The cutest thing ever!!!!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
OK, so it took me awhile to update...
Yikes, it has been two months since I've been on here...it is absolutely amazing to me how much work adding one more child to the mix really is! As I sit here, both of my boys are sleeping and Bella is having some rest time...this has only happened a handful of times since Grant was born! I haven't had a moment to get online it seems in two months. I finally made a recent montage...it has taken me about a month to get it done, but here you have a hodge podge of the last two months...from Grant's birthday to Christmas to Bella's performance to you name it! I realize it's about 7 1/2 minutes long, but if you take the time, I promise there are some cute pics of all of the kids.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Going in to have the baby tomorrow!
Excited!!!!!! I'll be induced tomorrow morning at 5am (YIKES!) We'll keep you posted on his arrival!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Get it Down: 31 for 21 Day 30 Exciting News from DSRTF
DSRTF Grants $250,000 to Dr. Roger Reeves at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
DSRTF announces funding for a major new research program led by Dr. Roger Reeves at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Roger Reeves’ recent research discovered that a certain area of the brain, the cerebellum, is underdeveloped in a Down syndrome mouse model, analogous to observations in individuals with Down syndrome. These studies by Dr. Reeves and his colleagues further led to the identification of a potential drug that essentially normalizes the development of the cerebellum in the mouse model.
This new grant from DSRTF significantly extends Dr. Reeves’ research, and includes addressing two critical next questions:
Does the potential drug also correct a deficit in the development of the nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory?
Does the potential drug produce positive and measurable effects on learning and memory in a Down syndrome mouse model?
“The DSRTF award allows us to pursue our preliminary observations immediately without the now considerable delay that’s usually associated with obtaining federal funding,” says Dr. Reeves. “With a decrease of nearly 70 percent- from $42 to $13 million- in the amount of Down syndrome research dollars from the National Institutes of Health in the last few years the role of groups like DSRTF has become critical to continued progress in the effort to help 350,000 Americans with Down syndrome.”
This new grant adds a third novel potential therapeutic target to the DSRTF-supported research portfolio, which also includes two additional recently discovered potential therapeutic targets currently under investigation at Stanford University School of Medicine. DSRTF’s Scientific Advisory Board unanimously agreed that the new research is intriguing and closely aligns with DSRTF’s mission of accelerating research that will lead to a treatment to improve learning and memory in individuals with Down syndrome.
DSRTF gratefully acknowledges the special gift to DSRTF from Dawn and Roger Kafker making it possible to initiate and establish this exciting new research program. DSRTF also extends its thanks to all of our donors in helping DSRTF to make a significant and rapid impact in Down syndrome research through your financial support of DSRTF. For more information about Dr. Reeves' research, visit our website at www.dsrtf.org
DSRTF announces funding for a major new research program led by Dr. Roger Reeves at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Roger Reeves’ recent research discovered that a certain area of the brain, the cerebellum, is underdeveloped in a Down syndrome mouse model, analogous to observations in individuals with Down syndrome. These studies by Dr. Reeves and his colleagues further led to the identification of a potential drug that essentially normalizes the development of the cerebellum in the mouse model.
This new grant from DSRTF significantly extends Dr. Reeves’ research, and includes addressing two critical next questions:
Does the potential drug also correct a deficit in the development of the nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory?
Does the potential drug produce positive and measurable effects on learning and memory in a Down syndrome mouse model?
“The DSRTF award allows us to pursue our preliminary observations immediately without the now considerable delay that’s usually associated with obtaining federal funding,” says Dr. Reeves. “With a decrease of nearly 70 percent- from $42 to $13 million- in the amount of Down syndrome research dollars from the National Institutes of Health in the last few years the role of groups like DSRTF has become critical to continued progress in the effort to help 350,000 Americans with Down syndrome.”
This new grant adds a third novel potential therapeutic target to the DSRTF-supported research portfolio, which also includes two additional recently discovered potential therapeutic targets currently under investigation at Stanford University School of Medicine. DSRTF’s Scientific Advisory Board unanimously agreed that the new research is intriguing and closely aligns with DSRTF’s mission of accelerating research that will lead to a treatment to improve learning and memory in individuals with Down syndrome.
DSRTF gratefully acknowledges the special gift to DSRTF from Dawn and Roger Kafker making it possible to initiate and establish this exciting new research program. DSRTF also extends its thanks to all of our donors in helping DSRTF to make a significant and rapid impact in Down syndrome research through your financial support of DSRTF. For more information about Dr. Reeves' research, visit our website at www.dsrtf.org
Monday, October 29, 2007
Get it Down: 31 for 21 Day 29
This is awesome..it says it all...It's called "Thoughtful Language Can Put People First!" One of my biggest pet peeves is when people refer to my son or anyone else with DS as a "Down's kid"or a "Down baby"...oh my goodness, it makes my skin crawl! My son is neither, for he is a person FIRST! DS does NOT define who he is...it is simply one part of who he is. Jack is a child who has Down syndrome...he is not Down syndrome. Here are some exerpts from the article...
