tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90332904956315431112024-03-14T05:32:44.388-05:00Blessings From AubreyRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-30807606044911523702015-10-12T20:56:00.000-05:002015-10-12T20:56:57.479-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 12 Service DogsMy husband grew up with dogs. I did not.<br />
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My children love dogs. I"m not a huge fan.<br />
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I love my children, especially Aubrey. I'm loosing the battle on a dog.<br />
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I'm softening to the idea of a service dog, but not any time soon:)<br />
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This video came across my feed today and Aubrey watched it at least 6 times and kept saying "Aubrey". In any event, service dogs are wonderful and when Aubrey's sisters all move out, she may need one to keep her company. Until then, my kids can keep begging, I guess!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-13359237953722536072015-10-12T11:01:00.000-05:002015-10-12T11:01:03.290-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 11 Signing Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In case you didn't know, Aubrey (and our family) is learning Signed Exact English. It is different from American Sign Language in a few ways. SEE is going to help her better learn to read and write because it follows the written language that we all use. ASL uses less signs to mean the same thing. Here is a video that explains it better than me and uses examples of sentances showing the difference.</div>
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Happy Signing Sunday!</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-23376238584353233562015-10-12T11:00:00.003-05:002015-10-12T11:00:55.142-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 10 CommunicationCommunication can be tough for kids with Down syndrome and many turn to Sign Language to help bridge the gap between needs to communicate and ability to communicate. We were no different in the beginning and fell in love with <a href="http://www.signingtime.com/">Signing Time</a> videos.<br />
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Once we learned that Aubrey was hearing impaired, we had to move into high gear and learn more since that was going to be her primary means of communication. We took classes at the elementary school and go dictionaries. It was tough. But we had so much help.<br />
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I'm impressed with how much she knows sometimes, and how she corrects us. I love that we can communicate without even talking and sometimes it is fun to tell "secrets" with my kids that no one else can hear:)<br />
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Her language has improved tremendously and we use both verbal and signing now, but still very much need the signs to get all her wants and needs across sometimes. The challanging part now, is that she is learning faster than we are! I love that her teachers are always sending home sheets of words (so we don't have to look them up) and it helps us learn some of the new words she is getting at school.<br />
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For your learning pleasure this week, her spelling list. We knew all of these, but it is always a good review for signs we don't use often.<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-73946073275697987872015-10-12T11:00:00.002-05:002015-10-12T11:00:47.963-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 9 Changing the Face of BeautyWe have big dreams for our Aubrey! We expect her to be....unique and exciting and beautiful and smart a<span style="background-color: white;">nd independent</span> and wonderfully herself. We expect that of all our kids:)<br />
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Defining beauty in only one way, is limiting to so many in the world. We are blessed that she is a part of a school where there are lots of unique kids and she is no different than anyone else. Her disabilities don't make her stand out. All the kids at that school are unique and beautiful and special.<br />
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Kelle Hampton is a blogger I have followed for years. She blogs about life beauty....and her family....and her daughter who has Down syndrome. Everyday life is just everyday life. She had a blog before her daughter was born and not much has changed. She blogs life. But she also blogs about the change she wants to see in the world for her daughter. She has connected with others and raised money to make a difference for her daughter and others with Down syndrome.<br />
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This post about changing beauty is great:<br />
<a href="http://kellehampton.com/2015/08/changing-the-face-of-beauty.html">http://kellehampton.com/2015/08/changing-the-face-of-beauty.html</a><br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-53972679775226582672015-10-08T21:52:00.001-05:002015-10-08T21:52:04.099-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness- Day 8 Tired<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Keeping Aubrey healthy has been tough. For 2,586 days (7 years and 1 month), that has been our job. Kids with Ds often have weaker immune systems. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sometimes we struggle with her health and sometimes we do not. Right now we are battling. Which means we have TWO new pieces of equipment at our house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The pulse ox monitors her oxygen levels, which is ultimately how we know she is getting sick. We monitor her at night. Anything above 90 (red) is good. Anything lower and she gets oxygen, which we also have right now. It's been some sleepless nights monitoring her or fixing the beeps when it doesn't read or she pulls it off. But we like knowing how she's feeling since she can't tell us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i16PUlahYFM/Vhcr0SNDuFI/AAAAAAAAEuM/yhM0LMagEWw/s640/blogger-image--245106512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i16PUlahYFM/Vhcr0SNDuFI/AAAAAAAAEuM/yhM0LMagEWw/s640/blogger-image--245106512.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also have a pulmonary vest. She often uses this when in the hospital and they finally decided we should have one at home. She puts it on. It puffs up with air and we connect hoses that "shakes" her. 10 minutes a session. Supposed to shake the snot out of her or get her coughing. