Loosy Goosy.......

So I didn't even get through week one to blog every day....ugghhhh.....complete fail on my report card.  Ok in my defense I knew this would be a hard one for me but it became even harder when 6 out of 6 people came down with a fever, cough and sore throat and I think mine is now into a sinus infection.  If I wasn't so darn stubborn I would just go to the dr!  Then 3 out of 4 kids got pink eye in the last week.  Caleb was the only one who didn't but of course he didn't want to be left out of this fun.......

 

Caleb took a visit to the ER on Sunday night.  Earlier in the evening he had fallen off the toilet ( I caught him 1/2 way off so he didn't land on the ground) and cried but got up and continued to play until bed.  He was walking around and climbing then at bed time he started crying so Ben brought him out and rocked him until he fell asleep.  I didn't think anything of it but then at 10:00 he started crying again and when I brought him back out and was holding him I could fell and hear something popping.  Ben said he noticed it also earlier.  We could not get him comfortable and after looking at his leg over and over I could see his knee was popping (still confused on how it did this other then maybe I didn't see it get caught on the seat or something).  So off to the car we go to head to the ER.  When I put him in his car seat he let out a huge cry and then in about 5 min was asleep.  Well we get to the ER and they ask why I think it is dislocated, I start explaining that we could not get him to stop crying and heard a very loud pop with his knee when you bend it.  Now the nurse is looking at me and then Caleb and when I turn to him he is smiling, looking around and moving his legs all over.  So I say see.....and start moving his leg.....yep you guessed.  No pop and no crying.  Actually he thought it was funny and a game that I was doing it.  Well we got xrays done and the conclusion of the dr is that most likely his fibular head was dislocated and when I put him in the car seat and he screamed was when it popped back in!  So now we have to wrap it for a week but the boy is back to his silly crazy self. 

 

So your awareness for today is as my friend said......children with down syndrome have those darn loosy goosy joints.   Their joints have "hyper-flexibility".  The liagements that hold their joints together are longer then normal.  As they grow older and their muscles grow stronger there is less chances of injury to their joints.  When we received Caleb his legs were very weak and wobbly.  I am still not sure why.  He was in a great foster home and space to move.  I am guessing he might have been "helped" a lot because he was so loved!  His legs muscles have come a long way with us working on stairs with him and his PT so hopefully this won't become a common injury with him. 

 

Make it a great day!

 

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Also did anyone notice my new blog look.  My amazing husband asked our friend Ashley to redo it since Caleb's picture wasn't on there.  They surprised me w.ith and she did AMAZING.  I love it!  Thanks Ash for putting it together

Signing.

I know when I had all 3 of my kids I loved signing with them.  It helped out so much in understanding what they wanted before they could talk.  I am so grateful for the little knowledge I had of signing to begin the signing with Caleb.  It also helps that all our children signed the main words before Caleb came home.

It is amazing how quick kids can pick up on it and I think it helps out with tantrums and bonding.  Here is a video I took after Caleb was home for 3 months.  I am hoping this week to do another to see how far he has come since then.  I wanted to send it to his foster home to show them how well he was doing but then I forgot :( 

 

 

 

 

 

Some fun facts.....

While researching his book, "Common Threads, Celebrating Life With Down Syndrome," Brian Skotko also surveyed the abilities of children with Down syndrome. He sent questionnaires to 3,000 households on the Band of Angels customer data base and received 1,000 responses. Here are some results for children age 10 and older:


~Seven out of 10 read books for personal enjoyment.

~One out of three read the daily newspaper.

~Two out of three prepare their own breakfast every morning.

~Three out of four make their bed in the morning.

~Two out of five play a musical instrument.

~One out of three sings in a choir or vocal group.



Did you know in 1913 the average age for a child with Ds was 9 yrs old.  Today the average age is 60!

Some facts....

