work-like just to walk across the room to get to me. It comes so darn easily for other kids. I'm over it!

I'm feeling a little deflated because I don't know what the right decision is for Bennett's preschool-as if whatever I decide makes or brakes it for the rest of his life. And then I think:
it's been so easy with the girls and school, why does it have to be so hard with Bennett? Preschool and kindergarten shouldn't be this overwhelming thing.

But...

{I've always got a huge "But" when it comes to Bennett}

And this is with tears streaming down my face, I wouldn't change a damn thing. I mean that with all my heart. I may not have posted a whole lot about Down syndrome {but should have} this month because life got in the way but this is the truth: I may cry in my car after leaving physical therapy once in a while or after walking the feeding therapist to the door because I'm so sick of therapies, I may see a child Bennett's age do things that he's not even close to doing and feel mad, I may get annoyed with the fact that I still have to spoon feed my child, and I may not know if I'm making the right decision with Bennett's future but I wouldn't change a thing because that would mean changing Bennett. And that's just something that I couldn't imagine.

If you don't get one thing I write, at least get this, this is what I do know: Raising a child with Down syndrome is not scary. It is not a burden. It is not a waste of time. Yes, sometimes I feel deflated because it does seem to take a lot more effort to raise a child with Down syndrome, more emotionally than anything really. But I have always told any new mom that has contacted me about how scared they are to have a child with Down syndrome:

Any hardship, deflation, sadness, jealousy, fear or exhaustion you are feeling will totally be outweighed by the absolute pure joy you will feel from your child. It is a joy like nothing you've ever felt, maybe because you've been broken down so much (emotionally) and then just when you think you can't take it any more God {at least I think so} steps in. And your kid does something that makes your heart swell, seriously it's amazing. Until you've experienced it, it's hard to explain. But God knows what you're going through, just when you need that lift, just when you're feeling totally deflated, He steps in.

Again, through everything I wouldn't change a thing except for maybe the way people see my son. And perhaps the way people throw around a word that is very hurtful and don't realize it. Guess I have to speak up more for them to realize it though.

While I don't plan on changing my son, I do plan on changing how others see Down syndrome. I hope I've been able to do that a little with this blog over the last 2 years or so, at times deflated and other times totally elated.

So feeling deflated today but I know there's something big {no matter how small it may be to others} around the corner, there always is...

And I'll be sure to share it.

Pumpkins....

2011-10-19T21:44:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we went back to the same pumpkin patch we took the girls to when they were just babies.

I can't believe how much they've grown. I'll have to share those pics another time.

The pumpkin patch was just as we remembered only this time someone lost a tooth, someone got stung by a bee and someone ate a cheerio {possibly two}.

Ainsley, Harper, Bennett.

All events were quite dramatic in their own little way {to have a video of it all would be priceless and hilarious}, just another day in our crazy but wonderful life...

Once we got home I realized I didn't take any pictures of just the kids together. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get some pics on our new porch for the first time...

Silly kids. I ♥ them.

And yes, Bennett was sporting an awesome pumpkin hat;)

For our son, his family and his friends....

2011-10-11T14:54:00.001-04:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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It was a perfect day. Thanks to all who joined us. See you next year!

Settling In....

2011-10-04T08:07:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time coming but we're finally in our house!! Now, just so you know, the house is full of boxes on the inside...like the upstairs is a total mess. But I couldn't help myself on the outside {besides, ya'll know by now that I live for this stuff}....

I have been wanting to decorate a front door so badly I couldn't stand it!

Pinterest inspired me yet again with these stacking pumpkins!

I saw the witch hats in Michaels and knew they had to be decorated-they were a little "hotel activity";)

Oh, how I love decorating for fall! It's probably a really good thing that we don't have a big porch with this house because I know I'd be out there for a week going crazy with decor. I'm thinking of painting these pumpkins with some funky patterns, hmmm. Ooh wait, there's a little boy in the background, let's take a closer look....

Why it's Bennett!! My little love!

He's got a little cold or sinus thing going on but he'll still smile for his mommy...

I think he's a little confused as to where the heck we are because we've been all over the place for the last 2 months but he has all his toys back so he's happy.

I can't believe how blessed we've been so far with the neighbors! Turns out that next door there is a 7 year old and she was in Ainsley's class before Ainsley got switched to the new class. So on the day we moved in, they instantly recognized each other and have been playing ever since! Back and forth to each other's house, like they've been friends forever! Harper has a great time playing too! It is wonderful! And the little girl's parents are sooo nice!

{terrible pic-sorry} Harper has made very fast friends as well with her new BFF Lily Kate! So much so that they both cry now when it's time to end play dates and go home-lol. I just couldn't be more pleased right now with how the kids are adjusting. And to think I was so anxious about it all...I should not be anxious!

*Therapy Update* Therapies for Bennett are starting! Speech was today and he has his first PT session tomorrow! I'm very excited to meet his new PT and what's really cool is that the therapist has a 3 year old with Down syndrome! We'll see how B reacts to a man being his therapist. I'm interested to see because he usually responds very well to men!

So I promise I'll share inside house pics but of course I have to get it just how I like it....and I've got plans so it could be a while;)

Edited** ended up painting the pumpkins! Bad cell phone pic but I like how they turned out...

I'm linking up to:
Southern Savvy Style: Wow Us Wednesdays

Leaving PA....

2011-09-28T21:49:00.002-04:00

I know I've said this before and I know everyone goes through hard times but the last 3 years, we've been through some hard times. We will never forget the families and people we met.

I have to thank the Bordners, the Burkes, the Hipperts, the Kaufmanns, the Kaspers and all the moms in my mom's group. These people know what they did for our family during really hard times whether it be with Bennett or my dad. They cooked for us, they watched our kids, they prayed for us, they were our personal doctors ;), they called us, they were simply our friends. Oh....and they loved Bennett, many before he was even born. Seriously, the love these people showed was amazing.

Honestly every family or mom I came in contact with in our little town, I will never forget because they were so kind to us. So if we exchanged words at any time during our 3 years there, thank you for being so very kind!

Here are just some of the people and memories that touched our lives over the last 3 years...

The SA Family! Love you all!

NYC...no other city like it.

The Northeast.

One word...SNOW.

What that sweet extra chromosome brought together. Love it.

Sweet Ginger. Love ya!

My gals.

The McConnells! They're expecting their baby any day!

Okay, the McConnells are hilarious but here's a better pic of them;)lol.

Wonder woman Renee;) Seriously.

My dad holding Bennett the day he was born in Allentown, PA. Miss you dad. Oh, how I miss you.

This.Is.Love. Nikki with B.
Preschool friends! Harper and Addison.

Sweet Colin, we will miss you and your family!

My close girlfriends, my SA group;), I will miss you so much!! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!

We also need to thank my mom, Mike's parents, Mike's brother and his wife, The Wicksels and the Wilkinsons for making our move much more bearable. Ya'll know what you've done for us and we really appreciate it!!

And now onto another chapter of our unexpected journey.....

Therapy and Crafting...

2011-09-27T18:24:00.002-04:00

How on earth do those two things go together? Well they don't but let's just say I've had some extra time on my hands.

I can't believe I'm going to write this but Bennett hasn't been in any real therapy since mid August. But I must say we all needed the break and I don't think he's regressed in any areas. And we've really enjoyed our time together! Lots of just Bennett and mommy time with the girls in school.

He's actually learned a ton more signs, is so darn close to taking that first step it's not even funny and we've been working on matching pictures to pictures and identifying pictures with either words, signs or pointing. Yes, right now I'm his PT, OT and speech therapist;) But I guess I'll always wear those hats.

He's also been my running pal lately and you can clearly see it wears him out;)

But when it's time to take the therapist hat off and all the kids are in bed, what is a crafter to do when she's not in her crafting element? Not craft?

I think it's impossible for me not to do something. Needless to say I've gone a little crafting crazy....

Now you know I had to have something to put out right away at the front door when we move in....2 more days btw!!! (Inspired by Pinterest-love!)

My sister wanted a wreath so I made one for her door.

My sister-in-law mentioned a dress on Etsy that looked like a candy corn and it was one of those-

*Oh I can make that!* moments,

so I did (thanks to my friend Susan's sewing machine) and then had to add ruffled pants to go with:)

And then I made one for my sister-in-law, well not for her but for her little girl;0 The dress really doesn't look dirty it's just the instagram pic effect!

I've been wanting to make a pendant banner and love burlap for fall! And I could stencil just about everything so I made a little banner to hang over the new fire place...in just 2 days!;) (another Pinterest inspiration).

It looks kinda messy but I like it that way. At least that's what I'm telling my perfectionist self right now.

I know, what's wrong with me? I don't know, I just love doing this stuff! Now, will my house be unpacked and decorated by next week? Well...I wish but no, it won't. Will I try my hardest to have it unpacked and decorated? Well...yes-ha!

So while I'm not hot gluing everything in sight or sewing away like a mad women, we have enjoyed visiting with family on the weekends-sooo nice to get away from the hotel!

This past weekend I went back to my mom's to get all of our suitcases while Mike went back up to PA to watch the movers pack up our house, among other things.

We took the girls to an adorable little tea room called Pinkadillies and enjoyed tea and scones...

Harps and I drinking our tea and yes, wearing the hat makes it much more fun!

Poor Bennett had to endure the pretty lace table cloths and the frilly hats...of course the girls had to try a few on him. No Mike, I did not make him wear one, nor did I take a picture;)

So 2 more days, in case you didn't catch that! Can you believe it? 7 weeks folks, I've spent 7 weeks in a hotel with my family. Ahhhh! I am a firm believer in what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!

Can't wait to share before and after pics of the house once I get my hands on it!

Stay tuned!

Will You Read This?

2011-09-15T08:58:00.001-04:00

I need you to read this. Because this is worth reading.

I really need you to read it and although you may not think it's a big deal, if you put yourself in my shoes, you'll know it's a BIG DEAL. It's written by an awesome mom who loves her daughter and wants others to realize that one word, a word that is so casually used, can hurt to the core.

It's hard to explain but when I hear this word it gives me a sick feeling. It stops me in my tracks. I AM NOT BEING TOO SENSITIVE. You have to put yourself in other people's shoes. If you had a child like Bennett, you would feel EXACTLY the same way. Just take my word for it.

So please, read Brenda's post, it will just take a minute. Really think about what this word means and then picture my sweet Bennett. Picture people that cannot defend themselves against this word.

And then remove the word from your vocabulary.

Going With the Flow...

2011-09-12T22:10:00.007-04:00

Well, we've been in a hotel going on 5 weeks now (minus the weekends...thank goodness!!) How we've survived I have no idea but I'm not going to lie, we're all a little grumpy at this point. I think over the last several years though, Mike and I have learned to go with the flow with life in general and the kids have adopted that attitude as well. It's not ideal but it's working and we're almost done.

