Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
"D" is for Down syndrome
Doh
As in what Homer Simpson would say. I made a commitment earlier this month to post 31-for-21 and although I started off the month being nice and consistent, the past 2 weeks I haven't been as good, hence the 'Doh'. I will try to be better and end the month on a good note....
However, 'Doh' applied many months ago as well. What turned out to be the first time that Jenny and I found out that Camden's nuchal fold measurement was a bit larger than the doctor would have liked to see. As parents of children with Ds know all too well, there are numerous early markers that may point to increased chances of having a child with Ds. Well the day that we were informed that the nuchal fold was a bit larger than they'd like to see was definitely a 'Doh' moment.
Maybe 'Doh' is a bit harsh, but that's how I felt at the time. You see, Jenny and I had been trying for a couple of years to add to our family. We tried on our own for awhile, had some miscarriages, then we went the route of fertility treatments--all to no avail. At moments it was very frustrating as Jenny and I wanted nothing more than to have a baby. One month after a failed fertility session, we found out Jenny was pregnant with Camden.
You see, Jenny is one of those people who seems to know the moment conception takes place. ;o) Ok, maybe that's a stretch, but holy crap she knows right away and after confirming with a pregnancy test or 4 ;o) we were elated. That elation was short lived as it seemed like we were at the doctor's office quite often due to problems--unsuspected bleeding, cramping, etc. And based upon previous miscarriages, we were apprehensive to be excited, just in case something happened. I know that's an awful outlook to have, but with everything we'd been through up to this point, it was our way of survival.
Well, fast forward throw those first 8 weeks or so to the day we had that first nucal measurement and when the doctor shared the news that it was bigger than they'd like to see-- but that didn't necessarily mean anything more than he'd like for us to go to more of an expert--it was like 'Doh'. Why can't we have an easy pregnancy? No complications, everything's perfect, end of story.....
Looking back at what's happened since then, I wouldn't change anything for the world. Up to this point I know how lucky and blessed I've been to have such a loving wife and 2 amazing children already. However, since Camden was born almost 4 months ago, she has touched a place in my heart and soul that I never knew existed. A place that continues to be shaped and molded each day....and I am so honored to be allowed this glimpse into her life so far.
Yes there are many days ahead of us and I know there are plenty of trials and tribulations that we'll encounter, but I know there won't be anymore 'Doh' days in our lives with our little Camden leading the way.
As in what Homer Simpson would say. I made a commitment earlier this month to post 31-for-21 and although I started off the month being nice and consistent, the past 2 weeks I haven't been as good, hence the 'Doh'. I will try to be better and end the month on a good note....
However, 'Doh' applied many months ago as well. What turned out to be the first time that Jenny and I found out that Camden's nuchal fold measurement was a bit larger than the doctor would have liked to see. As parents of children with Ds know all too well, there are numerous early markers that may point to increased chances of having a child with Ds. Well the day that we were informed that the nuchal fold was a bit larger than they'd like to see was definitely a 'Doh' moment.
Maybe 'Doh' is a bit harsh, but that's how I felt at the time. You see, Jenny and I had been trying for a couple of years to add to our family. We tried on our own for awhile, had some miscarriages, then we went the route of fertility treatments--all to no avail. At moments it was very frustrating as Jenny and I wanted nothing more than to have a baby. One month after a failed fertility session, we found out Jenny was pregnant with Camden.
You see, Jenny is one of those people who seems to know the moment conception takes place. ;o) Ok, maybe that's a stretch, but holy crap she knows right away and after confirming with a pregnancy test or 4 ;o) we were elated. That elation was short lived as it seemed like we were at the doctor's office quite often due to problems--unsuspected bleeding, cramping, etc. And based upon previous miscarriages, we were apprehensive to be excited, just in case something happened. I know that's an awful outlook to have, but with everything we'd been through up to this point, it was our way of survival.
Well, fast forward throw those first 8 weeks or so to the day we had that first nucal measurement and when the doctor shared the news that it was bigger than they'd like to see-- but that didn't necessarily mean anything more than he'd like for us to go to more of an expert--it was like 'Doh'. Why can't we have an easy pregnancy? No complications, everything's perfect, end of story.....
