Ribbons and Bows and Presents...OH MY!

We survived another year...and I am happy to report it is all cleaned up and put away until next year...I got ambitious today and packed it all up...CLEAN HOUSE AGAIN...but for all of you wanting to see our past week I will try and post some cute pictures of the kids...(I took 200 photos this Christmas and I am having a hard time uploading them onto the blog, so we'll see which ones will work??? I am needing to take the laptop in as I think we have a virus on it?? So sorry, for now this is the only one that uploaded....

It all started on Christmas Eve...we headed to my mom's at noon and spent the day with my brothers and their families...My grandma and my aunt Susie and Uncle Tom spent the day with us as well. We had a great time and the kids of course had a blast. My talented little niece Alyssa had all the kids perform Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in a dance/skit and EVEN BRAYDEN was in it! He was Rudolph...so cute and Great Job Alyssa! We ate, and ate and ate all day! Thanks to everyone for the yummy food! Kids were actually in bed about 8:15 that night all ready for Santa to come...

Fireplace door open : CHECK

Cookies and milk on the table: CHECK

Stockings laid out oldest to youngest: CHECK

Bells placed on the fireplace: CHECK

REINDEER food sprinkled on the grass: CHECK

2 VERY EXCITED kids: CHECK

4:50 AM Christmas morning....Jared woke up to use the restroom and to his surprise Cody and Kaylee WIDE awake wanting to see if Santa had come! Jared and I said told them to lay in our bed until at least 5:30...whispers going on the whole time..."What do you think Santa brought?" "Did you hear his sleigh land on the roof?" " I did too." "What time is it?" "5:15"...ok we still have to wait..."5:28"...."5:29"...."5:30!!!!!!" Daddy....Mommy...it's 5:30! Needless to say we were all done unwrapping presents by 6:45....Craziness!

In the picture above is Kaylee's #1 Santa List item: A Bitty Baby from American Girl...she was so happy as you can tell...Cody's #1 Santa List item: A New Bike....he was quite pleased as well. Brayden got only a couple presents this year as he has everything he already needs...but he had fun watching and playing with the wrapping paper.

Christmas Day we went to my in-laws for a Christmas lunch...Jared's grandparents, parents, aunt and uncle and his cousins were there. We had a great time and yummy food once again. We are so thankful to be so close to most of our family, but miss Jared's brother and his family in Florida....and his Grandma in Colorado. It was a wonderful time and can't wait to do it all over again next year!

Physical Therapy...Officially has started...

Well, today was Brayden's first physical therapy appt...We had been in for an evaluation/consult the week before...but now the FUN starts...he is suppose to have therapy for 1 hour per week...but he only wanted to cooperate for 30 minutes today...His therapist, Sandy sure worked him and he did SO GOOD! She started out therapy by stimulating and stretching his little muscles...HE loved this... She worked on sitting up by himself, strengthening his tummy muscles...he is such a good roller if he rolls to the left, he continues to roll ONLY to the LEFT though...so she helped show me how to help him learn to roll to the RIGHT. He loved using the BIG exercise ball. He did his baby crunches... We had lots of fun and she is so sweet with him...singing songs, explaining everything she is doing in soft tones...yet she kept his attention the full time. She was very impressed with him...she would go through the motions one time on practicing something and she wouldn't even have to que him the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th time...he automatically picked it up...I have a feeling once he is crawling/walking I am going to be in trouble.



Doing some crunches...




He loved doing this exercise...


Next week, we are going to try just 30 minutes because he was not having it after 30 minutes...overly stimulated, tired, etc...we'll see how he does and move it back up to an hour as soon as he is ready.

I stumbled across another post on a blog and THANKS Cathy for letting me share the following story...I thought it was such a sweet story and much needed to think about as we celebrate today and Christmas Day... Tis the REASON FOR THE SEASON....MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all and I will post after Christmas...




SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE
It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas --oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike.The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys intheir spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling newwrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado,a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.' Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.

For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost itsallure.

The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

Praise you in this storm....

Brayden is 8 Months! Time is sure flying fast...only 4 more months and he will be 1! Now that is crazy...I have no weight, and measurements for his 8 months as we don't have a doctor appt until January sometime...I'm guessing he is about 18 lbs. now...He is such a happy little guy and is getting stronger everyday still. I have learned how to stimulate his muscles before making him work out, he thinks I am tickling him, but I think it actually works...finding the pressure points is the key...His physical therapist showed me how to do this...and we have been wearing the hip helpers I ordered for him...I need to take a picture of him in them...it is a spandex mini-skirt looking thing...funny. It basically makes him uses his leg muscles a little more than what he may use if he wasn't wearing them. He doesn't mind wearing them at all and they go on under his pants.