Last week was a big week for Harper as she started her last year of preschool and her first ballet/tap class! She LOVES both and I'm so happy that she and Ainsley have adjusted to their new schools and teachers.

First day of school!

Giving brother a kiss goodbye.

Her favorite color is purple so I knew she'd be thrilled when she saw her new ballet outfit!

Little cutie;)

I just thought he was too sweet not to get a pic. Poor kid is sleeping in a hotel bathroom but he's got his "doggie" and blanket so all is good!

Bennett should be getting his new services soon. I'm getting a little anxious to start back up with his therapies so hopefully in the next week or two that will happen!

Ainsley started ballet and jazz last week and loves it as well! It was a crazy week and she's such a busy body so I don't get many chances to take pictures of her. Wednesday she will start in an all new class with a new teacher due to too many kids in her current class (we knew this would happen when we registered her...again, going with the flow). She's okay with this and I'm sure she'll adjust fine, all over again.

Deep breath in, long exhale out.

Just go with the flow Adrienne, go with the flow.

The Littlest Things....

2011-08-30T20:36:00.007-04:00

It truly is the little things that seem so big...that ARE so big. Ask any mom that has a child with special needs and she'll tell you that. Small milestones for most kids are HUGE for kids like Bennett! Check him out...

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So Much Going On!

2011-08-28T21:45:00.008-04:00

So it's been a while. But a little over 2 weeks ago we got the call that we've been waiting for to proceed forward with our move down south. It was a complete whirl wind because my ultimate goal (or actually goals) was to find a house, put a contract on a house and get Ainsley settled in school since it had already started. As many of you know, I'm not very flexible so I was pretty much determined to make this all happen. And by the grace of God, it did!

But things didn't come easily. We indeed found a wonderful house, registered Ainsley for school and Ainsley started school but things things got a tad stressful. Our first week in our new town went something like this (mind you, we don't actually live in our new house, we are living in a hotel, mmm hmm, all 5 of us)...

Ainsley got sick her second day of school (of course this event involved tons of drama), an earthquake occurred (ya know, just to spice things up a bit), Ainsley missed 2 more days of school, Harper then got sick, we ran away from a hurricane, Bennett then got sick

BUT

to end our terrible week,we went to an amusement park;)

We are back in our temporary home, our lovely hotel and we're ready for a better week. Harper will start preschool next week and both girls will start dance. I should be meeting with a service coordinator soon to set up therapies for Bennett. We're all healthy again and counting the days until we move in: 33 days people, 33 days.

Well here are a few pics of our eventful week (sorry for the poor picture quality)...

Our new house!

Ainsley's first day of 1st grade! (She loves it btw and is making friends=happy mom)

2 sick kids and one on his way to being sick;(
I know you all wish you could be me in this awesome hotel room with 3 kids;0

Look who is standing up all by himself! Bennett started doing this 2 weeks ago out of the blue and I'll have to share video of it soon. We are so very proud of him and we're thinking that first step is just around the corner but as with everything when it comes to Bennett, he does it when he's ready. No one can make Bennett do anything and when he's good and ready, he'll take a step and I'll be shouting it from the rooftop...whether it's the roof of the hotel or the roof of our house-lol!

Anyways, that's where we've been for the last 2 weeks and since I don't have to clean a house and I've got a maid making our beds every day, I may possibly have more time to blog;)

"How sweet it is"...

2011-08-13T08:44:00.002-04:00

.too be loved by you!

Happy 11th Anniversary babe!!

15 years ago we met in college and I had a strange feeling you'd be the one.

August 13, 2000-best wedding ever;)

-I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways

I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

We've been through a lot in our 15 years together but I'm pretty sure you were made for me and I was made for you;)

I love you Michael!!

Unfortunately, if you let me....

2011-08-10T18:56:00.012-04:00

...I could probably find something to complain about...I know, not good and I'm sure the family members that know me best are thinking: Adrienne, complain? NOOO.

LOL.

Well we've got a lot going on right now and not just in our little family. I've been trying really hard to give things over to God because I know there is absolutely no way I can figure it all out.

And like the good Christian store that it is, Hobby Lobby has a way of bringing God's word into decor;) {Subway art is my latest obsession}. I ♥ those 3 in the background by the way.

Oh and this little boy has a way of making things better too. He's like an instant pick-me-up;) I mean how can you not just smile a little bit?

It's been 2 years....

2011-08-06T08:46:00.003-04:00

... since this little boy had his heart repaired. August 6th, 2009.

Let's just say heart surgery is something that often comes with the territory when speaking of Down syndrome. But it's never easy to hand over your tiny child, hoping and praying he'll be okay when you see him again.

Our boy may have a 5 inch scar going down his chest but he is a healthy, happy 2 year old.

We are so very thankful for the wonderful people at CHOP that took care of him.

And we will forever be thankful to the Lord for giving Bennett to us and for answering our prayers.

Happy Heart Day precious boy! Our hearts overflow with love for you!!

The Many Women In Bennett's Life....

2011-08-02T09:02:00.001-04:00

Bennett sees several wonderful ladies every single week! They are his therapists. Therapy is a HUGE part of having a child with special needs. Almost every week day Bennett is with them and some of them have had him since he was a tiny, little baby. We have been so very fortunate with the services we receive here in PA and will be so terribly sad to say goodbye to these women who have shown so much love for Bennett. I wish I could have gotten pictures of each and every one of them with Bennett but you know how it goes with a toddler.

Working with his physical therapist, Gail.

Gail is awesome!! From the very moment she laid eyes on Bennett she told him he was amazing. And she said it all the time-"Bennett, you're amaaazing!" She met him when he had just turned one and he wasn't crawling yet. But every little thing he did, every milestone he hit she always told him how amazing he was, always such positive affirmation about the little person he was. We love Gail and wish we could take her down to NC with us!

That there is quite possibly the smallest piece of walking equipment on earth;)

Working with play doh with his occupational therapist, Sue. They're both saying "Roll!" here.

Sue has been with Bennett the longest. His very first therapist. She came into our home when he was just 4 weeks old. He still needed heart surgery and was so sleepy all of the time. I had never had any experience with a therapist and Down syndrome was all very new to me. I wasn't sure how it all worked and was so overwhelmed with the thought of early intervention. But Sue made it seem so normal, she made me realize it was going to be okay.

For over 2 years Sue has come into our home, worked with Bennett, loved on Bennett, talked to the girls and listened to me when I needed an ear. I could tell Sue truly loved spending time with Bennett and he loved spending time with her. Again, if I could stuff her in my suitcase, I would.

Giving hugs goodbye.

We will miss you Sue!!!

Of course there are others like Renee-LOVE Renee! She is Bennett's developmental/speech therapist and always has the best suggestions for games and things to work on. Bennett loved listening to her sing songs. Renee has had Bennett since he was six months old and due to her father's sudden illness, I was not able to get a picture with them together but if we're able to see her again before we go, I will;)

Bennett also had several private therapists that have been working with him for almost the last year. Tracy was his PT, Amy his OT and Michelle his Speech/feeding therapist. All were wonderful and treated Bennett so sweetly. They put up with his fits when he was "all done!" and gladly accepted his kisses when he was in a better mood.

I really can't believe how blessed we were to have such awesome therapists. Six women who saw Bennett every single week, some in our home and some in a clinic setting. All worked extremely hard and all made me feel like my son was loved and cared for. We just can't thank them enough.

Moving on will be hard but new therapists will come into Bennett's life and I can only hope and pray that they are as wonderful as these ladies were.

It Sneaks Up On You.

2011-07-28T08:03:00.029-04:00

The other night the girls and I were eating dinner out on the patio and I couldn't help but notice the sky....

It was the kind of sky that makes you think that heaven is opening up and shining down, you know...you've seen the kind of sky. And you can't help but think that {that heaven is opening up}.

Harper noticed it too and said: "Mommy, see those clouds?" {I had not taken a picture of them at this point}

Me: "Yes, they're pretty, aren't they?"

Harper: "Yes, well those are the clouds that Granddaddy is sitting on and he's looking down on us!" Huge smile on her face.

Gulp.

Seriously?! Oh my sweet Harper. Even she thought it looked heavenly without me telling her that. She's 4!

And with that comment I had to excuse myself because although I was smiling at her and agreeing, the tears were welling up and just like that it snuck up on me.

Calmly I walked inside but as soon as I shut the door I burst into tears. For my little girl to say such a heart warming thing and to smile at her own little thought....well, I just couldn't take it.

That's how it usually is. It sneaks up, comes on quickly and then it quickly leaves. The littlest things will set it off. The tears are temporary but it's the kind of cry that takes your breath away and then just like that, it's gone. You wipe the tears away, catch your breath and you carry on.

I cannot tell you how much I miss my dad. I know I've said it before but it's still so hard to believe he's gone. It wasn't supposed to be this way. He's was supposed to beat this thing. Really, we had it all planned out.

But then, I guess it really was supposed to be this way. Just sucks. Big time.

If you're able, and he's able to answer, call your dad. Call him today and tell him that you love him. For no reason at all.

Let's just say...

2011-07-26T16:56:00.014-04:00

...Bennett had to wear glasses and he actually enjoyed wearing them.

Well, this is how it might look...

So what do you think of my "glasses"?

Wait a minute now, let's take a closer look....

Yep, this is me in "glasses"!

NOOOO! Do NOT take my glasses away from me!

Sheesh, mom.

There, that's better. And yes, I realize these glasses don't have any lenses but that doesn't really matter, does it?

LOL.

Bennett as of now, does not need glasses and I'm thankful for that because it's one less thing for me to worry about. But many kids with Down syndrome do...well, I guess many kids in general do so who knows, maybe one day. But at least we know he'll look pretty darn cute while wearing them;)

"Mom, why did God give Bennett Down syndrome?"....

2011-07-20T13:58:00.018-04:00

I'm packing everyone in the van after one of Bennett's many therapies and this is the question I get from my oldest child. But before this BIG question she asked:

"Mom, does Bennett have problems?"

"What do you mean Ainsley?"

"Well, like he can't walk and talk like other people."

"He can't walk and talk like most 2 year olds but that's why he's in therapy, to help him eventually do that."

She then asked: "Does Colin have those things (orthotics) in his shoes like Bennett?"

"Yep, I think he does"

"Do all babies with Down syndrome have those in their shoes?"

"Many of them do."

And then she asked:

"Mom, why did God give Bennett Down syndrome?"

You see, Ainsley's been asking things like "Why does God make tornadoes" and "Why does God make bad people" and perhaps the most painful: "Why didn't God make Granddaddy better?"

My sweet girl wants so badly to believe that God is good and all powerful because she's been taught that but if he's so good, why does he let bad things happen? I've explained these tough things that adults don't even understand in the best way I know how but that brings me to her initial BIG question of this day...