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Either way, we've seen some progress since getting it. We hope it is the simple answer to keeping her lungs healthy and clear. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now this tired mama is heading to bed. Restful sleep to all!</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-8695120293440186632015-10-07T20:45:00.001-05:002015-10-07T20:45:53.634-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 7 Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bike Rides!<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w3Mwoa6Tvmw/VhXKz072ARI/AAAAAAAAEt4/Wu_4Ar-Ht7I/s640/blogger-image--308901403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w3Mwoa6Tvmw/VhXKz072ARI/AAAAAAAAEt4/Wu_4Ar-Ht7I/s640/blogger-image--308901403.jpg"></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-8436923135964859012015-10-06T22:34:00.001-05:002015-10-06T22:34:55.471-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness - Day 6 - Anything is Possible #LONGSHOTI feel so blessed that our world has changed in regards to people with any disability. People with Down syndrome are proving every day, all around the world, that they are not only capable of doing what everyone else is doing, but they can do it great! <br />
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I came across an article entitled "8 People with Down Syndrome Who Are Making History". The original article is here:<br />
http://www.babble.com/parenting/8-people-with-down-syndrome-who-are-making-history/<br />
(some of the video links don't work, but you can google them)<br />
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There is a woman who graduated college with honors. There is a model and an actor and even a politician. All of them have Down syndrome and have achieved more than was thought possible.<br />
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The last story really struck me, because kids can be so cruel. I think one of the things I have always worried about is bullying and acceptance for my daughter. Owen's path wasn't without bullying and mean kids, but in the end, the way his team and the other kids at school rallied around him, was amazing! <br />
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We should all have that kind of love and support, disability or not. Go out there tomorrow and show love and kindness and support to someone!<br />
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Some things come really easy for Aubrey and music just happens to be one of them! She fits in nicely with her friends and sisters.<br />
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I'm so glad that her school still sees the value in offering music to it's students. She also participates in music and choir at church. <br />
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Girl loves to sing and listen to music and dance, but also recently started to love playing music and does so very beautifully and gently with cymbals and the piano and anything else she can get ahold of.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-90927392726929410142015-10-04T15:36:00.004-05:002015-10-04T15:36:58.205-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness-Day 4 Signing Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every once in awhile someone asks me what support groups we are participate in. The answer is NONE. I'm sure it would be wonderful to connect with other families regularly who have children with like children, we just don't have the time, or feel the need. We get all the support we need from our family and friends who love us and our girl regardless of her differences. </div>
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Along the way we have gravitated towards those people that Aubrey enjoys the most and that has been the Deaf Community. It is a big part of her life, especially since it has required us to learn sign language and for her to attend a special classroom and school.</div>
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I thought that it would be fun to share a little more about her hearing impairment this year and teach you and share more on sign language, even though her language is getting so much better lately.</div>
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Listening to music is great and watching movies is fun, but I know she misses things sometimes. It was so fun to be able to share this video with her of a woman signing "Let It Go" from Frozen. Sign language can be so beautiful. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-34857976729727990662015-10-04T15:25:00.000-05:002015-10-04T15:25:30.464-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness-Day 3 Differences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.</div>
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But that means that we have a lot of "well" appointments that we go to each week. It can be tough, but because it is necessary for her well being....we just figure it out.<br />
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She's complex you could say. She hits many of those points for a person with Down syndrome. But she has an infectious laugh and smile and she rolls with all the punches better than we do.<br />
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We especially want to thank those who help us along the way. To those who have first and foremost prayed for our girl, watched our other kids, run extra carpool for us, provided meals and visited us. You are part of our village raising this girl and we couldn't do it without you. Thank you! You are part of what makes her life a success, no matter how small that help to us feels. It is all important.<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-65651565797488106392015-10-02T22:48:00.001-05:002015-10-02T22:48:41.223-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness-Day 2 IndependenceAubrey is small. And because she is small, there are things and milestones she hasn't or can't reach....until we find a way. <div><br></div><div>She couldn't ride a bike....because we couldn't find one small enough. Once we did, she was off and running. </div><div><br></div><div>Her whole life will always be like that. Finding ways to modify the world she lives in so she can be successful. </div><div><br></div><div>Independence comes at a delay, but it always comes...we just have to help find the way to it. Sometimes it just means a stool and sometimes it means we have to search out help and answers. When you have a child with special needs, you are always on duty, working to help them be successful. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6vhz3e-UlY/Vg9QDf3al7I/AAAAAAAAEsc/D56MXyFe9do/s640/blogger-image--1468317260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6vhz3e-UlY/Vg9QDf3al7I/AAAAAAAAEsc/D56MXyFe9do/s640/blogger-image--1468317260.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4JaxP1yLKkE/Vg9QF5pPnsI/AAAAAAAAEsk/PUZCM93V738/s640/blogger-image--1547866630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4JaxP1yLKkE/Vg9QF5pPnsI/AAAAAAAAEsk/PUZCM93V738/s640/blogger-image--1547866630.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-81360036884435743662015-10-01T22:07:00.002-05:002015-10-01T22:07:51.967-05:00Down Syndrome Awareness-Day1 More Alike Than DifferentWe are a busy crew around here and I find it easier to do a quick facebook update, than update the blog most of the time. But when October rolls around, my heart wants to write longer posts about my Aubrey. <div>
