A Mild Case Of Down Syndrome

I've been meaning to write a post about this topic for a while, but it seems like sometimes life gets in the way. I have been a bit blog lazy lately. A while back, I wrote a post about special needs' parents and the things that you shouldn't say to them....ever. As I sit here today thinking about that post and going over the list of things that bothered me, I feel kind of silly.

This was my list.....

- She sure looks like she has a mild case of Down syndrome.
- Her head is so round, she must be mild.
- Kids with Down syndrome are ALWAYS happy.
- I'm so sorry that this happened to your family.
- She looks so normal.
- My uncle's brother's nephew's cousin is autistic, so I know what it's like.
- Why didn't you stop having kids after the first one? WHAT???
- Did this happen because you and your husband are related?
- Wow! How old were you when you had her?
- You are a saint.
- Will you ever have any more children? That's kind of scary!
- Well, I guess it could be worse!
- God has given you a child forever.
- Does she actually look like a family member?
- You sure are handling this well.
- Do her brothers and sisters have a bond?
- Did you actually know when you were pregnant?
- What's wrong with her?
- Did you drink? Smoke? Do drugs during pregnancy?
- Will she always be like that?
- Is it somebody's fault?
- Did it come from your side of the family?
- They don't live very long, do they?
- I guess you won't have grandchildren.
- I'm sure she will get a job, maybe at Wal Mart or something.
- Do you take her out?
- Is her sister handicapped?
- You should feed her more.
- Does she sleep?
- What will happen to her after you die?
- Is the rest of your family ok with this?
- You must be exhausted.
- Ummm....she's so......cute.
- Did you consider adoption?
- Is there a chance that she will outgrow it?
- I guess you can't go on vacations.
- Can I touch her?
- Stare....stare...stare....stare....stare.....

I don't know what you want to call it, but I have come to a point in my life, an epiphany, reached a great spot on the mountain, crossed a bridge. Whatever it is, it feels pretty good.
I have been overly protective when it comes to Adele. I overanalyze almost everything and I automatically assume that people are ignorant and that they can't see the beauty that lies within my child.
The first one on my list above, makes me laugh today. I laugh because I actually said this when I was pregnant with Adele. Those words came out of my mouth. I didn't know that I had said this until I recently came across a message that I had sent a friend on Facebook. I wanted my child to have a 'mild case' of Down syndrome.
Those words have irritated me when they come out of another person's mouth, yet I said the exact same thing. You know what this tells me? I was ignorant. I was uneducated when it comes to Down syndrome. I had no idea, yet I get offended and on the attack when others make these types of comments about my child. This one in particular doesn't really bother me, but it's a good example of where I used to be.

Recently, I have come across some posts on Facebook, where moms and dads are so bitter at others for the comments that they make about our children. I needed to take a step back. I get that we need to protect our children, we need to be on guard at all times because the world is out to get our kids, people are cruel.
I think what we need to realize is that we are the ones travelling this journey. We are the only ones who know exactly what it is like to walk in these shoes. We are the only ones who experience the major ups and down when you have a medically fragile child or a child with special needs. We need to stop assuming that others get it. They don't get it. Doctors, nurses, therapists and other professionals don't always get it. I've been witness to it, but it's up to us to speak up, we need to encourage change. Sitting back in your chair, biting your tongue and cursing in your head is not a solution.
People don't know what to say. People don't know how to say it. People aren't always out to get us. People sometimes feel uncomfortable because they don't want to say the wrong thing, they don't want to hurt our feelings, then it comes out all wrong and we get upset and post it all over social media that another jerk made an insensitive comment about our child.

I realized that I was one of those people before Adele came into our lives. I know I said the wrong things, I asked the wrong questions, I said things in a way that may have been offensive. Never would I have wanted to cause pain or hurt to others, but it didn't always come out right. I could just imagine what others said about me after I walked away. What did I expect of others? I wanted to learn, I wanted to understand and I needed for others to respect that I required some guidance.