When she asked it, I immediately thought-she's starting to see Bennett's challenges and that she may see Down syndrome as a bad thing. So I replied:

"Well Ainsley, I don't think God sees Bennett having Down syndrome as a bad thing. That's the way he made him and it makes him different but different is totally okay. We just work harder with Bennett and he'll get there."

Her reply: "Yeah, just because babies with Down syndrome can't talk as well doesn't mean we can't understand them, that's why Bennett and us learn sign language, so we can know what he's trying to say."

As I drive along I've got a huge smile on my face but I only reply:

"Yep."

But I'm thinking: That's right my sweet girl, that's right.

A minute later she asks:

"Mom, {preparing myself for another deep question} will Bennett always have dark brown hair?"

Sigh...with relief;), "Yes, sweetie, I think he'll always have dark brown hair."

And then that conversation was over, just like that. Her sweet, six year old self accepted my answer and hopefully she truly believes it as she gets older. I guess I can just hope and pray I know how to answer her tough questions as they come along.

But you know, sometimes I don't always know the answer or how to even come up with a reply because I often have the same question. To those questions, I suppose we'll find out some day but for now we just have to believe there is a reason for everything.

Colin & Bennett

2011-07-18T18:28:00.006-04:00

What a great way to end a weekend- a trip to the beach and a visit with Colin!

Since we're moving soon, Kelli and I wanted to get the boys together (but it may not be the last time...more on that later!) and the beach was the perfect gathering! Kelli and Chris live over an hour away from us (very close to the beach though) but we've really enjoyed getting to know them and it's crazy how much Bennett and Colin have in common. While they have totally different personalities, they are like two peas in a pod when it comes to other things.

Pretty comfy looking ride, huh?;)

Over the last year or so Kelli and I have emailed, texted or called each other with the boy's feeding issues as well as others things. I think we've both been a "shoulder to cry on" for each other at some point. It's nice to know when someone is going through the EXACT same things that you are and is there to help or to just let you vent;)

It was the perfect day for the beach and to see Colin in what has to be his favorite place, was a treat...

This kid LOVES the beach and I couldn't believe how he just crawled right into the waves! Colin has the cutest personality and as Kelli has mentioned on her blog, his favorite word right now is "NO" and it is hilarious how he says it so quickly and clearly, no matter what you ask him.

"Colin, can I have a hug?"-"NO."

"Can I have a kiss?"-"NO." {But then he gives you one anyway!}

"Hi Colin!"- "NO." lol

The boys, over a year ago when we first met Colin at the beach.

I mean, seriously? How cute were they?!

And now at 2 years old!

This may have been the only picture I got of Bennett smiling while in the sand or near the water. This is where Bennett and Colin are nothing alike...

B was not happy and at this point just wanted to be held. Colin just wanted to crawl back into another wave or plop himself on someones sand castle.;) But to give B a little credit, the last time he was at the beach with a huge ocean was when we met Colin last year. Maybe with a little more time, he'd come to like it...maybe??

After we had enough of torturing Bennett we brought him back up to the blanket and he was MUCH happier....

Playing a nice game of catch!

Ainsley sure does love Colin!

Back at the house for kid pics! Kelli's parents had the cutest house near the beach and were so nice to let us descend on their peaceful place for a few hours!

Can't forget Miss Kailey!! She is the most pleasant baby! She literally squeals with delight...loudly-ha! And yes, her eyes are crystal blue like her brothers-gorgeous!

So while this would most likely be our last time seeing Colin and family (at least for a long time), guess who lives in North Carolina??! Kelli's brother! And not only does he live in NC, he lives in the same town we're moving to!! So surely these boys will continue to see each other!

When we first met Colin I really hoped he and Bennett could be good friends one day. And now, even though they will be well over a day trip away, I think that can still happen. Thankfully we can still check in on Kelli, Chris, Colin and Kailey through their blog and Kelli and I can exchange feeding tips...if we have any!;)

Thanks again for another great time at the beach Kelli and Chris!

Bennett's Nautical Room...

2011-07-15T17:00:00.004-04:00

Back in the winter, not knowing if we would move or not, I decided to change up Bennett's room. If you haven't noticed by now, I like to change things up...often;)

But I've always loved the nautical theme for little boys and while browsing in the Christmas Tree Shops, all of this nautical stuff caught my eye. If you don't have a Christmas Tree Shop near you, you need to find one! I have no idea why it's called the Christmas Tree Shops but they have the cutest things and their prices are unbelievable!

Anyways, no before pics because again, I'm too lazy. But you can go here if you'd like to see some befores.

Here's his new nautical room! He has the hardest room to take pictures of but I did my best.

Bennett would like to welcome you!

This "B" plaque is from Hobby Lobby and I found the nautical fabric at Joann Fabrics.

Cute little knobs are from Hobby Lobby as well. I'd love to paint this armoire a burnt red one day!The items above the chair are from Christmas Tree Shops- I think they were $3 each! The little boats were from there as well and were $3 each too. The lamp-Christmas Tree Shops-$12. The fun red and white striped window panels were a Christmas Tree Shops find as well and just $6 each! I also have these on our gazebo thing in the back yard.

Bennett loves to crawl over to his big red bin, grab a book and curl up in his chair to "read".;)
The book ends... you guessed it, Christmas Tree Shops! I think I paid $3 each for them and the big red anchor in the back was $8.

Well it wouldn't be a proper post without the proper "smile arms" from Bennett! Oh and those oars in the corner...Christmas Tree shop-$4!! Bedding is Pottery Barn-love madras!

So there you have it and soon enough he'll be in his new room but it will be staying in this theme for quite a while;) I would love to do his new room in some shade of blue with a fun stripe or two of white with a darker blue, green or red. I need to look at some inspiration pics first.

Enough pictures mom, can you please take me out of my crib?

Serenity Now!

2011-07-13T13:52:00.001-04:00

Remember that hilarious Seinfeld episode? George's dad calms himself by repeating "serenity now, serenity now!" If you haven't seen it, google it, it's hysterical!

Anyways, I often find myself saying quietly {but screaming in my head} "Serenity now, Serenity now!!"-I mean don't all moms?! However, recently with our house being on the market I find myself actually taking a deep breath and saying "ahh, serenity". Seriously, I actually whisper that to myself-I know, I'm strange. But why do I say "ahh serenity" you ask?

Because right now I've got perfectly spotless bedrooms....

Serenity....

Bitty says: "Serenity"...

And yes, Serenity!

Believe it or not, the rooms stay this way, well at least while we're trying to sell. The beds get made as soon as we wake up {totally doesn't happen normally} and the clothes get put into the hamper. Minimal things are in the bedroom so there's just less clutter and less to pick up.

While I'm no expert at selling houses or am I trying to claim that if you do this or that, you will sell your house...I am here to share just a few things I do to maintain serenity when trying to show my house. I have done this 5 times now, ya know? If you're trying to sell yours as well as maintain sanity, maybe these tips will help!

Serenity Tip #1: Declutter! Get rid of the nick nacks! When someone is or may be coming to your house to take a look, it's so much easier to dust in a flash when there aren't a thousand things on the end tables, night stands or coffee table. We all know in this market you really can't tell someone: no, you can't come look because the house is a mess. You must show your house when buyers want to see it. It's all about the buyer these days.

So same goes for pictures. I'm not against family pictures while trying to sell but the more pictures that are up, means the more you have to dust and sometimes buyers can get lost in all of the nick nacks and pictures, I know I do.

Same goes for the kitchen-take things off the counters while you're showing-so much easier to keep clean! And isn't it true- a clean kitchen means a happy mom?? Well, it usually does for me!

Anyways, it takes me about 30 seconds to dust my room now and about 3 minutes to dust the whole upstairs. I also removed little things from the kid's rooms that I think make it "show" a little bit better ie: names on walls, most of the pictures, almost all toys etc.

Taking my mom's advice I also made my house look more "model home" like by taking out my sewing area and adding a chair we had in Bennett's room. Do we actually sit there and read? Oh Please! But it looks a lot better than my stacks of fabrics, sewing machines, and Lil' Sis stuff. Plus it's so much easier to keep that area clean now. And it really does feel serene, which a bedroom should feel like!

Can you believe I used to sew in that tiny space?! Over one hundred sweet little outfits were made there-hard to believe.

Okay so this is totally random but I love my little gal here. She stands in front of my mirror and reminds me to try and look my best even when I just want to put on sweats to meet B's therapists or drive down to the bus stop-ha! {I do ignore her though sometimes;)}

Serenity Tip #2-Perhaps the biggest tip I can give you- remove about 75% or more of your children's toys out of view...like, pack them away! Yes folks, your kids will survive if they don't have every single little toy at their finger tips. And when you finally move into your new space-it will be like Christmas with all the "new" toys!;)

I did a major overhaul of our playroom and went crazy with my organizing but it has helped sooo much with getting the house straight in a flash.

The girls know where things are when they want to play-no more, "mommmmie!, where's that barbie shoe!!??" and they know where things go when it's time to clean up. I can clean up Bennett's toys quickly if need be and even Mike knows where things go now;)

I've actually decluttered even more in this room- yet, the kids still have plenty to play with...imagine that! I'm telling you, your kids won't even know stuff is gone!

More randomness but I did one of my "mini makeovers" on the dining room that I meant to share a while back {too lazy to show the before pics}...

The palm tree prints stayed because I just couldn't find anything I liked so I painted the frames from dark to white. Eeh-it's okay, better than it was. I also added more of my favorite color-robin egg blue!

Obsessed with birds and shells, obviously. This table used to be our dumping ground for mail and packages-not anymore!

Finally got around to making some pillows for my chairs in the corners.

This was an easy picture to make-just some string and star fish and glued them to the frame!

So even though we're in this crazy limbo stage right now of Mike working down in NC most of the time and me trying to keep the house clean to sell...with three kids, I can walk down stairs in the morning and instead of saying "SERENITY NOW!!!", I say "Ahh, serenity." LOL. We're like a well oiled machine when we get the call that someone wants to come see the house and the stress level has come way down.

I highly recommend my serenity tips if you're in the same boat..just sayin';)

Pictures really do say a thousand words....

2011-07-11T10:21:00.016-04:00

Most days Down syndrome doesn't bother me. Seriously, I have the type of personality that will cry and pout about something for a minute and then shake it off and say:

"whatever, it is what it is."

I've learned to do this throughout my life: if I can't change it, embrace it.

But other days, it can be hard. Thinking about the future mostly.

And then I come across this picture:

{thank you Charissa Marks for capturing this perfect shot}

and thank God for making it the way it is.

This boy needs me, all of me. He needs me to not care about the fact that he has Down syndrome and not worry about the future. He needs me to just be his mommy and love him just the way God made him.