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It is Down syndrome awareness month again and it is a chance for me to share our special girl with the world. To be a window into her life and that extra chromosome that gets so much attention sometimes.</div>
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The truth is, she's just Aubrey to us. And the Down syndrome is just one small part of who she is. Is she different? YES. Is she still our girl? YES. And along with her genetic make up coming from us, she also shares our passions and talents and loves.</div>
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She comes from a long line of artists. If you didn't know, Aubrey's dad is an artist and many in his line are artistically talented. Aubrey's mom....not so much. I'm the teacher that still uses stick figures. All of our girls love art and drawing and painting and the such....and Aubrey is no different.</div>
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Her favorite is painting with water. On the pool walls. On the deck. On the chalkboard. But she loves markers and crayons and drawing too. We can actually tell what she is drawing and her people have come a long way. </div>
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Someone posted this tv show clip and I thought is was nice. And while I'm not hoping that Aubrey is working on her skills to one day become a Tattoo Artist, I do hope that she always loves the arts and that she always loves what she does...same as I want for all my girls.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-12045904489800705492014-10-30T22:53:00.001-05:002014-10-30T22:53:34.459-05:00Teamwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ai7xAf-_-A8/VFMHrfXqHYI/AAAAAAAAEic/hfajY1tHTYQ/s640/blogger-image--1757190206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ai7xAf-_-A8/VFMHrfXqHYI/AAAAAAAAEic/hfajY1tHTYQ/s640/blogger-image--1757190206.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So sweet to see them work together tonight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CqNAvUw8G04/VFMHteGLcYI/AAAAAAAAEik/Lpfzw9mWalk/s640/blogger-image-1924045814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CqNAvUw8G04/VFMHteGLcYI/AAAAAAAAEik/Lpfzw9mWalk/s640/blogger-image-1924045814.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ella made Aubrey a robot costume. She was excited to wear it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uJeZwR5IMuo/VFMHvMUM5uI/AAAAAAAAEis/Kfs7PcnmKR0/s640/blogger-image--73124874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uJeZwR5IMuo/VFMHvMUM5uI/AAAAAAAAEis/Kfs7PcnmKR0/s640/blogger-image--73124874.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-66950528709935644592014-10-29T22:46:00.001-05:002014-10-29T22:46:20.112-05:00Growth - Day 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't express how proud I am of this girl. She has made tremendous strides in the last 6 months, and is thriving in school and in life. Part of that is maybe that she has hit her stride, but we have also been doing something to assist her in being her best person....we've started using essential oils, and I wanted to share a little bit here about that. I'm not trying to "fix" or "change" her Down syndrome, but I want her to thrive and be at her best and be healthy and active and eager to learn and engage in life. We have seen such positive results in our whole family and I want to share that, because it has made a big difference for us.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4GwNQtnkOE/VFGiiUb8aeI/AAAAAAAAEhk/ohJuvqBAKdA/s1600/March%2Bsick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4GwNQtnkOE/VFGiiUb8aeI/AAAAAAAAEhk/ohJuvqBAKdA/s1600/March%2Bsick.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last March, this girl was super sick. The sickest we had ever seen her. I had a friend text me about trying something "a little different" to help her feel better. Sure, why not! We've just about exhausted everything else here at the hospital. So she brought me two oils....and it changed our lives. This was the FIRST hospital stay that we have left without the use of oxygen at home, AND they weened her off 2 liters of oxygen in ONE day! (that would have taken at least a week before)</div>
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That is when I NEEDED to learn more and wanted to learn more. I did a bit of research and talked with friends and decided on Young Living Essential Oils for our family and Aubrey was my main reason. I dug into the research on respiratory oils and staying healthy oils. And I'm always looking into learning more about these oils that have helped her so much and continue to help.</div>
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We have a daily routine of oils that we use (think about taking a multi vitamin every day). I line them up and apply a drop of this and that to her while she gets ready in the morning and off she goes. And then I have a stash that we use when she is sick or if we are treating something.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvSq_X7m1QU/VFGijQ6mF8I/AAAAAAAAEh8/cbaKtDEPxK8/s1600/social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvSq_X7m1QU/VFGijQ6mF8I/AAAAAAAAEh8/cbaKtDEPxK8/s1600/social.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Before oils, Aubrey was NOT social at school and after three years there, it was becoming a very big concern with Kindergarten on the horizon. But she is social now and she has lots of friends and she talks about them at home. She asks to go to their house to play! And she has this friend that she apparently does fist bumps with in the morning at her locker! It has been amazing to see her grow friendships and blossom.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CWzZ_T5R3s/VFGiieWxkrI/AAAAAAAAEhc/8P1Nm-edNUw/s1600/homework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CWzZ_T5R3s/VFGiieWxkrI/AAAAAAAAEhc/8P1Nm-edNUw/s1600/homework.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