I find myself writing more and more about our journey with Down Syndrome...but I am also finding more and more people that are reading our blog have been touched with Down Syndrome in their lives...I feel so blessed to have so many people I do not know in person care so much about the lives of others...I too have been following so many peoples lives with their blogs...I tend to go back to the prenatal diagnosis story a year ago a lot lately... For us, that was the hardest times of our lives...If ONLY I knew what I know NOW...but isn't that what we all say. I have become a better person for having gone through that time. I want to post this link...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2rLXr3cEU Our close friends shared this CD with my husband the day after we were diagnosed...the first time I heard it, I cried and cried...it was if God was talking to me directly...yet this song has touched so many peoples lives for all different reasons...but the most reason of all is that HE is with us every step of the way. He knows all of our trials and is there for all of us. I absolutely LOVE this song and just wanted to share with any of you that haven't heard it.

We need to remember "HIM" at Christmas time...Life is so precious and he gave us the best gift of all! Hopefully I will post before Christmas, but if I don't...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

For my precious Brayden...

These pictures were taken in December last year...just 4 days after finding out our amniocentesis results..
I just feel compelled to write a post to my sweet little Brayden. One year ago...we were faced with so many unknowns...but we put our trust in the Lord and KNEW he sent you to us for a reason. As we celebrated Christmas last year with our families...we all felt so much closer to one another and that reason was YOU! I can not forget mentioning that you have the BEST big brother and sister. They were ALWAYS so excited when MOMMY was pregnant...they did not worry and I just knew they were and always are going to LOVE you for who you are. I can remember Cody coming home from school one day last December shortly after we learned you had Down Syndrome and he just HUGGED me and said," Don't worry mommy...everything is going to be O.K." Cody even secretly asked his teacher at school and called his grandpa one night to say special prayers that his mommy would stop crying and know that everything was going to be O.K. Cody and Kaylee are going to always be there for you as your Daddy and Mommy will too. They even ask me sometimes, "Why don't I have Down Syndrome?" They see so much in you and LOVE you so much. They constantly Kiss and hug you...I don't even get as many kisses as you do! So, to my little sweet pie...we love you and thank you for all you have shown us...you have enriched our lives, our extended families, our closest friends...EVERYONE LOVES YOU...I couldn't thank the Lord up above enough for CHOOSING you to be our son and brother!
May we all remember the reason for the season...

Our busy Christmas performance week...

First off...I am so upset that my computer is not uploading my pictures onto my blog??? I am going to have to figure this out...so all you get on this post is this adorable picture of Kaylee getting all curled up for her dance recital that was on Saturday. This was taken at my mom's hair salon...My 84 year grandma, still working 6 days a week at her hair booth in the background... I sure hope I inherit her energy and drive to be active.

I am so sorry I haven't kept up with my posting this past week. We have had a very busy week. It started with Brayden and I meeting his physical therapist last Tuesday. She is very sweet and anxious to start with Brayden once a week. He was a little tired when we met with her, so he wasn't the happiest...but she was impressed with his capablities and strength and was very optimistic that he is going to be one to "catch on" real fast and progress very well. We were suppose to have our appt. tomorrow, but she is snowed in at the Dallas airport tonight...so we are looking at next week.

Friday night, Kaylee had her Christmas performance at her preschool. She looked beautiful and LOVED singing on stage in front of everybody. THEN Saturday was her Dance recital and she did so well! She is such a doll and LOVES to be on stage..., but you get her off stage and she is shy as can be. (My mom says that I was exactly the same way....lol)

Sunday we went to see SANTA CLAUS...the kids received letters from Santa in the mail and were so anxious to Thank him for the letters...we went to get a bite to eat, then relaxed at home watching Fred CLaus...great movie that just came out on DVD.

TOday I got a little more shopping done with 4 kids in tow...People looked at me like I was crazy...but you gotta do what you gotta do! Tonight was Cody's CHristmas performance at school. They sang 3 songs and he did so good. I was hoping to post a picture of him as he wore a mustache and green poncho...his class represented the hispanic community while singing a spanish Christmas song...very cute.

We all went through colds this past week, but are all feeling much better and getting so excited for the holidays! It is getting a bit chilly out...I know for California people we need not complain...but seriously 40 degrees is very COLD for us. I love it as long as I can stay inside. I will try and work on my pictures????

Another busy weekend...

Couldn't resist this photo to post...This is Brayden's favorite time of the night...Bath time! Love this towel...I have been trying to post all of my weekend event pictures and for some reason they won't upload to my blog...bummer...