This is a post I did in May 2011.  I think it is always worth while to refresh ourselves with facts and remember that we need to be educated before making a decision.  We need to make sure we are not making decisions out of fear.  We need to make sure we aren't just taking the social worker's or doctor's opinion on what they feel would be the best decision for our family.  Both are human and have their own fears or opinions on what in life is worthy.  And yes even doctors are sometimes wrong with facts.  Sometimes doctors feel they can tell you how "functioning" your child will be and how that child will affect your family.  In the post below I am talking about fear of adopting but it can also be great facts for those parents who are facing the birth of a child with Ds. Educate yourself!!!

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I have been thinking lately of all the little ones sitting in orphanages with so much love to give. I wonder why others don't chose to adopt. Now don't get me wrong. I truly don't believe everyone is called or should adopt but I do think many chose to push that desire aside.

WHY???? Fear. Ridicule. Money. Comfort...........

I think many many times especially with children who are special needs it is the unknown. Well God what if they need 24/7 care? What if I can't handle their issues? What if I don't bond with them? What if they can't bond with me? What if my birth children are angry with us? What if.....what if ......what if.......

Oh trust me I have said these things and many more what if's. I have gone over and over in my head so many what if conversations with God I've lost track. Every time though it comes back to me saying.......Yes, this is what we are called for. This is where our heart is leading us and we are fully trusting that this is where we are suppose to be. Will it be all laughs and joy.....nope......but I can promise you that I truly believe that there will be many more highs then lows.

One way to help is education.

Down Syndrome: Myths and TruthsMyth: Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 733 live births is a child with Down syndrome, representing approximately 5,000 births per year in the United States alone. Today, Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States.

Myth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: Eighty percent of children born with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old. However, as a woman ages, her chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome becomes greater.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are severely retarded.

Truth: Most people with Down syndrome have IQ’s that fall in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. Children with Down syndrome are definitely educable, and educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome.

Myth: Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized.
Truth: Today people with Down syndrome live at home with their families and are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational activities of the community. They are integrated into the regular education system, and take part in sports, camping, music, art programs, and all the other activities of their communities. In addition, they are socializing with people with and without disabilities, and as adults are obtaining employment and living in group homes and other independent housing arrangements.

Myth: Parents will not find community support in bringing up their child with Down syndrome.

Truth: In almost every community of the United States there are parent support groups and other community organizations directly involved in providing services to families of individuals with Down syndrome.

Myth: Children with Down syndrome must be placed in segregated special education programs.
Truth: Children with Down syndrome have been included in typical academic classrooms in schools across the country. In some instances they are integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The degree of mainstreaming is based on the abilities of the individual; but the trend is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unemployable.

Truth: Businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small and medium sized offices: by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy.

Truth: People with Down syndrome have a wide range of feelings just like everyone else. They respond to positive expressions of friendship, and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form relationships leading to marriage.

Truth: People with Down syndrome date, socialize and form on-going relationships. Some get married. Women with Down syndrome can and do have children, and there is a 50 percent chance that their child will have Down syndrome. Although rare, men with Down syndrome can father children.

Myth: Down syndrome is untreatable.
Truth: Through early intervention, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy, it is possible to improve many of the problems associated with Down syndrome. In addition, research on Down syndrome is making great strides in identifying the genes on chromosome 21 that cause Down syndrome. Scientists now feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct, or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future

Capturing our hearts with one picture....

The first picture we saw of Caleb that captured our hearts......It really was love at first sight

 

 

I mean really could you see that smile and not want to wake up to it EVERY single day!!

Really you can.....

I can't even tell you how many people say.....I could never do that (meaning raise a child with Ds).  Usually I just smile but deep down I want to scream.....YES you can.  I am nothing special.  I don't have great organization skills.  I am not a saint.  I wish many days the Lord dished out a little extra patience when he formed me but there is nothing special about me or my family.

I want to shout......
His life isn't bad.  He doesn't make life impossible to live.  He isn't a curse that you pray the Lord won't drop into your family.  He isn't that different from any other child that your life stops.

 I want to cry when others feel he would be too hard to work into their family lifestyle.  When they think that they might have a child dependant on them their whole life.  When they look at me like I am crazy to have chosen this for our family. 

