We Will Not Stop!

Advocate:

2) a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc. (usually followed by of  ): an advocate of peace.

3.

a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor.

4.

a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.

We who advocate for Reece's Rainbow and the children waiting in orphanages and mental institutions, will not stop!

Russia may ban adoptions, they may stop families who are adopting , but WE will not STOP advocating for these children!! You can read more about the ban here

If anything it will make us yell LOUDER

Make us yell until the world knows what we know! That these children live in HELL! That they are hungry.. ALL THE TIME!!!!! That they spend hour after hour in their cribs. That they do not know a loving touch! That they are unwanted by their society and thought of as trash by their GOVERNMENT!

That said, Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree has just a few days left to reach their goal of $1000.00 for each child. 

There are MANY still far from that goal!

My beautiful Carina has meet her goal.... THANK YOU!!!!!! 

Now I'm helping Dillon and Sophia M!!!

Sophia M

Dillon

 Sophia currently has $515.00 of her $1000.00 goal and Dillon is at $400.00. They both need to be at $1000.00 by New Years Eve!! Completely possible! 

Please help me , help them!!!! Please click on their names and donate ANYTHING!!!!!! to their Angel Tree accounts! And if you think yelling and advocating doesn't matter, think again!!! 

There are 12 children who found families during Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree this year, there are 81 children who have met or exceeded their $1000.00 goal. And since 2006 over 800 children have found forever families!!!! 

The Advocate... NEVER GIVES UP!

To donate to Dillion 

To donate to Sophia M

To view my giveaway on FB for Sophia and Dillon click here!

 Any amount is a blessing!!!!

URGENT REQUEST! DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR AZIZA

Update, Around 2:30 this afternoon, Aziza went to be with Jesus. Please remember her family in your prayers. 

Another of our own needs our prayers.Aziza daughter of Janet Caswell, a FB friend to many,  is fighting for her life !

Latest update from her mom:

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

"Pray for a Miracle. Aziza needs one.
I am kicked out of the ICU as they do nursing hand-over. Its been a rough night. Tried to sleep in lounge but doc came and woke me to tell me she was deteriorating. Having trouble keeping blood pressure up. Kindeys failing but can't put he on dialysis due to bleeding issue. She is septic - packed in ice to bring

down fever. Liver damage. Abdomen still open. Giving her units of blood products and platelets. She is hooked up to so many machienes. SO so many Ivs. She's so cold. I am a wreck. Family and friends on their way. Samantha has not seen her yet ... I have asked for Child Life to come and help prepare Samantha for seeing her sister. We need a miracle. Pray for a miracle for my baby."

I'm having a day of fasting and prayer , please join!! Please pray in whatever way you can. 

Our community is still reeling from the unexpected death of Sweet Henry. Now Aziza's battle is just overwhelming!

 Here is the link to my FB event for Aziza , but of course you do not need to join to pray!!! Where ever you are please just plead with Jesus to heal her.

 

WINNERS : Giveaway 2

OK, the Santa and Snowman go to ...

HEATHER KONTOES!!!!!!!!! 

Congratulations!!!

And thanks to all!!


Stay tuned for PART 3!!!  

What will be next????

Old Fashioned Giveaway For Carina, Part 2

Well the first giveaway of ornaments is done, and the second is beginning! I thought some figurines might be fun this time. Santa and snowman measure about 5inches tall. All hand blown and painted glass ornaments from Poland. Lots of sparkle!!! My kids tease me so much because I love sparkles!!

Same deal as before. Two days only! This one will end on Dec 1st!!!

1.  Donation and entries
$5.00 - 2 entries
$10.00 - 4 entries
$20.00 - 8 entries

2. All donations go to CARINA, all donations go to her Reece's Rainbow account.

3. After you donate , please leave me a comment, telling me your number of entries.

Giveaway starts NOW and ends on Saturday the 1st, at Midnight (East coast time)



And stay tuned, after this one , there will be another one...








 

WINNER!

And the ornaments go to.....


STORI!!!


Thank you to all who entered. And stay tuned the next ornament giveaway will begin later today. But unfortunately it will be on FB because blogger STINKS and won't let me upload anymore photos! But i will leave a link here to get to my FB page! There's always a way around obstacles!


Stori, send me you address via FB, and thanks again !And Stori you're going to love these sparkling beauties, but i think the most beautiful ornament will be your Carina one! :)

A Good old Fashioned Giveaway!