Friday night started with Cody's soccer award ceremony...he got his trophy and was ever so happy to add another to his collection. He then had a soccer tournament in Lemoore ALL weekend and it was so cold... I didn't want to take the baby in the cold. so Papa and Daddy supported him all weekend. He did very well, but their team didn't win...BUT he got another trophy to add to his collection on Sunday.

Saturday was filled with Dance class...Kaylee is getting ready to have her Dance recital next Saturday...she is SOOOO excited...my little shy girl is anything but shy when she is on stage! After dance class, Grammy, myself, Kaylee and Brayden headed to the annual Down Syndrome Holiday Celebration. This was our first time going and it was so fun. Talk about being around nothing but happiness...DS babies thru adults always have a smile on their face and are so friendly. They had bounce houses, crafts, food, Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus came...fun to meet up with some of the families I have gotten to know through our First Friday meetings at our local Down Syndrome Society.

Sunday we attended a fun Holiday dinner at the church. I had no idea how many people have been following our blog until many came up to us to tell us they had been enjoying it. Thank you to all that read our blog...it truly has been fun creating this and sharing our adventure.

Today was errand day...bank, grocery store, etc...because tomorrow Brayden's teacher comes in the morning to work with him, then he will have his FIRST PT evaluation at 12:30. We are excited to meet his physical therapist. Her name is Sandy...she will be doing a full evaluation to see where Brayden is at, what he made need help in improving, etc. Unfortunately this is not covered entirely by our services through CITI kids as all the PT's are full...so we have had to extend services to this private facility...Insurance now has to come into play and so we will see how much we will have to cover expense wise...it is totally worth it, but not what we were wanting to hear. Brayden will also start OT services in a couple of weeks...So lots of fun coming up here and will post when I know more of what is going to be happening.

Again, thanks to all of you that take the time to hear what is going on in our lives...may you all have a blessed holiday season. I will try and post some more pictures soon...I have some real cute ones...lol.

Exactly one year ago...

I just had to post because I can remember this very same night 1 year ago...I was lying in bed resting from the amniocentesis we had in the late afternoon...wondering if our baby boy was going to have Down Syndrome??? The emotions I was going through and Jared as well were gut wrenching a year ago...I admit, I had to take Lunesta (a sleeping pill) just so I could fall asleep for about 2 weeks or so...Jared and I needed to have the amniocentesis, NOT because we were wanting to terminate but because we wanted to be as prepared as possible if this is what we were going to be facing. The Lord definately knows what kind of person I am and that is one that HAS to be prepared for all things! In a matter of a couple of weeks of first finding out the chance, then going through level II ultrasounds that did not have any markers and finally making the decision to have the amnio definately brought Jared and I to our lowest point I think ever in life...We were numb for a couple of days, waiting out the results, praying so much...we did opt to have the FISH test, along with the amnio to find out sooner than the standard 10 days...well on December 5th it was confirmed...we initially had another couple of hard days...but then after one afternoon of being ALONE and talking about what we were sent here to be...parents, and how we were meant to be together and that the Lord TRUSTED us to be a parent to a special needs child...it was a huge relief and I actually felt like someone picked me up and took all the weight right off of my shoulders, knowing my prayers were answered and the tears began to dry and I was excited all over again about my pregnancy...I was still very much worried of the unknowns and what to expect...but after the cleared echocardiogram and clear level II ultrasounds...I knew that Brayden was going to be ok and if there were health issues after birth...then we would deal with them...so far we have been extremely fortunate as he has been very healthy and at this point has no health issues. I can not express enough how much love I have for our little guy...I love all my children, but he has taught us that there is a deeper love and it is shown through and in Cody, Kaylee, Jared and myself...
This is more of a personal/diary/journal entry post, but just felt compelled to share. I am SO grateful for what I have...and really want to focus on the Christmas spirit and what this holiday is really about...The LOVE and ADMIRATION I have for the Lord...is far better than presents, baked goods, etc....Hope everyone is getting in the holiday spirit as well for all the right reasons!

Busy Weekend...

Well, got the car window fixed today...YAY! We had a busy weekend of soccer games/tournament both Saturday and Sunday... Cody did awesome and scored two of the 6 goals that were scored. They have another tournament this weekend...then we will take a break for about 4 weeks and start indoor soccer then.
Brayden had his OT consult today and will start in a couple weeks. Overall he had a great evaluation and the OT gal is looking forward to working with him. She gave me so many tips to start with him...he was so tired out after his eval, he slept for a couple of hours. He continues to amaze us everyday.
Can't believe it is December 1st! Where does the time go? Well, only 23 days left until Christmas...so much to still do! I am going to sign off for now and get my bow orders done...well, not done but I am seriously drowning in my orders...(good for me, but just tiring when I only have the night hours to work on them.) I will post again soon...

Forgot to post the excitement from this morning!

