Miss Bumbo

So, just the other day we got Camden a Bumbo chair. Up until Sunday, I had not seen one of these in action yet. As you can tell from the first photo on top, Camden had a bit of a problemo her first time around in the chair. However, as you can see by the next pic--just the following day--she was sitting up much better :o)

From everything we've read and been told, having Camden practice and 'exercise' all of her various muscles--especially her stomach/trunk muscles--will only help out in the future. So she's been getting lots of tummy time and sit up time to practice and strengthen those muscles--and she's doing a great job. By the way, her first pic reminds me of how her Daddy can sometimes get after a few too many beers--that picture just cracks me up.

Fun Night

I received 2 free 'club' seats for the Indians game last night at Progressive Field. So Jenny and I took Camden to her first Tribe game--we didn't have to purchase a seat for her. It always amazes me just how content she is--even when the crowd is yelling, clapping, etc.--she was just sitting there taking it all in. All the bright colors and noises seem to soothe her, which hopefully continues later on in life when we take her to events that she'll actually remember because she's old enough ;o) We had a great time, even though the Tribe got smoked by Detroit 11 - 3.

Inspired

As I sit here writing this during lunch, I find myself reflecting on my life.....the past months have not been the easiest--learning about Camden's extra chromosome earlier this year, followed by a diagnosis on my Dad's health and numerous other things that have kept life very hectic.

As I reflect back over the course of this year, it would be extremely easy to wallow in sadness for all of the events that haven't quite played out as one would've hoped. But I'm trying to be a better person, for the sake of my kids (Reagan (12), Jacob (closing in on 10), and Camden (a solid 3 months).

I find such inspiration in thinking of them and looking into their eyes and seeing all the excitement and happiness and purity that only children seem to have. As we continue to grow and get older, we all seem to lose the resilience we had as kids--dreaming that anything is possible, no matter how unrealistic it may be. I am truly thankful that my kids help to inspire me and keep me grounded, without them even realizing it--that's the sign of true inspiration.

Camden Grace

Just getting started

Well today marks the first entry for my blog...I'm not quite sure the direction that this will take me or my wonderful family, but hopefully it's a wonderful start of things to come.

My inspiration for creating this blog has been all the wonderful blogs I've been reading since earlier this year. You see, earlier this year, my wife and I learned that our baby girl would have Down syndrome. There were some early marker indicators and we did confirm with an amnio, as we both wanted to be as prepared as possible for how this would change our lives.

Well Camden Grace came into this world at 9:03pm on June 29th, and our lives have been blessed forever. I know that we have a long road to go and lots to learn and experience, but the positive impact that Camden has had on our family is confirmation of just how strong the human spirit is.

I will do my best to keep things updated as much as possible as we continue along this journey....