The way Bennett looks into my eyes gives me strength to keep working with him, to keep advocating for him, to never give up on him.

Then have no care for tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the trouble of the day as it comes. -Matthew 6:34

3 Weeks....

2011-07-06T19:00:00.001-04:00

Has it been that long?? Just about!

So we went on a little trip and did lots of fun things like....

...meet new cousin Elle for the first time! {Mike's brother's baby} She's five months old and she's a doll! My sister-in-law has her dressed in dresses every day (so I'm told) and as soon as she gets enough hair, the bows will be going in! Love it!

We're very excited to be moving so close to Brian, Lauren and Elle!

Grandma came to help with the kids while Mike and I looked at houses! Ainsley was with my mom for the week at VBS so Harper got Grandma all to herself;)

Let's just say this picture was very hard to take-between Bennett doing his classic "smile arms"- (he holds them up every.single.time. I say "smile!" and Olive {the dog} barking at Bennett, I was lucky to get this one. I think Brian was about to kill Olive.So of course we looked at houses-one of my favorite things to do!! This is not one that we are considering but there are lots I fell in love with and I've got big plans for one in particular...sooo bad because it could totally be gone by the time we are ready to purchase but you know me!

After house hunting we went back to my mom's house to celebrate the 4th of July like we do every year. Of course without my dad there it wasn't the same. I think my dad lived for the 4th of July week when his two girls and their families came. There would be lots of cooking, playing, lounging, swimming, story telling, setting off illegal fire works;). It was the best.

But even though my dad wasn't there I could still feel his presence. I looked over at an empty rocking chair on the porch where my dad always sat with his dog and and glass of wine and I could still see him sitting there with us. He was there. He'll always be with us.

The girls were so excited to see each other after being apart for a week. Both cried when they had to separate, it was so sweet so when they got to play again, they played and played hard!

My sweet girls with their sassy summer hair cuts:)

Bennett got to go on the jet ski for the very first time! But this was as far as it went. I'm not ready to let my tiny boy out on that thing!

He did look handsome though in his life jacket that his older cousins have worn in years past.

Harper has become EXTREMELY protective over Bennett lately and lets me know when he is even close to, maybe, just possibly in any kind of danger;) She's also become quite fearful of things though ie: the jet ski, bugs, deep water, fireworks, sparklers, dogs, thunder, lightening...yeah, she's becoming just like I was at her age. Lovely.

We had a nice 4th and for the very first time I got a picture of all 3 kids standing with each other!! For some reason I have wanted to get a picture like this and was thrilled when Bennett decided that he would cooperate. You know it's about if he wants to do it. Bennett can do anything as long as it's his idea;)

So that's where we've been- PA, VA, NC and then back to VA and then PA!

The house is on the market, it's super clean and I'm loving it. Yes, it's hard to maintain but for this short time in my life I've got a clean and organized house and I'm going to enjoy it!

HUGE thanks to my mom for keeping Ainsley for the week and for Mike's mom coming to help with Harper and Bennett!! We love you guys!

Back to our "normal" routine for now and praying that our house sells fast!

Ahh Summertime...

2011-06-20T09:32:00.010-04:00

School is finally out up here and the girls aren't waisting any time with playing in the one thing I think we all played with when we were kids...the hose....

Harper: Do it Ainsley, do it!

And she did.

But I think little sister showed her how it's really done!

And with that picture, I think we can say it's officially summer around our house;)

Father's Day...

2011-06-16T21:00:00.004-04:00

....well of course it won't be the same. A few days ago I would have mailed my dad a present and a card and on Sunday I would wait until after he and my mom got back from church to call and wish him a happy father's day. He would have then asked what we were doing and what I had planned for dinner for Mike since he was a father too;) He liked to tease me because he knew I didn't like to cook.

The song playing is the song we danced to at my wedding. Every single verse is so true. I miss him more than anything and I so wish I could call him on Sunday. I guess I've been super busy and I haven't let myself "go there" lately when it comes to my dad but with Father's Day coming up, how can I not?

As sad as I am about him no longer being here, I am so very thankful my dad was there for so many big events I had in my life. Big swim meets, graduations, my wedding, the kid's being born, our first house, baptisms. He was there for it all and I have wonderful pictures of it to cherish. But my dad was there for the not so big things too, it was just nice to have him there.

My dad was predictable and I can just play out what he would say once we move down to North Carolina. He'd familarize himself with the new house, give suggestions when I asked about projects (I always had projects for my dad and he always did them), he'd tell us he really liked it and he would study the way it was built.

I often find myself playing back the last time I saw him and how he seemed so uncomfortable but still tried to act like he wasn't. You know how you feel when your child is hurt and you hate to see them hurt? That's how I still feel, I still cry over what the melanoma did to him even though I know good and well he's totally fine now. He's better than fine. But it still hurts to know he wasn't fine and that he was in pain. I think a part of me still wants to fix it. Like, what could we have done to save him? As if it would change the outcome now. I still just can't believe he's gone. Because, well, that just wasn't in my plan.

I guess this is all just part of the grieving process.

So even though I won't be able to call him this Sunday, I'll forever be thankful for the pictures I have of him. Even without the pictures, I don't need them to remind me that he was the best dad in the whole world.

"Maybe, I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because

I was loved by you."

A Cupcake Party For Harper!

2011-06-13T09:51:00.007-04:00

I've been planning this party for months. Seriously, I think I started purchasing things back in March. Harper's original party date was supposed to be in the beginning of May but then my dad passed away and of course that changed everything. Just didn't feel like partying.

But I really wanted to do this for my little girl because Harper is the middle child, she puts up with a lot and Bennett gets a ton of attention with all of his therapies. I felt Harper needed a special party this year and after all, girls just wanna have fun:)

So without further ado, a cupcake party for our little cupcake;)....

At the bottom of the post I'll list where I got everything in case you're planning a cupcake party-such an easy and fun theme!!

The weather held out-so thankful for that because it looked like it could start raining at any minute! I'm loving pom poms right now and they added the perfect touch, just floating above. Pink and green were the colors-another easy combo!

The birthday girl! Her favorite color is purple so of course I had to make her a skirt and then I found a cute apron kit (Hobby Lobby) for a child and doll and it fit her theme perfectly.

Harper with her "Bitty Baby" in their matching aprons!

The goods.

Another beautiful cake made by my talented friend Jeannie! We are really going to miss Jeannie and her wonderful cakes when we move!! The inside was purple upon Harper's request;)

By no means do they look professional but I wanted to tackle making my own sugar cookies with royal icing and I feel I succeeded. I'll list the site where I got the easy instructions on the bottom. Cute stickers were from etsy-site listed at the bottom.

I found these straws on etsy and these glasses jars at Hobby Lobby. I just took of the tops of the jars and they worked great as cute glasses to hold the pink lemonade!

The party was later in the day so I offered light "healthy" snacks along with a ton of sugary ones;)

I saw this somewhere and the person was selling it for $45- I knew I could make it for less since I already had a ton of ribbon. So easy, just used a topiary and then cut ribbon about 4 inches long, looped it and pinned it with tiny sewing pins.

Ainsley's room is pink and green so it now sits in her room as a decoration and she loves it!

More cupcake things I found at Micheals and etsy. The little cupcake confetti as well as the big cupcakes hanging from the lanterns (hard to see) were from an etsy site and I got them for a great price.

So for the party I had the girls decorate their paper baker hats with markers and stickers. The girls were all either age 6 or 4 and they loved writing their own name by themselves. Some of the little ones needed help but I think they enjoyed decorating their hat with tons of stickers!

After that, the girls iced and decorated their own cupcakes that I had made. Ainsley's proud of her creation.

Not sure if Harper could get anymore sprinkles on hers!

The whole gang!

After the cupcakes, we decorated our own cupcake cake pops but we don't have pictures because that took both Mike and I to help and supervise;) Btw, Mike was a HUGE help!!!

We also cracked open a cupcake pinata but again no pics, just video and it's hilarious to hear the 6 year olds tell the 4 year olds: "Get it girl!"

Bennett could have cared less about all the girly stuff and went straight for the bat we used for the pinata- "attaboy!"

All in all the party was a success and Harper told me the next morning that she loved her party and all the things they did-I'm one happy momma:)

Here's where I got ideas and everything seen at the party:

Birthday banner, cupcake toppers: The Birthday House
Cupcake confetti and large cutouts: So Effing Cute- {the name is not my favorite but her prices were good!-lol}
Lanterns and pom poms were from Michaels
Cookie recipe with royal icing: The Brown Eyed Baker
Paper straws: Hey Yo Yo
Aprons: Hobby Lobby
Cupcake iron on -on aprons: Michaels
Baker's Hats: online- just google for best prices
Paper cupcake wrappers: The Little Piggies Bows
Invitation: Erin Bradley Designs
Cupcake thank you stickers: Sugar Sweet Party Boutique
Cupcake Pinata: Target
Cupcake Cake Pop instructions: Bakerella.com
Cupcake take home boxes: Michaels
Cupcake gift bags: Michaels
Cupcake Cake: My friend Jeannie:)

Here We Go Again....

2011-06-10T12:12:00.001-04:00

So every 2 years, almost to the month, our lives seem to change. Mike and I have been married for almost 11 years now and have lived in 5 different houses and in 3 different states. Twice it's been within the same town (although different states) but the other 3 times it's been big moves. Well, here we are again, a little over 2 years (actually this is the longest time we've been in the same house!) and.....you guessed it-

We're moving!

From the south, to the north and now back down to the south again! I have to say this move is going to be bitter sweet. Yes, I love almost everything about the south. I feel like the south is my home.

Maybe because I lived there for 12 years (in college and then with Mike after we got married).

Maybe because my girls were born in the South.

Maybe because little girls wearing big bows, big porches with hanging ferns and southern accents make me smile. Besides, I did grow up just below the Mason Dixon line in VA.

But the North, well there's something about living in the Northeast. It has a lot of character. It's beautiful up here. And where we live, there are rolling hills, farm land and mountains. Living just a short drive from NYC has it's perks too! And believe it or not: the northeast has REALLY nice people!;)

I have to admit, when Mike first got his job up here, I was a little concerned with what it would be like to live just minutes from New Jersey. The people seemed so different. I guess we can thank all the reality tv for that! But you know what? Some of the people were different and that's okay. Most of the people we're nothing like what you see on tv and if they were, they were entertaining;) Seriously though, I've met some of the nicest people in my life up here.

I'll never forget once Bennett was born and when people I hardly knew brought us dinners my dad said "I know you guys want to get back down south but you've got some really nice people up here". He couldn't believe all the love and support we received after Bennett was born because we had only been there for 6 months! I know he felt good about where we lived and he felt like the people up here were going to take care of us.

