31 for 21! DAY 1 ...ALREADY??

Here we go again! October is here and that means one... I mean two things. The first is that in 21 days my Dumpling, Miss Em will be turning FOUR!!! That is truly unbelievable! Can't even begin to try and figure out where fours went to so quickly. All I know is that we are a billion smiles and a gazillion laughs wealthier!

She can't believe it either!

The second thing is it's Down syndrome Awareness Month!  I will be attempting to post every day during the month. I know you regulars know how it works and will be posting with me!!  There's always a chance to reach out to the new moms and families, or the people who don't know about Down syndrome. People who still think it's an awful fate...hehehe. It's not!! Surprise!! 

Stick around and I'll show you how fabulous my daughters life is!!!!
And how even more fabulous our lives have become because of her!

Happy Birthday Liv!

How come we can't figure out how to make time stand still? Just for a little while.

How do you go from this to this, in just a blink of an eye?

Happy 15th!!!! Birthday Liv!!!!!!

Love you more,
Mama

Teamwork Tuesday: This is Beauty

This is Arina

This little girl is waiting for a family. I think she is exquisite!!  

Do you see a little girl with chopped hair, crossed eyes, and Down syndrome who is poorly dressed and a world away? Do you see a little girl who you cannot relate to? A child who is not your responsibility. A child who you cannot possibly help?

Look again.

Don't you see her hair long and curled, with a beautiful bow? Don't you see those big brown eyes twinkling with mischief? Can't you picture her in a party dress like the Princess she is?  She is a six year old little girl , just like any six year old little girl...if given the chance. She is an orphan and she is our responsibility. She is an orphan because no one wanted the responsibility, no one wanted to love her, and no one saw her beauty. 

We all have the ability to help in some way.

We can all pray, share and/or donate. 

And we all have the ability to not look away. We can see her beauty, if we look.
 


 Arina's info
Date of Birth: May 31, 2006
Gender: Female
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark
Nature: Calm
Diagnosis: Down syndrome

This beautiful Arina needs a mama to love her and help he ber all she can be. She has dark hair and dark eyes. She does not have a heart condition, but her medical records indicate she has some kind of bacterial *difference* in her kidneys. She is allergic to eggs, citrus fruit, and red vegetables. Her kidney dysfunction may be a reaction to eating these items. She will need to be seen by a specialist when she gets home. She is also farsighted and will need corrective glasses. But she is SO beautiful and so deserving of a family to call her own!

SINGLE MOMS WELCOME! FULL MEDICAL INFO AVAILABLE!

$7300.83 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

 

I Believe In Fairies, By Emilia Faith

Oh I believe in Fairies. I've seen them for myself.  They live in my back yard and play with me on warm summer days. They jump and run,and dance along side of me. They are gentle and shy and always so kind.

They come when the sun is getting low and stay for just a short time. But oh what fun we have together!!

Mama says they live underneath her flowers where it's cool and shaded. 

This looks like a nice place to live. Any fairies in here??

OH MY, I think I just saw one!! I hope I didn't scare her!

I think I see one behind the Morning Glories

THERE SHE IS!!! Just like mama said!! Oh she is so cute! And just my size! I think she wants to play with me.

We are clapping hands together!!! And singing a song. I just make up the words as I go along. hehe

Uh oh , where did you go little fairy???

THERE SHE IS!

She wants to play hide and seek!!  Gotta go, I'm it!








 

Samantha and Kristina: Teamwork Tuesday, Some Posts are Tougher Than Others

Samantha and Kristina. These two Dumplings and I met some time ago. No, not in person, but on Reece's Rainbow. I fell in love and became their Prayer Warrior. I thought they were absolutely adorable. Not to mention they share my husband and son's birthdays!

I wondered if they found comfort in each other.  I wondered if they even knew they were sisters? Did anyone tell them? Did they just sense it? Did they feel a special connection? A different connection than with the other children? 

I took comfort in the fact that wherever they were at least they had each other.

Last winter my dear friend Jane traveled to Orphanage  50 . It was thought that these two sweet sisters were there. I was beyond excited to think Jane would get a chance to hold these girls, and whisper to them, that people do love them, that we know they are out there, and are trying to get them a  family. I was also excited that she would bring them a gift from me, crayons and a coloring book. Oh I delighted thinking how excited they would be. A new box of crayons!! Would they love that smell too. I can still remember how I loved opening a new box of crayons when I was a little girl, promising myself to be extra careful not to break any tips and to put them all back in the exact same spot I took them from.  

But news came from Jane that the girls were no longer there, and no one knew where they were. I was heart broken.  And my mind went to dark and scary places. I was thinking the worst. 

Then a miracle!