I think sometimes we forget to relax. Last week, I was at Heritage Park with the girls. This lady kept staring at Adele. I got my back up and was going to ask her what she was looking at. When we walked past her, she stopped me and told me that Adele was absolutely gorgeous. She told me that she was a perfect little package. What did this teach me? Stop assuming the worst. Stop looking for negativity. Stop thinking that the world is a big cruel place.

While reading this blog post, don't come to the conclusion that I have turned into a wimp or that I will tolerate abuse or hatred towards our children. I will always advocate for our children, I will fight for what is right and I will stand strong behind my beliefs, values and morals.
There are some things that are inexcusable and offensive to myself and my family. I do not waiver when it comes to these three things.
1) Retarded - Just don't use it in any context
2) Down's baby/child - first person language is a must
3) Comments that are deliberately hurtful and malicious 

The days go by so quickly. The moments become distant memories. I don't want to look back in 10 years and regret that I let worry and fear consume my days. There are assholes everywhere and there will be plenty who will come in and out of our lives, but there are so many amazing and kind people in the world who will love our children, who will support us and who exude happiness, love and light. Be the parent that our children need us to be. Educate others, but do it with kindness and respect.

I want my children to see their mom as a person who is making a positive difference in the world, one who does not let negative consume our days, but a mom who welcomes others into our lives. Our children are a product of their environment. Slow down. Enjoy Italy, Holland and all the other places that our children will take us.

Adele's Over the Rainbow Baskets - Down syndrome LOVIN

#1000 Families Project

Brandie Weikle created a project called the 1000 Families Project. It focuses on the new family, who is in our circle and modern views on family life. It's a really beautiful project filled with love and amazing heartfelt stories.
Our story was featured today.....

 

1000 Families Project: Krista, James, Brinley and Adele

 

 

 

Adele's Over the Rainbow Baskets - Down syndrome LOVIN

I Am NOT Down Syndrome!

I feel like I haven't written about Down syndrome in a long time. It's funny because I started the blog with full intentions on just writing about our journey with Down syndrome, but it turned into so much more. I started the blog after we found out about Adele's diagnosis, that was around April 2013. I have written just over 200 posts, with over 200 000 views. I am so thankful to those of you who have followed along on this journey with our family.

In the last two months, I have turned a corner when it comes to Down syndrome. Adele is 22 months old and a fiery, spicy little girl. Up until this point, I have focused so much of my attention on Down syndrome and all that it entails, that I have forgotten that she is just a little girl. I have focused my attention on therapy, vision appointments, hearing appointments and feeding schedules. I have forgotten that she is just a little girl. I have focused my attention on the future; school, friends and life. I have forgotten that she is just a little girl.

Recently, Adele has really found herself. She is coming into her own. She is figuring out who she is, what works for her and how she fits in with our family. This is all within the past couple of months. Before this, I was focusing on the delays (although I claimed that I was just taking it day by day) and how we could get Adele caught up, get her to where she needs to be. What I have recently realized, she is where she needs to be. She is content. She is still not crawling and she is not ready to start running around the house, but she is one verbal kid. She is able to express herself, sign what she needs and uses lots of 'words' with her sister. She is not frustrated, nor are we. She is energetic and full of spirit, life and joy.

In these past two months, I have seen Adele transition from a baby to a little girl. Brinley and Adele play together, wrestle together and laugh together. They are playmates and I can see a beautiful friendship and bond forming between the two girls. I didn't see this before because I was so focused on what we needed to get done, where we needed to be and how we would get there.