Here We go. 

These beauties are up for grabs.

All six go to the winner!

These glass ornaments are all hand blown and painted and come directly from Poland. We used to sell them in our store a few years back. My husband is from Poland and knew their art of hand blown glass. He contacted a company out there and these were all made for us. They are about 2.5 inches, the bells are slightly bigger, but they sure sparkle on a tree! 

If this giveaway goes well, I 'll have another one with different ornaments. You could get a whole collection!

Keeping it simple.

1.  Donation and entries
$5.00 - 2 entries
$10.00 - 4 entries
$20.00 - 8 entries

2. All donations go to CARINA, all donations go to her Reece's Rainbow account.

3. After you donate , please leave me a comment, telling me your number of entries.

Giveaway starts NOW and ends on WEDNESDAY the 28th. at Midnight (East coast time)

Winner will be announced Thursday!!So make sure you check back!!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND ENTER GIVEAWAY!
 

 

Down syndrome, Hidden Angels

Em has Down syndrome!

OK not front page news.

She's our daughter and we absolutely adore her!!! Her siblings adore her... except when she messes with Andrew's train tracks, then he's ready to put  a for sale on her!

We take her everywhere, she does everything, and we are so proud of her.  We celebrate on a daily basis, every new word, every accomplishment , no matter how small, it's celebrated BIG in our house.

Emmie knows she is loved. She is smothered daily by hugs and kisses, to the point of her actually putting her little hand up and saying "no". She is filled completely. Her life is perfect. She wants for nothing.

She has no fear of the dark, no issues with us leaving because she knows we always come back.  She goes to sleep peacefully.She eats when she wants, she always has a drink on hand. She is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. She has toys and clothes and someone to change her stinkie's as many times a day as needed (although that's getting pretty old and I wish she'd make friends with the potty)

And then there are the children in this video.  Just the opposite of Em. They have nothing. As completely filled that Em is , these children are as empty as can be. They want for everything. They are abandoned Angels. The children abandoned by their parents, hidden away, shunned by society. Why? Because they are just like Em.

A diagnosis of Down syndrome or any special need, in some countries,is just unacceptable. How Em is a Princess, these children have become throw aways. 

My Carina, that I advocate for unceasingly, is one of these children. She is facing life in a mental institution. She is just like Em. A beautiful four year old child. How can this child be worthless! How can her future be a mental institution!

Carina

How and WHY, should this child and every other child in my video have to endure such sadness, neglect, abuse, and even DEATH!

We need to get these children home!  Eventually, we need to start changing the hearts and minds of these countries so that parents are able to keep their children. But right now the ones who have been abandoned need to go home!

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO. LET YOUR HEART BREAK FOR THESE KIDS, AND THEN PLEASE, PICK ONE AND DO SOMETHING FOR THAT CHILD! DONATE, PRAY, SPEAK,SHARE! PICK ONE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!! BECAUSE SOME OF THESE KIDS ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW! TOO MANY DIE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP THEM. I REFUSE TO LET CARINA BE ONE OF THEM. WHICH ONE WILL YOU HELP?

Down syndrome Makes Them Undesirable, YOU Can Help Bring Them To the Light

Waiting Children With Special Needs

Why Advocate For Orphans? The Top Five Most Asked Questions , Answerd!

Over the past few years , I've been getting more and more involved with advocating for children with special needs. Since I was abundantly blessed with such a child, my life along with the lives of everyone in my family have been changed immensely. And might I add...for the better.

As most of you know I advocate for Reece's Rainbow. They are a non profit organization run by a powerhouse of a woman named Andrea Roberts, who has shed a much needed light on the plight of the orphan with special needs in Eastern European countries.

Over the years I've been supported by so many people,I would never and could never do what I do without them.

But, I've encountered many questions over the years. Here are some of the most popular ones. Answered to be best of my ability.


1. Where does the money go that is raised for these children, since they don't have families committed to them yet?

Each child on Reece's Rainbow has their own account. When you make a donation to a particular child , that money is put into their own account. The money stays with that child until a family comes for them, and then it is used towards the cost of the adoption.

2. What if the child does not get a family?

Unfortunately, some children die waiting. These children all have special needs and along with that some have severe and or multiple medical conditions that don't always get the attention they need. In the event of a death, the money from that child's account is put towards another child. Reece's Rainbow decides who the recipient will be.


