ANOTHER FACT TO SHARE

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the
United States.

I am proud to say that one of them is my daughter, Emily Grace.

Love you, Emmie. XOXOXOXOXOXOX

DID YOU KNOW?

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.

Last night Emmie was trying so hard to sit up. What a big girl! She was able to keep her balance for a very short time, then she would fall over. She enjoys sitting up & I love seeing her like that. I am working on getting a picture of it. Speaking of pictures, I really need to update my blog pics. I'll add it to my "to do" list. :)

Emmie tried bananas this morning & loved them!!

I am off to the gym in a little bit. This will be Emmie's first day attending the daycare at the gym. Their policy is that the kids need to be 6 months old & sitting up. After thinking about this & knowing that Emmie may not sit up for a while, I saw this as an opportunity to speak up. I called the front desk & asked about their daycare policy & the woman could not give me a clear cut answer as to why they have that policy. She referred me to the director. The director said it was for safety reasons so that the older kids won't hurt the babies. Whatever! I proudly stated, "My daughter has Down syndrome & she may not sit up for quite some time." After a brief conversation, the director said they would make an exception. It felt good to speak up for Emmie & to say that she has Down syndrome without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. She is my girl no matter what & I will continue to stand up for her.

SPREADING AWARENESS...National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month & this Mommy is spreading the news!! This month I will be posting facts about Down syndrome & getting the word out there. It is important for me to give people the correct information. There are many misconceptions out there about Down syndrome & I want to share the truths that we have discovered so far.

Also....Feel free to ask any question about Down syndrome. This is the perfect time...Down Syndrome Awareness Month. There are no stupid questions. Here are some examples:
What causes it? What is life like with Emmie? Would you ever...? What has been...?
I am certainly not an expert, I am learning myself. I will do my best to answer you or find the answer for you.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two copies of the twenty-first chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development & causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

HAPPY DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH!! :)

EMMIE'S 6 MONTH CHECK UP

Where has the time gone?! Emmie turned 6 months on October 4..unbelievable!! Everyone says things go faster with the 2nd child...they weren't kidding! Emmie's appoinment went very well. She now weighs 14lbs, 14oz & is 25 1/2" long. She also got her shots...her 6 month shots & the flu shot. She took them like a champ!! Daddy was there to comfort his little girl. Emmie did not make a peep! Such a brave little girl. She did not get the swine flu shot. The office did not have any & we are somewhat concerned about it because it is so new. Not sure what we are going to do about that yet. Emmie is at high risk because of having low immunity from Down syndrome. It is important for her to get immunized, but I have some concerns.

Emmie is eating well. She is on solids now & eats cereal, peas, green beans, avocado, pears, applesauce. I make the food myself. It is something Aidan really enjoys helping out with. We use a food mill (Thank you, Julie!) & then freeze the food in small cubes. They come in very handy. For a while, Emmie was having trouble with feedings. At times, she would thrust her tongue out, which forces the food out. I was very concerned about this, but after a Speech session with Roberta, I feel much more confident. It is important to make sure that Emily is in an upright position when she is eating. The more she slouches, the worse the tongue thrusting is. I see a big difference when we pay attention to her positioning.

We will be taking Emily to a pediatric opthamologist. We want to get her eyes checked because from time to time we notice her left eye turning in. It doesn't happen alot, but I would rather get it checked & have peace of mind.

All is well. Emmie will go back to the dr. at 8 months for more shots. ugh! I feel awful putting all of this crap into her body, but I know it is protecting her. We will decide on the swine flu shot within the next few months. As always, we are grateful for our healthy little girl.

Time to feed Emmie!

THE WALK....Capital Region Buddy Walk

Here I am!! Finally blogging again!! :) Eric got home on Saturday & I am so relieved that the 2 months are over. I don't know how I survived it!! Aidan & Emmie were my life!! I know all children are their mother's life 24/7, but this was intense!! I am so grateful for my family & friends....you all kept me going. Talks on the phone, playdates, dinners, encouraging words...you are all the best!! Here I am, still standing. Once again, we are a family.

Eric got home just in time for us to participate in our very first Buddy Walk. The Capital Region Buddy Walk was held on Sunday, October 4 in Central Park, Schenectady, NY. It was a one-mile inspirational walk that aims to promote acceptance & inclusion of all people with Down syndrome by inviting the surrounding community to learn more & to ultimately embrace the individuality of their neighbors. The event was organized by my friends at the Down Sydrome Aim High Resource Center (DSAHRC). It was a fundraiser for the Center which provides valuable services to Capital Region families. The Center has done so much for us. We wanted to give back.