I have read the saying many times over 'I Am Not Down Syndrome' and to be honest, it kind of bothered me. I didn't think that it was something that we needed to shout from the rooftops. Why would we, as parents, put our child on display and tell others that Down syndrome does not define them?
But alas, some of us need the reminder and it's obvious that I needed it. I think that sometimes we shout all of these things to others, start up Facebook pages, write blogs, but it's us who feels the insecurities. We fear the diagnosis and what it entails. We feel that if we yell at the world enough times, it will make us feel better and more secure and comfortable with Down syndrome. When we join the Facebook groups, we brag, ask questions and reassure others that our world is how it should be, a beautiful and wonderful journey. We put on a happy face for others and tell them that we are ok and that everything is how it should be; yet, behind closed doors, we cry, we confide in our partner that we are scared. As a specials needs' parent, I am not looking to be put on a pedestal or given a hug each time you see me, but I want you to know that it's sometimes really hard. It's sometimes overwhelming and sometimes you fear the worst. I don't always need to be the strong parent, the one who shouts from the rooftops that I have it all together, that I am confident with all of my decisions and that I feel ok when I think about Adele's future. I am not always sure, I am not always ok with the diagnosis, I am not always the best advocate for our children, but I am trying and I feel blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of moms who are going through a similar journey.

As I move forward, as Adele gets bigger and stronger and smarter, I am learning to face the day with love and patience. I am learning to accept things as they are and to allow my children to be who they need to be. I am confident that Adele will be ok, but I also have moments where the worry takes over and I feel almost breathless and unable to cope with the thoughts about the future. It's such a whirlwind of emotions, with amazing and beautiful moments combined with fear and worry.

I came across a post today that I want to share with you from The New Family ......
"I quickly learned that having a child with extraordinary needs means needing an extraordinary family.....I have always thought of my family as the people you can count on to pull you through in tough times, celebrate the good, root for you when you're going for gold and inspire you to be your best self. Two and a half years ago, I thought all of that had to come from under our own roof, but I've learned since that, at least for us, the opposite is true. There are countless people in our family now and for that, I'm so very grateful. Although, it's Alma that's drawn everyone in, we're all better for it." Melanie Coté

This journey is about working together and supporting one another. We will celebrate together and offer words of encouragement and support along the way, but we will also cry on each other's shoulders and share our fears and worries. I don't want these moments to fly by. I don't want my days to be focused on when we will hit our next milestone. I want to love the time that I have with my two girls and feel reassured that this was the journey that was given to me, embrace it. We will climb this mountain and when we reach the top, I'm going to sit down with the biggest rum and coke and celebrate. We've got this.....most of the time. :)
It will all be ok.

 

Adele's Over the Rainbow Baskets - Down syndrome LOVIN

THE PAP SMEAR!

Today was the day; pap smear day! I have been putting it off for quite some time, not really intentionally, just kind of didn't make it a priority. I called my doctor a month ago and took the plunge. I booked!
I'm not worried about the duck bill part, I am more concerned about the grooming that should take place before the appointment. I mean, come on, I'm a mom, I'm busy, I let myself go.
My anxiety kicked in as soon as I hung up the phone, I knew that I would have to take care of my neglected areas and make myself look presentable. Then I had another thought, most of his patients are senior citizens, so I'm sure that my undercarriage would be welcomed. On a scale of 1-10, I would be at least a 5ish. I tossed the idea around whether or not I needed to weed and de-clutter. I had a whole month to get my thoughts in order.

When I was younger, it wasn't an issue. I always took care of myself. I was single and needed to be ready at a moments' notice. ;) Times have changed; I am married with two kids. The few times a year that I shave my legs, I have to dispose of the razor after each use because it's dull after the shaving is complete. I always felt pretty confident in previous years, go in, strip from the waist down and voila, all done. This was a whole new ballgame.

Last Monday, I started talking about the appointment with James. He giggled and I laughed, but inside, I was thinking of the chore that was to take place in the near future. I continued to put it off. I'm busy.

Well, last night was the deadline. We had been out all day, so I was already hot and sweaty and tired. I needed a shower. I looked at James and told him that it was time, it was time to turn my honey pot into a work of art. I asked my husband for advice. I asked him what route I should take. He suggested that I call the neighbours and ask to borrow their weed whacker. I laughed, yet deep down inside, I actually considered it.