3. Why doesn't the child's own country help them?

This may be one of the saddest questions to answer. Most of the children are in countries that still do not see their value. They are hidden away, shunned and dismissed as throw aways. They live in the worst conditions and are given the least attention of all orphans.  One of the questions that so many adoptive parents are asked when in country adopting is , "Why? Why do you want this child?" It is hard for people to understand that these children will thrive in a loving family environment.

4. But why should we help them? We have orphans here that need families.

This question could carry it's own post. It's not an easy question to answer, because it's true. We do have a boatload of orphans right here. We have tons of children in need right in our own backyards. I need to break this down, into pieces to be able to answer it.

      A. God calls each of us to do something special for Him during our life time. Everyone of us has something we can do to make this world a better place.Everyone of us has something we can do to bring glory to God. For some it may be saving the whales, or advocating for abused animals. Some feel the need to go on mission trips, some advocate for better food. Are you advocating for orphans here? Then bless you! And thank you for answering the call!  What is YOUR passion? Mine is without a doubt advocating for these forgotten children.

     B. Thank God we are all called to different things! Imagine if we all were passionate about the same thing! Great for that one thing but the rest of the world would be terribly neglected!

     C. The children I advocate for are lost and forgotten. They will die and are dying because they are neglected or because they just do not get what they need. Even the ones who have somewhat decent caregivers do not get what they need. These orphanages are just not supplied with enough to go around.

    D.There is a waiting list here in the States to adopt a child with Down syndrome!  In other countries there is a waiting list to the mental institution where these children are sent when they turn FOUR! And if they thought life in an orphanage was hard, than life in a mental institution is  hell. Imagine being four years old and suddenly you find yourself in a mental institution. Confined to a bed with even less human interaction than before, less food and no love. Lost scared and confused with no answers no explanation, no hope, nothing.

   E. Quite simply, there are no boundaries when it comes to a child in need. PERIOD


5. But I can't adopt. What could I possibly do to help?

Well, I can't adopt right now either. But holy cow is there an endless list of things you can do! The most important thing... Speak!   Tell people what you know. Odds are they have absolutely no idea what happens to these children.  Donate! You don't have to be rich to help . A few dollars here and there adds up!  Advocate! Pick one child and advocate for them. Imagine if something you said or did prompted someone to adopt that child! Fund raise! Involve some friends and do something, anything! A bake sale, a craft sale, an online auction , have a giveaway!  These are all things that I have done! And Lord knows I'm not rich!  Pray! Nothing is more powerful than prayer! Pray for these children! Pick one and be that child's Prayer Warrior. But most importantly, do something! Don't pass the buck, to "Someone Else" because you know what... Someone Else , doesn't care, Someone Else is busy doing something else. And these kids are dying because of all the "Someone Else's" .


This little girl is who I do this for.

She is one of the children who is over four and will be transferred to an institution, because of Carina's Down syndrome diagnosis. How long do you think she'll survive there? 85% die within the first year, due to the deplorable conditions.

Carina

 I am  her "Someone". Can you help me, help her...

Can you donate, share , pray, advocate???
  

Auction for Carina!!!

I've been painting like a nut trying to get this auction off the ground and going for Carina! It's actually been kind of fun. The kids got involved and helped and they had some great ideas.

All donations go directly to Carina!

These would make great teacher gifts or stocking stuffers!! 



I found if you use a 5 or 6 inch easel it's a perfect way to display them

There are so many to choose from!

Angel Tree Warriors, might like this one! I can put your child's name on it!! 

Also anyone  who has adopted or is in the process. I'd love to put you little starfishes name here!

So come and take a look, maybe place a bid, maybe even share my page!! 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE  ENTIRE AUCTION FOR CARINA!

It's Nico (The Red head) Day!!!!!!

ONE DAY, SHARING EVERYWHERE TO BRING HOME NICO!

NICO

Kyle and Kara(mom and dad) met in 2004 and quickly fell in love. They were blessed with 4 beautiful daughters soon after that and live a blissfully busy life.

When Kara discovered Reece’s Rainbow, it was like a dream come true. She has always been called to orphans and especially the work of Mother Teresa, but didn’t know how to help. So, having a tangible way to advocate for these children was amazing.
Then Kara saw Nico and everything changed. She fell head over heels in love, but because they were not able to adopt at that time, she vowed to advocate as hard as she could for him, in hopes that a family would find him. Things changed very quickly once that “yes” was on both Kyle and Kara’s hearts, and they have been blessed to walk through each door as it has opened. They are praying that they will be able to give Nico the home and family that he deserves soon.
They are thankful for this opportunity and hope you will pray for them as they go through this process.

