Thanksgiving morning at our house

Happy Thanksgiving! If you are reading this, you are someone who I am grateful to have in my life.  I don't say Thank you nearly enough! So Thank you again and again!!!!! Whether you are a blogger Mom (all of you have been such a great support!!!! I am immensely grateful to all of you Ds blogger moms!!!!) or a friend or a family member or just someone who happened to find my blog, you are part of my life. Maybe you don't even know me, but we have connected because of Olivia. It is a great grace to have our life touched by so many people from both near and far. Olivia has expanded our love and expanded our world.  We begin each day with heartfelt prayers that God bless all of you. We especially pray for all people with Down syndrome and especially for the children who are going through medical crises.  We know that trials may come our way also, and we know that the prayers of others would sustain us.  We pray for all of you who have current medical trials with your sweet children.  God bless you! And a big HUG!!!!! 

Daddy bought me this awesome pink horse.
It is going to help me get stronger in my torso and my legs so that I can walk!

I am getting really good at it already!

See how well I can stand!  I was standing with my back up to the sofa also, but Mommy did not have the camera ready and she was afraid to walk across the room and have me fall down and go boom while she went to get the camera. I will try to pose with my back to the sofa soon so you can see my new trick.  I stand big and tall and straight!
 Stomach in. Chest out!  Like a good Marine!  (Right Grandpa B!?!?!??)

Daddy made a great Thanksgiving lunch for the three of us. Here is me praying before our meal and giving Thanks to Almighty God!  (after my nap we are going to visit with other family members)

This is me with my plate of food. I also ate some chicken and lots of jellied cranberries! I really LOVE jellied cranberries. And Mommy thought they would be too strong for me.  I ate: Rice, yams, carrots, squash, cauliflower and green beans also.  Daddy did a great job making an awesome meal!  Way to go Daddy!  And notice: No baby food at all! Everything was homemade and real adult like food!  It is amazing what teeth can do for a person!

This is me eating my first piece of  yams. I decided that I like them best leftover and cold. They just taste better that way. And they need to be cut up into nice pretty cubes.  Presentation is everything you know!

Working and Playing - by Olivia

Playing at my exercise bar and mirror is one of my favorite things to do these days.  I  get better at it everyday.  I can get to kneeling with no problem. Getting to standing is not as easy. I can do it sometimes but not always.  But I keep practicing and keep getting stronger.    

I do the folding of the laundry these days. Mommy helps me.

Olivia Hijacks Blog

Hi! This is Olivia!
I am taking over posting on the blog for awhile, because I was reading the past few entries and realized that Mommy has become extremely boring.  I have a computer that is pink and snazzy and so I will do just fine blogging until Mommy gets more interesting. I think November has  gotten to her. It is National Adoption Awareness Month, and Mommy and Daddy had a lot of stress during the years they were trying to adopt.  I am glad they hung in there, so they could be my Mommy and Daddy.  I know Mommy wishes that I could have the big brother Jacob, but Daddy says we just have to trust in the good Lord.  So much in life is mystery. Like yams!   What is up with that!?

So what I want to tell you today is that I had my blood drawn to recheck my thyroid numbers since I had an increase in my medicine a month ago.  I think I am doing fine. But the endocrinologist says "show me the numbers".  The procedure went well.... enough.  Daddy put a cream on my arms before we left home that numbed my arms.  I took some Ibuprofen for my teeth, and I think it helped my whole body.  I also used some ora-jel. Don't know if that mattered, but there were a lot of things to numb me going on. We also went in the morning, when I was not tired or hungry.  The girls did a good job. They found my vein while Mommy was still holding me, then they laid me down for the blood draw.  I only cried sporadically, and I did not fight as hard as I usually do.  It was quick and I soothed rather quickly afterwards.  Then I was ready to greet my adoring fans with a big wave and a smile. I thought I saw Grandma and Grandpa, and I called out to them, but no such luck, it was just some other good looking older people.

This is me imitating Daddy! Daddy works on his computer all day. I don't know what he does., but this is my best impression yet of Daddy working.   This is crunch time at the office. I think that means that Daddy might crunch his computer if things get too hectic.  But seriously now folks.  Daddy has a great job!  He gets to work from home when he doesn't have to be in the office. That means that I can go by his office and wave at him.  But I don't hang around for long, because his work is sort of boring if you are only 18 months old.