A photo of Samantha! Alive and well!! And much bigger than her picture on Reece's Rainbow!! A FB friend had actually seen her, held her! I could get lost in those amazing eyes!!!

The sad news was Kristina was not with her. But she's out there!! And waiting. Why they would separate sisters is beyond my comprehension. But I'm not giving up hope that they will someday be reunited, by a family who loves them and wants to hold them forever!

Any family would only benefit from calling these two angels their daughters.

Kristina

Samantha(older pic)

 
 November 22, 2004 &

November 27, 2005

 

HELP, WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED!

 

Samantha (the oldest), on the left:  Brown hair and stunning green eyes!   Microcephaly, mental retardation, crossed eyes, physically capable, friendly and affectionate girl, will do well in family environment.  High likelihood of fetal alcohol syndrome. 

 

 

Kristina, on the right:  cognitively delayed, physically capable, helpful, friendly, likes to play, good girl.

 

 

$120.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

BLACK AND WHITE

Over 800 children have been saved because of Reece's Rainbow.  So many are still waiting.
Could they be waiting for you?

It's That Time!

Our Annual Buddy Walk is getting underway!!! It's crazy how we all look forward to this day. If you ever told me this would be one of my most favorite days of the year, I would have died laughing! But this little Dumpling just tuned our world and our thinking upside down!!!!! Thank God!!!

Here she is at last years Buddy Walk.  I'm totally convinced that she thinks we are all there 'just" for her. 

We are in fact there because of her.

The Internet itself is not a big enough place for me to express what Em means to us. 

This pint sized bundle has single handedly saved the day more than once. She is our strength.  As she so innocently goes merrily along her way with a smile and a giggle , she has no idea how she lights the way for us.

She is our world, our everything!

And on September 16th we will be celebrating Emmie and all people with Down syndrome and the magic that goes along with it!

Our Buddy Walk will be at Goddard park in Warwick RI! All are welcome to walk with Team Emilia Faith!!!!

And this year anyone who donates through our First Giving page will receive a Tshirt and lunch! 

Please, whether you are near or far please consider donating to the DSSRI through our page. The DSSRI is devoted to helping, supporting and educating! They are a constant support to all who need them. And a much needed organization. They rely totally on donations to keep doing the good work they do .

Click HERE Emilia's page and to donate!
Thank you1!!

Peek a boo

 I see you!

A Shared Post of the Utmost Importance

Two little ones in the most desperate need of help. Two little boys who need a family now.

I did not want to take the time to rewrite what was already written from the heart of someone who knows how much distress these boys are in.  This is Julia Nalle 's post. She writes at Micah Six Eight. 

Drowning in Tears

Over two years ago I saw two little boys on RR and fell in love. The very first time I saw their faces I was captured by their sweetness.  I'm a sucker for boys and these two take the cake!!   They were both in the same orphanage and could be adopted together.

I rejoiced the day that they both were moved to the My Family Found Me Page.  They were going to be adopted!! 

But it was not meant to be.  After six months of sitting on the My Family Found Me Page... After six months of growing older... less adoptable... they were dropped. 

Ever since then I have begged God to send a family or two to go get these sweet loves.  Every once in a while I have posted their pictures.  Prayed some more.

My one consolation was that they weren't in a place like Aaron's. 

At least so I thought.

Yesterday I was reading the blog of Renee who is currently in country.  They were meeting their little guy and where he is located is most definitely NOT in a very nice place.  You can read about their experience HERE.  It's not quite to Aaron's level but close.  Too close for comfort.  As they were meeting their little guy they recognized TWO LITTLE PRECIOUS RR BOYS... She was describing these boys and I was interested in knowing who they were.

 I didn't recognize the names so when I clicked the link to see who they were I about fell out of my chair.  They were my Sasha and Niko.  WHAT IN THE WORLD???  I confess.  I began to sob hysterically.  I wept for hours.  I wept for two little boys who are desperate and needy and PLEASE SOMEONE GO GET THEM!!  GET THEM OUT!!!  PLEASE!  I can't type this without the tears pouring down.  They HAD BEEN transferred from the same baby house Aaron was in to a decent older child's internat.  But that place closed and they were transferred AGAIN and this is where they ended up.  Renee's little guy is battered and bruised and desperate to get out too.  SO ARE THESE TWO BABES!!

THESE ARE MY BOYS...

Sasha   Now called Everett... 

Niko - now called Olson...

PLEASE READ THIS... PLEASE SOMEONE GET THEM OUT!!!