9/24/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://catholic-kara.blogspot.com/

One day  donated to showing the world Nico. One day dedicated to help raise funds for the McIntee Family, and one day set aside to raise awareness for all orphans. All that accomplished by sharing the Red Head! How easy!

Feel free to share this post, on FB twitter, and any social media available to you! Or just click HERE for Nico's bio on Reece's Rainbow, and hit the share button there! So simple and easy

  

Quite Speechless About Kalinovka

Yesterday, one of my dearest friends asked a simple favor of me. Actually, I should say, what I thought was going to be a simple favor. She asked me to share her new blog. Not a complicated task. I am familiar with the subject and thought I'd be able to do it justice, even with my limited writing abilities.

So this morning I sat down to write. First step, visit the new blog, read her post.

I visited , I read, and now I sit with my stomach in knots, and tears streaming down my face, and feeling like a drop of water in a vast and endless ocean.

The blog author and dear friend is Jane George, The subject Kalinovka and it's forgotten yet gifted inhabitants,

I'm quite lost at the moment and don't know how to write or capture the thoughts that are crisscrossing and zigzagging around in my mind. Maybe a brief explanation of Kalinovka and Jane. 

Last year, or rather earlier this year Jane went to Kalinovka. She went to Orphanage 50 and loved on the children there. She saw with her own eyes what we only see in pictures, her ears heard the sounds we can only imagine and she inhaled the scents we don't even want to imagine. 

But amid all the sadness and loneliness something else is happening in Kalinovka. There is a hope!

The Happy Child Foundation is building new homes for the children. Getting them out of the deplorable institutions that they are trying to survive in and putting them into clean warm and safe buildings. 

The children, the lost and forgotten children. 

But what of the children who have grown? The adults who are no longer children, who are not eligible for adoption, but who still  need love, and hope and respect and dignity? What happens when the child grows up...

This is as far as I can go,  I cannot do it the justice it deserves.

 For the rest of the story you must visit Jane's new blog.  Read her story first hand, look at the photos and look into the eyes of the people of Kalinovka!
Make the time for this one. There is hope in this story. There are miracles and beauty here too.  Support Jane, and her amazing efforts to bring light and hope into this desolate and dark place. Follow her blog , leave a comment and push her to keep up the selfless work she is doing for these beautiful people!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO KALINOVKA

Orphan Sunday: Make A Difference Today!

Today is Orphan Sunday. Step out in faith today and do something to make a difference.

Make a change in your life and others will benefit.

Be complacent and nothing changes. Don't wait for someone else to make it better.

Please make a small donation to Carina today. You have no idea what just $5.00 can do. God will multiply it. Donate here. Carina is facing life in an institution. We can stop that or we can wait for "someone " else to do something.

All donations are 100 percent safely made through paypal, or check.. Reece's Rainbow is a 5019c)3 non profit organization. Your donation goes directly to the child.

I'm Not A Penguin Or A Polar Bear But I'm Taking The Plunge

It could possibly be that the stress of my life has finally gotten to me or that I'm so completely in love with Carina that I would throw myself into the Atlantic Ocean for her. 

As you know the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree is in full swing and it leads warriors to do whatever it takes to get to that $1000.00 goal.  I've got a few things up my sleeve but I am still worried that I won't make it. And I cannot and will not let Carina down. We all know that money, unfortunately is the mountain that blocks many people from committing to a child. 

So I'm hoping that morbid curiosity will get the best of you and Carina will get some early donations. (hint hint)

Yes, you're right, pride has taken a back seat. I am willing to darn a bathing suit during the miserable cold months of a New England winter, jump into the ocean, film it and then let you all enjoy the show.All for Carina! I love that girl like I love Emmie and she will get her $1000.00 this year!


So, I'm really hoping that goal is met this month because December at the beach could really (excuse my language) suck!

So please "like" my facebook page,   

 And please share my insane endeavors with everyone!!!!!!!

The faster I get to that goal the faster that video will be posted!!!!

