Grandma Great

Adam's Grandma passed away the other day. We have been comforted knowing that we will see her again someday and that death is not the end. Grant prays every night that she is "having a good time in heaven." We are quite positive that she is indeed having a good time. Grandma Great was an amazing woman. Adam put it best when he described her this way (he wrote this ode to her for her 80th birthday):

"If we could find a way to bottle everything we love about you, it would not be false advertising to sell it with the following promise:

Lifetime guarantee to make a lasting difference to all in its presence. Will provide the perfect dose of warm hugs, sweet memories, selfless service, enduring support, sound principles, special attention, and bright smiles. Always packaged in perfect prose or in the appropriate rhyme and meter. You age like a Greek Goddess!"

She will be greatly missed but the impression she has made on our lives will last forever!

Swinger Girl

Do ya'll remember Swinger Girl from the show Recess? Well, she lives at our house...

Grant as Santa

HoHoHo!!! Merry Christmas!

Santa Baby!

For a few weeks now, Grant has been saying that he needs a Santa Claus costume. This boy LOVES to dress-up! So, I decided tonight that I would try and make him a Santa outfit. Don't judge it too harshly...I traced one of his shirts and a pair of pants and then improvised. I didn't have any black felt so I cut an old black towel to make his boots. Grant expressed a number of times that his costume needed boots. :-) Now, we just have to wait and see if it actually fits him since he was sleeping while I made it. Oh, and I need to make a beard to go with it....I will post pictures of him wearing it tomorrow (that is if it fits)!

Dancin' to "Oh Santa!"

Grace LOVES to dance! If she hears music, she stops what she is doing and shakes her cute little booty like it's her job! Her favorite song lately is "Oh Santa" by Mariah Carey. I wish I could get a better video of her moves. Whenever I get the camera out she doesn't perform as well. However, she is still adorable! Pardon the hairdo...her nose was running like a faucet and so I had to find a way to keep her hair out of her face to prevent crusting. :-)

Cardboard box animals

What do we do when Grace has pneumonia and we are stuck in the house? We build animals out of cardboard boxes! Okay, the first one we made was a few weeks ago and had nothing to do with Grace being sick but this week...Grant has been busy! We made a giraffe a few weeks ago and Grant insisted that we keep the leftover cardboard to make something. Then, the other day, he pulled some of it out and decided that one piece looked like a toucan beak and the body of a bird. So he told me what I needed to do to help him complete it and this is what he came up with. I thought it looked great (and it still does) but then he insisted we add a gun on its back. Say what? Toucans do not carry guns, buddy! Apparently, I am misinformed because this kind of toucan does, and so I let go of my OCD tendencies and allowed him to complete his bird any way he wanted to. Since last Saturday, he has been asking if we can make a stable, a camel, a donkey, a lamb, etc. etc. And here is what he has so far... I think it might be the cutest little miniature sheep ever. Don't you love the blue nose and yellow mouth?!?! Grant is too funny!And let me introduce the longest camel in the world, with 3 humps and extremely short legs--which is my fault. He insisted the camel needed to be standing. So, we found some wood in the garage and viola! And that saddle he made for the camel--people would pay big bucks for that kind of craftsmanship. I mean, it has glitter on it people! It can't get much better than that.Grant has such a great imagination and I love to watch him create things. As the collection grows for his big production Christmas Eve (he is planning on being Joseph, the wise men, etc. etc--yes, it will be a loooooong "play" as he puts it), we will continue to post pictures of his cardboard animals.

Christmas Time

About 2 weeks ago, I gave in to Grant's continual begging to decorate the house. I'm not going to lie, I was glad he kept pushing me to do it. I'd keep my Christmas decorations up year round and be perfectly happy about it! I think it is because my grandma (the one Grace is named after) LOVED Christmas. I am pretty sure that is what she lived for! The joy she felt for this beautiful season rubbed off on me (and a lot of my cousins, I think). I remember so clearly having our family party the first Monday of December--year after year, it was pretty much the same. A yummy dinner, laughter, the grandkids doing the Nativity scene, Santa making a special visit... But what I remember the most is that my grandma always bore her testimony. She testified that she knew Christ lives! She reminded us all of how important it was to love one another and do what is right so we can be a family forever. She also reminded us to serve others, to help those less fortunate than us, to be Christlike. Yes, Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I hope that Grant and Grace will love it, too! And hopefully, they will always remember that Christ should be the center of our lives ALL year round, not just at Christmas.Anyway, here are a few of our decorations that Grant requested I take pictures of. I cannot find Grace's stocking anywhere! Guess that is what happens when you move across the country- some things get misplaced. :-) Grant wanted to put "snow" around Santa... And on the tree in his room, which he decorated ALL by himself. I am surprised he hasn't asked me to snap pictures of our Christmas lights. Which by the way, can I just say that I am SO excited to have our own house! It is so fun to put up Christmas lights! And on a side note, Fenway got his first haircut. Doesn't he look so cute?!?!

