So, since this is supposed to be a Mommy-blog, I figure I should do a post about the kids… good idea, no?
Well, R had his 6 month pediatrician’s appointment yesterday and he is officially HUGE. 29 inches long and over 21 lbs. That makes him bigger than L at a year. Even charting his stats as a 7m old he is off the charts for height. Surprise, surprise the kid is going to be tall -- who would have ever guessed (those who don’t know me IRL -- I am 5’10’’ and B’s male family members are tall too).
R is also crawling. He does this adorable inch-worm like crawl where he gets up on his hands and toes, moves forward a bit and then does a walrus-like belly flop on the floor to move himself forward. The sure way to get him to crawl -- put the remote on the floor. Although, this is difficult to do at times because L loves to be helpful and will run at full speed to the remote and then deposit it smack in front of R to save him the effort. All in all -- very cute!!
His sleeping is getting a BIT better. As of right now we are only getting up once or twice a night. He still won’t eat solids to save his soul -- although he will chew on frozen solids in the “baby safe feeder” that we have for him. Independent little stinker!
Anyways -- he is the sweetest little guy ever -- and that isn’t just mommy talking. Everyone who sees him, plays with him, etc. thinks he is just a doll. I so wish I could freeze him in time at this age because I am well aware of the tantrums that are fast approaching….
DS tidbit: Many of the common physical features of Down syndrome also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. They may include a single transverse palmar crease (a single instead of a double crease across one or both palms), an almond shape to the eyes caused by an epicanthic fold of the eyelid, upslanting Palpebral fissures, shorter limbs, poor muscle tone, a larger than normal space between the big and second toes, and protruding tongue.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Wait -- you didn't know you could make desserts in your crockpot too! I LOVE this one. Your house smells wonderful, your oven doesn't get all hot and messy, etc. It is particularly good for small dinner parties (see the wonderful smell thing).
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
12 slices white or wheat bread-- torn into medium-size pieces
3 1/2 cups cooking apples -- cored, peeled and chopped
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Can a child with Down syndrome go to school?
Yes. There are special programs beginning in the preschool years to help children with Down syndrome develop skills as fully as possible. Along with benefiting from early intervention and special education, many children are integrated into the regular classroom. Many affected children learn to read and write, and some graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary programs or college. Individuals with Down syndrome participate in diverse childhood activities both at school and in their neighborhoods.
While there are special work programs designed for adults with Down syndrome, many people with the disorder hold regular jobs. Today, an increasing number of adults with Down syndrome live semi-independently in community group homes where they take care of themselves, participate in household chores, develop friendships, partake in leisure activities and work in their communities.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Grosser than Gross...
I was tagged by Alicia to post my grosser than gross moment... OMG, you have no idea the can of worms you opened...
Luckily, most people IRL know this story, so W, N, mom, The Saint -- it is the Bella story, now go away so you don't puke...
Everyone else... get a bucket.
October of last year, it was a Saturday morning. B was at work (like most Saturdays in the fall) and I was home with L. I had just passed the 16 weeks of morning sickness that only Reglan made better (my good friend Reglan... oh how I love thee), so I was in my second trimester. Well, I was playing with L who was just crawling/walking and he was playing outside his room. All of a sudden, I saw him put something in his mouth. It was dark, I didn't know what it was, but I told him to come to mama. He didn't come to me, so I got up to go to him.
What had he found....
Anyone...
Oh that is right... a DOG TURD. And yes, that means he ATE the dog turd. Puking yet??
Lets suffice to say, I got most of it out of his mouth, cleaned him up, thought of killing the effing dog (instead made a vet appt for her because what the hell was going on - turns out it was impacted anal glands -- ever see those expressed. Oh, your puking again... my bad!), called my mom and W in hysterics (so much so that my mom was certain I miscarried and W couldn't understand my blubbering). Called L's pediatricians office -- still in hysterics -- and thinking they were going to send CPS my way, only to be told they get calls like this all the time and the nurses daughter ate cat poop before -- supposedly way worse then dog poop, by the way, just in case you get your choice down the line. At the end of the day, I kept saying to B -- how am I am going to be a mom to two kids?? I couldn't fathom it and of course blamed myself. (BTW -- I still have no idea where he FOUND the damn turd!! This also was about the time the dogs lost any hold on my heart too.)
So, that is by far my grosser then gross moment. I vividly remember what my hands looked like and L's too. BLECK.
Oh and it did make me puke. Even my friend Reglan couldn't help me there.
B thought is was the funniest thing he had ever heard in his life. God that man is a riot! Ok, so now I tag -- Kirsten, MamaC, Jennie and Rima .