Watch your Language
Our goal is to open doors, and keep them open. Here are a few reminders for language usage:
An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost. The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. A person with Down syndrome has many other qualiies and attributes that can be used to describe them.
Use "people-first" language and encourage others to do the same. For example, refer to the person as a person with Down syndrome," not the "Down syndrome person." A person with Down syndrome is not a "Down's."
Words create lasting impressions. Try not to use cliches when describing an individual with Down syndrome (such as "They're always happy."). To assume all people have the same characteristics or abilities is demeaning. Also, it reinforces the stereotype that all people with Down syndrome are the same. Each person has his/her own unique strengths, capabilities, and talents. Recognize that a child is "a child wuith Down syndrome," or that an adult is "an adult with Down syndrome." Children with DS grow into adults with DS; they do not remain eternal children. Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults. A 24 year old with DS certainly has 24 years of life experience!
Most people want to use correct language, but even professionals stumble in their attempt. Sharing a few basic reminders will put people at ease and create a positive atmosphere for acceptance of differences.
Watch your Language
Our goal is to open doors, and keep them open. Here are a few reminders for language usage:
An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost. The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. A person with Down syndrome has many other qualiies and attributes that can be used to describe them.
Use "people-first" language and encourage others to do the same. For example, refer to the person as a person with Down syndrome," not the "Down syndrome person." A person with Down syndrome is not a "Down's."
Words create lasting impressions. Try not to use cliches when describing an individual with Down syndrome (such as "They're always happy."). To assume all people have the same characteristics or abilities is demeaning. Also, it reinforces the stereotype that all people with Down syndrome are the same. Each person has his/her own unique strengths, capabilities, and talents. Recognize that a child is "a child wuith Down syndrome," or that an adult is "an adult with Down syndrome." Children with DS grow into adults with DS; they do not remain eternal children. Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults. A 24 year old with DS certainly has 24 years of life experience!
Most people want to use correct language, but even professionals stumble in their attempt. Sharing a few basic reminders will put people at ease and create a positive atmosphere for acceptance of differences.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Get it Down: 31 for 21 Day 28
Jack's 18 Month Pictures and Bella's School Pictures
My little cheese-ball...look at that smile! :-)
My little man...he's getting so big!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Get it Down: 31 for 21 Day 27
Today I am going to write down one thing about each of my kids and hubby that I love love love and one thing that makes me laughhhhh!!!
John:
- That he puts his family first...I love that!
- That he exaggerates everything...he thinks if he misses one day of surfing on the weekend, he'll get love handles....I'm laughing as I wrote that...because it is sooo true!
Bella:
- That she will come out of her room after we've put her to bed to say "I love you" again and give us a kiss and a hug...I love that!
- That she knows all of the words to Rhianna's "The Umbrella Song" and belts them out in the car...doesn't matter how much I hear it, I always laugh.
Jack:
- That he gives lovies on demand! He melts in my chest and bats his eyelashes...I love that!
- That his sisters tease him and tickle him and he just laughsssss hysterically every time! His laugh is contagious!
Keeley:
- When she gets in the car after school and sees Jack, she gets the biggest grin on her face...I love that she loves him so much!
- That when she thinks only her sister is looking, she does the booty dance...it's sooo funny!
I love my family!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Get it Down: 31 for 21 Day 26
Quick Update Time...Jack had two appointments last week. He had his 6 month cardiologist appointment, and I am pleased to announce that we don't have to go back to that place again for a WHOLE YEAR!!! Yay-Whoooooo! He is doing fantastic. He also had his 18 month well check where he was 26 pounds 4 ounces and 32 inches long...that adds up to the 50th percentile on the regular charts and the 90th percentile on the DS charts. He's a big boy! SOLID, as everyone and their mother keeps telling me! ;-) Bella and Jack both got their flu shots and didn't even flinch...actually, the last time Bella cried while getting a shot was her first shots ever at 2 months old. That's my girl!
Bella had her yearly opthamologist appointment where they tweaked her perscription a tad...we ordered her some new frames which should be in tomorrow or the next day...stay tuned for pics of those because they are CUUUUUUTTTEEE!!
I, of course am on weekly visits to the OB/GYN...I have 3 weeks left until baby Grant comes a callin.' The baby is sitting sideways in my tummy, and according to my OB, I'm not dilated at all...surprise surprise! Looks like this one is following in the footsteps of his sibs...I'll be giving more updates as the due date comes closer.
Bella had her yearly opthamologist appointment where they tweaked her perscription a tad...we ordered her some new frames which should be in tomorrow or the next day...stay tuned for pics of those because they are CUUUUUUTTTEEE!!
I, of course am on weekly visits to the OB/GYN...I have 3 weeks left until baby Grant comes a callin.' The baby is sitting sideways in my tummy, and according to my OB, I'm not dilated at all...surprise surprise! Looks like this one is following in the footsteps of his sibs...I'll be giving more updates as the due date comes closer.
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