Kennedy's First Hair Cut! (And MORE Pictures)

Disclaimer - Please excuse the messy format of the blog right now.  Apparently I really don't know THAT much about editing blog formats.  But I promise, it will be better than ever before too long.

Did I mention how thankful I am for my digital camera?  I've taken over 500 pictures in the past three days.  People on Facebook are probably "over" my excessive posting of Kennedy pictures.  But I can't stand it, she's too cute, and her expressions and smiles are too adorable not to post.
Yesterday she had her first haircut!  I swear, it does not feel like she's old enough to be getting her hair cut already.  Didn't I just give birth, like yesterday?  I was really hoping to make it until she was at least one before cutting her hair, but neither of us could stand her bangs being in her eyes anymore.  So off we went too Cool Cuts today.  I was nervous.  Really nervous.  I thought they'd butcher her hair, that I'd never be able to put it in piggies again, and that it would just be full of tears (like PT or EI.)  I should have known better.  I should have known that my little Diva would love the salon and act like a perfect lady while getting her hair cut.  This just goes to show how many more trips to the salon are in our future. 

And now onto the pictures.  First some swing pictures from Friday.  I know, I know.  Like you need to see MORE pictures of her on MORE swings?  But I promise, her expressions are adorable.  Then I'll follow those up with haircut pictures.

YAY!  My first trip to the salon. 

How come we don't have one of these chairs at home?  Maybe Grandma will get me one for Christmas.

Mom, make sure she leaves enough for the piggies.

 I hope she doesn't make my bangs too short.

Hey, I can see again!

Are you sure they are straight?

Oh I like this!

That was so fun daddy!  When can we come back?

Does my new hair cut make me look older?

Can we go to the salon again next weekend?

Just as long as she doesn't take this much off!

Maybe pedicures next weekend?

You help dad with the decorations, I'll supervise.

Put Santa right there!

Eeek!!  I love it!

Wait!! I have a better idea!

Yes! Just like that dad! Perfect!

You keep working, I'm going to eat Raffy.

The decorations look beautiful dad!

I'm working on my list of things I'm thankful for!  But for today, I'm thankful that Casey didn't mess up when she cut my hair, so I can still have piggies!

Giving Thanks (And Very Funny Pictures - Literally)

This time of year is always good to think about all of the things you are thankful for.  Over the years, the things I'm thankful for have changed a lot.  This year it's changed drastically. 

This year I'm thankful for wonderful family and friends.  My amazing daughter, who has been through more in 8 months than I have in 29 years, yet she still has the best outlook on life.  Her giggles and smiles melt my heart, and she can make even the worst days better.  My wonderful husband, who has been by my side through everything.  We have grown together in ways that we would never imagine, and we have been able to turn our dreams into a reality as we have started a new chapter in our lives.  He has worked so hard to make sure that I can stay home with Kennedy.  My parents, who have once again shown their love and support endlessly.  And to our families who have been by our side through some of he happiest and some of the hardest moments in our lives over the past year.  For all of our friends that have offered support, encouragement, an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.

I'm thankful for the medical community.  Not just any doctor.  The Cardiologist who took such good care of Kennedy and got her to surgery in such amazing condition.  The Surgeon who fixed my daughters heart, at just 4.5 months old.  I'm thankful for the loving support of the midwives and doula who have played such a special part in our lives over the past year.  And of course, the therapists that *try* to work so hard with Kennedy every week.  They really do put up with a lot of tears and resistance.

I'm thankful for the Internet.  It has allowed me to meet so many people who understand what we have been through, and the challenges (and happiness) that we face day to day.  I've been fortunate to learn from these individuals, and am now helping to educate and inform others, as well as provide the same support that we received. 

I'm also thankful for my camera and digital photography.  My camera that allows me to capture the best moments in life.  It lets me relive the giggles, smiles and milestones over and over.  The last few nights I've been looking over pictures of Kennedy from the time she was born until now, and I just can't believe how much she has changed.  And I can't believe how many photographs I've taken.  In fact, I've taken roughly 20,000 photos since she was born.  Some day I'll have time to scrapbook them all. 