Kling-on Improvements

In thinking about how to handle Olivia's "kling-on" stage, I wondered what would the Blessed Mother have done with Jesus.  Back then, Moms kept baby/ children with them at all times.  Ok. I was going to give it a try.  Sort of. 


 When I went to the bathroom, I took her in with me.  When I cooked, I set her at my feet. When I did laundry, again, at my feet.  So basically, I was making her stay with me, although she was free to crawl away.  It did not take too many days of this, and Olivia started crawling away from me.  As of today, she has been spending very little time at my feet before crawling away.  After dinner I took her in the 1/2 bath with me, and she nearly knocked the door down to get out.  I may have outsmarted her!  I hope Olivia doesn't read this blog post.  I think she does sometimes. Because if she reads this, she will get clingy simply to prove my Blessed Mother and Jesus theory incorrect! Olivia likes to keep me humble.  


 Last week we had Olivia's 18 month photo taken. She has been to this photographer 2 times before. I warned the photographer that Olivia had been very clingy and I did not know how it was going to go. But as soon as Olivia saw the studio lights and props she was ready to perform! She and the photographer had a great time! We got some great shots!


We will see if getting Olivia's blood drawn next week brings back Miss Kling-on. I think that is when this all started the first time. But not too much we can do about it.  With the hypothyroidism, there is regularly scheduled blood work. Hopefully her numbers are good and then she won't need blood work for another 6 months.

Today's Inspiration (Thanks Cathy and MaryTV)

Prayer after Communion of Saint Padre Pio

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I wish it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes, death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches. I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of bread, so that the
Eucharistic Communion be the light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but, the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You!

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for. Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity.

Amen 

Center for Disease Control Guidelines

Interesting guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on indoor air quality:

C. Building Occupants

1. Non-Permissible Products

Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:

• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers • Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind • Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance-emitting devices, that operate

automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or

disinfectants • Potpourri

• Plug-in or spray air fresheners • Urinal or toilet blocks • Other fragranced deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and the use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migraines.

2 If the HEPA filter requirement is not in existing leases and the lessor chooses not to adhere to this policy, then RPMO will incur costs to meet this guideline.

9Employees should avoid using scented detergents and fabric softeners on clothes worn to the office. Many fragrance-free personal care and laundry products are easily available and provide safer alternatives.

2. Tobacco-Free Requirements

In accordance with the CDC Tobacco-Free Campus Policy (CDC-GA-2005- 17) the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products) is prohibited at all times. For more information regarding this policy, go to the following link: http://aops- mas-iis.cdc.gov/Policy/Doc/policy477.htm:

Outdoor environments in leased facilities not under full control of CDC and temporarily deferred locations will remain subject to the pre-existing policy,3 which states that smoking tobacco products is prohibited:

• In all interior spaces owned, rented, or leased by CDC • In government vehicles • Within 20 feet of building entrances, exits, and air intake ducts • Within 20 feet of the storage of flammable and combustible liquids or

gases • Within 20 feet of dumpsters provided for collecting combustible materials • Inside any covered parking that is physically part of or connected to a

facility where CDC workers regularly pass on their way to or from work • Within designated CDC “Smoke-Free Zones”

5. Housekeeping Guidelines

CDC will ensure that products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only green cleaning products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.

CDC will ensure the use of housekeeping practices which are deemed safer for building occupants and the environment. Specifically, BFO will require housekeeping staff at CDC owned and leased facilities to:

8• Vacuum frequently and thoroughly using vacuums with high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.2 If carpets must be cleaned, steam or least toxic, non-petroleum based, fragrance- free all-purpose cleaner or carpet cleaner will be used

• Keep storage and janitorial rooms clean and properly maintained • Keep air handling rooms free of stored materials. If rooms are

used as storage spaces, ensure that proper airflow, clearances and cleanliness standards are enforced. Keep maintenance and operational supplies in order and properly labeled in a clean, dry room to prevent contamination of the air and infestation of insects and rodents

• Be trained by supervisors or through their contract company in the proper usage, handling, and labeling of cleaning products and hazardous chemicals as required by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)

• Keep waste containers away from air intakes and assure their regular emptying

And.... dead pests should be removed promptly from the premises!  :-)  

There is much more at:  http://www.thecanaryreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CDC-2009-Indoor-Environmental-Quality.-internal-policy542.pdf

Adoption Finalization One year ago today

 Today is one year since Olivia's adoption was finalized by the court.  It is/was o

ne of those mixed feeling days for certain! Relieved to have all the legal stuff behind us, but knowing that the finalization would be a weird feeling for Olivia's very much beloved birth-mom and birth-family. As this year has gone by, we have realized that we have not only gained a daughter, but we have also gained the most wonderful extended family ever as we have been accepted into the lives of Olivia's birth-family. We never would have imagined the fullness of blessings that have been bestowed on us in having the love of Olivia's birth-families in our life! We love you all!

