We put up a tree the other night and I must admit...I love it.
It's sooo pretty and Playette hasn't even tried to tear it down yet so that must be a sign that it's meant to be there.
The last time we put up a tree was in 2006. BD and I were newlyweds and we thought we had the perfect idea of how to tell our parents that we were expecting their first grandchild.
In short, we did it with an ornament.
Ok, so maybe it was more my idea. And it was dorky.
Hey, it worked.
The Christmas after that one, we had just completed a cross-country move so we decided to take up some family friends on their offer to spend the holidays with them.
Then, last year, we opted to get away from everything. So we had a different type of tree.
Now, though, it just seems like the spirit of celebration is back upon me. And before the holiday even. Typically, at the very best, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to this type of thing. You know how some people are all Christmas-happy while they're trick-or-treating? Well, I'm more of a January enthusiast, if anything.
You know, when stuff is cheaper and the pressure is off.
We had bought a tree either last year or the year before (I can't remember), after they were on super-sale at the Depot, and it just sat in its box ever since. So BD opened it up and, with the help of his sister, got to work assembling it while I tried to remember where everything else got stashed.
After a few minutes in the garage, I found most, if not all, of the decorations. I'm sure there must be more (I thought I had stuff that I had made as a kid somewhere and even some of the more sentimental things from my childhood, but those still elude me), but we're good for now.
Apparently, at some point, I bought winter-themed towels, a table runner, way too many gift card holders, and tons of glitter-dripping ornaments via two well-stocked kits as well as some impulse buys at the Hallmark display. Even I can't resist "magic"! And by "magic" they mean that it plays the SportsCenter theme song when you push a button. We balanced that purchase out with some classics. Don't worry.
All that to say, I really do love my tree. It's fake and pre-lit with dazzling white lights. There's a funky gold star that remains just a little bit askew, no matter what. There are noticeably no decorations within reach of a near-three-foot-tall person.
We're all covered in silver glitter and it's fabulous.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Flashback Friday: Thanksgiving
2006 - Married and newly pregnant. Too grouchy, tired, and hungry for photos.
2007 - Back in Arizona with a 5 month old Playette
2008 - Cruising along
2009 - Our little girly pirate who is now too fast and busy to be able to catch in focus a lot of the time. Check out that outfit though. Too cute! Thanks, M & K!
And then there was my attempt to get into the holiday spirit by dressing up like a present at the end of the night.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Giving Thanks
When I think of what I am thankful for today, I cannot help but reflect on my life with Playette.
Someone recently told me, after learning of her diagnosis, that they were "sorry." I know that person meant well, but it's still difficult to hear. Because, really, we are so far from sorry. We are grateful. This little girl has done so much to teach us what's really important in life. She makes us smile and then double over in laughter. She has introduced us to so many other amazing families, bonded by what we all share in common.
I am so thankful that Playette was born exactly when she was, in 2007. I am grateful for people that paved the way so that parents like me would have fewer battles to fight. My heart is warmed by the friends and family that surround us, minds open and love abounding.
Things weren't always the way they are now for people born with Ds in the United States. The days when people were so overcome with fear or shame and placed loved ones in institutions, thinking that was the best place for them, are not that far behind us. The world we live in now, where so many more people (though far from all) are accepting of people with differing abilities, must have seemed like a world that would never exist back then.
So when I look at other countries that are not quite as progressive, seeing that people continue to abandon their children to institutions, I can't help but think, "That could have been us."
In a another time, in another place, that could have been us.
While I'm giving thanks, I include the Zoromski family on my list. I am grateful for their new daughter, Lily, and the fact that she'll be home with them soon.
Lily is 5 years old and she has Ds. Where she lives, in Eastern Europe, children who are abandoned like she was are placed into baby homes, better known to us as oprhanages. Typically, when the children reach the age of four, they are deemed not only unwanted but also unadoptable and are moved into mental institutions. From what I've learned, this is where anything more than the most basic of care stops. There is no love, no play. No hugs, no kisses, and little, if any, laughter. No one is reading to these children or attempting to teach them anything. As you can imagine, no child can thrive in this kind of environment. In fact, many die.
The fact that Lily is still in her baby home is amazing. Grateful for that fact, the Zoromskis have committed to adopting her.