And will I be plunging alone??? Hmmm I know Bella would be up for it. She's my little dare devil. And I've got a couple of friends I'm pretty sure I need to take along... Jim Bean and Johnnie Walker... j/k ;)

Angel Tree 2012, Miss Carina

I'm sitting here, quite terrified at what I've gotten myself into. Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree has begun!  Once again the children are being represented by warriors determined to raise at least $1000.00 for each, between today and New years Eve. The children are all orphans, all with special needs, most with Down syndrome like Carina, all in Eastern Europe. The exposure means many will find families this year and obviously the money makes it possible for families to adopt. The expense is overwhelming costing well over 25,000 to bring a child home.

"My" girl Carina is still waiting. She is once again on the Angel Tree and I am once again going to try to raise another $1000.00 for her account.

 And I am once again going to ask for your help. I love this child like she was mine. I've memorized every inch of her face and even though there is no smile, I've seen it in my dreams and it is breath taking.

She has my heart like no other.

She is four and a half years old now, and the thought of her being transferred to an institution literally makes me shake. For all I know she may be there already.

Her beauty, even in her sadness is simply angelic.

With your help  $5100.00 has been raised for her this past year. Actually, I'm finding out, this Dumpling has many warriors who love her and pray for her. This year her account needs to read at least $6100.00. It sounds like a lot of money but it's just a drop in the bucket of the amount needed to bring her home. So many children are still waiting and the reason  over and over and over again is money!!!

Please help me again this year!

Any donation of $35.00 or more will  receive a beautiful ornament from Reece's Rainbow with Carina on it.
But ANY donation is greatly appreciated! Nothing is too small. No effort goes unnoticed.

 Carina is worth it! 
Her life matters and she is a treasure! She should be dressed like a Princess every day and smothered in hugs and kisses. She should sleep with soft pillows and pink blankets. Her hair should smell like strawberries and be brushed until it's smooth and silky. And every day when she wakes,  her mama should be right there to pick her up.

Please help me to make this a reality for Carina. Little by little we can get her there. Every dollar counts , every penny counts!

31 for 21: The Medical Community, Down syndrome And Dr Julia Kinder

I couldn't think of a better way to close Down syndrome Awareness month than by highlighting a shining star within the medical community. Most of us have heard of Dr. Brian Skotko, and Dr Pueschel. They are both huge names within the medical community. I have had the pleasure of meeting both gentlemen. Dr. P is Em's specialist and raised a son, Chris, who had Ds. Brian has a sister with Ds and does us a wealth of positive advocating within the medical world.

 But today's post is about Dr. Julia Kinder. 

She is a wife, mother, doctor, and for lack of better wording... one of us. Her beautiful daughter Ella was born with Down syndrome!

Since the birth of Ella , Dr. Kinder has been on a mission to change the way doctors are educated when it comes to delivering a diagnosis of Down syndrome to parents. She admits that doctors are not adequately trained. 

" My medical training did not prepare me for understanding what it would be like to have a child with Down syndrome or how I needed to care for her."

 Right now doctors are not receiving enough education. They do not  fully understand Down syndrome and most still have very outdated and bleak takes on it. Most of us already have experienced first hand the lack of knowledge within the medical community. Unfortunately, doctors not always but most often, paint a very gloomy future for our children. 

My own experience was not good at all. I was pegged as a challenging patient because I asked a lot of questions. Looking back now, I can see that I made my doctor uncomfortable because she did not know how to answer my questions! And how could she, if she herself wasn't trained properly . How could she give me hope if Down syndrome was a mystery to her? 

I was consistently told that even though the baby looked good, during ultrasounds, something catastrophic could still happen! Talk about being a bubble burster! I left every doctors appointment confused and scared.
No wonder 9 out of 10 woman choose to abort their child! 

Now, imagine what it would be like if our doctors understood Down syndrome. Imagine how a diagnosis would be delivered! It would not start with the words "I'm sorry" but instead , CONGRATULATIONS!!!" And , "It's going to be Okay!!!"

 I never once heard those words from my doctor.

This is Dr. Kinder's mission. It's a mission that could save the lives of countless babies! Ease the fears of parents and change the hearts and minds of thousands of new doctors!

Dr. Kinder currently has a petition in place to require complete education on Down syndrome for third year medical students. I've signed it and I think advocating for this petition on this last day of October is very fitting! I'd love to see our beautiful community rally together and  add a boatload of signatures!

Click here to  read and sign the petition, and please share. Everyone should know about this. It is our responsibility as parents of children with Down syndrome to pave a better path for others. We know how amazing our children are. The medical community should know too!!!

Education is the key! 

Updated and accurate education must be mandatory to make a difference!