It used to take a lot of crying and bribery to get her to do any homework or projects for school and now, she actually carries her back pack in from the car, hangs it up, gets out her folder and does her homework! And when there isn't any homework, she asks for some. She is writing letters and making people. Before we could barely get a circle out of her and now her people have bodies and legs! She has taken off with her learning and it is so exciting to see.<br />
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We've been able to keep her healthy!!! She had one little cold this summer that we took care of naturally, with our oils, and I'm finally getting super comfortable with using them and not freaking out when she has a little cough or sniffle. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jb6CTWx2xM/VFGijOWcnWI/AAAAAAAAEho/qSJU--JhlzM/s1600/making%2Blunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jb6CTWx2xM/VFGijOWcnWI/AAAAAAAAEho/qSJU--JhlzM/s1600/making%2Blunch.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She is getting super active in her life. She used to spend her afternoons laying around (super tired) and asking for the same show OVER and OVER and OVER. Now she sets up the tea set, gets her baby out and plays, or asks to help in the kitchen. I don't have to occupy her time. She is able to do that herself.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR5akq-8as0/VFGqam7QVBI/AAAAAAAAEiM/OsvYUSc9Jg4/s1600/happy%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR5akq-8as0/VFGqam7QVBI/AAAAAAAAEiM/OsvYUSc9Jg4/s1600/happy%2Bgirl.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She's giddy in the morning:) And more verbal. And I love when she whispers in my ear that she loves me, instead of just jibberish:)</div>
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These oils have been such a blessing to us. I could go on and on with testimonies about how these oils have been so helpful to us. It has been a way to enhance her life and her health in a very natural way. So glad that we are able to help this girl be the best that she can be!</div>
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(some of the oils we use daily: Thieves, RC, Magnify Your Purpose, Vetiver, Citronella, Lavender)</div>
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*If you have questions about using Young Living Essential Oils to enhance your life, helping your kids focus or have more confidence, keep you healthy or help ease sickness and pain, I would love to share my experience with you. Just send me an email or message. </div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-84407521698311284902014-10-27T22:30:00.002-05:002014-10-27T22:30:33.000-05:00Vital Stim Therapy - Day 27Aubrey gets Occupational Therapy at school as well as Speech Therapy. The Physical Therapy, we do outside of school (she doesn't qualify at school anymore) and we also do Vital Stim Therapy, with a Speech Therapist.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHoh3AxVAbw/VE8JFA-nwZI/AAAAAAAAEg8/6Q_tWrsUm04/s1600/vital-stim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHoh3AxVAbw/VE8JFA-nwZI/AAAAAAAAEg8/6Q_tWrsUm04/s1600/vital-stim.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
One thing that we discovered last spring when she was so sick, is that she aspirates liquids into her lungs. We are hoping that by "fixing" this, she will not get so sick anymore. The way they do that is by strengthening her swallowing muscles. They put these electrical pads on her neck and we eat lunch and drink and play for an hour.....twice a week.<br />
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It usually takes about 20-25 visits to graduate. But in typical Aubrey fashion....it is being done in her own time.....longer. We pasted the typical time frame a month ago, and I have stopped asking them to guess how much longer. We just keep plugging away at it.<br />
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We are doing absolutely everything we can to speed this up and support the work being done and part of that includes ADDING the Physical Therapy to work on her core muscles and upper chest muscles that also support the swallowing. It is one more thing, and she misses school some more, but we really felt like it was important to add in and they were able to get her a session that was right before her vital stim. <br />
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This girl continues to amaze me with her ability to roll with the punches and goes with the flow. Not every session is awesome for her, but for the most part, she just does it. <br />
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Planning out my day for tomorrow and it includes a lunch date at therapy with Miss Megan and the Vital Stim! <br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-55613824885813534812014-10-26T22:26:00.001-05:002014-10-26T22:26:37.866-05:00Physical Therapy - Day 26<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thought I would share a little physical therapy with you. We are working specifically on core strength which will also help in so many areas. We meet every other week. And Jen is so creative. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4zeEp15gPA4/VE21ukBSntI/AAAAAAAAEgY/lmCKVp4_rfw/s640/blogger-image-257100209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4zeEp15gPA4/VE21ukBSntI/AAAAAAAAEgY/lmCKVp4_rfw/s640/blogger-image-257100209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Aubrey does sit ups to get puzzle pieces. She can do 4 pretty good before she gets tired and they get sloppy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FT_8Q287wYI/VE21rG-bxUI/AAAAAAAAEgI/8_VRne90Pyg/s640/blogger-image-80100459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FT_8Q287wYI/VE21rG-bxUI/AAAAAAAAEgI/8_VRne90Pyg/s640/blogger-image-80100459.jpg"></a></div>These are tiny road cones. She had to tap each one with her toe, and with each lmStarted with one and worked up to three. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zx41sYAoVDc/VE21tEZvcAI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/c8ir6FPkIzU/s640/blogger-image--1214664444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zx41sYAoVDc/VE21tEZvcAI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/c8ir6FPkIzU/s640/blogger-image--1214664444.jpg"></a></div>The swing is her "reward"! After she does an exercise, she gets a rest on the swing. She works so hard and does EVERYTHING that Jen asks her to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ZR7Na0thjY/VE27a7oSWfI/AAAAAAAAEgo/qQpgv66fM7E/s640/blogger-image--2072877181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ZR7Na0thjY/VE27a7oSWfI/AAAAAAAAEgo/qQpgv66fM7E/s640/blogger-image--2072877181.jpg"></a></div>There is not a lot of interest in speech therapy at this place now that Aubrey knows they have such a cool gym too! Sorry Megan, but your tools are not as much fun:(</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-6170682869434767052014-10-25T21:13:00.001-05:002014-10-25T21:13:17.634-05:00No Fear - Day 25Do you remember the post about the lost tooth and how ODD her reaction is? I got another one for you:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jYHpUXsSHXM/VExYpVn0N4I/AAAAAAAAEfg/jXXMmxV5GZU/s640/blogger-image-443855818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jYHpUXsSHXM/VExYpVn0N4I/AAAAAAAAEfg/jXXMmxV5GZU/s640/blogger-image-443855818.jpg"></a></div>This girl had a MAJOR fall last weekend that included being knocked out, an ambulance ride downtown....and red Popsicles:)</div><div><br></div><div>It was a scary day and one that will live with me for a long time. The physical scars are mending and I'm trying not to be a helicopter mom....but it's hard.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5QYVfD-vO6k/VExYrV-mnmI/AAAAAAAAEfo/Y-jhcQKbV1c/s640/blogger-image-1525491511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5QYVfD-vO6k/VExYrV-mnmI/AAAAAAAAEfo/Y-jhcQKbV1c/s640/blogger-image-1525491511.jpg"></a></div>Any of my other kids would have freaked out at being strapped to a board and carried of by the fireman. Scared of the fast ambulance ride and being in the ER surrounded by strangers. Not this girl!</div><div><br></div><div>You would think that doctors and hospitals would scare her because she's there so much, but she isn't. She was calm and cooperative. Her biggest concern was a bandaid for her head! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NZIXLhv216U/VExYuwZmubI/AAAAAAAAEf4/KpmVnF74zV4/s640/blogger-image-985100758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NZIXLhv216U/VExYuwZmubI/AAAAAAAAEf4/KpmVnF74zV4/s640/blogger-image-985100758.jpg"></a></div>She never got a bandaid, but she talked that sweet resident into a second Popsicle after I said no. (He was so sweet signing to her....and THAT was the ticket....cause she signed it to him and he just went and got it without me knowing!)</div><div><br></div><div>There are some things that I will never understand about how Aubrey thinks. And sometimes that can be really challenging, but this week I'm choosing to be GRATEFUL in my confusion. I'm GRATEFUL that she wasn't traumatized any more than she already was. I'm GRATEFUL that she is resilient and healing. I'm GRATEFUL that she's ready to climb and jump and play again....even if it makes me nervous now. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm GRATEFUL she's mine...extra chromosomes and all!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E3kYBhcXZ90/VExYtFLJqDI/AAAAAAAAEfw/ESAEv2ZgovY/s640/blogger-image-1526273975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E3kYBhcXZ90/VExYtFLJqDI/AAAAAAAAEfw/ESAEv2ZgovY/s640/blogger-image-1526273975.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-11774829968415004592014-10-22T21:08:00.001-05:002014-10-22T21:08:51.829-05:00Healing day 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lfGOgLmj_bc/VEhjMSPcSzI/AAAAAAAAEfI/I58k9VlAzZw/s640/blogger-image-310898483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lfGOgLmj_bc/VEhjMSPcSzI/AAAAAAAAEfI/I58k9VlAzZw/s640/blogger-image-310898483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those wondering where we went.....it's a long story, but the short version is she fell and we are busy recovering. But I wanted to share a really cool set of books I came across. Excited to order these and read them and then share them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://themighty.com/2014/10/these-parents-found-a-beautiful-way-to-teach-kids-about-down-syndrome/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://themighty.com/2014/10/these-parents-found-a-beautiful-way-to-teach-kids-about-down-syndrome/</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-65804748011847515272014-10-15T22:02:00.001-05:002014-10-15T22:02:22.926-05:00Teeth -day 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8jv17b8pDuM/VD81PH6GdJI/AAAAAAAAEe0/1GcKeJKSnEg/s640/blogger-image--2018393985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8jv17b8pDuM/VD81PH6GdJI/AAAAAAAAEe0/1GcKeJKSnEg/s640/blogger-image--2018393985.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight Aubrey lost her 3rd tooth. And this is her excitement level....tears. Her first tooth was lost over Christmas vacation, in the car, somewhere between Wisconsin and Minnesota. (She swallowed it, we think) Her second tooth, she lost while in the hospital last March. Zero interest in that tooth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For most kids, losing teeth is a right of passage. "I'm one of the big kids!" Aub is different. She doesn't care. She doesn't understand. And in some ways it is traumatic I guess. She kept signing for me to call the dentist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It can be a challenge to understand her thought process and console her. Some days are like that with our girl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we dried the tears and I pretended to call the dentist and told her they were closed and sleeping. She seemed to understand and I assured her I would call tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some days are like this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-47933068790051795342014-10-14T21:40:00.000-05:002014-10-14T21:40:09.683-05:00Worry and Help - Day 14<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Matthew 6:34 </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". </i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">It would be very easy to become overwhelmed with raising Aubrey. And to be honest, sometimes it does become overwhelming. But when it does, we stop and pray. We pray for strength to get through the days. We pray for wisdom to make the best choices for her life. We pray for peace. We pray for understanding. We pray for help. And we trust God to get us through it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I learned right away, that I can't do this on my own. Life is gonna be busier and more challenging and taxing with Aubrey. But I don't think she is the only kid in the world that does that to parents and I don't think that Down syndrome is the only diagnosis that makes things challenging. In fact, I think there are more challenging children out there....boys in general for example:)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I'm admitting that it is hard. And it has taken me years to admit that out loud. I always strived to show that life with a child who has Down syndrome is great and easy and she is such a blessing. She is all those things most of the time, but it is challenging and taxing and hard too. There is a balance that can be hard to find, but we do our best. Sometimes that means we take the easy route and skip things. Because at that moment, that is what is best. Sometimes pushing her isn't what is best. And sometimes, I just don't have the energy to put into doing the work.