These last 2 years have easily been the HARDEST, without a doubt. Moving to a whole new place while pregnant, not knowing anyone, then finding out my unborn child would have Down syndrome and would need heart surgery, going through the heart surgery, becoming "a special needs mom" and everything that goes with that, then finding out my dad had Melanoma, then spending a year to try and help my dad find the best treatment, all the while experiencing the ups and downs of having a child with Down syndrome, then losing my dad.

But the people that came into my life during these very hard times, will NEVER be forgotten. Some of these people deserve their own little post but that will come on another day.

Mike has been blessed to work for the same company for 11 years and will remain with them during this move. We've been anticipating it, praying about it, wondering about it, talking about it and agonizing over it. I've been cleaning out closets, organizing and eliminating since January. C'mon now, does that surprise you? Ya'll know I'm a planner! LOL.

So there's a lot still up in the air ie: an actual move date (it will be sometime this summer), an actual town we'll live in but I guess I'm used to this by now and hope to have another awesome experience in this new chapter of our lives. Stay tuned, it's going to be another crazy summer!

Can ya guess what state we're moving back too??

Play room Makeover!

2011-06-09T09:56:00.018-04:00

I've been a busy bee lately and I decided I'd link up to The Shabby Chic Cottage for:

So I transformed our living room into a playroom a while back and I've been wanting to change things up a little to make it more organized and nicer since it's the first room you see when you walk into our house.

Here are the before pics from when we first moved in over 2 years ago:

Yuck! My style has changed so much!

Then the first transformation into a play room:

These chairs are now in the family room.

So I eventually took the chairs out and moved the table in their place and the room started to get crazy with all the toys. I don't think I have pics of that transformation.

But here is the after of what it looks like today:

I went with a black and white color scheme but wasn't willing to change the wall color. I love the white rug but we've had a few issues with it;0

I painted the polka dots on the table white-they were green and yellow. I added white pom poms-so fun! I also painted the "MDA" and the "play" letters white-they were gold. I glued on black numbers to the baskets with my handy glue gun and tried to organize the toys as best I could. We've got a lot of ~~junk~~ toys:)

Love these chalk board sticker labels! I found them here.

I bought these ikea shelves on the left and right from my friend that was selling them in a yard sale for $15! She had 5 total and now I wish I had purchased all of them-great for storing all of our other toys! I plan on painting those top bins black btw.

More chalkboard labels!

I decided to add these small, easy to clean chairs to the room for a reason-but more on that later;) I'm a pillow making machine right now so I found some down pillows in the basement and covered them with some new fabric.

I took down the yellow polka dot curtains and hung white panels but when I saw these, I knew they would be perfect in the play room! But they may have to wait-more on that later too;)

So there you have it, our new playroom but not for long! Never a dull moment around here!

Happenings...

2011-06-07T10:44:00.025-04:00

Busy as usual around here. Can't believe I haven't posted in a week but pure craziness has erupted it seems and as if I wasn't busy enough, I'm going to be a whole lot busier...more on that later;) {no, I'm not pregnant}

We had a big weekend here but before that, in my precious, spare time I made some fun things I'd like to share...

A fun summer wreath! I found the idea here, she deserves the credit but I added my newest obsession- starfish and seashells!
Super fun and cheap shoes! Again, found the idea here. Cheap walmart shoes dyed to your favorite color! Sooo easy! I can't come up with all this stuff on my own! The girls LOVE their new shoes by the way and I'm really digging mine as well!

So on to our weekend...

My mom came up, which was wonderful and got to see Ainsley in her kindergarten fashion show and concert!

For the fashion show you had to write a small paragraph about the first letter of your name and come up with a matching costume and props. We did Apples for Ainsley and I made her a little dress and she carried out a basket of fake apples and a fake apple pie that I made. All the kids were so cute and some of the costumes were so creative-very impressed.

The next day was our neighborhood garage sale. My mom is a super perfectionist {wonder where I got it from??} so we had the nicest looking garage sale by far if you asked me;)

I mean, would you look how professional this looks!? My jewelry sold well {for .50 it should have!} but I did have to snag back those blue earrings in the far lower, right corner. Forgot I had those and decided I still liked them;)

More of my mom's cute way of displaying things.

So the next day was Ainsley's dance recital. Actually she had to perform 4 times-twice Saturday and twice Sunday-more like a dance marathon!

Before the recital, waiting to go in. Harper was excited to hold Ainsley's flowers.

Backstage- two brown eyed beauties!

More backstage.

I barely got any pictures of her in her costume so here she is in all her glory! {Pictures are not allowed during the performance.}

So that wrapped up our weekend. It was exhausting but fun!

I did want to share that Bennett is now sporting new shoes with his new orthotics. For those that don't know, orthotics are small inserts that help support the arch of the foot and ankles. Kids with Down syndrome have lower tone so these offer just a little support. You can barely see Bennett's as they go just a little above his ankle. He doesn't seem to mind them either.

Look at my little man! Love him!!

Other than that, just starting our ~~crazy~~ lazy summer days:)

Better Late Than Never...

2011-05-27T16:41:00.009-04:00

I've been wanting to get some "2 year" pics of Bennett but let's just say it's been a tad hectic around here. So I finally had a chance today and since it's Memorial Day weekend, we went with patriotic colors....

Bennett's 2 Year Stats:

Weight: 23.8

Height: 32 inches

{Bennett is little, needless to say;)}

He's crawling on all fours, pulling to stand and cruising. No walking yet but will walk with push toys as well as while holding your hands but only on his terms;). Sometimes this bothers me that he hasn't taken his first steps and other times I could care less. Right now I'm in a care less mood. He is getting orthotics in a few weeks, like most kiddos with DS and maybe this will help.

Bennett has about 15 signs and can say about 8 words. He consistently says "daddy", "ball", "up", "mama".

Bennett can point to his nose, toes, belly, head, hair, fingers, feet and eyes when asked to.

His favorite food is yogurt.

His favorite drink is milk or his yogurt drink.

His favorite show on tv is Fresh Beat Band-obsessed with it.

His favorite song is "Firework" by Katy Perry-LOVES IT.

Bennett loves taking baths, playing with his drums and watching his sisters dance and sing.

We're working on identifying picture cards as well as matching object to pictures and he's doing quite well. We're also working on simple, big picture puzzles which helps with his matching as well.

His yearly evaluation is coming up and I'm really not stressing over it. I know what he does and doesn't do and I know what we need to work on. He'll get there in his own time.

Love ya Bennett!!

Bennett and His Cake....

2011-05-25T08:18:00.000-04:00

So I didn't do anything fancy this year for Bennett. I kind of do the "every other year" thing when they're really young. But of course we got him presents and a cake.

Now, my hopes where not high that he'd actually touch or eat much of his cake. I decided to go with an ice cream one because he likes ice cream and I really wanted him to at least try some of his own birthday cake!

Yep, right from the get go this kid was not liking it-lol!

C'mon Bennett, blow out your candles!

{We blow bubbles with him a lot and he tries really hard to blow them so I thought maybe he'd try with his candles...yeah, forget about it!}

So then I cut him a piece and plopped it right down on his tray-just wanted to see what he'd do...

He immediately tried to pick it up to fling it to the floor but then realized his hands were covered in blue icing and then he got mad about that and rubbed some on his face!

Let's just say he was MAD! He's was furious at all the icing {just some slight sensory issues here;)} He wanted me to hold him but I can't keep babying him...he's two now! Are you proud of me mom??;)

The thumb always makes it better. So after he calmed down I offered him some actual ice cream cake...

Are you kidding me mom??!!

He actually ended up eating a good bit after he realized he liked it. I really feel like that is a huge barrier- I know he'd eat more things if he'd just give them a try but he's so consumed with spitting them out due to the texture or lumps-agh!!

Okay, so I knew he was hungry and I gave him his sippy of milk but instead of holding his cup like he normally does, he refused to use his icing covered hands {I didn't wipe him up because I want him to learn that it's okay to be messy with food}....

Yeah, slightly ticked at you mom and I'm going to show you that by not holding my sippy!

He drank all 8 ounces like that so whatever!

The night did end on a good note though. Bennett is quick to forgive....

So this summer you'll find Bennett and I in the grass, covered in messy food because this kid has got to get over this food thing!!! {did ya get that I said we'll be in the grass??- you're crazy if you think I'm going to allow that mess in my house!...just kidding...kinda;)}

Next year Bennett, next year will be the year you eat your cake, okay?

Well, would ya look who's 2?!!

2011-05-22T15:57:00.001-04:00

Oh.My.Goodness!

How did my little baby boy go from this sleeping little angel....

...to this sweetheart of a toddler ?!...

{he's still an absolute angel btw}

I know, every mom asks this question but it's just so hard to believe my boy is a 2 year old now!

Sweet Bennett, two years with you has flown by and I enjoy spending every single day with you!!

You are smart, stubborn {hmm, seems to run in the family;)}, sweet as can be, cuddly, curious and every day I think you're more handsome than the day before.

We just adore you and are so very thankful that God put you, perfect little you, in our family. You're just the right fit! Mommy pretty much can't get enough of you!!

Mommy and daddy are so very proud of every little thing you do and we love to share it with the whole wide world!

My very favorite bible verse for my very favorite little boy:

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things...

2011-05-20T09:09:00.014-04:00

It's hard getting back into our crazy routine when we've been out of it for a week.

Back to our millions of therapies, drop offs and pick ups for school and preschool, keeping the house clean, laundry, not to mention we've been waiting for an answer for something for what seems like forever now, getting ready for Harper's birthday party and getting myself ready to accept that my little boy will be 2 on Sunday!!

On top of all that, I still miss my dad. And I worry about my mom being alone. My life hasn't changed much but hers has...drastically and that makes me sad for her.

But I do have to share that I've had wonderful friends that have sent cards, flowers and have brought yummy dinners-just too sweet. I can't thank them enough.

To keep myself busy though, as if I'm not busy enough just taking care of the kids, I've thrown myself into projects. {My sewing has taken a back seat because, well, quite frankly I was getting burnt out on it. I've still got a few orders that I'm filling but I've drastically cut back since my dad got pretty sick.}

Now for the projects...so I'm pretty much crazy. I think I have about 4 going right now and when I get a little tired of one because I can't seem to quite finish it, I start another. And while I'm doing the other, I'll walk by and see the first one I was working on and want to start back on that one! Ahh!

Today I've been organizing and switching things up in the play room. Total nightmare but I have a grand plan and it shouldn't be a big deal.
I've also been dabbling on my dining room project where I'm painting frames and making pillows.
Outside I'm planning on a fun spruce up of the patio/gazebo area.
And then there's Bennett's room...like I said, I'm crazy.

None of this involves tons of money, just lots of thinking/planning/internet searching on my part and then the actual work. Of course throw in "Mommy will you play barbies with me?", Bennett shutting himself in the bathroom several times a day, and Harper falling into something and needing me to kiss it and sit with her for a bit. But that's just part of being a mom.