Please sign!

And after you sign "like" Dr. Julia Kinder's facebook page, Upside of Down.

She is truly a shining star, doing great things for our children!


 

31 for 21: The IEP

This picture has nothing to do with this post or IEP's in any way. Em just thought she looked cool and wanted me to post it.

I . E. P.   Individualized Education Plan
Three little letters that can send shivers down the spine of any parent that has ever had to endure one. I've been terrified of them since Em was only a few months old and I learned that one day I would have to sit with a group of people who would have a lot of interest in my daughters education and what she would and would not receive. 

I've heard horror stories about lawyers being needed to guarantee the child got what was legally theirs. Moms being driven to tears by uncompassionate and all to often ignorant teachers.

I would get a stomach ache just thinking about the day it would be my turn.

Then the day came, and I waited for the bomb to drop. I waited for something to piss me off. 

Nothing bad happened. Em got all her therapies, she didn't lose anything, she was in the best school for her needs. Her classroom has both typical kids and kids with special needs. Her team of therapists are from heaven and her teacher is an angel. 

Today was her IEP for the upcoming year. We reviewed where she was last year, where she is now and where we want her to be by the end of the year.

All this was dicussed in between fits of laughter from her teacher, ST, OT and PT as Emmie had them rolling on the floor and wiping tears from their eyes. They all absolutely adore her. 

I know parents worry about school and IEP's and getting all your child deserves and is legally entitled to. 

And a lot of the time it's a battle but sometimes it all just falls into place. 

So there is hope for a great IEP day. 

Do I worry about next year when she will have to move on to another school? You bet your bottom I do. 

There are two schools in my neighborhood. I'm not sure which one she will have to go to, but one has contained classrooms... that's not happening! She's not in one now so we are not going into one. There may be a rumble down the road for us, but today we just enjoyed a really fun IEP day!



 

31 for 21: 1,2,3, FOUR!!

The absolute miracle and wonder of this child never wears out. Each day she brings us joy overflowing, and endless thanks to God above who knew we needed her more than the air we breath.

Today Miss Em is four! This little pint of peanuts is the glue that holds us together. She is the rock and she is the one we all go to when we are feeling weak. 

I don't know what we would do without her and never realized how incomplete all our lives were before her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILIA FAITH!!!!!! YOU ARE SOOOOO LOVED.

 

 

31 for 21: And they danced...

I already have tears in my eyes and I've barely started to write. As most of you know my oldest two girls dance. They are beautiful and I love to watch them. Emilia also dances and I cannot wait to get her into a dance class!!!

Last night the school/ company my girls dance for had an amazing event. It was they're second year doing this and it just keeps getting better. It's called Together We Dance. 

Dancers in the top of their field are invited to take the stage together in one amazing and breathtaking performance. 

Last night we had these beautiful dancers to blur our minds of the daily stresses and take us away to places we could never get to on our own. I sat spellbound and honestly, I don't think I exhaled for two hours.

My daughter Olivia performed, and after her performance, she from the wings and I from my seat, secretly texting, "OMG", "Did you see her" , and "this is amazing"

We watched Daniel Ulbricht, from NYC Ballet, jump like no other. I actually gasped out loud at his leaps. And wondered how long he could just linger in the air.

RI native Greta Hodgkinson and now prima ballerina at National Ballet of Canada , brought me to tears not once but twice with her grace and beauty.

Adiarys Almeida, Boston Ballet, left me and my daughters with our mouths hanging open. She danced Pas de Deux from Don Quixote. I've never seen anything like her.  

 

And we even had Beckanne Sisk, Ballet West,Utah, from the show Breaking Pointe!  She blew us away with her performance , which  happened to be one of my favorite variations, pas a deux from Esmeralda. I could have watched it over and over again.

 The applause was heavy and long and deserved, but the beginning of the show, topped it ALL!

You see the very first dance of the night belonged to the adaptive class that Festival ballet has. Eight dumplings all sporting an extra chromosome opened the show ! They're song, Let's Dance, got the night started. They were enchanting! They knew their marks, they looked fabulous, and not a bit of stage fright in any of them. They smiled and waved and corrected each other (I flippin love that). Every one of them enjoyed their time in the spotlight and when the music stopped the endless applause and whistles began. The audience showed their delight and the children inhaled it! They bowed and blew kisses and they owned that stage.

They danced last night with the best of the best. Thank you Festival Ballet Providence for making that possible!!! Thank you for putting our children out front where they belong! 