Kennedy is working on her own list of things she's thankful for.  But she wasn't quite ready.  She said she needed until sometime next week, so be on the look out.

Here's some photos from today.  Apparently, mommy was THE funniest thing on Earth tonight.  And french fries (don't worry - not fried) just might be a new favorite. 

Can we read this one next mommy?

Thanks mom.  This thing feels really good on my toofies.

Mommy, you are sooooo funny!

Mom, stop it.  

You crack me up!

Really mommy, stop, I can't take it anymore!

MOMMY! No more!  I can't take it!

Please mommy!  My cheeks are getting tired from laughing.

I mean it now mom!  I'm ready for dinner! Please stop making me laugh!

Nom nom nom...something new.

Well, this is different.

But I think I like it.

Got Milk?

Breastfeeding was always one of those things I just *knew* I would do.  And it's still a very sensitive subject with me.  Even though I did have three months of breastfeeding "part time" I struggle with the fact that I never could make it work for us after surgery.  I probably could have pushed more, but I felt like I was torturing Kennedy.  And after all she had been through, was it really worth it?  I'm so thankful that I had the huge milk supply that I did and that I was able to pump as much as I did.  I was in a situation where I had to stop pumping a few weeks ago.  It was something I had been thinking about for some time, but always found another reason to keep going.  I have to admit, it is nice having my freedom back.  And considering I have two deep freezers in my garage, full of milk, I'm relieved to know that I have MORE than enough milk to get Kennedy past a year. 

Of course, this poses one challenge.  We're going out of town soon, and we now have to deal with the task of traveling with frozen milk.  Not just a little.  Like 260 ounces of it.  I'm thinking dry ice will be my friend.  But seriously, I don't think it's going to be all that easy to deal with this.  So if you have ever done this and have any suggestions, let me know.  I appreciate any advice. 

In Kennedy news - she's really picking up on the concept of a sippy cup.  She still dribbles with it, so I only put a little water in.  Oh, and she hasn't quite figured out that she has to tip it back to get anything out of it.  I guess we need one with a straw.

I don't get it mom, I can't get any more out?

 Goodnight everyone! xoxo

P.S. Canadian Down syndrome Awareness week has come to an end.  And honestly, I'm tired!  I need a blogging break, so I may be MIA for a few days.  That is, unless something unbelievable happens.  Or I get some adorable pictures of Kennedy, which is likely.

Who Needs It?

Who REALLY needs Daylight Savings Time?  Personally, I'm trying to figure out a way to just skip it in the spring.  Or better yet, just move to a city where it doesn't exist.  Today was a realllly long day.  Kennedy was up shortly after 5am, didn't nap, and was more than ready for bed by 6pm.  Which means, according to my calculations, I should be getting woken up around 3am.

On that note, I'm going to give you a few pictures of her.  Her princess chair and sit to stand walker make the perfect combination for a car for Kennedy!  Anyway, I'm going to head off to enjoy my bed, for a few hours at least.  Wish me luck.

How Times Change

I received an email from one of my readers today, and it brought me back to the time right after we got Kennedy's diagnosis.  I can honestly say, along with her heart surgery, this was one of the hardest times in my life.  A true roller coaster of emotions.  Nothing but love for my sweet baby girl, but a fear of what was ahead.  What her life would be like, what our lives would be like.  How would I raise a special needs child.  I had no idea what I was doing, and I was scared.

That was eight and a half months ago.  I wish I knew how rewarding it would be.  I wish I knew how wonderful it would turn out to be.  And more than anything, I wish I had known just how normal life would be.  I didn't have anyone to tell me these things.  I felt scared and alone.  Little by little, I found people to talk to.  People that understood.  They all told me it would be like this, but at the time, I just couldn't imagine.  Down syndrome felt like the center of my universe.  It felt like it would rule our lives.