I brought out his electric razor and decided on a shape. The shape would be.....no shape. I wasn't going to try a heart or diamond, I would need a stencil and I'm afraid that we don't have those shapes in the art box. The goal was to make it look presentable.
Then I remembered that four years ago, I bought a Groupon for laser hair removal. I never used it, obviously. I wondered if I could call and beg for a 10:00pm appointment?? That sure would take care of the problem. 

Right before I closed the bathroom door, I asked James if I needed to have the razor plugged into the wall? He was skeptical, unsure whether or not there was enough battery life. He didn't have a lot of confidence in his wife.

I closed the bathroom door, turned on the razor and slowly, almost like a slow motion movie sequence, I went in for the kill. I realized that there was an added obstacle; since having children, I now have that dog jowl type tummy that hangs. This was going to take some work.
There were beads of sweat on my forehead and upper lip. I felt a bit faint and was considering giving up. This was way too much work for a 20 second appointment.
I am not one to give in when times get tough, I fight the fight, so I carried on.
Then it came to me, I should have left it the way it was. YES! I could have found some sparkle spray and added some pretty to it. That would have been a pleasant surprise for the doctor and for James.
I always come up with stellar ideas either during or after the fact.

I continued the labour intensive process. As I looked down, I was wondering if we had any Draino. I never thought about clogging up the drain. I will deal with it later, if we need to go down that road.

I showered and finished up the masterpiece. Luckily, we didn't need to call the plumber.

I wrapped myself up in a towel and exited the bathroom. James asked how it went and I told him that I didn't care. I was hot and wishing I had that sparkle spray.

Appointment day has arrived. I needed to bring both children with me. I wasn't too sure if Brinley would want to take part or just sit back and play a game on my phone. I was hoping that she would go with the latter.

I get to the clinic. I check in. No, I don't check in. I'm not booked in for an appointment. I just drove 50 minutes, shaved my hoo ha and brought two kids with me to get my coochie checked. I better be in your system. The whole clinic is filled with mostly men. The receptionist asks me what I am there for?
A) Do I whisper or sign that I am there for a pap smear?
B) Just say it loud and proud?
C) Cry?

I do what I do best.....I said it loud and proud. Just as the words PAP and SMEAR came out of my mouth, the whole clinic went silent. It was one of my better moments. I would get in but needed to wait a while.

I looked around the room and noticed a man who looked exactly like Billy Bob Thornton. I actually had to do a double take. He was standing right beside me when I announced why I was at the clinic. He never made eye contact with me again.

My name was called. I walked into the room, where I was expecting maybe a dim light, which would make the vajayjay look a tad bit better. No, it was the brightest room that I have ever seen. I could have worn sunglasses and still would be squinting.
I take off my leggings and my panties. I of course do what every other woman does, I wrap my undies up nicely in my tights so that they are totally out of sight.
I lay down on the bed. Adele starts yelling at me and Brinley wants to know why I am covered in a sheet. Please Dr. M, let's hurry up. I really want to get this over and done with, get home and drink booze.

Dr. M enters the room and I can feel my heart start to race. I know that he won't judge my shave job, but I'm sure he will notice. I decide to talk about the children and apologize for bringing them with me. He, of course, is just fine with it.

The pap is about to start and Brinley decides that she would like to be with the doctor. We encourage her to sit on the chair and play on mom's phone. We lose.

My knees are stuck together but my bum is where it should be, near the end of the table. I get the process. I look down and see the stirrups. I know that my feet belong in them, I mean, I've done this before.

Damn, I should have gone with the sparkle spray. Maybe he'll dim the lights.
On goes the spotlight. My vagina is the centre of attention.