Is life always easy.....heck no.  Does he drive me crazy and to my limits sometimes.....Absolutely (especially with potty training).  Are there things that are so easy to teach with "typical" children but no matter how many times we go over it with Caleb it just doesn't register....Yep.  But let me tell you I am learning so much.  Most time, actually probably more than most times, that I get frustrated and disappointed it is because my expectations for him were too high.  It isn't because he doesn't want to do it, (though he does have times where he is beyond stubborn!) it is just that am not giving him the time to learn.  I am expecting him to just get it when he most likely still does not even understand all that I am saying in English.

I want people to see what we see.  A boy that brings such joy to our lives.  A child who loves and loves being loved!  A little boy who loves to wrestle, play, give hugs and learn.  A boy who someday will graduate from high school, go on to work and be productive in society.  And one day my boy will be a man (ughhh don't want to think of that...lol).  I have the same dreams for him as my other children.  I pray he grows to love the Lord.  I hope that some day all my children will be doing something they love and giving back to those in need.  So again.....tell me what is so different!

31 for 21.....

Well I am jumping on board and seeing if I can complete the 31 for 21 challenge.  For those of you who don't know Oct. is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Down Syndrome in the medical field is known as T21 which leads to the 31 for 21.  It is blogging all 31 days of Oct to help raise awareness.  Now if you look back you can clearly see that me and consistency do not go hand in hand many times.  But, I am going to try my hardest to do it even if it is just a picture :)  That still counts as blogging right ?!?!

So I guess I could try and catch you guys up on what has been happening around here lately but really that would be quite boring to most reading this so I am going to instead just give you some little updates on Caleb since it is to raise awareness and our little guy is sporting that little extra something!

Caleb has now been home 6 months on Sept. 8th so I guess it is actually closer to almost 7 months home.....geesshhhh.....this blogging might actually make me keep track of dates and time :)  Anyway, he is understanding more and more English (even though he sports the other gene of males.....selective hearing!) and chooses when he will and will not do what I am asking.  If he is just not feeling it and doesn't really want to do it, he will either start staring at his fingers or look at you and give you this silly crinkle nose look.  He knows when he does that we just start laughing and he is clear and free of doing whatever it is that we asked....little stinker but oh so cute!

He is just like any other child.  He has likes and dislikes and makes them known!!!  So here you go, some of his likes........

~~~He LOVES his bear that he got from my Aunt Nancy the day we arrived home! It was the first thing he ever signed to us that he wanted.  He sleeps with it and uses it as his pillow and yes he sleeps with his eyes half way open.  Weird at first because I kept thinking he was awake but now that is just Caleb......lol......

~~~He LOVES apples!  He will ask for them everyday all day.  From the time he wakes up till his night time snack.  If I just gave him apples and applesauce he would be in heaven!

~~~He loves to be outside.  Anything outside but especially the swings, pushing his lawnmower and swimming.

~~~He loves to go on walks in the stroller.

~~~He loves books!  He will pretend to read them and he also will sit for as long as you will read them to him.  Oh and he loves to laugh!

~~~He is a music fan!  Anything with music and he will come running.  He is also a dancing fool and when he really gets into it you better watch out because the arms start swinging and if you are too close you are bound to get hit :)

~~~Favorite toys are any that make noise

~~~He is a fan of water more than milk or juice.

~~~He loves to flush the toilet and close the lid by himself after he goes potty....yep train those boys young to keep that bathroom clean ;0)

~~~Watch out if there are shoes by the door!  If you are not paying attention he will toss them right out as soon as it opens.  He loves to throw these out of the front door.  The positive is he kind of just does a push and toss so they don't go far.  So, next time you are here and missing a shoe just take a look out the front or garage door and you might just find it!

~~~When he came home he would throw things behind him.  We tried so hard to stop it but all we got is now he slowly pushes things over his shoulder so they just fall behind him.  Those who have known him since he has been home think it is just so comical.  I am just happy we are no longer getting pelted with objects..lol.