Free Holiday Cards, Anyone?!?!

I LOVE shutterfly! They have quality products for an excellent price! So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that I could get 50 free holiday cards! What's that you say?

I said, Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Awesome, right? Since money is a little tight, I was trying to figure out what to do for Christmas cards, but this amazing deal solved the problem for me! Now the problem is narrowing it down to which card to choose. Can I just send one of every kind? Okay, that is not possible so here are some I have narrowed it down to. (Click on "one" to go see it...yes mom, that explanation is for you because you never know how to get to the link) I really love this one because I can put a few different pictures of the kids on it. I have such a hard time narrowing down pictures to the "best" one! This one was super cute and is also Grant's first choice. I really like the modern flare. Then there is this one , I love the part about giggles and grins. Mostly because that is what our days are filled with thanks to Grant and Grace. Which, speaking of Grant and Grace...no matter what card I choose, it will be wonderful because Grant + Grace = Perfection! Guess you will just have to wait and see what our final decision is!

A new addition

Introducing..... Fenway Barrow! He is an 8 week old maltese and so far, Grant adores him. Grace, well, the jury is still out on whether or not she likes him. Here is a little video I took right after we got him home last night. I am so paranoid that Fenway is going to get stepped on and get hurt. And don't worry, he and Grant have a run in at the end of the video but Fenway is just fine!

I wish they'd never grow up!

As the kids and I danced to the new Taylor Swift CD today, I almost started to cry! Why you ask? Was it because I love Taylor so much? Was it because the way my kids dance makes me laugh so hard I cry? Well, the latter has something to do with it. I often feel like they are growing up too fast but today, I realized that the moments like the ones we were enjoying will be gone before I know it.

I know that there is no way to know what will happen with Grace in the future. Let me preface my next comment by saying that I want Grace to accomplish everything and anything she desires. I want her to be able to have a job, go to school, have a "normal" life all that kind of good stuff. I will push her to be the best she can be. However, I will admit that I never want her to leave me. I don't want her to live on her own. I always joke with Adam that he has to build her a house on our property when she is old enough to live on her own if that is what she wants. That way, I can still have her close by and keep an eye on her. The truth is, she might not always need me but I need her. I need that piece of heaven, I need that smile and unconditional love, I need Grace. Sometimes I think Heavenly Father sent her to me because he knows I will have such a hard time letting my kids go and maybe, just maybe, I will always be able to keep my Gracie girl near me. Although, the other day Grant did ask me if I will always buy him food. When I said I would, he told me, "Great! When I marry Hadlie, I will work then give her some money and she will give it to you and tell you what to get me!" I had to explain that as much as I would love to always take care of him, when he gets married his wife will take care of him. He had a puzzled look on his face and asked why. Before I could answer, he said, "Grandma B still tries to take care of daddy!" It was hilarious! I explained that as a mommy, you always want to take care of your kids. And if I have it my way, I will be able to sneak in through his window when he is older and rock him back and forth like in the children's book, Love You Forever.

Anyway, here are some random pictures of the past month. There are some pictures of when Grandma and Grandpa B came to visit, the Halloween party with our Joyschool friends, pictures of Grant with Tuna (the cat we found in the field behind us...more to come), pictures of Grant burying Grace in blankets and pillows, and pictures of the fun we had at the free night at the children's museum. Gracie's designer genes offer lots of perks for our family!

Primary Program

On Sunday, Grant was in his first Primary program at church. We were so glad that he actually participated!
My two handsome boys!
Gracie refused to take a break from Signing Time...some things are more important than pictures, I guess. :-)
Oh wait, she does stop to laugh at Bug.
I apologize for the blurry picture. But you can still see how cute they are, right?!?! A few funny things did happen during the program. First of all, Grant pulled the tongue of his shoes out so the bright orange part was sticking out--classic! Then, at one point, Grace was so excited she could see him, she was yelling at him and then started to "sing". And probably the funniest part was when Grant kept signing "STOP". I guess teaching him how to sign with Grace might backfire a bit.

And...We're back!