I place my feet in the stirrups but my knees are like magnets. They are attracted to each other and no matter what I do, they find one another. The doctor tells me to open my legs and relax them. RELAX THEM!?!?! In about 10 seconds, you are going to put a duck bill in me and scrape my walls. RELAX!?!?!

I follow his instructions. He looks. He is expressionless, which means, I am ok. He's not scared but he's also not overly pleased. I guess you don't really want your doctor to be pleased......

As I am being invaded, Brinley makes her way up to my face and rubs my cheek. She snuggles her face into mine and looks at me with loving eyes. It was pretty comical. I mean, I wasn't crying or upset and wasn't acting as if my life was coming to an end. I guess she sensed that mom was nervous.

The pap ended, Brinley looked at me and yelled "YAY MOM!" This happened a few times. Dr. M informed me that in all his years of doing pap smears, he has never had somebody cheer the patient on.

I jump off the table, find my nicely rolled up panties hidden in my tights and get dressed.

I am a champion. I felt like I had just conquered the world. I took charge of my life and my lady parts. It's a good day. Ladies, go book your paps now, take care of your body and buy a bottle of sparkle spray. :)

"I Acted Inexcusably."

I thought long and hard before deciding to write about such a controversial topic. As a mother and a teacher and somebody who doesn't hold back or filter very often, I decided to share my thoughts and opinions.

Yesterday, Josh Duggar confessed to sexually molesting five young girls, with speculations that some may have been his sisters.

From Josh:
Twelve years ago, as a young teenager I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.

When I first heard about it today while watching Good Morning America, I think my jaw dropped to the floor. My initial reaction was that of anger towards Josh and sadness for his victims. After I digested the information, I blamed his family for their choices. I condemned them for not allowing their children to show love towards others through kissing and touching. Because of their strict family rules and their views on how society should be, this made Josh feel like a caged animal, wanting to explore and react to normal hormonal changes that a teenage boy goes through. I blamed them for not being open to discussion with their children about sexual experiences and that as followers of Christ, you do not give in to sinful and devil like behaviour. I am not against a family setting rules and boundaries when it comes to intimate relationships, but I am against avoiding discussion and not deciding on a plan that will work for the whole family. I am against sweeping matters of a sexual nature under the rug. These were my initial reactions. Emotion over logic.

After I read Josh's statement, I was even more upset because I thought that he used Christ as an out. He used Christ as a means to excuse his behaviour and inexcusable choices. This bothered me. As I continued to read his statement, I wondered how his family could speak to the authorities but that nothing was done. Why did the Duggar family not contact the authorities right away? Why did the incidents continue before something was actively done about it? If five girls had been molested, seeking counselling was enough of a consequence? Today, are they thriving women, in healthy relationships, with no thoughts of their tumultuous past? Josh's actions were clearly illegal and those which will heavily impact the lives of the victims and their families for a lifetime. The family also stated in the police report that they all felt safe in their home with Josh. I can hear the Duggar parents educating their children on what they would say during their interrogation with the detectives. I could actually hear them saying that God forgives. For me, this is not about Christ, this is not about your beliefs, whether you are religious or not, this is about a human being who has sexually abused five girls. It is against the law. It deserves consequences. These actions are not remedied by attending counselling and receiving a verbal lickin' from your family and the authorities.

How do we truly know that he has made right with his victims and that by admitting it publicly, we should all forgive him and move on? How does this make those affected by abuse feel about their own personal situations? The perpetrator can apologize, receive counselling and all is made right. The Duggars have an enormous following, most are followers of Christ, who say that we are all sinners, he shared his mistake with all of us, he is forgiven and we need to move on. Yes, I agree that we are all sinners and that God forgives, but there are rules that society is expected to follow. We have laws for a reason.

There are many others who do not feel that the situation was dealt with accordingly or lawfully.
Some of the comments which have received numerous 'likes' and feedback.....

"Love hearing most of you defending a child molester...you would be singing a different tune if it's your child."