What spoon? But I side-sit!

I wonder if any of you other Moms have experienced this?  Olivia had gotten to be quite good with her spoon and self-feeding, and then suddenly lost interest.  She sees the spoon in front of her with food on it and her hand becomes limp and she just has no interest in holding it and taking it to her mouth. She also has lost interest in throwing her spoon.  That is progress!  She will hold her spoon and take it to her mouth and put it down nicely on the tray or in an empty bowl when we are just practicing. But for the real thing, she is not interested.  She is doing beautifully controlling her own straw cup. She picks it up off the tray and drinks and sets it down nicely on the tray.  She is typically not throwing cups, spoons and bowls off the edge and at the wall any more!  Praise God!  She is self-feeding with her hands beautifully.  And will throw a piece off the edge of the tray when she no longer wants that particular food choice.  She does know the correct sign for "all done". She just picks and chooses when she uses it!

Olivia is accepting being put in "side-sitting" more and more these days and this is leading to getting in and out of sitting the right way more often. Before she always used the unapproved "Chinese Splits Method" which does make me cringe given I have worked so hard on the "pre" in and out of sitting exercises.  But I do now see that my work was not in vain, as she is beginning to accept doing it the right way.  I have a hard time feeling the urge to curtail all of her "illegal" moves, because I don't want her to stop doing everything altogether. But I spend lots of time trying to "catch" her before she does in the wrong way and get her doing it the right way with perhaps Olivia feeling as if she had done it all by herself the correct way.  Olivia's podiatrist talked about how important HIP issues are for people with Ds. We have worked from Day 1 on protecting he hips. I hope it pays off.  I heard recently of a child having surgery for hip dysplasia.  God willing we won't go there.

We work and we work with our kids, but they are independent human beings. I try to remember that and respect her first and foremost. Well! On second thought!  I LOVE her first!  That is what they told us in the NICU! Love her!  All the rest will follow suit!  And I think they are correct!

Wordless Wednesday!

(Signing "Daddy")

My Life as an 18 Month old

Now that I am 18 months old, I have to let you know what I am doing.  I still like to read. In fact, looking at books and being read to is my second all time favorite thing. My first favorite thing is listening to Music, and especially Barney's Greatest Hits CD.  I am learning al the songs and actions for each song. I know Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, Pop Goes the Weasel and Do your ears hang low?  I was impressed today that my Mommy's friend knows all of those songs too. Her boys taught them to her when they were small. Now they are tall.  But they have a guinea pig, so they are cool fellas.

 Now I bet you wonder what has me up on all fours.  No, I am not creeping, I still crawl on my belly, but I considered creeping on all fours for a moment, because I saw my big sister who I adore.

 Here I am crawling after her. Remember I just love her so much! She is such a great big sister!  My other big sister is great too, but this is my oldest big sister.

 Here I am adoring my big sister.  She likes to talk to me from up on top of things.  I think that she does that because I am taller than her now. I told her not to worry that she is short.  It happens sometimes that some people are short. I assured her that I respect her even though she is height deprived.

Also, I don't like my mommy to sing unless I specifically request something.  I much prefer listening to her iPod (on her iPad or iPhone.... I call myself an iBaby so that she has an interest in me LOL)  I also love music boxes.  I love to use mom's iPad for learning my vocabulary on iTots.  I will study really hard and then when I learn them all I won't be interested anymore. That is what I do.  I study a toy or an object as if it was the only thing in the world that mattered, and then when I have learned all there is to know about it, I am done with it.  I can be that way about food too.  The other week, I was really fixated on eating carrots, then I had no more interest in them.

In the eating department, I am working on controlling my spoon and cup. That means that I am learning to set them down nicely on the table and pick then up nicely and put them to my mouth, and then set them down nicely.  So how is it going? Well, I am getting really good with my straw cup.  And I am getting really good at controlling an empty spoon outside of mealtime.  During meal time, I don't control my spoon very well. But I think I am making progress.