That's not the case at all.  There are days that I don't even think about Down syndrome.  As you've probably seen, a lot of my blog posts lately have been pretty boring and routine.  We have a *normal* life.  What is normal anyway?  We might have a few extra appointments, and Kennedy may be a little smaller and less mobile than other babies her age.  But, she may also be a little bigger than some babies her age.  And honestly, I kind of like being able to leave her in one place, and know she can't go far.

Our lives are pretty routine.  We face the same challenges any other parents face.  Sure we have a few extra challenges, but who doesn't?  Ours are just a little different.  Today's challenge was when Kennedy decided to poop in the tub.  And then on the floor.  And then she peed all over the bathroom.  I KNOW I'm not the first parent to have to deal with that.  And I'm pretty sure it's not just parents of kids with Down syndrome.


I started this blog almost 6 months ago.  Partially to keep friends and family updated, and partially with the hope of *someday* helping others through this journey.  I never imagined that I would be helping others so early on in my journey.  Lately I find myself giving out my email address or my phone number more and more.  This week alone I've gotten two emails and a phone call.  It makes me feel good to know that others are benefiting from our experience.  I feel like I've reached a new point in this journey.

I'll stop rambling now.  I know you aren't used to me having something to say.  Here's some cute pictures of Kennedy.

Nom nom nom...pancakes.  Too bad mommy won't let me have syrup.

These are so yummy!

 

 Do you think I can have another one mom?

I'm going to eat my way through the day, moving on to hummus.

What took you so long to give me this stuff?

Hey, I like this toy.

I'm gonna get it mommy!!!!

I don't understand!!  I can't catch it!

I've almost got it mom!

Can't you help me out???

Big Waves and Little Waves! *Video Included*

I know, I know.  I NEVER blog twice in the same day.  Heck, lately I have a hard enough time finding something to blog about once a day.  Let's just say I'm making up for the fact that I didn't blog yesterday.  But this is way to good not to share, RIGHT NOW.  I couldn't wait until tomorrow. 

I've been trying to teach Kennedy to wave all week.  She's completely in love with her hands, so I knew she would love waving, once she got it down.  And she does.  She's so proud of herself.  I was reading to her, and snuggling her in bed tonight, and she just kept waving at me.  I clap and tell her how proud I am, then she squeals and smiles.  She is SO proud of herself. 

There's nothing more I can say.  The video shows it all!

Today has been a day for firsts I guess.  I'm pretty sure that our days of pureed food are coming to an end.  Kennedy has been eating more and more food, and just isn't into the purees as much as she used to be.  Her new favorite is hummus.  I'm pretty sure that at 8 months old I was NOT eating hummus.  Kennedy has some expensive taste, but hopefully she will keep it up!  

Here's a few more pictures from today:

Look Mom!  I can move in my walker.  But only backwards, and I'll only do it when I'm mad.

Admiring all of her cuteness in the mirror!

  

Excuse me mom?  What's up with this thing on my head?

(We aren't used to *cold* weather in Florida!) 

Baby Snuggles and Kisses

So, I failed at blogging every day this week.  But I have a good excuse, kind of.  Kennedy's been sick, again.  I'm starting to think that our Early Interventionist is bringing us germs now that she works in a school three days a week.  The good news is that we got through our first fever and she seems to be feeling better today.  I have to admit, I did love the snuggles yesterday.  Everyone warned me to enjoy the snuggle time when she was a baby, and they were right.  It sure does come to a screeching halt.  Now most of the time she's climbing on me, grabbing my hair, pinching me, or clawing at my face and neck.  I even have marks to prove it.  But the last 24 hours have been lots and lots of snuggle time.  I have to admit, I really have missed the snuggles, and I don't mind putting the housework aside to cuddle my little princess.

The topic of baby snuggles brings me to another one of my favorites.  Baby kisses.  This has replaced snuggles as Kennedy's new favorite thing to do.  She grabs your neck and face (sorry to anyone she's scratched) and comes at you with a big, wet, slobbery, open mouth.  It's so completely adorable - even if it does leave you with claw marks. 