Yep! Somebody broke into my car! Makes me so angry! Cody left his Nintendo DS with his Guitar Hero attachment and Guitar Hero game on the back seat and well...that is all they took! Didn't take anything else that was in plane sight...which I am glad...but now a Nintendo with game that is worth $200 and $160 new window, plus the replacement of Nintendo DS that Cody is ever so heartbroken over...well grand total is $560...UGH! So, needless to say I was not the happiest mommy today. Kaylee states that it is ok...because Santa will bring Cody a new DS...lol...and well, "Mommy, you can just write a check for the window." (her answer for any purchase that needs to be done.) Just thought I'd share the drama that unfolded at the Lehnick household on Black Friday morning. (Nope, didn't get to go shopping!)

Just a year ago...

Just 365 days ago...I was 18 1/2 weeks pregnant and got a phone call from my OB stating he would like to discuss my AFP results with Jared and I...I asked if it could wait because Jared was in Denver on business and he said," He would like to see me ASAP." Jared was flying home during my visit, so my sister-in-law went with me who is a labor and delivery nurse and also great friends with my OB. I was given the result of 1:22 chance of our little boy having Down Syndrome...I must say, I was devastated with the news of just a chance! I cried and even screamed in the doctors office and then had to make that phone call to Jared. It was so hard to make that phone call to Jared as he landed at the SFO airport that morning... I must say he calmed me down with his sweet voice telling me, "everything was going to be ok." well...it was confirmed December 5th, via amniocentesis on the RAPID FISH test result. I can remember all of this like it was yesterday...yet, I can now say this has been a BLESSED Year! Our lives have been so enriched with this little guy, I can not even tell you in enough words. Brayden is so loved by his siblings and his mommy and daddy. I can not forget his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that just want to eat him up as well. So this Thanksgiving, I gave such thanks to the Lord for giving us all we have went through this past year...I wouldn't trade it for the world!


This is what every night looks like for Jared...All 3 of the kids snuggle with daddy.



Brayden after his favorite time of the night! He just LOVES his baths...




Great Grammy Rosie having some one on one time at Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws house.





We went to the park the other day and had a friend that is a photographer take some pics of the kids and I was clicking my camera as well. This is one of the ones that the photographer was taking and we are going to submit for the Gifts Vol.II story that was selected. Sooo cute!






Papa and his 3 little buddies...







Kaylee looking so sweet!








My 3 little ones...









And here is Brayden looking ever so sweet! Jill (photographer) sure captured some great shots on her camera that I can't wait to order...

Happy Late Thanksgiving to everyone...I hope everyone had a great turkey dinner and had lots to be thankful for.

Brayden in the leaves...

My other two little ones spent the night with their cousins this weekend, so I didn't have their cute selves in these photos...but had fun snapping a few pictures of Brayden...they won't all upload so here is two of them...we are so excited to be getting the kids pictures done at the park tomorrow with a photographer, Jill..I met Jill actually online through a down syndrome group and she happens to live very close by...small world...she does excellent work.
Wanted to post a follow-up on Brayden's ENT appointment on Friday...everything was checked out fine...He does have really small ear canals, but the specialist says we'll just see how his ears respond to this winter time with flu season, ear infections, etc...no need to do anything right now as he is just fine and hearing just fine...so all went good. We will see him in 6 months just to do another more extensive hearing test.
Had a great weekend. Cody had his last season soccer game and scored the last goal for the season. He is really shining in soccer. We have 3 tournaments for the next 3 weekends...tiring but will be fun as well. That's all for now...


P.S....Dad and mom----had lots of fun at the hoe down Saturday night...we will just leave it at that! HeeeHaww! Love you both

Another person I am thankful for...