DS tidbit -- Shortly after a diagnoses of Down syndrome is confirmed, parents should be encouraged to talk with their doctors to understand the relevant down syndrome facts, and to enroll their child in an infant development/early intervention program. These programs offer parents special instruction in teaching their child language, cognitive, self-help, and social skills, and specific exercises for gross and fine motor development. Research has shown that stimulation during early developmental stages improves the child's chances of developing to his or her fullest potential. Continuing education, positive public attitudes, and a stimulating home environment have also been found to promote the child's overall development.
Luckily, most people IRL know this story, so W, N, mom, The Saint -- it is the Bella story, now go away so you don't puke...
Everyone else... get a bucket.
October of last year, it was a Saturday morning. B was at work (like most Saturdays in the fall) and I was home with L. I had just passed the 16 weeks of morning sickness that only Reglan made better (my good friend Reglan... oh how I love thee), so I was in my second trimester. Well, I was playing with L who was just crawling/walking and he was playing outside his room. All of a sudden, I saw him put something in his mouth. It was dark, I didn't know what it was, but I told him to come to mama. He didn't come to me, so I got up to go to him.
What had he found....
Anyone...
Oh that is right... a DOG TURD. And yes, that means he ATE the dog turd. Puking yet??
Lets suffice to say, I got most of it out of his mouth, cleaned him up, thought of killing the effing dog (instead made a vet appt for her because what the hell was going on - turns out it was impacted anal glands -- ever see those expressed. Oh, your puking again... my bad!), called my mom and W in hysterics (so much so that my mom was certain I miscarried and W couldn't understand my blubbering). Called L's pediatricians office -- still in hysterics -- and thinking they were going to send CPS my way, only to be told they get calls like this all the time and the nurses daughter ate cat poop before -- supposedly way worse then dog poop, by the way, just in case you get your choice down the line. At the end of the day, I kept saying to B -- how am I am going to be a mom to two kids?? I couldn't fathom it and of course blamed myself. (BTW -- I still have no idea where he FOUND the damn turd!! This also was about the time the dogs lost any hold on my heart too.)
So, that is by far my grosser then gross moment. I vividly remember what my hands looked like and L's too. BLECK.
Oh and it did make me puke. Even my friend Reglan couldn't help me there.
B thought is was the funniest thing he had ever heard in his life. God that man is a riot! Ok, so now I tag -- Kirsten, MamaC, Jennie and Rima .
DS tidbit -- Shortly after a diagnoses of Down syndrome is confirmed, parents should be encouraged to talk with their doctors to understand the relevant down syndrome facts, and to enroll their child in an infant development/early intervention program. These programs offer parents special instruction in teaching their child language, cognitive, self-help, and social skills, and specific exercises for gross and fine motor development. Research has shown that stimulation during early developmental stages improves the child's chances of developing to his or her fullest potential. Continuing education, positive public attitudes, and a stimulating home environment have also been found to promote the child's overall development.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Lauren
L is through his first week of speech therapy and has now had 3 sessions. The end result of this... I adore his therapist.
Her name is Lauren and she is gorgeous and he loves her and thinks she is great. Shoot, I would think so too if I were him. She brings fun and new toys, gives her undivided attention.
She also called me on Tuesday at the office to tell me that if I wanted an update after the session to give her a call on her cell phone. The Wife was going to be home with L that day and the therapist will give her the update, but so I don't have to wait. And during our conversation she asked ME for parenting advice for her little one!
I was thrilled the first time I spoke to Lauren. She is just coming back from maternity leave and there is nothing like a new mom to heap praise on your little guy.
So wish us luck. And soon I hope to complain that L just won't shut up!!!
DS tidbit -- Because chromosomes and the genetic information they carry determine how we grow and develop the presence of an extra chromosome does affect a child in a number of ways. The word "syndrome" means that many different characteristics are seen together as a package. Some of these physical characteristics may include low muscle tone, eyes that appear to slant upward, a flat nasal bridge, extra skin folds at the back of the neck, relatively small nose and ears, a larger gap between the first and second toes, and a single horizontal crease on either palm. While these characteristics are more common in an individual with Down syndrome, they are features that can be seen in anyone in the general population.
Her name is Lauren and she is gorgeous and he loves her and thinks she is great. Shoot, I would think so too if I were him. She brings fun and new toys, gives her undivided attention.
She also called me on Tuesday at the office to tell me that if I wanted an update after the session to give her a call on her cell phone. The Wife was going to be home with L that day and the therapist will give her the update, but so I don't have to wait. And during our conversation she asked ME for parenting advice for her little one!
I was thrilled the first time I spoke to Lauren. She is just coming back from maternity leave and there is nothing like a new mom to heap praise on your little guy.
So wish us luck. And soon I hope to complain that L just won't shut up!!!