Let's admit it, I have failed with the whole 'post every day of the month' thing. However, let me explain my absence. The last week and a half has been long, emotional, busy, exciting, you name it....let's start with the long and emotional. Back in June I had a D&C when I was about 9 weeks along. I was heart broken. I knew that many women have miscarriages but it doesn't make it any easier. I cried a lot for 1 day but then felt total peace and knew that Heavenly Father is in charge, and that if I put my trust in him, I have nothing to worry about. Then, I got pregnant again. I was so excited, so was Grant and Adam. A week and a half ago, we went to the doctors for a check up and it was like someone had hit the replay button. After a week of blood tests and ultrasounds, I had another D&C on Friday. It was like the previous experience, I was totally emotional for 1 day. Had a lot of good crying sessions (that is when Grace gave me a hug then slapped me in the face), then felt total peace again. I am so thankful for the gospel. I have said it before and I will say it again. I know that Heavenly Father is in charge. He truly does want us to be happy and so if I just keep turning my will over to Him, then I will indeed be happy! Now on to the busy and exciting!!! Grandma and Grandpa B. came out to visit for a few days! The kids had loads of fun and the timing could not have been better. I was so thankful that they were here to take care of the kids while Adam and I were at the hospital. Family is the best! There was a lot of playing, a lot of laughs, and when they had to go home, there were quite a few tears. I will post some pictures of the fun we had once I decide to pull the pictures of the camera. And with that, I ask you to forgive me for being a slacker. I am rededicating myself to blogging ever day from here on out until the end of the month! Cheers!

Therapy

I know, I know...I missed yesterday. However, in my defense, my husband surprised me and took me on a hot date! Which means, not posting cannot be held against me. :-) Anyway, the other day as Grace was working with her developmental therapist--a thought that crosses my mind often, popped in to my head. Sometimes, I feel sorry for Grace. I mean, who likes to be told what to do, and who likes to be forced to do activities you don't really like? Poor Grace gets so frustrated. Lately, when she is upset with her therapist, she will do 1 of 3 things:

1. Hits them (which lands her cute little bottom in the repentance chair for 2 minutes)

2. Puts her head down and refuses to look at the therapist. She does however, occasionally attempt to look at them without moving her head at all. It is quite possible she has made her eyeballs do a complete 360. :-)

3. Goes up to the wall as she whines with her hands over her eyes then hits her hand on the wall and turns to me and signs owie as she walks towards me for sympathy.Like I said, I cannot really blame her for feeling upset and frustrated. I know that therapy is good for her and that because of all the therapy sessions, she is where she is developmentally. But still, sometimes I wish it would all just disappear for her. On Monday's she has developmental therapy (1 hours) and speech therapy (45 minutes). Wednesday is occupational therapy (1 hour) then speech later in the day (45 minutes). Friday, she has physical therapy (1 hour). We will probably be starting some feeding therapy, too. Usually, she also has at least 1 or 2 doctor appointments a week. Luckily, she will no longer have to be dragged to occupational therapy for Grant. He was doing OT for a few weeks but has since been dismissed. They thought he might have some sensory issues but it only took a few weeks of them "treating" him to realize that he does not. Anyway, my point is that Grace is a good sport. She takes everything with ease and tries to make the best of it. I would lock myself in my room and refuse to participate in any of the above activities! Which once again proves my point...Grace teaches me things daily and helps me have a positive attitude. Yay for therapy sessions and doctor appointments!

Types of Trisomy 21

Did you know that there are three different kinds of Down Syndrome? Well, if not, you will be well versed after reading this post. Nondisjunction Trisomy 21- The most common type of Down syndrome, in which the twenty-first chromosome does not separate from itself evenly. (This is the kind Grace has)

Mosaicism- A rare type of Down syndrome where the trisomy is present in some but not all , of the persons cells.

Translocation Trisomy 21- A rare form of Down syndrome caused when part of the extra number 21 chromosome breaks off and attaches itself elsewhere.

There you have it folks--don't worry, there will not be a test. :-)

Diaper Fight

I tried posting a video but it wouldn't work. And so, here are some pictures of Grant and Grace having a diaper fight. Okay, mostly Grant just throws the diapers and Grace watches. Sometimes, she will pick one up and put it in her mouth but that is about the extent of it.

The Little Monster

Grace IS the sweetest little thing in the entire world...but she can also be a little monster! No matter how hard I try to discipline her, nothing works. Everyone says to be consistent and it will start working. I am still waiting for that moment. I know, I know, she is 2, but she honestly does not seem to get it or even care! And the hardest part is, is that she is so darn cute, you have to leave the room after you get mad at her so you can laugh without her seeing. She LOVES to hit, slap, pull hair, you name it. Tonight, she was pestering Grant. He BEGGED me to take a picture of him on the potty. Probably because of all the ones we took of Gracie on her potty!