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">It takes a village and sometimes a city to make it all happen. Sometimes there are days that are hard....sometimes weeks.....and sometimes months that are hard.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">One of the hardest things that I have learned to do....is ask for help. We live in a world/society that puts the pressure on mothers to be SUPER MOMS! We have to do it all. Be it all. ALL. THE. TIME. I wanted to be that mom. I strived to be that mom. Pretended to the outside world that I was that mom.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Asking for help....even from my husband....felt like I was failing at my job. Asking for help, meant that I had to admit to the outside world that I wasn't a super mom and I couldn't do it all. Admitting it to myself was easy, but admitting it to the world is hard.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Here's the thing, God didn't put us on this earth alone. He created partners for us. And I got the best! And he created friendships. I got the best of those too! He created families and church families and neighbors. He did that because we weren't meant to be alone....We weren't meant to live life alone. We are meant to lean on each other and help each other and befriend each other and help each other.</span></span><br />
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This journey has changed me. I could never do it all on my own, but now I can readily admit that and actually ask for help when I need it. NOT asking for help, does not benefit me or my family and we get burned out very quickly. </div>
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I hope that it has made me a better friend as well. When I can, I try to practice random acts of kindness. I try to drop a meal off for a friend just because they could use it or stop by with coffee or insist on helping, because I know that asking is hard. </div>
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I have learned to worry less about what the world things and more about what my husband and kids think and feel. It doesn't matter to them if I do it all. It just matters that I do what I can with love.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">My encouragement to you is this:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">First pray. I always heard the saying, God won't give you more than you can bear. But when Aubrey was born, a friend reminded me that God IS going to give me more than I can bear, so that I will lean on Him and trust in Him and call on Him for help. And He is going to carry me, when I just can't do it any more. My faith is what makes this journey a success. My faith is what gets me through, because my God is so great and good. There is nothing He can't do and provide for us. My Aubrey's life is planned out by Him and His plan is better than any plan I could come up with.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Do not find shame in asking for help. I don't think it gets any easier, but when you are able to actually have a conversation with a doctor without 5 kids in the doctors office with you, it will be worth it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">We all have struggles and challenges. Mine might just be more visible to you, as I chase my two little ones down at the grocery store or volleyball game. But we all have something we are dealing with. So take the time, to help someone out. Bring them dinner or coffee or muffins to make the morning smoother. Reach out to someone that you haven't in a long time and just let them talk. Just be a friend.</span></span><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-66240900019172731352014-10-13T21:58:00.001-05:002014-10-13T21:58:54.673-05:00Worry and change of plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MlruqUjyygQ/VDyQzCdHxFI/AAAAAAAAEeU/Pkn7D3MSADI/s640/blogger-image--544953623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MlruqUjyygQ/VDyQzCdHxFI/AAAAAAAAEeU/Pkn7D3MSADI/s640/blogger-image--544953623.jpg"></a></div>I just finished a long post....but my computer is refusing to publish, so I'm blogging on my phone...which is not fun or easy. But I didn't want to go another day without posting. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vS5rsjuy_DA/VDyQ48hc2YI/AAAAAAAAEek/jEYMHXxIZYM/s640/blogger-image--1697616853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vS5rsjuy_DA/VDyQ48hc2YI/AAAAAAAAEek/jEYMHXxIZYM/s640/blogger-image--1697616853.jpg"></a></div>So here is a few pictures of our everyday joy! Aubrey loves to cook/bake and her sisters are so patient and encouraging when she asks to help. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gf7YTWYBIq4/VDyQwdoqgEI/AAAAAAAAEeM/l3CEIH6pyNQ/s640/blogger-image-2010299055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gf7YTWYBIq4/VDyQwdoqgEI/AAAAAAAAEeM/l3CEIH6pyNQ/s640/blogger-image-2010299055.jpg"></a></div>She isn't always easy to work with. And it's her way or the highway most of the time. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KtyMP5CmWl4/VDyQ1_q90MI/AAAAAAAAEec/H52C_ueTIAg/s640/blogger-image-1602674411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KtyMP5CmWl4/VDyQ1_q90MI/AAAAAAAAEec/H52C_ueTIAg/s640/blogger-image-1602674411.jpg"></a></div>So glad these girls have each other!</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-86408000862001495392014-10-09T19:38:00.001-05:002014-10-09T19:38:27.782-05:00Physical Therapy - Day 9<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tq7_7EbzVc/VDbZk16T4UI/AAAAAAAAEdA/qUCJfpikv64/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tq7_7EbzVc/VDbZk16T4UI/AAAAAAAAEdA/qUCJfpikv64/s1600/library.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying her own library books and checking them out herself</td></tr>