31 for 21: APPLES!

Everyone loves apples!!!!!

And apple picking!

And bumping into some dear, friends!

Now that's good for the soul!!

31 for 21: From Em

It's me Emmie! Mommy said her head was about to explode.... I have no idea why!

Anyway, I thought I'd do her a favor and post for her today. I know she's trying to post something about Down syndrome everyday. 

So, today I want everyone to be aware that yes I have Down syndrome, yup I drive my mom bonkers sometimes, and don't  I make a great monkey face???

Mom says that Down syndrome isn't nearly as scary as she thought it was going to be. I think that's a good thing because I don't think I am scary at all,hehee!

See ya, I'm going to go see if mom's head exploded yet.  

31 for 21: Not Everyday is a great Day! And That's OK!!

Some days are picture perfect, ya know? Those days where everything goes smoothly, or those days that are so much fun you just don't want them to end.

But not every day is like that.

Not every day with Down syndrome is like that.

And for me, today is one of those days that I'm not really getting that  warm and fuzzy feeling about.

As lucky as I am that Em was born without any health issues, sometimes I /we forget she was born with delays.

 And today those delays are kicking my butt!

Today has been exasperating and frustrating and has put both of us in our corners crying at one point.

Some days, there is no pause between one fiasco, disaster, misunderstanding, miscommunication or absolutely no communication between me and Em. Some days it's just a constant battle of, Discipline - VS - She just doesn't understand.

Do I put her in the corner or put her in my arms.

Do I walk away for a few minutes, or yell, and regret it immediately...

This post is me walking away for a few, to collect my thoughts. To get a few minutes away from the screeches, the objects flying around, like chairs and sippy cups, dishes, toys and videos and anything not nailed down.  Em's a thrower and some days are much worse than others. We've all learned to tuck and roll when she starts throwing.

This post is my time out. Because honestly we all need one once in a while!


The thing with days like these is just that.... they're days. Moments that pass. Thank God

Oooo, I'm in trouble today!!!

 That's right Em , you are in trouble today.And that's OK!!!
Tomorrow is another day :)

31 for 21: Potty Training

Two of my least favorite words are "potty training"! Why? Well, for starters I just really don't like doing it.  It was okay when my first, Olivia, came along.  I mean everything is new and fun with your first. And then Sophia came along and , at least I knew what I was doing.  By the time Bella was born potty training was getting a little old. I guess I turned into a procrastinator because one day I just found her on the big girl toilet. Guess she was tired of waiting so she trained herself... what a good girl!! Then came the boy!!! Good Lord, I think he was trained the day before he started preschool!  Talk about calling it close!

Then came Miss Em and well, what can I say! This child gives a whole new meaning to the word frustrated!

We have the potty books, the potty video, the sign for potty, the potty chair, and the potty dance. We just have no potty!!!

Oh, we have potty, potty on the kitchen floor, the living room carpet, we have potty beside the potty chair, and we occasionally have some poop too... :(

Miss Em can sit on the potty until it's part of her cute bottom, and nothing. She sits on the potty before her bubble and it never fails , as soon as her big toe hits the water she pees! "sigh"

I, on the other hand have completed Miss Em's potty training course with flying colors! She comes to the potty with me and signs potty and we wave goodbye to it. And I can tell she is so proud of my accomplishment. We wash hands and she leads to the way to our next adventure.

I know it will all come when she is ready. Just like her words!!! Which by the way are COMING, beautifully!

And I know she won't be wearing diapers when she twenty. But you know what. If she is, she is. It will be an honor to care for her in which ever way she needs it, for all the days of my life!

Here she is passing on her potty wisdom to someone who obviously needs help!

 

Oh Miss Em we love more than words can say!!!!

31 for 21: True or False

Day number two and I'm still in! LOL
Crazy day of running everywhere! Anyway here's a true or false question.

A lot of people I meet usually assume that because Emilia has Down syndrome that she is always happy and that as her mom I won the prize, grabbed the golden ring and hit the lottery with a child who smiles constantly, never gets upset and just goes with the flow. 



So what do you think? Is that true? Are people who have Down syndrome always happy???


ANSWER....

FALSE , FALSE, AND DID I SAY, FALSE

Nope, Miss Em does not wear a perpetual smile. She gets mad, and has some whopper tantrums. Just like any other kid.



BUT ...

 
She rebounds quickly!