"What about the girls? This is a HUGE part of this response that is missing, what about the girls? I fear for his daughters. Good luck wearing those blinders.

"So anything can be forgiven except homosexuality? I'd leave a daughter with a same sex couple in a heartbeat, but never with a pedophile who's warped parents will protect him and place their own children and grandchildren at risk. It's sick."

The last comment, I read it several times. The Duggar family has been very vocal about what makes up a healthy family unit. It consists of a mother, father and children. Josh has resigned from his position at the Family Research Council, where he has preached about family and love and that we need to follow God's word.
I think about the world and all the unhealthy and volatile households, which consist of a mother and a father. What makes up a family unit? It's a home filled with love, respect, values and morals.  

The Duggar house would have been filled with fear, uncertainty and upset. I know that they do not need to admit to the public how they felt at the time, but the fact that their story has travelled all across the globe, I feel sorry for all of those who have been victimized, abused and who continue to go through this today. I feel that we are telling them that they need to move on, they should not feel that abuse is taken seriously and that going to the authorities is futile and a waste of time. An apology and counselling with make all the wrongs go away.

Josh Duggar did not make a mistake. A mistake is defined as 'an act or judgment that is misguided or wrong." It is one act, one judgement, not multiple. After your first misguided decision, it becomes a choice, one that you have complete control over. Five misguided acts is serious, it is not something that should be taken lightly nor should it be swept under the rug. With the enormity of their family and the amount of young children, why have the authorities not stepped in with rules, with consequences, with an order that protects the children? Do I believe that Josh feels remorse? Absolutely. Do I believe that he is cured of impure thoughts? No, I do not. This is why there needs to be resolution, one that involves the law, not a public apology to the viewers. This does not 'fix' the inexcusable choices that were made in the past. Putting Josh behind bars and throwing away the key is not the solution, but probation, community service, boundaries need to be put in place.

There are so many gaps in this story. My post is based solely on what I have read and seen on TV today. I did not write this post to cause controversy or to shame followers of Christ. I believe in God but I feel that in a situation such as this, it is not about God forgiving sins, it is about the world knowing that there are consequences to those who do not follow the law and compassion for those who are victimized by others. I hope that there are more details in the future and that the victims find the peace and closure that they deserve.

The Dad Bod! Ya, You Want It!

 

 

I very rarely post pictures of myself on social media sites. The other day, I posted this one of myself showing my friends on Instagram what spring soccer looks like in Alberta. It's been a very cold start to the season. Before sharing the picture with others, I mentally came up with a list of my flaws. This is what I found wrong....

 

1) My eyebrows don't start where they should. If I lined up a pencil with the corner of my eye with where my eyebrow should start, it doesn't match up.

 

2) My left eye is droopy.

 

3) My nose is too big.

 

4) I have a double chin.

 

5) My cheekbones are not defined.

 

6) My eyelashes aren't long enough.

 

7) My face is too round.

 

8) Some minor plastic surgery would go a long way.

 

As I dissected my picture, I was thinking about what my girls would think if they heard me saying all of these negative things about myself. How would they perceive themselves? What would stop them from looking in the mirror and pointing out all of their flaws? How would they feel about their mom if they heard the words "fat, too big, not good enough, should lose weight, plastic surgery, flaws?"

We live in a world filled with high cheekbones, size 0 figures, fake boobs, fake eyelashes, photo-shopped images; perfection. We live in a world where perfect is what is acceptable. We are teaching our young children that what we see on newsstands and on TV is how they should be; without flaws.

 

 

Recently, I came across a news segment that was talking about the 'dad bod.'

 

Dad-Body (Urban Dictionary)

1. A body resembling a man who lives a sedentary lifestyle, flabby, usually comes with a keg gut. Sometimes can see penis, most of the time cannot. Body resembles his personality; dull, lifeless, and very conservative.