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For Aubrey's entire life, we have pushed her to be her best. And to do what typical kids do or what came next in her development. It has made her a better version of herself. She is driven and determined and I love that about her....most of the time.....except when "all by myself" turns into a very time consuming event....and I'm in hurry:) She is very independent and usually willing to try doing it herself first or with minimal assistance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKoQd8UG1EY/VDbZiQb2KwI/AAAAAAAAEco/dNgSWd5_Uws/s1600/Climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKoQd8UG1EY/VDbZiQb2KwI/AAAAAAAAEco/dNgSWd5_Uws/s1600/Climbing.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing on the playground at school</td></tr>
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Aubrey hasn't had Physical Therapy (PT) for two years. It wasn't provided her at the school and it just didn't fit into our schedule to do it outside of school. We have surrounded her with a very active lifestyle and there isn't much that this girl won't try to do.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cr1-t29AB5M/VDbZiAZMuCI/AAAAAAAAEck/FjOFJJxH9nk/s1600/Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cr1-t29AB5M/VDbZiAZMuCI/AAAAAAAAEck/FjOFJJxH9nk/s1600/Bike.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding her modified bike - I don't know about you, but I ALWAYS ride my bike in my swimsuit:)</td></tr>
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Yesterday she had a PT evaluation done. We are blessed with people in her life that always focus on what she CAN do and her strengths FIRST and then let us know what can be worked on and improved upon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7jQ_EVTQgM/VDbZjlbffCI/AAAAAAAAEc4/p0bpTSyvOfQ/s1600/balancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7jQ_EVTQgM/VDbZjlbffCI/AAAAAAAAEc4/p0bpTSyvOfQ/s1600/balancing.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balance walking on the bleachers </td></tr>
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Her PT let us know that she is very strong for someone with her diagnosis and age! She does very well in most areas of daily activity. There are certainly things that we are going to work on with her, but her PT is actually very pleased with her abilities at this point:) Refreshing to hear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2nt96aj3GY/VDbZhoGEudI/AAAAAAAAEcg/9UnItpHbJdI/s1600/Baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2nt96aj3GY/VDbZhoGEudI/AAAAAAAAEcg/9UnItpHbJdI/s1600/Baking.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making toast HERSELF</td></tr>
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To give others an idea: She is functioning at a 3 year old level PHYSICALLY according to the evaluation done. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes she can do things that typical 6 year olds can and sometimes, she can't keep up with her 3 year old sister, but on average, that is where she is at physically.<br />
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They are going to work on her core strength which will assist her in all areas of life, but specifically they will help her run faster and stabilize herself in her chairs at school and when eating at the table and increase her ability to keep up with the kids in Kindergarten;) We are excited to be back in PT and working with the awesome Jen!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-22959035088664048932014-10-08T21:56:00.001-05:002014-10-08T21:56:09.773-05:00Wordless Wednesday (What we do while waiting at all those doctor appointments) - Day 8<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6pmkaxzxQM/VDX3v_YefaI/AAAAAAAAEcM/QPqh3HVcwy4/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6pmkaxzxQM/VDX3v_YefaI/AAAAAAAAEcM/QPqh3HVcwy4/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crayon roll - never leave home without it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPxiMavJ3vI/VDX3rnUcLUI/AAAAAAAAEcA/GGVY6o8zvEs/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPxiMavJ3vI/VDX3rnUcLUI/AAAAAAAAEcA/GGVY6o8zvEs/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on squares by connecting dots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoDvhpbguOE/VDX3o3HR6SI/AAAAAAAAEbs/Vq_jlqJC7T8/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoDvhpbguOE/VDX3o3HR6SI/AAAAAAAAEbs/Vq_jlqJC7T8/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spot 3 letters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp_cc4y8DUw/VDX3ovJMKRI/AAAAAAAAEbw/m1I9-BS6e7w/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp_cc4y8DUw/VDX3ovJMKRI/AAAAAAAAEbw/m1I9-BS6e7w/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H is for Miss Hall (Sorry Miss Senne....I'm sure she wanted to write S for Senne, but it was too hard)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwixCnbm_6s/VDX3vkXbwbI/AAAAAAAAEcI/nU9zqkUtBSs/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwixCnbm_6s/VDX3vkXbwbI/AAAAAAAAEcI/nU9zqkUtBSs/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These A's were supposed to be triangles</td></tr>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-64153544534172426102014-10-07T21:04:00.001-05:002014-10-07T21:04:10.851-05:00Slow and Steady - Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_sBXSm_XN0/VDR8xlCcS-I/AAAAAAAAEa4/5bS7gJaFf2k/s1600/snails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_sBXSm_XN0/VDR8xlCcS-I/AAAAAAAAEa4/5bS7gJaFf2k/s1600/snails.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></div>
She isn't at the same level as her peers. She isn't at the same level as her little sister. She isn't at the same level as anyone....She's at her own level and she OWNS that. And she is proud of that and she celebrates that. My prayer is that she always understands that and celebrates who she is and what she can accomplish.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UNs8bd733A/VDSUsdJFApI/AAAAAAAAEbM/kL0xOYZ_emI/s1600/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UNs8bd733A/VDSUsdJFApI/AAAAAAAAEbM/kL0xOYZ_emI/s1600/dogs.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
I knew when she was born, that she was going to be delayed and she would never keep up with the kids her age. When Emelia was born, I knew that one day her little sister would pass her up, in all areas of life. What I didn't know, is how that would feel...until this year.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzpAbXgr5_8/VDSUs3UcZ9I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/tjQ5ag237U4/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzpAbXgr5_8/VDSUs3UcZ9I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/tjQ5ag237U4/s1600/running.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Emelia is faster in the gross motor areas. She can ride a bike faster and run faster and is swimming faster and jumping better and dancing more. <br />