~~~He is loving that he can communicate more and more.  He has gotten to the point now where he knows which words we understand and refuses to sign them anymore.  Stubborn boy!

~~~He LOVES to be rocked before bed or for that matter anytime.

~~~He LOVES to give hugs and kisses.  he will come up behind you if you are sitting on the floor and just wrap his arms around you.  Too darn sweet!

~~~Ok one last....He LOVES life!!!  And we are loving him in our lives....Blessed. 

Now tell me do any of those Loves in life seem different or unusual.  Any of those make you think twice if he is a typical little boy who is just enjoying life??  I would have to say that many if not all of those that I listed would have been the same Loves my other children had and still have.  Keep coming back and hopefully I will help you see him as just a boy not a down syndrome child.

Still alive......

Wow it has been awhile.  I've been a bit busy and now that summer is here and all the kids are home, it seems there is no time to slow down. So what have we been up to?!?!?

We had court and our re-adoption.  We now finally have a Wisconsin birth certificate with his name on it!.................

The boys have been working hard at catching us some great meals!  I hear Nathan even set and reeled in his fish completely on his own........

Our street has such a fun time.  Lots of little fun activities they do for the kids.  On cinco de mayo some of the neighbors got a pinata for the kids.....

They LOVED it.  Lots of fun for all of them..

We've been doing tons of painting.......

My little artists

are hard at work!

Caleb was dedicated!  Caleb LOVES glasses and during the prayer he of course caught Pastor Michael off guard and grabbed them off his face....it was very funny.......Oh and yes we are missing 2 kids in the picture.  I wanted to make sure I got a picture so this was all I had available at the time :)

Summer is not summer without water and lots of it!  This was the first time Caleb was in the sprinkler and it took some time but he now loves it........



At the end of May we had a party to celebrate Caleb's homecoming.  Katie started off the day by helping MiMi clean and cut up the fruit.......

We rented out the park and brought along 200 water balloons......

It ended up being a beautiful sunny day and we were blessed beyond words to have family and friends there to celebrate.....

Yep that is the sweet Gibson Family

The day after Ben ran the 1/2 marathon again in Green Bay.  It was so hot that about 10 min after he finished they actually canceled the race and started picking up runners.  I am beyond proud of him!!!

Memorial Day weekend we got the pool up and started filling it.......

Once it was ready we had friends over for a day of swimming and pizza.....what could be better.....

Oh some smores and a camp fire!!!!!!

Here we are waiting patiently after our ice cream for the 5 min parade to start....really it is so short but we couldn't miss showing support for our veterans..........

Miss Katie graduated from preschool....oh was it hard but I didn't cry.  I did though get that good old lump but I made it :)  I can not believe that both her and Nathan will be gone all day next year and Caleb will be gone all morning.  Wow!!!  It is going to be quiet around here with only Ana.  I wish I could just freeze time.....

Nathan and Katie both are in baseball and on the same team.  Ben is helping coach, I LOVE how he is such an amazing and involved dad!  It is so much fun to watch them each week.......

And of course you can't forget how much sleep we need after being outside ALL day!!!!!  Hope you all are enjoying your summer........

Let's help them out!

It's amazing how through the world of adoption you can find friends and love them like you have known them for years.  The support you can give each other is priceless and the desire to help them in any way possible is so great.  I will never forget the first email I received from Kirsten asking about the adoptions process in Ch*na.  They had just brought home 2 little girls from Ukraine and had fallen in love with little "Hailey" from Ch*na.  She began to advocate for "Hailey" but soon realized that the pull was too strong and needed to get her girl home to her.  Long story short her husband soon was on board and not only did they decide to bring home "Hailey" but also another little girl they will name Ruby.  They have completely chosen to step out on faith.  This will be 4 children adopted in 2 yrs.  The financial part is the hard part.  They need help to reach their goal.  They are only 4-6 weeks from traveling and have a ton to still raise.  Please consider donating.  You may win an amazing prize but most importantly you will be part of the wonderful journey home of two beautiful girls!