Here's an idea I'm playing with outside on the patio area:

Just dabbling but I'm liking the striped curtains that were seriously only $6 for 2 panels!

Anyways, I haven't been the best blogger lately but I'm around and looking forward to sharing some hopefully cute birthday pics of Bennett on his big day-if it will ever stop raining! No party this year {I've out done myself with Harper's} but that was my original plan anyway. We'll see if we can get him to take a bite of his cake...highly doubt it but maybe he'll surprise us;)

Kids...

2011-05-14T16:06:00.016-04:00

....They sure do have a way of making a very sad time, seem like a happy time.

But first I want to thank all of you who left such nice comments and for your prayers for our family. We could feel the love and appreciated all the sweet words.

I wasn't sure how the kids would do during my dad's funeral. Should I bring them? I asked myself. What if they start to act up? We talked a lot about being very quiet and respectful during Granddaddy's funeral. I really wanted my girls to go because I felt it was important for them to have some type of closure. We also had them attend my dad's military memorial because again, I wanted them to have the closure and felt it was important for them to watch the 21 gun salute and to somehow be proud of their granddaddy.

But before all of the services, we had mother's day to celebrate and it was such a peaceful and fun mother's day. We went to the local berry farm and picked strawberries, fed goats and the moms received free ice cream sundaes...it's a big deal in my mom's small town to come here for mother's day.

Bennett knows how to pose for the camera!

Loving on the ones that made me a mommy.

As far as the funeral went, I couldn't have been more proud of my kids and my sister's boys. Dad would have been proud too. They sat almost completely silent while the pastor as well as many others talked about my dad. During the military salute they sat in awe of the soldiers and watched them march and carefully fold the American flag that covered my dad's casket. When the loud guns went off, Bennett gave his pouty lip {naturally} and Harper of course asked "why did they shoot those guns?". The weather couldn't have been more perfect and everything about all of the services was beautiful. I'm so glad my kids were there to see it all.

Now, I will add that later, as we were saying good bye to those that came, a friend of my parents asked who our kids were and as I pointed and said "and this is my other daughter Harper", she had her dress pulled up to her arm pits, showing everyone that may have been looking, her underwear! She was hot and what else do you do when you're 4 and you need to get some air? It wasn't too funny when I saw it but thinking back now, I know my dad would have just laughed.

After things calmed down and all of the ceremonies were done, the kids found ways to keep themselves busy...
They made up their own band-Harper was the drummer and Ainsley played the guitar.We went to the beach and let the girls release some energy after behaving so nicely for two days. They didn't have bathing suits but we let them get wet and sandy anyway.

Bennett enjoyed playing with the shovels and buckets

and walking with my mom {Grammy} down the beach.

He became very tired and started signing "night-night" here. This is actually the sign for "bed" but I taught him to use it for "night-night" or "tired" because I think it's cute;)

Btw, my new fashion accessory is a fedora. I love them and can't get enough of them! I currently have 3 of them.

Bennett has an unusual way of getting around now....

I guess you could call it the bear crawl and he's quite efficient at it.

Yep, this face turned a lot of sad faces into happy ones. My dad just loved to see Bennett smile really big. He was so proud of him and I so wished he would have been able to watch Bennett grow and hit huge milestones. But even though he won't see Bennett do those things here, he will still be watching him and cheering him right along up in heaven.

Forever In Our Hearts....

2011-05-04T09:21:00.010-04:00

My dad went to be with the Lord last night. I cannot tell you how hard he fought this ugly disease. I was thinking about when I last saw him, just a couple of days ago and before I left I wanted to see him walk. That was the goal-to get him up and walking so he could be strong enough to endure one last try at a treatment. At this time I had no idea he was so close to passing. The nurses came in and helped him and I saw how hard it was for him to only walk a few steps and then he needed to turn back around to sit.

I thought to myself look how weak he is, my poor dad, I wish he could have walked longer. But now I think back and realize my dad was so close to death and yet he still wanted to walk.

He wasn't weak at all, he was so so strong.

Most would have just stayed there in their bed in the kind of pain he was in but he wanted so badly to show us that he wanted to get better. He wanted to show us he still had strength. Incredible strength.

I cannot express the love I had for my dad. He treated me, my sister and my mom like queens. He was always loving, funny, gentle and kind. Not one bad memory can come to mind. To not have him in my life is going to be so terribly hard. So many wonderful memories, I just don't know how to go on. But I will. We all will. I'm just thankful that melanoma doesn't have a hold of him anymore. He is free from pain, free from discouragement that he faced for a year. He is well now and with his savior.

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. Our family is hurting now but not because dad is hurting, because our hearts will miss him so.

Robert James Cross

February 24, 1945-May 3, 2011

4 Years Ago Today...

2011-05-02T08:02:00.000-04:00

Our Harper Elise was born!!

From the get go we knew she was going to be....Yet as she's grown we've come to see that she can be quite....

{but only when the situation isn't familiar}

She's a girl that knows what she wants though and is very determined. Or in other words....

;)

But I think she'll go far with that stubborn attitude because under all of that, she's an absolute....

Harper Elise you are loved!

We adore the feisty, shy, stubborn, sweetheart that you've become!

We also happen to think you're quite....

Both inside and out.

We love you "Dooga"!

When Do You Let Go and Just Let God?

2011-04-28T21:56:00.011-04:00

I'd be lying if I said the past year hasn't been hard.

I think we all know someone that has cancer, has died from cancer, or is a survivor of cancer.

But when that someone is in your family, it hits home. When that someone is your dad, it breaks your heart.

I've never had someone this close to me have a terminal disease. I've never put so much effort into trying to do whatever I could to keep the word terminal out of the picture.

When I found out just a little over a year ago that my dad had melanoma, I immediately threw myself into research mode. At the time, his melanoma wasn't even that bad or so we thought but I did this when I found out about Bennett having Down syndrome too.

I do this with everything in life. I try to take total control over the situation because that's where I feel most comfortable.

Night after night, I researched drugs, clinical trials, read blogs, joined forums, anything I could do to try and help my dad. I had such a strong hold on my dad's melanoma that I felt if I didn't tell my mom about this trial or this drug that his disease would progress. As if I had control over it.

Of course I prayed but I still had not given my dad's cancer to God, for Him to handle. I wanted to clutch it tightly because I had put so much effort into trying to help my dad find the best options to beat it.

Not a day went by that melanoma didn't cross my mind.

I hate it. I hate it so much. I hate what it's done to my dad. I hate that my dad is in pain. I hate that he is now in a wheelchair because of these damn melanomas that have spread throughout his body. I hate that my mom has to watch her husband endure painful surgeries, battle through treatments, take drugs that make him feel worse. I hate that my parents have been told bad news time and time again. I hate that my girls know their granddaddy has melanoma and that it just won't go away.

Hate is a strong word and I rarely use it but I HATE MELANOMA.

Things aren't good right now. My dad is not doing good. By no means have I given up trying to help my dad and I don't believe he has given up either but I've finally come to realize that it's time to let go, let go of the grip I've had on this disease and let God take it. As much as I want to, I can't stop it.

My dad is in the hospital right now. This wasn't planned. We were hoping that he would start a new treatment but this disease is rapidly trying to take over. I will be going to see him this weekend with my sister and we could use your prayers. My mom could use your prayers. My dad could use your prayers.

Sometimes it's hard to know when to let go of the control that you think you have and to just hand it over but I think when the time comes, you just know. You probably should have never tried to hold onto it so tightly in the first place.

I love you dad. I wish I could make it all better like you've always tried to do for me.

Good Quality Daddy Time...

2011-04-27T08:22:00.005-04:00

Swim lessons for the kids wrapped up last week and while I was out of town, as well as this past weekend, Mike went in with Bennett for his lesson. I have to say, it was so much fun to watch these two! Since Mike works long days, I take Bennett to all of his therapies and I'm with him all of the time, like most stay at home moms. But it's really nice to see the bond Bennett and Mike have.

Mike is like most dads with his son, rough and tumble, often scares me when he plays with him;) and of course he is not nearly as concerned as I am about getting Bennett's ears and well, whole head wet during the lessons.

I got some really cute shots of the two of them though...

He may be a momma's boy but he does love his daddy.

Some how Mike got Bennett to like the noodle...he usually hates the noodle!

He clearly loves being thrown up in the air!

What I love about this picture is that I can see that Mike is so proud of Bennett. I know he is. He loves Bennett just the way he is. I ~~think~~ know they are blessed to have each other;)

There's Just Something About...

2011-04-24T20:11:00.024-04:00

...little girls in pastel dresses and little boys in button downs and ties.

Flowers are blooming, grass is green, birds are chirping.

Easter!

Oh how I love dressing the kids up for Easter Sunday! And when it's actually warm, it really makes me happy!

We had a nice Easter this year. I had a little dress malfunction right before church which forced me to wear the same dress from last year but we're going to move on from that;)

The kids have been hunting for eggs for about a month now so to finally hunt for their Easter basket on Sunday was a huge thrill for them.

Church was wonderful and I've been trying to explain to the girls why we REALLY celebrate Easter. Ainsley gets it {kind of} but Harper is thoroughly confused. The other night while she was saying her prayers she said "Please let Jesus, help God, help the Easter Bunny go to Heaven, Amen" LOL.

Our good friends Keith and Ginger came to church with us. They're always so photogenic!

Mike with his "buddy".

I love my boys.

Later on we went to a friends house and had an awesome Easter dinner. All the kids continued to hunt for eggs and Bennett enjoyed the swing...

And who doesn't enjoy some cute swing pics?

My happy boy.

There's just something about Easter.

My Crazy Week.

2011-04-18T12:25:00.010-04:00

Last week was a blur. I don't think I've ever had a more packed week with so many important things going on. I won't bore you with ALL of the details but it involved:

Mike being out of town
Anxiously waiting to hear news about my dad's trial and then finding out BAD news
Mike having a very important meeting for his job
Ainsley having surgery {large mole removed, went well but she has to come back to get more off in a few months}
Dentist appointments for all 3 kids at the same time {Bennett had his first dentist appt.!}
Deciding to fly to Nashville at the last minute to see my dad
Flying alone kinda scares me {horrible turbulence on one of the flights} and I had to rent a car which I've never done...I survived.
Ainsley getting ready for her little surgery.

Bennett BEFORE the dentist checked and cleaned his teeth...let's just say Bennett wasn't happy {at all} about the cleaning.

So my dad...he could use some prayers. Things aren't good but they've got a plan. I'm so glad I went out there to see my parents though. Hopefully I was a help to them rather than a stressor.