This is Dr. Vishwanath...he is my OB/GYN and has delivered all 3 of my children. I had the pleasure of working with him when I worked full-time at the hospital for 10 years in the Labor and Delivery unit. He LOVES what he does and is SO commited to his patients...he even gave me all his phone numbers to contact him if I ever needed to. (no, he doesn't give all this patients that information, so I did feel priveledged) But what made me realize even more of what a great doctor he is, is this last pregnancy with Brayden. He was with us every step of the way. He had a hard time letting me know at first the findings from our AFP test and kept optimistic but was very concerned and had me in my high risk doctors office that afternoon of the day we found out our results of 1:22 chance...he would call and check up on me at every appointment I had with the high risk doctor and made sure that he saw me at every one of my prenatal visits! He always made sure I was doing ok. When the amnio results came in, he decided to wait until his office had closed to call Jared and I down to his office. We arrived at 6pm and he spent a couple of hours with us of his own time, explaining the results and the unknowns, but wanting us to have as much time as we needed to make any medical decisions. Of course being the physician he had to give us options....OPTIONS nobody wants to be faced with...but he did not try to persuade us in any kind of way what we should or shouldn't do and I so respect that of him. This was our baby and he spoke to us as a physician and then as a friend. We all shared many tears together and thanked him for taking his time to explain things to us and share some life experiences with us of his own. Not many physicians do this with their patients, so I want to just express my thankfulness for this doctor. With my first son, he spent the night at the hospital just to let me know he was going to be there in case I needed him throughout the night...little did he know my son was going to keep me in labor for 36 hours...lol...but he was there at 4:55am when I delivered...Kaylee was a breeze, delivered in 7 hours from starting time of labor and well, Brayden started on a Wednesday evening...delivered emergency c-section on Friday evening. My doctor had to leave for another patient at a different hospital, checking on me right before going and I was at 3-4cm...contracting great (with pitocin), and then maybe 20 minutes later... my water broke and Brayden did not react very well to the stress of no fluid being in there... Brayden was extremely high still and so I had to have an amnioinfusion and Dr. Vishwanath left the other hospital and was back in my delivery room within 15 minutes...I asked him "how fast did you drive on the freeway?" He wouldn't tell me. When he arrived, he had a panic look on his face and looked me straight in the eyes, holding my hand (because I was so nervous) and said", we are not risking anything happening to Brayden...we need to get him out and you and Brayden are going to be just fine. " The chaos in my room was crazy...there were about 10 people (medical) running around me like crazy...so long story I know...but he finally arrived 10-15 minutes later in the operating room via c-section and what a beautiful delivery it was! Thank you Dr. Vishwanath...words could never explain how you impacted our lives! He came in over the weekend at the hospital, ALWAYS bringing a gift at each one of my deliveries and these pictures were from that day. He really made me feel special and thought Brayden was a very special baby.
Sorry for the long story...I feel like it was just yesterday...but to all those doctors out there...I truly hope they come across stories like these to remind them that Down Syndrome is NOT the end of the world...sure, they have to give the news to parents, but it is all in HOW they deliver the news and support the patient either way. I do not like hearing the way some doctors are so negative and want their patients to terminate asap of finding out...I think of all the babies that are not given the chance...I have just been so thankful lately and it is appropriate being that Thanksgiving is around the corner....thanks for letting me share these thoughts and thanks...


Jared, Brayden, me and Dr. Vishwanath ( You are AWESOME!)

Brayden is 7 MONTHS old today...

Can't believe Brayden is 7 months old already...he grows everyday! Let's see a run down of what Brayden has accomplished since he's been born...
1. started rolling over at 5 1/2 weeks (back to tummy)...sooner than my brother and sister
2. started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks old on breast milk
3. started EI at 2 1/2 months old...LOVE TEACHER PAULA
4. Had a echocardiogram done to be cleared of any heart issues...everything came back perfectly normal. Won't have to go through any more of those...
5. started solid foods at 4 1/2 months old...loves to eat! Oatmeal and bananas are my favorite! Oh and SQUASH...yummy...
6. Rolling across the living room at 5 1/2 months...
7. Saying "DaDa", BAHBAHBAH, and LALALALA at 6 1/2 months old...
8. Digging my toes in the carpet to push or SCOOT my body forward...still practicing though so hopefully I can crawl soon.
9. Not sitting up yet on my own, but doing good with assisted help
10.Loves to give kisses to anyone that is close enough for my two hands to grab and lay a juicy, wet, slobbery, sucky kiss on!
11. Attended my first of many Buddywalks in September...thanks to all the family and friends who took their time to come and support Brayden and our family...next year, any of you are welcome as well!
12. My mom, dad, brother and sister are "OH SO PROUD OF ME"... We are in the works of starting PT and having an assessment with an OT on Dec.1... Will keep you all updated with therapy when we start.




Brayden rolls to get from point A to point B, then continues to keep rolling until he gets stuck somewhere...



In "ROLL mode" with the occasional toes in the mouth. I was trying to feed him tonight and in between bites he couldn't keep his feet out of his mouth...and this is in his high chair.




Love this look...he looks so much like Cody did!