2. Once in shape, but clearly has lost most athletic properties. Best suited for sitting at a desk chair, possibly doing ones taxes.

 

Ok, so, women want a man with a dad bod. We want a man who looks like a dad, not fit, but not heavily overweight. We want a man who has some flab, no six pack and who wears shirts and ripped jeans. We want a man who is not perfect. A man who will go to work Monday-Friday, come home and drink a few beers while chowing down on a large pizza. Women find this sexy. This is the new in. This is what women want, the man who isn't perfect.

 

 

Where does this leave us women? I have a mom bod. I REALLY have a mom bod. Why am I upset that this body housed two children and now I have stretch marks and a dangling tummy? Why am I not happy with my imperfections? Why are men not telling me that they think my non-existent six pack is sexy and beautiful? Why is society not telling me that the mom bod is the way to go and that men love a woman with a little extra? Why is society not telling me that the biggest turn on is a woman who works Monday-Friday, comes home, cracks open a beer and indulges in a 14" pizza and cheesy bread? What if we can't see our vagina? Is that ok? Is that sexy? The dangling man tummy, which by the way, did not house a child, the world considers this perfection?

I have to be honest, I enjoy the dad bod. I have always loved a man with a bit of a tummy, I'm not really a six pack kind of girl, but there is a fine line between dad bod and an overweight man who doesn't believe in self-care. :)

Just a side note....James thinks that I am beautiful and wonderful and perfect. BUT....I need to hear it from men all around the globe. ;) I want men to shout to all of us women "I LOVE YOUR MOM BOD!"

 

 

When will society celebrate women's imperfections? When will society tell young girls that they are to be celebrated, that they are beautiful just they way they are, that we need to celebrate our perfect imperfections? Our views are twisted and unhealthy. Our views are encouraging young girls to step on the scale, to criticize and to judge ourselves and others. We are stuck in the world of social media, where we only post the best pictures at the best angles and feel the need to look like the celebrities. We need to stick our lips in a small bottle, suck in air, so we end up with nice plump lips. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to look like a Kardashian? Seriously.

 

As I think about my two girls and how I want them to view themselves, I need to change how I view myself. Reality is not a magazine. Reality is not on TV. Reality is not Instagram and Twitter and Facebook. Social media has allowed us to alter our own photos, so that we can look our best. So that we can look like a celebrity. What is this teaching our children?

 

I am changing my views. I am changing my way of thinking so that my children grow up to be confident, beautiful, strong and productive members of society. I am going to encourage them to love themselves, to love their bodies and to feel confident when they walk out of this house everyday. It will be echoed in their ears that they can conquer this world because they learnt the tools and strategies from James and I, they heard their mom say that she loves herself. They heard their mom say that beauty comes in all different forms, colours, shapes, religions and sizes.

 

Let's celebrate us. Let's celebrate the mom bod! Let's celebrate our beauty. Let's celebrate with a six pack (of beer) and a pizza. Come on world, get on board.

 

Adele's Over the Rainbow Baskets - Down syndrome LOVIN

 



Let's Get A Divorce...Or Not.

The Mighty Challenge....

Marriage and special needs parenting: it’s a topic not often discussed, but it’s important, and it deserves more discussion in our community. Can you share a moment on your special needs journey that strengthened your relationship?

I've thought about this topic quite often over the past couple of years. When we received Adele's diagnosis at 15 weeks, it didn't bring us closer together, but it definitely got us talking a lot more. The discussions weren't always light and fluffy, they were usually a bit tense and at times, frustrating. I read once that having a special needs' child, it brings couples closer together and that the divorce rate is substantially lower. Lower? This truly confused me.
Adele was born one month after our town was flooded; we were living with my parents, while our house was being rebuilt. I understand that we had extenuating circumstances that led to more stress, but after Adele's delivery, we were consumed by NICU visits, getting our home fixed and the stress of being grown adults, living with my parents.