Looking back at what's happened since then, I wouldn't change anything for the world. Up to this point I know how lucky and blessed I've been to have such a loving wife and 2 amazing children already. However, since Camden was born almost 4 months ago, she has touched a place in my heart and soul that I never knew existed. A place that continues to be shaped and molded each day....and I am so honored to be allowed this glimpse into her life so far.
Yes there are many days ahead of us and I know there are plenty of trials and tribulations that we'll encounter, but I know there won't be anymore 'Doh' days in our lives with our little Camden leading the way.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"N" is for Down syndrome
Now
There's the saying, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow. LOL In this 24/7, go-go society we live in, sometimes it is easy to put off things today until tomorrow. Do some laundry? Nope I can do it tomorrow. Clean the house? Nope I can do it tomorrow. Run errands? Nope I can do it tomorrow. It can be an endless list sometimes it seems.
Sure, there are only 24 hours in a day and we need to try our best to juggle all of the things that need to get done. And as any parent knows, some days that tasks seems impossible. But one thing that should never wait until tomorrow is letting those close to you know just how much they mean to you. I mean really how much you love them and care for them and feel truly blessed to have them in your lives.
Sometimes we get too wrapped up in the happenings of our lives (or others) and we figure, oh, I'll wait until tomorrow to call Mom to say hi and let her know I love her. Unfortunately, as I'm sure many have experienced, sometimes tomorrow never comes. That's why it's important to live each day to its fullest and let those in your lives know just how much you truly love them. They will be forever grateful to hear those words you've shared with them.
There's the saying, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow. LOL In this 24/7, go-go society we live in, sometimes it is easy to put off things today until tomorrow. Do some laundry? Nope I can do it tomorrow. Clean the house? Nope I can do it tomorrow. Run errands? Nope I can do it tomorrow. It can be an endless list sometimes it seems.
Sure, there are only 24 hours in a day and we need to try our best to juggle all of the things that need to get done. And as any parent knows, some days that tasks seems impossible. But one thing that should never wait until tomorrow is letting those close to you know just how much they mean to you. I mean really how much you love them and care for them and feel truly blessed to have them in your lives.
Sometimes we get too wrapped up in the happenings of our lives (or others) and we figure, oh, I'll wait until tomorrow to call Mom to say hi and let her know I love her. Unfortunately, as I'm sure many have experienced, sometimes tomorrow never comes. That's why it's important to live each day to its fullest and let those in your lives know just how much you truly love them. They will be forever grateful to hear those words you've shared with them.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"Y" is for Down syndrome
Yes
I'll be honest when we first found out the results of the amnio, 'yes' may not have rolled right off of my tongue. There were so many questions that I needed to be understand, before getting to 'yes'. But it did not take long....and ever since saying yes and recognizing that despite all the challenges that raising a child with special needs will take, we have not looked back.
Sure there will be times along the way that may cause us to doubt for a little bit, but we will remind ourselves that we can do this. We made a commitment earlier this year to unconditionally love Camden Grace no matter what life throws at us. Having that conviction to say 'yes', when many people in our shoes would've said no, makes me very proud of the genuine love and support that is in our hearts to raise our special little girl.
Saying yes sometimes may not be easy, but saying yes to a difficult change can provide a lifetimes of riches.
I'll be honest when we first found out the results of the amnio, 'yes' may not have rolled right off of my tongue. There were so many questions that I needed to be understand, before getting to 'yes'. But it did not take long....and ever since saying yes and recognizing that despite all the challenges that raising a child with special needs will take, we have not looked back.
Sure there will be times along the way that may cause us to doubt for a little bit, but we will remind ourselves that we can do this. We made a commitment earlier this year to unconditionally love Camden Grace no matter what life throws at us. Having that conviction to say 'yes', when many people in our shoes would've said no, makes me very proud of the genuine love and support that is in our hearts to raise our special little girl.
Saying yes sometimes may not be easy, but saying yes to a difficult change can provide a lifetimes of riches.
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