You want to know the most amazing part of this story? The part that fills my eyes with tears every time?
When Brian and Michelle's daughter Ruby was born in May of 2007, so was her sister Lydia. The girls were identical twins, both very wanted, both diagnosed with Ds at birth. Unfortunately, and for reasons no one can be sure, Lydia was stillborn. Her family misses her very much and she is always in their thoughts.
Lily is also a twin, though fraternal. Her sibling that shared the womb with her did not have Ds as was taken home. Lily was left behind.
As my amazing friend Michelle has stated, "We are a family without a twin and Lily is a twin without a family."
If you are able to support this loving tribute to Lydia, I know that the Zoromski family would appreciate any amount you can spare to donate. The total cost will be approximately $22,000. The family is raising money and with their own sacrifices, combined with the support of friends, family, and perhaps even people they have never met, I am positive that they can reach their goal and Lily will be sitting at the table with Brian, Michelle, Karly, Braden, and Ruby next year, enjoying her first ever Thanksgiving meal.
If you are so inclined, donations can be made in several different ways. And, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask.
To learn more about Reece's Rainbow, the organization that helps adoptions like this one take place, please take a look at the video below.
Someone recently told me, after learning of her diagnosis, that they were "sorry." I know that person meant well, but it's still difficult to hear. Because, really, we are so far from sorry. We are grateful. This little girl has done so much to teach us what's really important in life. She makes us smile and then double over in laughter. She has introduced us to so many other amazing families, bonded by what we all share in common.
I am so thankful that Playette was born exactly when she was, in 2007. I am grateful for people that paved the way so that parents like me would have fewer battles to fight. My heart is warmed by the friends and family that surround us, minds open and love abounding.
Things weren't always the way they are now for people born with Ds in the United States. The days when people were so overcome with fear or shame and placed loved ones in institutions, thinking that was the best place for them, are not that far behind us. The world we live in now, where so many more people (though far from all) are accepting of people with differing abilities, must have seemed like a world that would never exist back then.
So when I look at other countries that are not quite as progressive, seeing that people continue to abandon their children to institutions, I can't help but think, "That could have been us."
In a another time, in another place, that could have been us.
While I'm giving thanks, I include the Zoromski family on my list. I am grateful for their new daughter, Lily, and the fact that she'll be home with them soon.
Lily is 5 years old and she has Ds. Where she lives, in Eastern Europe, children who are abandoned like she was are placed into baby homes, better known to us as oprhanages. Typically, when the children reach the age of four, they are deemed not only unwanted but also unadoptable and are moved into mental institutions. From what I've learned, this is where anything more than the most basic of care stops. There is no love, no play. No hugs, no kisses, and little, if any, laughter. No one is reading to these children or attempting to teach them anything. As you can imagine, no child can thrive in this kind of environment. In fact, many die.
The fact that Lily is still in her baby home is amazing. Grateful for that fact, the Zoromskis have committed to adopting her.
You want to know the most amazing part of this story? The part that fills my eyes with tears every time?
When Brian and Michelle's daughter Ruby was born in May of 2007, so was her sister Lydia. The girls were identical twins, both very wanted, both diagnosed with Ds at birth. Unfortunately, and for reasons no one can be sure, Lydia was stillborn. Her family misses her very much and she is always in their thoughts.
Lily is also a twin, though fraternal. Her sibling that shared the womb with her did not have Ds as was taken home. Lily was left behind.
As my amazing friend Michelle has stated, "We are a family without a twin and Lily is a twin without a family."
If you are able to support this loving tribute to Lydia, I know that the Zoromski family would appreciate any amount you can spare to donate. The total cost will be approximately $22,000. The family is raising money and with their own sacrifices, combined with the support of friends, family, and perhaps even people they have never met, I am positive that they can reach their goal and Lily will be sitting at the table with Brian, Michelle, Karly, Braden, and Ruby next year, enjoying her first ever Thanksgiving meal.
If you are so inclined, donations can be made in several different ways. And, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask.
To learn more about Reece's Rainbow, the organization that helps adoptions like this one take place, please take a look at the video below.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Busy, Part I
So, I'm always saying we've been busy, right? But busy doing what?
When I got back from my two-week trip to NY, I had one day to rest up before taking on another challenge that Sunday morning.