It's seriously hard to believe that in 2 weeks I'm going to have a NINE month old.  When did this happen?  It seems like yesterday I was pregnant.  And it seems like I was just trying to figure out how to take care of a "special needs" baby.  I have to admit, I had no idea it would be so easy and that for the most part, life is just like I expected it would be.  Now I find myself giving out my phone number and email address to talk to new moms going through a life changing diagnosis or facing open heart surgery with their baby.  It's amazing how quickly things change. 

I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.  But that's a very long post that I'll save for another day.

I lied

You're stuck with me for one more week of consecutive blogging.  November 1st-7th is Down syndrome Awareness week in Canada.  I know, I know.  I don't live anywhere near Canada.  And I hope I never do (remember, I'm a Florida girl.)  But I do have some Canadian readers.  And like I said in my post earlier this week, just because Down syndrome Awareness month is over, doesn't mean that we stop trying to raise awareness. 

Okay, that said.  I still don't have a whole lot else to say about Down syndrome.  But as usual, I have cute pictures, and I can always come up with something to say about Kennedy.  Today she continued to prove what a diva she is.  She was totally willing to practice her crawling skills for me this morning.  In fact, she even got up on her knees on her own.  This is huge progress people.  Until today, the only time she'd get on her knees was when she was sleeping!  Of course, when she tried to move, she face planted.  Fortunately, we have a squishy new exercise mat, so her face plant was softened. 

Mom!  Don't take my picture.  I have bed head from my pigtails!  I don't care if I AM on my knees!

How the heck am I supposed to do this mom?

Today was EI.  We met Amanda at the park, in hopes that it would make for a more pleasant and productive session.  Kennedy loved it.  She was talking away and enjoying every minute of Amanda pushing her on the swing.  Then she took her out and actually tried to do something with her, and Kennedy threw a fit.  

Hey mom, that's my friend swinging next to me.

And these next two pictures made me realize how big she's getting.  Seriously, who said my baby girl could turn into a little girl so quick?

Physical Therapy Success!

I was really planning to take a day off from blogging, but this is way too good to neglect.  Today was Kennedy's eval with the Physical Therapist.  I was really nervous for a few reasons.  For one, Kennedy doesn't have the best track record working with therapists.  Usually therapy involves a lot of tears.  I was also worried because you just never know what you're going to hear.  I should also mention that Kennedy hasn't spent a lot of time around men, so I had no idea how she was going to react to him. 

I'm happy to report, it went well.  Or at least, as well as a physical therapy eval on an eight month old can go.  We had minimal tears.  Okay, maybe not minimal.  She screamed for a few minutes while we made her work.  But for the most part, she seemed to like Larry.  And I was pretty impressed too.  He had a great attitude with her and really encouraged and rewarded her for her hard work.  The best part - SHE WORKED!  She didn't just face plant and cry. 

All in all, he said that he was very impressed with her strength and abilities.  One of the big concerns with Down syndrome is low muscle tone and hyperflexibility of joints.  Fortunately, he said that Kennedy doesn't really have an issue with either.  The diagnosis - DIVA!  Yes, you read right.  She's been diagnosed as a diva, and she thinks it's easier for other people to do things for her.  So, we'll be working on some new exercises, and mommy and daddy will be requiring Kennedy to do more for herself!  However, since the services were approved, we'll now be getting physical therapy weekly.  I'm pretty excited about this, especially since Kennedy seems to respond well to him. 

Oh...and he told us to get a treadmill.  So if any of my local readers are looking to get rid of a treadmill for cheap, let me know (Kennedy doesn't need anything fancy.)  Apparently there was a study done, that children with Down syndrome who use a treadmill for 10 minutes a day, walked six months earlier than those who didn't.  And since we'll do pretty much anything to help her reach her potential, we'll be investing in a treadmill.