FROM RENEE'S BLOG ABOUT EVERETT:  This morning, one of the little darlings from RR snuck up next to me and whispered "mama?" and wrapped his arms around my neck, climbing into my lap before I could even answer. He's lost a lot of weight since his RR picture. His face is very thin. His body is long and lean now, tanned dark. His eyes are serious, searching and eager to connect. Over and over, he slid up next to me, easing into my lap as quietly as he could, before someone would snatch him out or fuss at him in Russian (the workers and older kids not us of course). If ever a little boy wanted a mother- it's this one. Actually, it's every one of the boys we met in this groupa, but this one especially.

Sweet and gentle, kind and easygoing. That's how I would describe him. When Moxie's stroller wheels got stuck (she was the entertainment for the boys, they all fought/competed/cooperated to push her around nonstop the entire time lol), he knelt down and fixed them. He didn't push to get a turn at the handles, but stayed close to us, looking into our faces, eager to smile and talk to us when we could. His touch was gentle, his responses quick. He is delayed but he is absolutely darling. His name on RR is "Everett". Chances are, I'll get to spend the rest of the month getting to know him- but I'm giving ya'll the heads up- this kid needs out of this institution ASAP!!!!! He would be great in a family- easygoing, cooperative, and soooooo very desiring of being loved. If any of you mamas are looking for a cuddle bug, Everett is the kid for you!!!! He's so thin- he needs some good food to plump him up- it breaks my heart to see his ribs.

Then she met this one...

FROM RENEE'S BLOG ABOUT OLSON:  Then up comes a little chatterbox, who has the most adorable slight lisp I've ever heard :)  He's Olson on RR.  He's got some meat on his bones- a little bit of a pudge at his belly, looks healthy and good.  He had some issues medically as a kid, but apparently, that's resolved now.  You can see the scarring on his torso from his surgeries.  He runs, plays, hoolahoops and does everything a 6 or 7 year old should be doing :)  He was very curious about what we were doing, talked to us quite a bit, and seems like he is very confident and friendly.  I hope I get to get some new pictures of both he and Everett- they've changed quite a bit since the pictures posted.  Everett is thinner and more tan.  Olson is starting to look like Bo Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard- he's absolutely adorable.  Got the cutest eyes and sweetest personality I've seen, quite entertaining :)   He was a favorite at the babyhouse and so we can get all kinds of info about his growing up, because the babyhouse he was in is very pro-adoption.   

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

Two little boys... Trapped in a world that doesn't care about little boys.  Where they are is NOT a good place.  Understand this.  They are not being schooled. They are in a survival of the fittest world. Sasha (Everett) is NOT FIT.  He's sick and needs a Mama to care for him.  Niko needs to run and play free without fear of the bigger boys who prey upon these little ones.

Please... please... someone SEE these boys.  They both have 3,000 + grants at Project Hopeful.  Join with me to pray that someone steps up to get these boys.  They both need out.  Renee and her husband are there.  You can follow their blog here.  Where thEse boys are currently living is NOT for the faint-hearted.  PLEASE... I am not prone to weep hysterically when I see pictures of RR babes but the desperation I feel for those two precious boys is beyond words.  I can say no more.  I am drowning in tears for these boys.  They need OUT.

Teddy Bear Thief

Hmm what do we have here? Looks like it might be a Teddy Bear thief.

Look at those stone cold eyes. Definitely a thief and a mean one. Absolutely no fear!

This Teddy Bear thief has also stolen the "blankie"!!! She is  ruthless! Poor Andrew!

Oh wait a minute, I think she's getting scared! Looks like she is trying to conceal her identity!

 No, she is mocking me!!  She laughs in the face of fear!

I don't think this thief will be returning the stolen goods anytime soon.

 What is she saying? "Yeah Andrew, I took your Bear and Blankie. so what are you going to do about it??"

You win this time Teddy Bear thief!  But I wouldn't mess with the bear again! 




 

Sweet Angelina! : Teamwork Tuesday

Well here is one beautiful little girl, waiting for her family. 

Miss Angelina

Girl, Born March 2008
Diagnosis: Down syndrome

This beautiful muffin, look how she has grown!   She does have a heart condition  and will need to seek a cardiologist and surgery once home.    She needs a family ASAP!

Additional photos available!  SINGLE MOMS and larger families welcome!

$4790.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption! 

 

 

 

In the Garden...

...there is a sleeping baby.  What is she dreaming about?

Teamwork Tuesday: RJ

 Meet, RJ


Boy was born in December 2008
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Look how handsome R.J. is!   Already 3 and facing transfer this year    Single moms welcome!



 

Another beauty from 15H. That's the same region as Carina and the one that has my heart. 

Seems like any child that catches my heart is from 15H

Look at RJ. What a handsome man. This December is his birthday . I wonder if he's a Christmas baby.


He will be four this year. A trip to an institution isn't a great birthday present. 


But a family sure is!!!


Could RJ be your son???????