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Emelia is better at fine motor skills. She cuts with more ease and is writing most of her letters without frustration. She can copy her name off her desk.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aN-nuQq1MAI/TbD7LZ8PzjI/AAAAAAAAB2E/3skrZaQlDHc/s1600/bath-time-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aN-nuQq1MAI/TbD7LZ8PzjI/AAAAAAAAB2E/3skrZaQlDHc/s1600/bath-time-2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
They are essentially the same height and weight and wear a lot of the same clothes and they are both potty training.....still.....(we have good days and bad, but that's a post for another day!)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L25veLI3YNQ/TqI9MzCx5JI/AAAAAAAACHU/LwIVxtceLW8/s1600/snack-time-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L25veLI3YNQ/TqI9MzCx5JI/AAAAAAAACHU/LwIVxtceLW8/s1600/snack-time-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
Aubrey CAN cut lines and some circles. She CAN write the first two letters of her name (Au) WITHOUT looking! She can write H and M. She can READ! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ns-ajzJKs/UGo7Qn-6DWI/AAAAAAAAC0I/3sfaiNgUD7M/s1600/My%2Bgirls%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ns-ajzJKs/UGo7Qn-6DWI/AAAAAAAAC0I/3sfaiNgUD7M/s1600/My%2Bgirls%2B1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
It is hard to see Emelia do things that Aubrey has not yet mastered, and with such ease, but I have to remember that ALL of Emelia's accomplishments are just as amazing and praiseworthy as Aubrey's are, no matter the order they happen in. And no one cheers louder for Emelia's successes than Aubrey!<br />
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The day I'm waiting for, is the day that Aubrey realizes that she is not keeping up....<br />
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That day, my heart will break for her. And I will love her and hug her and remind her of how much harder she works to achieve stuff than others and I will remind her of all her successes and accomplishments and I will remind her that all people are different and unique and that if we were all the same, and did all the same stuff, the world would be boring....the same things I remind my other girls, when they are feeling down or left out or not good at something.<br />
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Because, when I step back at the end of the day, my girls are all going to go through emotionally rough patches and Aubrey is no different. When I step back at the end of the day, she's just like her other sisters in so many MORE ways than she is different. Sure, her experiences and feelings will look different, but she will still feel the same challenges and heart aches that all kids do.<br />
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It's going to be hard. <br />
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No doubt about that, but the good news is that I'm practicing on her 3 older sisters, so by the time a boy breaks her heart.....I'll be ready for that conversation!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033290495631543111.post-41059199248529143652014-10-05T21:07:00.003-05:002014-10-05T21:07:27.231-05:00Day 5 - Words<div class="MsoNormal">
This has been a post that has been on my mind for a long
time. Writing things that might offend
people or hurt their feelings is not something that is easy to do….but it is
important to write about them because when people say them to US or about our AUBREY,
they are offensive and hurtful. And so
often it is done without thinking. I
know I have said things that are hurtful, and now…..I try to do better and
think about what I’m about to say before I do. And I hope that people call me out when I do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Babies are born all around me, all the time. I love to hear about pregnancies and genders
and births. There is nothing so sweet as
a new soul<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I’ve done it 5x and there is just nothing
else like it here on earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is my little bundle of Aubrey that was born full term
at 4lbs 13oz. She had an AV Canal heart
defect and Down syndrome…..and we loved her.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hear people say so often, “We don’t care if it’s a boy or
a girl, just so long as it’s healthy.” I’m
fairly certain that I said that phrase for almost 4 full pregnancies too, but now I know. But here’s the thing: you don’t really mean that. Sure, you don’t care, boy or girl. But I’m fairly certain, that healthy or
unhealthy, you will love that little one, no matter what. Right? </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We didn’t love Aubrey any less because she was another girl
or because she wasn’t born healthy. We
probably loved her more than our other newborns, who were born healthy, because
she needed that extra love to grow and live, while she waited for heart
surgery.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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My point is, you don’t care about the gender…..and leave it
at that. What you mean to say is, “We
don’t care if it is a boy or girl. We
just can’t wait to meet OUR baby.”
Right? And there is nothing wrong with PRAYING for a healthy baby, but I'm pretty sure, you'll love that little soul, no matter what. I prayed that Emelia (my 5th baby) would be healthy, because no one wants their newborn to struggle for health, but I was prepared to do it all over again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve never corrected anyone that I hear say this. Maybe I should. I know people say it without thinking or
because they haven’t experienced what we have or know someone who has.
But it still makes my heart ache a little when I hear it.
And I think of the friends who are so desperately WAITING to be mothers
and haven’t been blessed….because they don’t care boy or girl, healthy or
unhealthy. They just want a baby to call
their own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So next time you find yourself BLESSED with a new life, just take a minute to think about all the love that you will pour into that new life, boy or girl, healthy or unhealthy and be sensitive to your audience. You just never know....</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915395779182043474noreply@blogger.com0