Adele spent 6 weeks in the NICU; when we brought her home, we were anxious and still concerned about her breathing. We were focused on contacting FSCD, filling out government forms and trying to keep a newborn healthy. Once we got into a routine, we made sure to contact the necessary supports in the community and began occupational therapy and physical therapy out of the home. When Adele was born, Brinley was not even 17 months old, so we had two babies, one of them required more attention and time. Some days, we both felt overwhelmed and would take it out on each other. The stress of having a special needs' child, would sometimes consume our days and nights. There were times that I would lay awake, beside my husband, who had really turned into my buddy, my pal, my friend, and I would listen to Adele's breathing. I gained more weight; eating because I was stressed and worried and sad.

Marriage success rates are higher when you have a special needs' child?? I still didn't get it.

Adele spent some time in the hospital. They were only brief stays, but James and I were like two ships passing in the night. One would spend the night at home, then we would do a switch the following night.

I remember the first time that Adele spent some time in the hospital. We had recently returned back home from our 3 month stay at mom and dad's house. Adele's breathing was a bit laboured and her colour was off. My gut was telling me to take her in. My sister came with me. Our hospital was sending Adele by ambulance to the Alberta Children's Hospital. I had to take my car, so that I had some form of transportation, as the hospital is over an hour away from where we live. My sister and I stopped off at my house to pick up some stuff for the night's stay. I was short with James, I was mad at the world, I was frustrated and worried about my newborn baby. I was angry that she was sick. I was angry that I had to spend the night away from home. I was angry that the journey was taking another turn, one that wasn't expected. My sister told me that I wasn't being very nice and that it wasn't James' fault. I knew this but he's my husband, he's the one who I take my frustrations out on, he's the one who has no choice but to listen to my fears, my anger and my upset. He is my husband.

Our schedule is full. We have Brinley in extra-curricular activities. Adele receives therapy twice a week, two hours at a time plus she has other appointments at the hospital. I also try to have a life outside of my family and manage to fit in dinners with friends a few times a month. Where do you find the time to make a marriage work? 

So here we are, 21 months into this journey. We have come to a place of comfort with Adele, which in turn has lessened the stress in our everyday lives. We worry a bit less with Adele, not completely, but it's less. We laugh a lot more and appreciate and enjoy the days with our beautiful children. We hug and snuggle and cuddle and revel in the excitement and love that our children have for each other. We stop, relax and are thankful for two healthy girls. 

James and I have found a way to become a husband and wife again. We used to fall asleep holding each other's hands; we have started doing this again. We not only tell each other that we love and respect one another, we show it. We have slowed down. We work together as a team. We both take care of our home and we show the girls daily, the importance of family, a happy, healthy family.

We are on 4 journeys in this house; one with each other, one with Brinley, one with Adele and one as a family.

The journey with Adele.....
She has brought peace, joy, love and happiness to our family. She has brought light and laughter to those around her. She has taught our family about respecting others, about slowing down, about appreciating the journey that others are travelling.
She has strengthened the bond between James and I, although in the beginning, I feared that this unknown journey was placing a wedge between us. She has taught James and I that our girls need us to be strong, to love with all of our hearts, to give them the home that they deserve. I watch James with his girls and it brings me to tears. Our love for our girls is equal but when I see James interact with Adele, there is always a special moment, it may only last a few seconds, but in that moment, they look into each other's eyes and you know that there is bond that will never be broken, it's a bond that no matter what, he will always be there for her and take care of her and love her unconditionally. These beautiful moments strengthen our marriage. When Adele can't sleep and James snuggles with her late at night, this strengthens our marriage. When Adele laughs hysterically and her dad joins in, this strengthens our marriage. The moments are many and are savoured and cherished.

The journey is rewarding. The journey takes work. The journey is filled with ups and downs but it is our journey and we will walk this journey together.

Adele's Over the Rainbow Baskets - Down syndrome LOVIN