Remember when I told you that I completed a 10K? And how I didn't used to be able to run 40 yards without crying and/or hacking up a lung?
Well, it was all in preparation for the Big Sur Half Marathon. The girl that used to have anxiety over "running" a mile ran 13.1 of those jokers.
You can see the "stuffed otter" that sucked any remaining energy out of my body at mile 10 at about the 1:28 mark in the video. He was a cute energy-sucker though. Right in front of the aquarium. Loved that.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I actually enjoyed myself.
I mean, of course at mile 1 when I was searching for the marker, sure that we'd run at least 2 miles by then, I never thought I would finish. I was scared that I'd bitten off too much, too soon. But then, after about mile 3, it got better. My toes weren't as cold, the view was amazing, and I was inspired by seeing the stellar athletes already on their way back to the finish line. Shoot, I wasn't mad. Good for them!
And when I saw BD, Playette, and a friend waiting at the turnaround around mile 8 with encouraging signs that included "Playette's Momma is Awesome"? Yeah, I kinda had to keep going.
Since I'd never done anything like this before, my original goal was to simply (simply? ha!) finish. That's it and that's all. Oh, and I wasn't allowed to stop running. Or use an iPod. ( <-- FNPT's version of torture, though she did make it up to me with a commemorative charm for my bracelet. Yay!)
I did it though. I set my personal record.
I'll post some more pictures soon. Promise. Though not the official ones because they always seemed to catch me with my belly hanging out and flapping over my pants.
Not. Cute.
Oh, and I really should try to run again because I haven't since the 15th. I would hate to end up right back where I was 7 months ago.
When I got back from my two-week trip to NY, I had one day to rest up before taking on another challenge that Sunday morning.
Remember when I told you that I completed a 10K? And how I didn't used to be able to run 40 yards without crying and/or hacking up a lung?
Well, it was all in preparation for the Big Sur Half Marathon. The girl that used to have anxiety over "running" a mile ran 13.1 of those jokers.
You can see the "stuffed otter" that sucked any remaining energy out of my body at mile 10 at about the 1:28 mark in the video. He was a cute energy-sucker though. Right in front of the aquarium. Loved that.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I actually enjoyed myself.
I mean, of course at mile 1 when I was searching for the marker, sure that we'd run at least 2 miles by then, I never thought I would finish. I was scared that I'd bitten off too much, too soon. But then, after about mile 3, it got better. My toes weren't as cold, the view was amazing, and I was inspired by seeing the stellar athletes already on their way back to the finish line. Shoot, I wasn't mad. Good for them!
And when I saw BD, Playette, and a friend waiting at the turnaround around mile 8 with encouraging signs that included "Playette's Momma is Awesome"? Yeah, I kinda had to keep going.
Since I'd never done anything like this before, my original goal was to simply (simply? ha!) finish. That's it and that's all. Oh, and I wasn't allowed to stop running. Or use an iPod. ( <-- FNPT's version of torture, though she did make it up to me with a commemorative charm for my bracelet. Yay!)
I did it though. I set my personal record.
I'll post some more pictures soon. Promise. Though not the official ones because they always seemed to catch me with my belly hanging out and flapping over my pants.
Not. Cute.
Oh, and I really should try to run again because I haven't since the 15th. I would hate to end up right back where I was 7 months ago.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Up, Down, and All Around
That could describe so many things these days.
We've been busy lately. It's true! Also, what else is new?
There are things I want to talk about, but I want to post photos that are either in my camera or those of other people. And then there are other things that I would love to share that I just can't quite get motivated enough to type out. Then still, there are photos that I have with no words that are getting to be so old that it almost feels too boring to post.
So, yeah. All of that.
But today? Today I am here. And I will talk about the exciting nuances of my toddler's teeth.
That's right. Break out the snacks and settle in for...teeth.
Yes, that's the best I can come up with.
But, really, it is rather interesting. I've posted about these suckers a lot. No, really. A lot.
More than one probably should.
But I won't let that stop me.
First, it was all "Where are they already?" and then it was "Oh, here's why she doesn't have them yet" followed by "No, seriously, where are they?!" and then some "Oh, here's one" and "Maybe you'd like a picture?"