Our little inquisitive guy...always checking everything out. As this Thanksgiving approaches...I have been thinking about all I am thankful for and I can't thank the Lord enough for bringing this little baby boy into our lives...He has changed me in so many ways... Life has a more intense meaning to me...I love my children with all my heart and want the best for all of them...I had no idea that almost a year ago...DOWN SYNDROME was going to be so much a part of our lives. I got the call November 29th, 2007 at 18 weeks of pregnancy that the doctor wanted to talk to me about my AFP results...was seen the next morning and given the odds 1:22 chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome and told there may be a number of complications with our baby. After lots of tears, lots of prayer, and time...Jared and I felt such a peace come over us and we were ready to take on the Lord's plan for us! IT was confirmed on Dec.5 via amniocentesis that we were having a little BOY and he did indeed have Down Syndrome. No, it wasn't the ideal plan at the time...but wouldn't of planned it any other way now! It is known that 91% that find out prenatally...terminate their pregnancies...There are a lot of doctors that scare couples with medical facts and lots of unknowns and being in this situation is thee HARDEST time I have ever dealt with. TO know what I know now about Down Syndrome, I wish every mother and father could know before making a decision to terminate. I know there would be no terminations......I know that we will have our challenges along the way and that is OK with me. What families DON'T have their challenges with typical kids? I have enjoyed meeting so many new friends and families of those touched with Down Syndrome...and I want to thank all of our friends and family for being so supportive for us. We feel so blessed to have Brayden and we know that he is going to teach so many of us all sorts of things. Thanks for letting me share with you parts of our journey.

I would like to send a prayer request out for a friend I have met online through a Down Syndrome Group of little Gage who is having Open Heart Surgery on Dec.3rd. Many Down Syndrome babies that are born have to have OHS...they all pull through really well...but an extra prayer for the parents Kenzee and Derek to be just as strong through Gage's surgery as he will be would be greatly appreciated.

All in a day...

Corner Kick...kinda blurry picture...Cody's team tied today 2-2, Cody scoring one of the goals...the weather was really warm...76 degrees, nice in the shade but "kinda HOT" in the sun...not a typical mid November day. All the kids did very well...Cody plays Forward (RT) the whole game...he has a lot of skills for a 7 year old. His coach has coached him indoor soccer, now outdoor...he will then coach Cody indoor starting in February and then take him again on his team next year for U-10....We are so proud of Cody...he has made 14 goals this season and counting...they have a 2 day Thanksgiving tournament...then another tournament in December. He is a Natural...


He is fearless, and attacks the ball whenever he gets a chance...sometimes falling down, tripping other players (not on purpose) he is not afraid that's forsure. GO FALCONS!



Sweet Brayden enjoying Cody's soccer game on Grammy's lap...He loves to be outside. I just love his kissable lips...and he LOVES to give kisses! So cute! Cody use to love to give kisses to at this age. I love it...a little slobbery but we all love baby slobber!




My little princess at Cami's birthday party at Libby Lu...I have so many cute pictures of ALL the girls...but they won't upload for some reason???? So, this is all you get tonight. Tonight, Jared took Cody and Kaylee out to dinner at Dave's BBQ with another dad and his kids...then they went to Madagascar 2, then Borders to get a book...they had so much fun! Brayden and I got to go shopping for clothes for Mommy...(Mimi came to help) I have not bought any clothes since before I got pregnant with Brayden...I was way overdue..., then I met up with my in-laws at Panera Bread for a yummy dinner! Best Chicken Ceasar salad with a cup of Baked Potatoe Soup....So good...got to top it off with a Carmel Frappucini from Starbucks ...yes I am very full! Great Saturday...looking forward to a relaxing Sunday.

Brayden's PT consult...YAY! My BRAGS!

Well, we finally were able to meet with a PT through our Early Intervention program today...she is not Brayden's PT, but fit him in her tight schedule to do a consult for us...Her name was Jennifer and she was very sweet and VERY impressed with Brayden...She went through a series of questions for me with a checklist, and then tried different things with Brayden and he is doing so well! According to the checklist/chart PT's use Brayden is doing things that a typical child would be scoring at from a 5-7 month range...YAY! She gave me some tips to work on with him and Brayden's other teacher Paula that meets every week with him at our home was with us as well taking great notes. The PT and his teacher agreed that they will be talking with our Regional case worker to follow thru with a PT for Brayden...not so much that he is behind, but to continue his great progress and push him that much more....GEAR up little BUDDY...we are gonna get you WORKING! The PT could tell with just a little repitition how quickly he will be doing things...So, as you can tell I was SO PROUD of my baby boy! He even showed off for Teacher Paula with all of his baby talking...He is NOW saying BABABABABAB...........DADADADADAD........and LALALALALA......now I need to hear MAMAMAMA!!!! Hasn't said that yet.

So looks like we will be going through a private PT program since our FREE program for PT is full...a little bummed about that but I hear RAVE reviews on this program. They are called Dynamic Kids and the PT's have specialized with DS kids. I will update with pics as soon as we start! So thank you for letting me BRAG a little. I truly am proud of Brayden and feel so blessed that the Lord has given us such a little gift from heaven. Yes, all these extra appointments seem like a lot...but the Lord has blessed our family that I am home and able to do this with him.