They got into a little argument, she started to cry and as we picked her up to remove her from the situation, she tried to kick him. (Sigh). On Thursday, I had been crying and she came up to me and smiled and then gave me a hug and patted me on the back. She then pulled away smiled again, then slapped me across the face and walked away. I couldn't help but laugh! It was like she was saying, "I'm sorry your sad, I love you, now buck up!" Naughty, but hilarious. Something not so funny...yesterday, I felt nauseated so I was laying on the floor during our morning family prayer. Right when Grant said "Amen" I felt something smack my nose. That something would be the bottom edge of this toy... The someone who threw it would be this little girl. It hurt pretty bad and then I sat up and Adam said I was bleeding. She had perfect aim--it hit the bridge of my nose and sliced it open. I must say though, it is healing much better than I thought it would. She backed away from me and sat on the ground and just stared me down. I think she was waiting to see what Adam and I would do. Ever since then, she has been signing, 'hurt', while she scrunches her nose and tries to get close to my nose. And at one point, she put her hands over her nose and eyes and started to whine. I guess she was reenacting what I did. There are a lot of other stories we could share about our little monster, but we will save them for another time. Oh, Grace, you definitely keep us on our toes.

What is Down syndrome

My favorite people

Today has been a long, emotionally draining, day. Since the kids are soundly sleeping, I think it is time to put myself to bed. And so, for day 7, I will leave you with some pictures of my favorite little people. I am so glad they are mine!

I remember when...

In March of 2008, I posted this:
Many of the doctor appointments have been in regards to our precious Grace. We decided to do the Nuchal Translucency test at the beginning of this pregnancy. It is a 3 part test that gives you a pretty accurate result as to whether or not your child has Down syndrome, or Trisomy 13 or 18. I went in, gave blood, then went in a few weeks later for an ultrasound. They measure the fluid behind the baby’s neck and then combine the results to give you your risk. My blood results indicated that I had a high risk of carrying a child with Down syndrome (high HCG and low PAPPA) and the measurements behind the neck were also higher than 2mm which is another indicator. Our risk for Down syndrome went from 1/900 to 1/21. To be completely honest, we were shocked to get those results. Everyone said not to worry and that it was probably a false positive. Then I gave blood again and the results went to 1/10. When we did the anatomy scan at 19 weeks, we were told that Grace has fluid in her lung. That is another sign of Down syndrome. All along the way, the doctors had pushed us to do an amniocentesis but we did not feel comfortable risking anything. Especially because it wouldn’t do Grace any good, it would just let us know 100% if she did have Down syndrome. When the fluid was found, we were told it could also indicate that she has a viral infection and that it might be treatable. Adam and I decided right then that we would do the amnio if it would help Grace. Luckily, my mom was in town and was able to extend her trip since I wasn’t able to lift Grant for 2 days. Then the waiting game began. Luckily, Grace does not have a viral infection.

It took 2 weeks but yesterday I received a call from my doctor. Grace does have Down syndrome. So many different emotions were felt. Adam and I are so lucky that Heavenly Father trusts us enough to send us such a strong spirit. We are blessed to have such a wonderful son who will be the best big brother ever! We fully accept the opportunity that Heavenly Father has given us and we just hope that we will be able to provide Grace with everything she needs. There is no doubt in our minds that she will do more for us then we will ever be able to do for her. We love you Grace! And we love you Grant…you tell everyone now that “Gracie special” but never forget that you are, too!

In some ways it seems like just yesterday, we were standing in the doctors office after the ultrasound, thinking everything was okay, laughing, talking about how cute the baby was, then the doctor walked out and pulled us down the hall where no one could hear. It was then that she explained the possibilities of Grace having Down syndrome. She acted like it was such a horrible thing. I remember trying not to cry because I didn't want to scare Grant, and I felt selfish that I didn't want my baby to have Down syndrome. When we asked to speak to a geneticist, we were told we couldn't because they had all left for the day. I wanted answers, I wanted facts, I wanted to make it all go away. Then, I remember asking to make my appointment to determine the gender of the baby and the doctor kept saying no, and kept commenting that I would decide to terminate. I kindly explained a number of times that no matter what, I was NOT going to terminate. She just didn't get it. I cannot tell you how many times during my pregnancy, people pushed me to terminate. I know it is a personal decision, but honestly, I feel like if people are missing out on so much by terminating these precious little children. I often joke that if it were possible, I would take Grace to meet anyone considering terminating a child with Down syndrome. I am pretty sure that one second with her...her beautiful smile, the gleam in her eyes, her pure love for everyone she meets...she could change a lot of peoples minds. There is not anything to dislike about Grace. Are there hard times, sure. Is every second we spend at therapy sessions, doctor appointments, hospital stays, etc. worth it? Yes! The rewards definitely outweigh hardships. I cannot put in to words how rewarding it is to have Grace in our family. I hope one day she will understand how much she has done for me. How she has changed me. How she has taught me to live, laugh, and love. The bottom line is, she makes me a better person.