DS tidbit -- Because chromosomes and the genetic information they carry determine how we grow and develop the presence of an extra chromosome does affect a child in a number of ways. The word "syndrome" means that many different characteristics are seen together as a package. Some of these physical characteristics may include low muscle tone, eyes that appear to slant upward, a flat nasal bridge, extra skin folds at the back of the neck, relatively small nose and ears, a larger gap between the first and second toes, and a single horizontal crease on either palm. While these characteristics are more common in an individual with Down syndrome, they are features that can be seen in anyone in the general population.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Why am I blogging for DS?
As you can see there is now a 31 for 21 button on my website...
Why am I doing this?
Well, as I mentioned before, back in July one of my best friends had her second little girl, O, and was told the next morning that she had Down Syndrome. To say it was a shock to all of us, is an understatement and I am truly impressed with how well W has dealt with it thus far.
BUT -- I was shocked and dismayed to find that I knew next to nothing about Down Syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21 or T21). So for the month of October, I will be doing my best to also post little facts about DS. It is sad that so many people, myself included, were totally ignorant about this genetic condition. Since I only know information that I have been able to read, most of my information will be "duh" stuff to those who live with it every day. To those people, i am sorry, but for those, like me, who are totally uneducated, it will hopefully be helpful. So, since today is the 2nd of October, here are two pieces of info....
#1-- Down syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 800 births worldwide. In the United States each year, about 1,600 babies are born with this condition.
#2 -- Down syndrome results when a person inherits all or part of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can occur in a variety of ways, the causes of which are unknown. The most common chromosomal abnormality that produces Down syndrome (accounting for about 95 percent of all cases) is Trisomy 21, a defect in which an extra, third copy of chromosome 21 is present in every cell in the body. The risk of Trisomy 21 is directly related to the age of the mother. The number of Down syndrome births is relatively low for 18-year-old mothers—about 1 in 2,100 births. In the later childbearing years the risk increases significantly—from 1 in 1,000 births for 30-year-old women to 1 in 100 births for 40-year-old women
Why am I doing this?
Well, as I mentioned before, back in July one of my best friends had her second little girl, O, and was told the next morning that she had Down Syndrome. To say it was a shock to all of us, is an understatement and I am truly impressed with how well W has dealt with it thus far.
BUT -- I was shocked and dismayed to find that I knew next to nothing about Down Syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21 or T21). So for the month of October, I will be doing my best to also post little facts about DS. It is sad that so many people, myself included, were totally ignorant about this genetic condition. Since I only know information that I have been able to read, most of my information will be "duh" stuff to those who live with it every day. To those people, i am sorry, but for those, like me, who are totally uneducated, it will hopefully be helpful. So, since today is the 2nd of October, here are two pieces of info....
#1-- Down syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 800 births worldwide. In the United States each year, about 1,600 babies are born with this condition.
#2 -- Down syndrome results when a person inherits all or part of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can occur in a variety of ways, the causes of which are unknown. The most common chromosomal abnormality that produces Down syndrome (accounting for about 95 percent of all cases) is Trisomy 21, a defect in which an extra, third copy of chromosome 21 is present in every cell in the body. The risk of Trisomy 21 is directly related to the age of the mother. The number of Down syndrome births is relatively low for 18-year-old mothers—about 1 in 2,100 births. In the later childbearing years the risk increases significantly—from 1 in 1,000 births for 30-year-old women to 1 in 100 births for 40-year-old women
Monday, October 1, 2007
No fashionista, but...
I know when something isn't right.
So, as most of you have heard, I live in the burbs and commute via train to NYC. This is all well and good usually, but commuting results in some humorous stories. This one is more of a WWYD situation.
We get off the train and I am walking down the platform. Young girl in front of me. This is usually when I check out everyones shoes/clothing/bags, etc, so I see she is wearing this adorable flats, blah blah blah. But looking up I see she has a GIANT hole right on her ass. YIKES. So... what do I do???
1) Fight the crowd to quietly mention it to her?
2) Cringe in horror and think, OMG I hope someone would tell me about it if I were in her shoes?
3) Wonder exactly how to tell a stanger that you were aparently just checking out her ass and saw a hole?
4) Think, YEAH, blog material!
Any guesses?
So, as most of you have heard, I live in the burbs and commute via train to NYC. This is all well and good usually, but commuting results in some humorous stories. This one is more of a WWYD situation.
We get off the train and I am walking down the platform. Young girl in front of me. This is usually when I check out everyones shoes/clothing/bags, etc, so I see she is wearing this adorable flats, blah blah blah. But looking up I see she has a GIANT hole right on her ass. YIKES. So... what do I do???
1) Fight the crowd to quietly mention it to her?
2) Cringe in horror and think, OMG I hope someone would tell me about it if I were in her shoes?
3) Wonder exactly how to tell a stanger that you were aparently just checking out her ass and saw a hole?
4) Think, YEAH, blog material!
Any guesses?
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