They are staying at the Hope Lodge which is a wonderful place where cancer patients and their families can stay for free. It is super helpful for patients that have to go back and forth to the hospital for treatment. My parents are grateful for it and my mom told me that much of the money raised for the Relays for Life that go on all around the country go to these Hope Lodges. The Hope Lodge in Nashville is the biggest in the country and was very nice.

I know my mom and dad are so appreciative of my mom's sister Peggy and her husband Tom for driving them to Nashville last week. As well as for my cousin Gary and his wife Ellen for opening up their home. My parents did no plan on staying, the plan was to pick up more trial medicine and head back the next day but that didn't happen. So a huge thanks to everyone that has helped my parents, whether it be driving them, feeding them, watching their animals, getting their mail, helping with their yard. It's all so appreciative. Cancer can turn your world upside down and to have people try and make your life as normal as possible, it's truly a godsend.

This week the plan is for my dad to have gamma knife radiation to his brain. After that is taken care of, they will hopefully get put back on a trial. The doctors are not ready to "throw in the towel" and neither is my dad. Melanoma is extremely difficult to treat at this stage but the doctors that are working with my dad are experts in this disease so we're hoping and praying they can find the drug that is going to stop this cancer. But ultimately it's up to the Great Physician.

As far as this week, it's going to be low key. Nothing huge going on, just waiting to hear how things go with my dad and the gamma knife.

So What Do Ya'll Think??

2011-04-13T08:37:00.001-04:00

Of my new do??

It may not look that much shorter but trust me, it is.

Yes, it still covers my ears a bit but that's just how mommy likes it. She says I have good hair and we don't want to mess with what God gave me by chopping it all off;)

Mommy tried to get a shot of the other side but I didn't want to cooperate.

Nope. Was not gonna turn my head, no sir.

But I gave her a nice front shot.

P.S. Thanks to all you nice people in blog land and in real life that reassured my mommy that I in fact do look like a boy, without question;)

Hint of Summer....

2011-04-11T23:27:00.002-04:00

I walked into our local Pottery Barn over the weekend and fell in love with all the sea shells, sand and starfish. Huge glass vases were filled with candles and starfish. Everywhere I turned I saw starfish and I LOVED it. It screamed light and airy, care free, relaxation...summer.

So I went elsewhere and purchased a few things to put here and there for all of about $10 and I don't care if it's a bit early, I'm in love with starfish now. Yes, I still have my eggs, nests, bunnies and birds out but I just couldn't wait to put these two vases out. They make me happy. Plus I think it goes with the "Nantucket" feel I'm going for;)

Speaking of summer....

This was the first time these baby white legs had seen the sun this year. Don't worry, they were covered in sunblock!

Yep, Bennett enjoyed the 84 degree day we had, crawling all over the sidewalk.

Bennett's never played with sidewalk chalk before but once I showed him what to do, he got the hang of it.

And then I thought I'd see what he would do if I put him in the grass...

Not too sure about it....but he touched it and tolerated it....and then signed "all done". Yeah, not a big fan.

Reminds me of a picture from last summer....

My sweet little Bennett.

He'd had enough. We'll work on getting him used to it this summer.

By the way this little love got a much needed hair cut from his mommy. I did it while he was taking a bath and I know you think I'm crazy for doing it in the bath but I had my reasons and it looks pretty darn good! Hopefully no one will call him a girl now! {I'll share pics later.}

**Edited**
His hair was cut after these pictures, so it's a bit shorter now but looks really cute! I think a few thought this was the haircut!

Well since we don't get much of a spring up here in PA, I guess summer will be right around the corner;)

Ramblings About People Noticing Bennett...

2011-04-06T18:51:00.000-04:00

Now that Bennett is older, people notice him more and I can tell that they look at him a little longer than what's just the normal glance at a baby. It's most often in a checkout line and what used to be a concern of mine- "Would people notice he had Down syndrome?" is sooo not even a concern now.

I know people know. Of course I don't care. They can tell by looking at his eyes and you can almost pick out the people that have a soft spot for kids like Bennett by the way they interact with him. Or how they gush over him. Some just look and smile and others can't get over him.

But you know I've yet to get a rude comment. From anyone really, in almost 2 years. I'm sure it'll come some day and who knows how I'll react to it. I think the most annoying comment I get about Bennett is that people think he's a girl! Yes, we still have this problem, even though my boy is in a total boyish, non-cutesy outfit-people call him a girl! Drives me crazy and I don't even know if cutting his hair would do any good! Don't these people realize that being a child of mine, if he was a girl, I would have the biggest bow ever in his (her) hair and he'd (she'd) be covered in pink head to toe!?;)

LOL.

"Aww, how old is SHE?" "Yes, the one with the boyish hat." ;)

Another comment we get from lots of people and many times it's from children close to Bennett's age, is "Look at the baby!" or from a toddler "Baby!!" Ha! He's probably older than you, kid! That's okay, Bennett is little and still looks like he's 12 months old. Not walking probably doesn't help either. Aah, no biggie.

I don't know, I think he looks older than that baby on the left. However she could be 5 months old for all I know!

It's funny because I used to be so concerned about what others thought and now I just don't care. I'm proud of my son and very confident and comfortable {most of the time} with our situation and I think people feed off of that. Kind of like "Hello, this is who we are, this is our family and I sure hope you'll accept us just as is." And for the most part, actually for all parts- people do.

I ~~kind of~~ really like that Bennett gives a little character to our family. We're just a bit different and that's totally okay with me. Sure we may always be "The family with the child that has Down syndrome" to local families or it would actually and unfortunately sound more like "The family that has the kid with Downs" or "The family with the Down syndrome child". But hopefully I can help change that;) And hopefully Bennett can help change the way some people think about people like him as he grows up.

For now we'll just let people notice him and maybe he'll bring a smile to their face:)

A Special Night...

2011-04-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Our little girl got all dressed up...

in her pastel yellow dress, with little white gloves...

in all her toothless, six year old glory...

and went to her first daddy-daughter dance.
She had never really seen a corsage before...she loved it!

Such a sweet and special night for both of them:)

The Crud and random non-cruddy things...

2011-04-01T08:29:00.012-04:00

So my oldest and my youngest have had the crud this week.

Coughing, sneezing, boogery noses {can't stand a boogery nose on a baby}, slight fevers here and there and neb treatments. You know the deal.

No strep throat though, had them tested. Just the crud.

So far Harper has managed to avoid it as well as Mike and I. We'll see how long that lasts.

Bennett has actually been pleasant, he almost always is when he's sick (such a sweet little fella) but I thought this was a funny and rare picture of him looking a tad "ticked".

******

In other non-cruddy news, I've been busy doing more of my "mini makeovers" of rooms: Ainsley's room and the master bedroom, as well as my small sewing area. When I get the time, I'll share pics. I'm very happy with the change!

******

And in even more exciting news...my dad. Not sure if I shared that my dad did get into to a clinical trial at Vanderbilt for his melanoma. Big answered prayer! He's been home now for a couple of weeks and sounds terrific. He's started to lift weights and is walking for exercise again. He says he feels good. Seriously dad, YOU ROCK!

My mom is doing well too, started an exercise class -she's always been into walking and taking good care of herself- but I think it's great after all they've been through this past year to carry on, and carry on even stronger!

I admire my parents sooo much. I guess cancer has a way of bringing out a lot of sadness but it also has a way of bringing out a lot of strength, strength that you never thought you had.

Mom and dad, you are so strong!

******

Bennett is wanting to stand and take steps (with my help of course) more and more! Seriously, he loves it now! He loves to practice getting into a standing position from a sitting position too. This kid that hated bearing weight now loves standing...I love it!

So there you have it, there's some other potentially interesting things going on but those will have to wait for another day;)

Fine and Gross Motor Explosion!

2011-03-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Bennett has been doing some fun things lately and I just had to share! This is a short video of all the things he's been up to lately.

The first one though is not a skill, just hilarious {if you asked me} and I couldn't resist getting Bennett's belly laugh on tape. He's actually working with his OT on feeding and she's got banana on her hand and is trying to get Bennett to enjoy the stickiness of the banana-remember Bennett DOES NOT like table food and has some texture and small sensory issues.

Bennett has also become a mad stacker...of everything. I caught him trying to stack a block on our little maltese the other day-lol! He loves it! And in one of the videos he's stacking rings and he used to hate this toy-like would throw it when he saw it and refused to stack the rings. But now he just concentrates so hard to complete the task!

He's also cruising now! Still robotic looking but I'm just glad he's moving towards walking some day!

And....we finally have a four point crawler!! More and more I'm seeing him crawl up on his hands and knees rather than do his quick army crawl-the girls always shout out "Bennett's crawling for real mom!", when they see him do it-too funny! But I'll let you see for yourself....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby Bennett....

2011-03-22T21:05:00.002-04:00

Still so little in so many ways.

But I'm slowly starting to see this little boy emerge. From making car noises when he sees a picture of a car or truck {or anything with wheels;)} to carefully stacking blocks and then excitedly pushing them over to make them crash.

Hard to believe baby Bennett {who is looking very much like a little boy rather than a baby these days by the way}, will be 2 in just 2 months.

3-21-11

2011-03-21T08:55:00.027-04:00

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 3-21 represents a third copy of the 21st chromosome {Trisomy 21} or more commonly known as Down syndrome.

I've been blogging for over 2 years now and I hope that by reading you've learned a little something about DS that you may not have known. But more importantly, I hope you have a different way of thinking about individuals with Down syndrome than you may have had in the past. I hope that when you see a child, a teenager or an adult with Down syndrome or any person with special needs, you will be a little more open minded to their abilities rather than just seeing their disabilities.

Today we celebrate Bennett and while he may be different in some ways, we hope that others will accept his differences fully and completely and will love him just as he is. Our boy is worthy, he is loved, he was perfectly created to be in our family.

Thanks for all your support over these last few years!! And...

WE LOVE YOU BENNETT AND ALL YOUR LITTLE FRIENDS THAT SPORT THAT EXTRA CHROMOSOME!!

Bennett's Certain Things....

2011-03-18T09:16:00.001-04:00

Bennett has certain things that at any chance he gets, or if the opportunity presents itself, he's going to attempt to get into them. 2 main things are:

the dog bowls (never fails, if they are on the floor, Bennett is in super fast army crawl mode, heading straight for those bowls) and
baby wipes.

If the little lid is up on the wipe container, forget it. Wipes are everywhere. And recently, even if the little lid isn't up, he's figured it out....

Umm, whatcha doin' Bennett?? (He totally knows he's not supposed to do this.)

"Oh hi mommy, umm, just looking at the wipe box"

"Oops."

"Did I just pull all of those out?"

"Don't be mad at me mommy."

"C'mon, how could you be mad at me?"

"Here, you take one."

"They're so much fun!"

"Really, they are!"

"I love you mommy."

Hmm, he is pretty convincing, isn't he?;)

Does a year make a difference?