Well, I stopped counting the teeth at 6. I know for a fact that there are 6 in there. Maybe more. But I'm not going in to investigate. Nope, not me. I'll take her to the dentist instead. Let the people who get paid the big bucks take the risks.
So here's the deal with the post title. Those teeth? They're coming in any old way they please. You know the picture you have in your head of a baby with two front teeth? You know, either on the top or the bottom? Ha! That is sooo not happening over here.
So there were the molars. Those were first. All four, top and bottom, matchy-matchy. Weird timing, but I was ok with that.
Then there was this little guy.
He's been hanging out for a while. Or maybe "hanging out" isn't quite right. More like "digging in." He's the tortoise in this tooth eruption race.
So while Lower Right Central Incisor (like I would have a clue what it was called without the chart) was chillin', Upper Left Central Incisor decided to make a sneak attack.
From the way Playette keeps her hands shoved in the back of her mouth, I'm guessing we're gonna end up with close to a mouthful of these teeth things eventually.
At least I hope.
And maybe even sooner than later.
But I've been wrong before.
Am I still talking about her teeth? Gah!
We've been busy lately. It's true! Also, what else is new?
There are things I want to talk about, but I want to post photos that are either in my camera or those of other people. And then there are other things that I would love to share that I just can't quite get motivated enough to type out. Then still, there are photos that I have with no words that are getting to be so old that it almost feels too boring to post.
So, yeah. All of that.
But today? Today I am here. And I will talk about the exciting nuances of my toddler's teeth.
That's right. Break out the snacks and settle in for...teeth.
Yes, that's the best I can come up with.
But, really, it is rather interesting. I've posted about these suckers a lot. No, really. A lot.
More than one probably should.
But I won't let that stop me.
First, it was all "Where are they already?" and then it was "Oh, here's why she doesn't have them yet" followed by "No, seriously, where are they?!" and then some "Oh, here's one" and "Maybe you'd like a picture?"
Well, I stopped counting the teeth at 6. I know for a fact that there are 6 in there. Maybe more. But I'm not going in to investigate. Nope, not me. I'll take her to the dentist instead. Let the people who get paid the big bucks take the risks.
So here's the deal with the post title. Those teeth? They're coming in any old way they please. You know the picture you have in your head of a baby with two front teeth? You know, either on the top or the bottom? Ha! That is sooo not happening over here.
So there were the molars. Those were first. All four, top and bottom, matchy-matchy. Weird timing, but I was ok with that.
Then there was this little guy.
He's been hanging out for a while. Or maybe "hanging out" isn't quite right. More like "digging in." He's the tortoise in this tooth eruption race.
So while Lower Right Central Incisor (like I would have a clue what it was called without the chart) was chillin', Upper Left Central Incisor decided to make a sneak attack.
From the way Playette keeps her hands shoved in the back of her mouth, I'm guessing we're gonna end up with close to a mouthful of these teeth things eventually.
At least I hope.
And maybe even sooner than later.
But I've been wrong before.
Am I still talking about her teeth? Gah!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Nothing Better
I got home from NY at about 11:30pm Friday. Playette was at home, long asleep and under the care of the babysitter when BD picked me up from the airport.
The first thing I did when I got upstairs was rush to catch a glimpse of my baby girl. In the light from the hallway, I was able to make out the shape of her body, on her belly, in the position that is so familiar to me.
I touched her hand and her fingers grazed my own. Careful not to wake her, I stepped lightly out of the room and softly shut the door.
In the morning, I heard her stir. I asked BD if he wouldn't mind going to get her. I wanted to see her walk into the room. I wanted to see if she would react at all to seeing me there.
She didn't let me down.
As she crossed the threshold, she looked up, checking to see if I was there, as I'm sure she did every morning for the previous two weeks.
This time, though, her face lit up. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it. It was like she was hoping that one day her view would be different and this time her wish came true.
She ran to my side of the bed as fast as her tiny feet would carry her. She smiled, she clapped, she reached her arms up to me.
I lifted her.
She put her head on my shoulder, looked at me, put her head on my chest, taking it all in and enjoying the moment.
She clapped some more, signed mama, danced. She framed my face in her little hands and stared.
There was no denying her happiness.
She stuck by my side as much as possible for the rest of the weekend. I tried to reassure her that I was back and wasn't going anywhere.
She missed me.