Well, this weekend is full of busy events that I will try and capture pics of! Tomorrow, Kaylee is off to get styled at a LIBBY LU Birthday party...then off to Cody's Soccer game...then Cody and Kaylee are having a DATE afternoon with their daddy and friend Jeff and his kids...they are going to Dave's BBQ for a early dinner...then to Madagascar 2...guess mommy and Brayden will figure something out to do!

First Word...for Brayden! AND he is starting to scoot!

Just had to share that Brayden is saying his first word, "DaDa" and has been since Friday...all of my kids first word has been "DaDa"...he loves to say it...He also says "lalalalala" He is amazing me everyday! It is very good for him to be able to do this at his age...shows great development! AND he is pushing and digging with his little toes and scooting his body forward and pivoting in a 360 rotation...another milestone for him! My other two crawled and walked early, so maybe...but we will just take it day by day! We love him so much and all of us just can't kiss him enough...you look at him at any moment he gleams with a huge smile! I will even corner eye him sometimes and he meets eye to eye right away and smiles! Gotta love it!

We have an appt this Friday for a PT consult...I am hoping he qualifies, he has been doing so well on his own his teacher has not pushed for PT...but I want him to continue to do well and so I told her let's keep pushing him to do more...we also have a ENT consult appt next Friday...just because I am paranoid and his pediatrician agreed that it would be a beneficial appt to see if he may or may not need tubes at some point...His ped. can't even see his ear drum because his ear canal is so small...( DS babies have extremely small ear canals...and I have them too, I had tubes when I was 8, Cody does too and had tubes at 8 months)...they will check hearing as well...he hears very well and passed his test when he was born...but again...I am just being cautious!

My little FASHION DIVA!!!

Kaylee was invited to be in a Fashion show called Fashion through the ages...this was a fundraiser event for a local women & childrens shelter...there were about 1000 people in attendance and numerous models from different modeling agencies. I was very impressed! Kaylee modeled clothes from a local boutique called " Carmel Kids". This picture is with another little girl I know named Madison. This was the only person we knew and we were lucky to have them together! They were so cute together! They walked out together on the runway that was HUGE! I was so proud of her as I could of never done it!


Here she is modeling the outfit...TRUE RELIGION jeans $185...JUICY couture shirt $58...Fur jacket $125...and ROXY purse $40...Craziness for kids clothing!

My little DIVA! She loves to GLAM it up! Check out those eyelashes! AND finally I am happy to report that most of the moms that had a problem with me and my little guy the night before were not with their little ones in the fitting room...they were out at their tables waiting for the show to start! I was able to see the show, but had to stand. Madison's mom was with me too ready for any comment to come my way. She wasn't there the night before, but she is a woman that has no problem speaking her mind. ...cheapest tickets were $85...but that's ok...I saw my star and didn't have to contend with any bad feelings...I am over it now. I know the experience I had with Brayden was just one of the many I may have in the future...I am just brewing up different lines I can throw back at them! He is our baby boy who amazes me EVERYDAY! And we love him so much!

My thoughts on my first negative experience...

Earlier this evening, Kaylee, Brayden and myself headed down to the Fresno Convention Center for a Big Fashion show rehearsal for Kaylee. The fashion show is tomorrow...well I should of known how some of the people may be just from our fitting experience at Carmel Kids in Fresno. Kaylee is sporting $185 jeans, $125 jacket, $58 t-shirt, $40 purse. Very cute though I must say...BUT NO WAY would I ever spend that much money on childrens clothing...ANYWAY...We show up and all is going well until Brayden decides to be a little vocal...just talking baby talk...well when I picked him out of his car seat ALL EYES WERE ON ME! I'm thinking to myself "What is everybody looking at?" NONE of these gals or men had smiles on their faces...OK, I get it...maybe they just are listening to see if he will stop being so loud??? Mind you there is loud music being played in the back ground as they are testing speakers, what not...then there is a lady trying to give all of us instructions for the kids in the show. As I am holding him, one mom leans over and says," Boy he's not happy." I'm like,"you've got to be kidding me...he is happy as a clam! He has just discovered he has a loud voice. Then there are some moms whispering across from me to each other! At this point I am FURIOUS! They are talking about my baby and I am about ready to walk out! Then I see Kaylee take the runway...so of course I can't. Have people no heart or kindness when they see a child with Down Syndrome? I have ALWAYS smiled at these type of children and parents all of my life! Most of these moms though you could tell that they keep up with the jones! I'm sure they will buy all the outfits their children model and then that tells me that they really don't know where their heart is for others! VERY SELFISH! Don't get me wrong...there are plenty of wealthy people with Huge hearts...but not at this event tonight.
I have been told by many moms I meet that I will have encounters like this one and you just have to put it behind you...but it is hard. Brayden is such an angel and I am so protective of him! Of course I know there is not going to be positive feedback from all people that come in contact with us...this is just the first for me since he has been born! I went from a HIGH to a real LOW today. Highlight of my day was going to my monthly meeting with the Down Syndrome society group...(bunch of DS kids, Babies and parents and sometimes other family members) today, my father-in law went with us...GREAT DAY...But then I had to END it on tonight's note...I am just so thankful those kind of people are not in my life! Thanks to all of you for all the love you always show us! It means more than you know...thanks for listening to my first neg..experience... I will hopefully post some pics of the fashion show...there are over 800 people going to be at this event. GO MODEL KAYLEE!

