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!