And I missed her right back.
The first thing I did when I got upstairs was rush to catch a glimpse of my baby girl. In the light from the hallway, I was able to make out the shape of her body, on her belly, in the position that is so familiar to me.
I touched her hand and her fingers grazed my own. Careful not to wake her, I stepped lightly out of the room and softly shut the door.
In the morning, I heard her stir. I asked BD if he wouldn't mind going to get her. I wanted to see her walk into the room. I wanted to see if she would react at all to seeing me there.
She didn't let me down.
As she crossed the threshold, she looked up, checking to see if I was there, as I'm sure she did every morning for the previous two weeks.
This time, though, her face lit up. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it. It was like she was hoping that one day her view would be different and this time her wish came true.
She ran to my side of the bed as fast as her tiny feet would carry her. She smiled, she clapped, she reached her arms up to me.
I lifted her.
She put her head on my shoulder, looked at me, put her head on my chest, taking it all in and enjoying the moment.
She clapped some more, signed mama, danced. She framed my face in her little hands and stared.
There was no denying her happiness.
She stuck by my side as much as possible for the rest of the weekend. I tried to reassure her that I was back and wasn't going anywhere.
She missed me.
And I missed her right back.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Flashback Friday: Halloween
Obviously, I'm much better at this blogging thing when I'm not traipsing around the country getting into all kinds of stuff. I'm on my way home in a few hours though so WOOT! Can't wait to see my little family again.
BD sent me these photos last night from Halloween. I enjoyed looking at them and I hope you will too.
=====
Parents were invited to snack and the Parade o' Kids at daycare on the day before Halloween. Since it was my last day at work before leaving for two weeks, I rushed up there at 3pm, hoping to make it in time. My wig was hot and it was a really warm day, so I was schweaty. But I made it.
The kids were having their snack when I got there. Check out the spoon in one hand while the other hand grabs the food. She gets the concept, but she gets tired of the slower spoon-feeding pace after a while.
After that was done, I changed Playette into her Nemo costume (cutest costume ever, a hand-me-down courtesy of Jen and Boo). After the kids marched around the courtyard, we were done. I don't know what else I was expecting. A show, maybe? See, last year we missed out on all of this because we were in Kansas. But I guess there's not much else you can really do successfully with 15 2-3 year-olds at Halloween besides put them in costumes march them around the courtyard. If that, as I noticed. Lesson learned.
Once that wrapped up, most people got their belongings and headed home. Not Playette. No, she wanted more snack. So she sidled up to the cart full of fruit and went to town. The teachers were ok with it since it everyone else was done with it and I was impressed that she was eating watermelon (ick), so I just sat back and waited until she was done. Maybe I should have stopped herinstead of joining in with the blackberries.
Anyway, here are the pics.
Oh! And that scrunched up face she's making. That's her cheesy face. Tell her to say "cheese" and that's what you get in return.
BD sent me these photos last night from Halloween. I enjoyed looking at them and I hope you will too.
=====
Parents were invited to snack and the Parade o' Kids at daycare on the day before Halloween. Since it was my last day at work before leaving for two weeks, I rushed up there at 3pm, hoping to make it in time. My wig was hot and it was a really warm day, so I was schweaty. But I made it.
The kids were having their snack when I got there. Check out the spoon in one hand while the other hand grabs the food. She gets the concept, but she gets tired of the slower spoon-feeding pace after a while.
After that was done, I changed Playette into her Nemo costume (cutest costume ever, a hand-me-down courtesy of Jen and Boo). After the kids marched around the courtyard, we were done. I don't know what else I was expecting. A show, maybe? See, last year we missed out on all of this because we were in Kansas. But I guess there's not much else you can really do successfully with 15 2-3 year-olds at Halloween besides put them in costumes march them around the courtyard. If that, as I noticed. Lesson learned.
Once that wrapped up, most people got their belongings and headed home. Not Playette. No, she wanted more snack. So she sidled up to the cart full of fruit and went to town. The teachers were ok with it since it everyone else was done with it and I was impressed that she was eating watermelon (ick), so I just sat back and waited until she was done. Maybe I should have stopped her
Anyway, here are the pics.
Oh! And that scrunched up face she's making. That's her cheesy face. Tell her to say "cheese" and that's what you get in return.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