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Go to http://www.bringinghomeourgirls.blogspot.com/2012/06/big-huge-grand-finale-fundraiser.html to donate via chip in at the bottom of their post and make sure to leave a comment on HER blog to be entered in.  (if you are not able/don't know how to leave a comment let me know and I will make sure you get entered)

Okay here we go!! It's time for our big and final fundraiser!! This is probably gonna be it for us. We are getting so close to traveling and we are actually running out of time for fundraising. We honestly don't know what else we can do at this point to raise more money to bring Hailey and Ruby home. We believe God will provide what we need. We just don't know how He's gonna do it. We are believing in full faith that God is going to show up big time and help us become fully funded!!! We still need a "God sized" amount, and that is scary. But we know He is gonna provide it somehow!!

Because He loves these girls more than we do!!!

We are praying hard that we will be able to raise the remaining funds we need to travel in July. Please help us out and share this fundraiser with everyone you know. Our girls are counting on us, and we are doing everything we can to get them home!!

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We have 6 great prizes that you can receive chances to win!!!

*Grand Prize - A Kindle Fire - $199 value

*A $100 gift certificate to a Beauty Salon of the winner's choice!!!

Who doesn't want a makeover for the summer?! An awesome prize donated by some amazing friends of ours!!

*A super cute homemade jewelry pouch!!

Isn't this awesome?? The actual color and pattern may vary, but I really just love this!! I know you will too!

*$50 Dollar Chili's Gift Card

This card apparently can also be used at Macaroni Grill, On the Border, or Maggiano's.

*Bath and Body Works Splish Splash Sweet Pea Gift Set plus 3 Bonus lip glosses (& a lip gloss carrying case)! - over $50 value.

This adorable tub is overflowing with Sweet Pea favorites including 10 oz shower gel, 8 oz body lotion, 8 oz fragrance mist, 10 oz triple moisture body cream and a small sponge. Three lip glosses and the lip gloss carrying case make this prize even more enticing.

Lip glosses are Limeade, Raspberry Lemon Sorbet, and Strawberry Mojito.

* A local favorite from right here in Southwest Colorado - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Chocolate!!! - $30 value

A Rocky Mountain Chocolate assortment (8.5 oz) in a neat pine gift box from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (made right here in Durango, Colorado) and a three piece box of English Toffee. (Oh my gosh, this toffee is soooo good!!!)

Yummm...

Really...this stuff is so good, I am having to hide it from myself...

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Ok, so here's the deal. We are doing this a little different than last time. The more you donate, the more your entries will multiply exponentially. Don't ask me for how this works mathmatically, I don't really know but it sounds good. :)) Lol

$10 = 1 entry

$25 = 5 entries

$50 = 15 entries

$75 = 50 entries

$100 = 100 entries

$150 = 300 entries

You may use our RR FSP or the Chip-In to donate. I will be notified with either one. You can also send a check if you prefer. Just email me or leave a comment and I will give you the information.
You will get a free entry for every time you share this fundraiser on facebook and 2 free entries if you blog about it. (Just tag me in the post on facebook or leave me a link to your blog so I know). This fundraiser will end by July 1st. That is 4 weeks from today. We will use random.org to generate the winners of the prizes. First name drawn will win the Kindle, 2nd name will win the gift certificate to the Beauty Salon, and so on... We will announce all the winners on or before July 4th. Good luck to all!!
And may the odds be ever in your favor.... tee hee hee
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We really do very much appreciate your prayers, first and foremost! If you cannot donate anything, that is okay! If you can share about our fundraiser and help us spread the word that would be awesome!! Thank you all so much!! We have already had so many wonderful people donate and help us out and we will be forever grateful for them!!! You really will never know what this means to our family and for our little girls!!! Thank you!

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Go to http://www.bringinghomeourgirls.blogspot.com/2012/06/big-huge-grand-finale-fundraiser.html to donate via chip in at the bottom of their post and make sure to leave a comment on HER blog to be entered in. (if you are not able/don't know how to leave a comment let me know and I will make sure you get entered)