Because Sometimes We Just Get Bored

Potty training vs  Party hat.
Guess we know what Em prefers.

Nothin Like Good Friends

Sitting with her best bud Rob and signing  plane

as it flew over.

Here she's kicking back with a cold one 

And watching all the nuts making a whirlpool.

 Maybe they aren't making a whirlpool at all, but actually trying to take Rob out.

 Poor Rob. But you know how we (the kids) are and you still came over. It's all good ... right?

Down syndrome: 92% 0r 8%

92% of woman will opt for an abortion when they are told the child that they are carrying has Down syndrome.

I know this is not new, news, but it still leaves me stunned.

What have we become?
Why, in this day and age is something like Down syndrome still a death sentence?
Why are 92% of woman  still so afraid of Down syndrome that they think the only alternative is death...death to their child?


A couple anticipates the birth of their child with so much joy. They plan and dream. Mama's hold their bellies at night,  talking and singing to their unborn child. There's a bond formed immediately, a bond that should never be broken.

Why then do 92% of woman who love their babies, sing to their babies and anticipate their babies birth end up terminating their pregnancies. Breaking that mother/child bond?

And please, it's not for the child. It's not a sacrifice so the child does not suffer. It's not because it would be unfair to have a child "like that". It's not so your other children's lives are not ruined by the burden of a disabled sibling.

So why?

FEAR!

Fear, of the unknown. Fear that the child will have health issues. Fear that people will talk about you. Fear that you won't have the "perfect" family anymore. Fear that you will love this child and they will die. Fear that your life will be different or harder.

FEAR makes us do things that we never thought we were capable of doing.

But when we turn and face that fear, we find beauty like we have never known before.

All those fears I mentioned above, were my fears. I don't know if I was more fearful of Emmie dying or of her actually living. I know that sounds harsh, but fear had consumed me.  

I got little or no comfort from the medical community. My friends and family were not familiar with Down syndrome, and I had no idea what to expect.I was scared to talk to anyone who had a child with Down syndrome because I was afraid they would tell me something I couldn't deal with. So I avoided anyone who probably could have really helped me.

92% of woman let fear win.They let fear take away their dreams. They let fear break that beautiful bond. They let fear convince them that the child they loved on Monday, isn't the same child on Tuesday, after a diagnosis. They let fear stop them from singing anymore.
   
Down syndrome isn't the villain here, FEAR is. 
Down syndrome isn't a bond breaker.
Down syndrome doesn't ruin the family photos.
Down syndrome isn't an embarrassment.

FEAR IS

The funny thing is, I bet all 92% of those woman would walk through fire, die any death and face any dangers to protect that child after they were born.  They would be fearless! 

Down syndrome has a way of doing that to you. 

If you give it a chance you will become fearless, strong, and certain that your child is the most amazing creature this world has ever seen.

" Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain."
Mark Twain

Having a baby with Down syndrome was my greatest fear. Having faced that fear, it has become my greatest joy.

If by any chance you are reading this and are thinking about becoming part of the 92%, please think again. Feel free to contact me or your local Down syndrome Society.  

I can only say that being part of the 8% has been the greatest joy of my life. Down syndrome is a path I never would have chosen, out of fear, but now after facing my fears, this path has become the most enchanting garden I've ever seen.

How many days of summer are there???

There are at least one million M&M's inside each bag... just in case you were wondering.


And no, she's not hanging her head in shame, she's trying to stuff all one million M&M's into her mouth....just in case you were wondering..."sigh"

Second Chances Rock!

I lost the glasses : ..  (See previous post)



BUT, they are in good hands and I am picking myself up and moving forward! Plus this was all for Olga and Vanessa, so it's all good :)




Here's my second chance

OH Miss Brigita!!!!! You are coming home soon!!! This lucky, lucky Little Princess Dumpling is just waiting for her mama to come see her!!!!


Dee( her mama) has been working tirelessly since she committed to Brigita and she is almost there!


She too is having an auction to bring her daughter home. Click here to see everything!

Need a peek?

 Here's another Gigi Hill bag.

Something for some precious tiny feet, soooo cute!!

NWT, from Gymboree! 

Hmmm, these look familiar,lol   It's never too early to get ready for Christmas!!! And these are definitely a steal!

Lovely!!




Miss B has been waiting so very long

She has no idea how her life is about to change! She smiles now, when she has no mama , no family, no home. Can you imagine how she is going to light up when she realizes she has a mama, all her own, to love her and hold her and chase frogs with her??? OK, Dee hates frogs, I'll do that part,lol




This auction is almost over, so hurry and get bidding to save a Princess!


No bid is too small, no help is too little and no prayer goes unheard.

Please take a look and I'm sure there is something that will grab your attention:)  But not the screwdriver set. OK??