2011-03-17T14:41:00.000-04:00

I don't know, hard to tell. I think Bennett's cheeks have slimmed down though and he's sitting much taller;) What do you think?

A little bunny here, a little bird's nest there...

2011-03-16T15:22:00.003-04:00

So Easter is up at our house! I realize it's over a month away but I'm not really into decorating for St. Paddy's day and I'm well over being ready for spring, so it's up. Shall we take a look?

This was my inspiration {no this is not my house-don't I wish!} Picture is from Pottery Barn. I'm obsessed with bunnies, eggs, birds and nests this year. I apologize a head of time for the lighting in some of these pics- I guess we're getting our typical spring weather...which is rain, so there's not much natural light coming in-blah!

This is my version of the pottery barn inspiration. I couldn't find cream colored eggs to save my life so the speckled, pastel eggs would have to work. I then attempted to stencil on the letters...that was a big mistake but thankfully the paint came off and I just put stickers on the eggs-you can't even tell that they're stickers.

Hopefully I spent less then I would have if I purchased them from Pottery Barn. For some reason many of my "oh I can do that!" projects turn out to be a mistake but I always seem to fix it some how. Whatever.

Anyways, I had this broken glass in this frame that was sitting in the garage for about a year and I actually spray painted it in this robin egg blue a long time ago. So I pulled it out and went through every room trying to use it somewhere because I LOVE robin egg blue. It ended up on the dining room table and I think I like it there. Kind of unexpected.

And here are some of my eggs and nests in all their glory. I don't know who is the mother of all these eggs-are they bunny eggs? Do bunnies lay eggs? Well of course they don't, they're mammals but that little bunny on my table seems to be protecting tiny eggs?? So then they're bird's eggs? Well I don't care whose eggs they are, I love eggs! For the record, I know bunnies don't lay eggs;)

I found these little place card holders at Hobby Lobby and since they are close to my robin egg blue, I thought they added a nice touch.

I just like how these chocolates look in the glass jar! Plus they are in the dining room, a room I don't walk through ever day so they are a tad less tempting;)....A TAD.

So I've had these palm tree pictures for about 10 years now. Our first home was in Myrtle Beach, SC and I had a safari theme going on throughout the house. That's not really working up here in PA and quite frankly, these pictures are the last safari type thing I have up and then there will be no more safari-I'm over it. However, they are nice pictures so maybe I'll put them in a basement one day if we ever have a finished basement, I don't know.

Sorry, bad photoshop job but I've seen a really cool and inexpensive way to add texture and color to a room: purchase blank canvases at Micheal's or wherever and then use your favorite fabric to cover them-I plan on just hot gluing mine. So this is what I would like it to look like...or something along these lines. I think the "blonde" color and blue look cool together and again unexpected! And yes, those are little birds up there perched on their newly painted, blue wall sconces;) {they were green before...of course.}

Okay, moving on.

This bunny (Hobby Lobby) seemed like she needed a few more eggs so that's what she got!

I don't know if this is a deviled egg holder or what but I thought it would look cute on my kitchen table and of course the bunny needed to be surrounded by eggs.

What's this? More eggs? Well, yes and why not have a monogrammed egg? LOL
Love bird cages can't get enough of them...

And finally...

Yes, finally, here comes the sun! Hopefully in more ways than one.

So I suppose my next project will be to set up the back porch and gazebo-it's probably going to be another month or so but I can't wait!!

Lil' Swimmers!

2011-03-13T10:07:00.002-04:00

The kids have been busy lately and getting ready for summer with swim lessons! I've got all 3 of them in the pool this year and so far, so good...

Ainsley is getting quite the work out in her class but I think she's really enjoying it! I have the feeling though that the instructors think she's better than she really is so I'll admit there were a couple of times I had the momma instinct to jump up and save my daughter but I didn't and she survived;)

Harper LOVES the water and every time I looked she had a smile on her face!

I love listening to Harper tell me everything she did in class- "We did not do big arms today mommy", "We kicked a lot with our surf board", "That's called a kick board Harper", "Oh, kick board.":)

And then there's little Bennett and man was I shocked last week when we took our first class! He LOVED it!!

Bennett loves music and this class is all about singing songs, splashing, kicking and being comfortable in the water. I signed him up in the 6-12 month class because the next class was for ages 18 months-3 years and that's just too big of an age gap.

For the first time I didn't feel a tad bit sad because Bennett wasn't doing what the other kids were doing and yes, I know it's because they are younger but he just fits in better with younger kids. Not that I don't want him to have peers his own age but well, I don't know.

Just look how happy he is in these pictures though....

Okay so he looks a little upset in this one but he really likes the "jumping" in part! {Doesn't he look like such a big boy?? Where did my baby go???!}

It's so strange because it's very hard to get Bennett to stand unless he has something like a table or walking toy in front of him. I think he just feels more secure. But for some reason he stands right up on the side of the pool for me. I've got a video of him "jumping" in at the bottom:)

It's a great workout for him and for me!

So we had another exciting thing happen with Ainsley that you'll see at the very end of this video....{sorry for the poor quality, our little flip video has about had it.}

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Way to go Ainsley!! So proud of you!!! Now that you can ride this bike I think it's time for one that actually fits you-lol!

The Sun Will Return....

2011-03-10T18:09:00.002-05:00

...but all this rain we're getting isn't helping my current mood.

I think I've made it pretty obvious that things have been rough lately. And recently, receiving some "hard to take news" about my dad has only made it worse. It's been a year (since last March) of bad news, then good news, then bad news, then okay news, then great news, then bad news and then really bad news. But the sun always seems to come out after the dark clouds pass through. And I know it will again. It will dad. It always does.

Besides we've got spring around the corner {yes, my Easter decor is up, does that surprise you?!} and Bennett has his "hot dog" hat on again....

Just need to work on keeping it on-yep, he's determined to throw it right off as soon as mommy puts it on.

Ya know, when you're cooped up inside for most of the winter, the kids can drive you crazy but they have this amazing way of turning things around when things don't seem to be going so well. I think it's the contagious laugh that my girls have.

The other night they were doing something and cracking up over it and I couldn't help but just laugh right along with them. A good laugh goes a long way.

So while we wait for the sun to return, we'll keep playing with play-doh, we'll keep laughing uncontrollably, we'll keep dancing. Because the sun will return. It always does.

"It's not all hugging and the special olympics"...

2011-03-03T09:32:00.003-05:00

Ha! Well isn't that the truth?

So hear me out.

I heard this on a Grey's Anatomy recently and the episode (which you may have seen) had a small part about one of the doctors trying to decide if she should have an amniocentesis because she's slightly older (increased risk for DS) and her partner (another doctor) doesn't necessarily want a "special needs baby".

So it got me thinking.

No, I'm not going to write about an amnio and whether a mom should find out or not. I am going to tell you that in fact the one doctor is right, it's not all hugging and the special olympics. Again though, hear me out.

It's hard having a baby that's "different" from most babies. But don't go thinking, yeah, I could never do it.

Right now I'm having a hard time in general. With life "stressors" to be honest. I've got quite a few things on my plate and while I've always thought "I can deal with it", "Just suck it up Adrienne and keep on keepin' on", "You're used to being stressed." I guess I can't really "deal" with it. I mean I can, and I will but I'm not dealing with it so well right now. And sure others are in more stressful situations but I guess we all handle things differently. I'm not going to go into details and I don't want to sound like another mom that's majorly stressed out because aren't we all? Oh and for the record, having a child with special needs really isn't my main stressor, just one of many.

But you see, I've got this super competitive personality and I'm rather impatient {probably doesn't go well with stress, huh?} and why God thought I would be a good mom to a child with special needs is sometimes questionable, well at least to me. Like:
"Really God, you know how I am, you really think I can handle a child that is most likely going to be doing things later than children that are even younger than him?"

"Don't you know that hurts my pride just a tad?"-as if He cares if it hurts my pride!

"And really, can I deal with having to work on things over and over with him, you know how impatient I am, right?" "Right???"

Yep, He knows exactly how I am. And yet He still chose me and Mike of course. But Mike's not really like me, that's why we work well together. He handles stress very differently. However, even though I sometimes find it odd that God ~~thinks~~ knows that I can do this, I'm still so thankful that God chose me {us}.

Raising a child with special needs {for me anyway} is like riding an emotional roller coaster at all times. Clicking your way up to the top of the hill can be scary and rather stressful, okay super stressful but once you've reached the top, man, it's like you're on top of the world. I mean, you've never felt so good. It's hard to explain but the pure joy you experience is quite remarkable. You've got your hands up in the air with a big smile on your face! And I don't care if your kid just rolled over for the first time, you're going to scream it from the roof tops that....

"My kid just rolled over!!!"

lil' B at 4 months

"No really, MY KID JUST ROLLED OVER!"

But then going down, you know you've got another steep hill to climb and the frustration creeps in, the fact that your kid is delayed shows up almost everywhere you look.

The highs are high, like really high, higher than you ever thought but the lows can be really low and sometimes lonely.

How is one to cope with it all? One that is competitive, a worry wart, a bit of a stress ball, if you will? Asking herself "Should I being doing more?" "Should we try that with Bennett?" As if not doing one specific thing is going to effect Bennett's entire future...I know, silly.

I suppose a lot of it is fear. Isn't it true that when we have our future painted out in front of us, for the most part and it's not necessarily the future you imagined, there is a lot of fear involved? For example in my case: your son has Down syndrome so the general consensus is: he may never learn things most kids learn, he may never drive, he may never go to college, or live on his own, etc.

Hello F.E.A.R!!!

Nope, it's not all hugging and the special olympics.

BUT {and this is a huge but, like the biggest but ever}

The highs are high baby. And those lows aren't from God. Not the God I know.

Oh, I still haven't figured this whole thing out. Like I said, I've got some things going on that are telling me I'm not handling all the stress in my life like I should be. I think it may be an accumulation of stress that I've stored away for years. And I'm not quite sure how I'm going to tackle it all at this very moment.

Maybe get back into yoga, more time for me, better diet-lol-I don't know! But what I do know, is that I'll take every stress there is that comes with Bennett and him having Down syndrome because I'm pretty sure, around the corner is a huge

"My kid just rolled over!!"

moment and well, frankly...

...it's all worth it.

Every.Stressful.Bit of it.

Because when this little guy smiles at you after doing something grand, your heart melts, seriously melts.

And the rest of it, well I've got some work to do. And yes, I suppose I still have some work to do as far as my issues with Bennett go too though: not doing this or that, comparing him to others, etc. But I wouldn't change it, I wouldn't change Bennett {~~okay maybe I'd like to change the fact that he's not eating solid food at 21 months but whatever~~};).

So while "it's not all hugging and the special olympics", those "highs" do stand out. And they far outweigh the stressful, scary hills leading up to them.

Easily.