At first, I was a little hesitant to go to the walk. I was afraid how the day would affect me. At times, I have the tendency to focus on Emily future instead of the here & now. I thought seeing the older children with Down syndrome would be overwhelming for me. I was wrong!! I feel like I am really starting to embrace this new life of ours. The actual "walk" was empowering. I held Emmie close to me as I walked. It felt so good to look around & see so many people supporting us. We were surrounded by love!! Our family & friends were there to support us & it couldn't have been better! I got to see my friends Sheila & Debbie from the Resource Center & it felt so good. These people have become so important to me. They are like family.

The day of the walk, October 4, was Emily's 6 month birthday, which made it even more perfect! When Aidan was 6 months old, I threw him a 1/2 birthday party. He had a monkey cake, because I thought he looked like a little monkey. His ears stuck out like Curious George. :) We had a small 1/2 birthday party for Emmie. Her theme was butterflies. The buttefly is an important symbol to the Down syndrome community. The

metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly symbolizes the potential of people with Down syndrome. (More on the butterfly in another entry.) Emmie had a great party! It is hard to believe my little girl is 6 months old already. Time is flying by! I am trying to enjoy this journey & live in the moment as much as possible.

It was a whirlwind weekend! So much excitement! As I write this, I can hear Aidan talking to his Daddy. I don't know what they are talking about, but it sounds good to me. Life is good!

THE LATEST

Eric came home this weekend & it was so nice to be a family again. The kids went to the airport in their jammies. Aidan ran to Daddy when he saw him. It was a nice reunion!! Lots of hugs, kisses, & tears. Before Eric got home, he sent me flowers & a thoughtful card....it's the simple things that mean so much. We took the kids to an amusement park, went to the beach for a picnic, played at the park. I felt whole this weekend. It's been a while since I felt that way.
Saying goodbye yesterday was really hard for all of us. We reassured Aidan that Daddy will be back. I hope he will be ok. We have 3 &1/2 weeks to go & I am hoping it flies by.

Emmie is doing great!! She is eating cereal & she loves it!! She's just like her Mommy. She loves to eat! :) Pretty soon we will start introducing other foods. I can't wait! Emily's PT has increased to 1x/week. We learned some new exercises from Jill today...more work on the ball & tips for strengthening her back, shoulder muscles. I love these sessions with Jill. I learn so much.
Emmie will be adding Special Education to her Physical & Speech therapies. I am not sure how often she will have it or what specifically the therapist will do. We will be working with the same therapist Aidan had. We are so lucky to be working with Sandra!!

Took Emmie to the dr. yesterday. She had some blood in her poop. I was very nervous about it, but the dr. said it was from constipation, straining & pushing. She also has a slight tear. We will give her medicine 1x/day to help. It's similar to a laxative, but not as extreme. Emmie also got her 5 month shots. She cried a little bit, but big brother was there to comfort her. "It's ok Emmie. That's my girl". My kids are so special!! Aidan also got his flu shot. He was very brave. He is still admiring his band-aid. :)

Gotta run. I am making blueberry muffins for Aidan. Today was his 1st day back to pre-school. My mom always made me cupcakes on my 1st day of school. I am passing on the tradition, but adding a new twist. Aidan & I always bake blueberry muffins together, so I thought I would surprise him with a special treat when he gets home.

Thank you to everyone for your supportive emails & phone calls. We are doing fine & getting through. As always, one step at a time.....

ULTRASOUND RESULTS

I took Emmie for her ultrasound today at Albany Medical Center. Emmie was a great patient....so calm & peaceful. The radiologist said that everything looks normal!!! YAY!!! :) I couldn't be happier about it. We haven't talked to Emmie's pediatrician yet, but I am sure we will need to keep an eye on this. I am glad the developmental pediatrician was cautious & sent us for the ultrasoud. It's better to get it checked.

Thank you all for your good thoughts & support.

I am grateful for good health, a wonderful, supprtive family & great friends. We couldn't get through without all of you.

Eric comes home tomorrow night. We are all excited! He comes in late at night, so the kids will be going to their airport to pick up Daddy in their jammies. I will be MIA for a few days enjoying time with my husband & being a family.

"Good things happen all the time."