I changed my HAIR color!

Ok, so I darkened my hair yesterday...it has been a very long time since I have colored my hair this dark....I posted on facebook and decided to post on here....it is rare that I post about myself so here is the exciting thing I did for myself yesterday! So far everybody likes it darker...so we will see. Jared has not got home from Vegas yet so who knows what he will think. I think I like it better. Kaylee took these photos and didn't do too bad for a 4 year old....anyways believe me I have way more important things I need to be doing right now, so this is just for kicks...talk to you all later!

I've been TAGGED!

Ok, so this is my first time being tagged...my cousin Stacey just tagged me with having to post a blog by going into my picture file, opening up my 4th folder and posting the 4th picture....so here it is!

This was a very proud moment of mine that I am glad to share with everyone...in May 2004... 6 days before Kaylee was born (yes, I am very swollen in this pic) Jared graduated from Fresno State with his Bachelor's degree in Business. Yes it took 10 years of peer dedication, working full-time all the way through...so this was a huge milestone in his life! I am still just as proud of him as he works so hard with his job and being a great dad and a wonderful husband! I love you babe!

Thanks for the tag Stacey! Great to share this...it is fun to bring back the old photos...will also have to do more often!

Ok, so now Terra, Stephanie and Harmony!!!! You are tagged! I want to see the posts!

Proud to be an American...

Well, the big election day is over and we have a new president...I am only praying that things will get better in the years to come for our world...I am so happy Proposition 8 passed. Things in life are already difficult for our children to face and learn about...I didn't want this to have to be taught in school for my children... Plus it clearly states in the bible marriage is between a man and woman...I know the fight for this proposition is not over but it is for right now...Whew! I feel great to know that I was able to vote in this election...Hope all is well with all of you...Jared is out of town with business in Las Vegas, Brayden is doing much better, Cody is doing great....but Kaylee on the other hand is coming down with a cold...it is a never ending story! She is the one that gave Brayden his cough because she was sick with it 10 days or so ago...now she has another germie! UGH! The joys of having more than one little one in your house. Good night...actually I am going to make some bows....I have lots of orders DUE very soon.

My little one had his first x-ray....

Just had to post that our little guy had to have his first chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. The test did not show any signs of pneumonia, but was so sad to see him go through such an ordeal. I am sure this is many of the sudden tests that may take place with him as DS babies are so suseptible to illnesses/viruses. He does have a deep cough and lots of congestion as he is on inhalers, a nebulizer machine and some tylenol as needed. He is a trooper though...sleeping good still and eating. But an extra prayer if you can could always help. Today was a better day than yesterday...so I'm sure we just need some time to get over it. Well, I will update later...hope all is well with everyone else.

Halloween 2008

My 4 FAVORITE people...just had to share...

GiGi (Great Grandma) got in on the trick-or-treat action as well...she stayed behind and handed out candy to all the trick-or-treaters...when we came back she had a few wrappers of her own...she had fun though.

Kaylee was Snow White and Brayden my little pumpkin...we started the morning off by going to Kaylee's preschool halloween party! Got the cutest pictures there but I have to figure out why they are not posting...I took them with Jared's camera??? Anyway, as soon as I figure it out I will post.

Halloween night we went to Wyatt and Cheryl's house for a spooky dinner. It was so much fun. She made all kinds of ghoulish dishes and desserts, and we all brought a dish as well. Cheryl is a great party planner! We trick or treated with all the cousins and got LOTS of candy. Little Brayden came down with his first fever, so we came home shortly after. He is fine now, just has a little cough.

Mom with one of her friends...dancing buddy...what a NERD!


Cousin Alyssa...Black Widow Zombie

My little pumpkin...this outfit has been handed down and worn by all of my kids and my brothers kids...my sister-in-law made in 12 years ago...so cute!

Cody begged to be something scary this year...I have always made him something cute! So he is Skullzor. I am so bummed because after this picture was taken...my flash wouldn't work...this is the only picture I got of him! So sad!