As far as signing goes. I am rather awesome.  I sign a lot of things that matter, and don't bother with needless words.  I can sign Daddy correctly now. I no longer sign bye bye for Daddy.  I don't sign Mommy, but I say Momma.  And I say it with gusto when I really need to get her cooperating with my plans.

I am getting my picture taken professionally this week.  We will see if I cooperate or not. I have not decided.

Oh, and one more thing.  I think the perfect Sunday afternoon is spent at Grandma and Grandpa B's house playing with my cousins (ages 5 and 6). They are so nice and I love to try to get their toys which are for big kids.  I just adore my cousins!

Well, I am supposed to be asleep, so I better quit typing so that Mommy doesn't catch me still up after she put me to bed.  Take care. Love, Olivia

Olivia Using Family Heirlooms!

This is Olivia in Great Grandpa S's rocking chair.  (My Mom's Dad's chair)

WWF: Klingon VS Pediatrician (Victory Klingon!)

Today was Olivia's 18 month well baby visit.    Olivia has become a real Mommy and Daddy's girl.  That means she clings to us and is very cautious around other people.  (although Grandma B and Olivia are still best Buddies!)  The doctor told us that since Olivia has Ds that she is just hitting this normal developmental stage at a later age. Usually it appears at 9 to 12 months old. He said that this is a good sign of a securely attached child, who knows that Mommy and Daddy are safe and that to be wise is to study other people good and long before getting involved with them.  It was good to hear that our Klingon is normal! In fact he says he gets concerned when he doesn't see a child go through this "stranger danger" phase.  The wise doctor did Olivia's exam while Olivia was sitting on my lap.  She tolerated it better this way.  The nurse that gave her the shot was careful to make sure that Olivia could not see her, and that I was completely blocking Olivia's view of the mean old nurse.

Doctor was very pleased with how Olivia is progressing both developmentally and in her health.  Yes, she is developmentally delayed, but she keeps progressing at a good solid steady Olivia pace.

She is now 35% for weight:  23 lbs 5 oz
25% for length: at somewhere around 30 inches or so.
Her head circumference is still in the lower percentiles  13%

The good news is, as far as the doctor is concerned at least, is that Olivia did not pull his hair or his ear this time. Perhaps that is the real reason he decided to examine her differently. Last time he really got a lesson in Olivia's ability to grip on to hair and ears. I think she punched him once or twice when he was looking into her ears. But then again,  she had an ear infection at that last visit and was not a happy camper.

He believes that her teeth that have been causing so much trouble coming through for the past 6 weeks will come through prior to her entering college. Thus we are applying for early admission!

Back to Her Normal Self

Thanks for everyone's concern over Olivia's health. Apparently she had just been a bit under the weather.  We were able to go to Grandma and Grandpa B's house on Halloween and see her cousins.  Olivia did NOT want to wear her pumpkin costume though.  Next year we need to find a more comfortable costume. She should be walking next Halloween.  Olivia was relieved to learn that she doesn't have to wear a costume for Thanksgiving or Christmas. All she has to do is eat and play with toys. Both activities she enjoys!

About Olivia's sick day:  Our guess is that she was just a bit under the weather and that with her low muscle tone that she just became all the more limp and passive.  

But she is not limp or passive now!  This was the scene when I was changing her diaper this morning.  I do have some photos of her without diaper and crawling around. But she begged me not to post the truth!

What Mom? You never seen a baby avoid diaper changing before?

Trying to get her to settle down, I gave her the iPad with the flash cards.  It did the trick!  She is getting really good at using this program all by herself!

Wow - Never Missed a Day During October

Guest post from Peter …

I want to publicly congratulate my loving wife on posting everyday during October. She never missed a day and only a couple of times punted the ball.  She posted every day even when it meant she had to stay up a little latter at the end of a long day of caring for Olivia. I think we all learned something this month about Down syndrome and we certainly all got to see Olivia’s antics.  Olivia made a lot of progress during October, and everyone had a front row seat.  We all need to continue to spread the word that, at the end of the day, people with Down syndrome are people.  They are valued and cherished by their families just like everyone else. It doesn’t matter if it takes them a little longer to learn something. The world is enriched by their presence and we need to stop the insanity of resulting in the abortion of 90% of children diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome.  We can’t imagine our lives without Olivia.  Thank God for her birthmother!