Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
Ok, Ok if you know the Cannons you know we won't be up at midnight(or at least I won't). With a baby who sleeps all night I won't be wasting any of my beauty sleep on watching the clock.
Alayna is getting super spoiled by her grandparents and enjoying every minute of it. Although I am a little worried next week when they leave that I will be the only one here and she will be expecting to be held 90% of the time. Oh well, that is what grandparents are for...
I can hardly believe that in just one week Alayna will start at the Infant Development Center (IDC). She will be 3 months old too. Ugh where does the time go? I went to buy swimming diapers for her, as they have to have swimmers for their pool therapy and the smallest size was 16 pounds. I guess I will be duct taping those on her every other week when she dives in. I will be sure to take pictures of that and post it. Quite comical I am sure.
Jason is off tomorrow so we will have a nice, quiet family day to start the new year. We
hope you all have a fun, safe and Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Working out after the holidays...
A girl has to keep working on her figure after all...
Alayna continues to impress us by her daily tummy time workouts. She loves to lift up her head and shoulders and look at her musical toys in front of her, she enjoys laying around in a diaper and kicking her arms and legs to move around in circles on her tummy time mat. She is still working on rolling over from front to back (she is so close).
She has worked out so much that she no longer fits into any of her newborn clothes, on to 0-3 month sizes...Yahoo!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas...
Alayna was not too thrilled with the brain squeezer that I tried to accessorize her in (maybe we need to spend a little more time with LC and learn her beauty tips).
Aidan did a great job of opening his gifts as well as Alaynas...(needless to say at 2 months she was more content hanging out on grandma's lap than opening any gifts. But, big brother had a grand time enough for both of them.)
Grandma knitted Alayna a beautiful sweater to match her blanket.
Monday, December 22, 2008
YAHOO! It was worth waiting a week for...
Well, folks after waiting, praying, coaxing, visiting the doctor etc. we finally, after one week and one hour, have a huge bowel movement from Alayna. YIPPEE!!!! (She is just saving us money on diapers really, didn't mean to cause any concern, what a thoughtful baby!)
Our family is doing the happy dance. She does not have a blocked bowel or constipation (trust me it was flowing out well not hard or pebbly). She is indeed using up most of the breast milk for her rapid growth. We thank you for all the thoughts and prayers and check ins that everyone has made on her this week. This mommy can now sit back and relax.
Maybe she knew we had x rays scheduled tomorrow if she didn't produce... take care all and have a wonderful Christmas. Will definitely post pictures of the kids later in the week (thought you might like to skip a picture of todays adventure) HAHAHA!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
DSG Christmas party
Today we attended our first DSG (Down Syndrome Guild) Christmas party. It was an awesome event attended by several hundred people from the metro area. They had a great breakfast, visits with Santa, a gift for each child that attended, wrapping paper and gift bags (compliments of Hallmark) and just a nice time to reconnect with families we met at the new parent breakfast in November and meet new families that also have a child with down syndrome.
Alayna slept most of the time but woke up just in time to have pictures made with Santa...
We were so glad to see Courtney, Justin and LC. LC looked fabulous in her Christmas outfit!
We pray that you have a peaceful week as you prepare for the birth of Christ (hint: stay away from stores that always makes me more peaceful).
If you are in the KC area and are looking for something to do on Christmas Eve, come check out our barn service it is a family friendly, cool way to celebrate Christmas. http://www.kawprairie.com/
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas present?
Alayna is up to a hefty 9 pounds 1 oz. She is growing right before our very eyes. I am sure by Christmas that she will be 10 pounds...
Alayna is sleeping through the night (or at least has been for the past few nights) she wakes up at 5 am to nurse and goes back to sleep until around 8. I know, I know angel baby...That is my early Christmas present.
I will update this weekend with pictures of Alayna & Aidan with Santa....stay tuned.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Is she sleeping through the night?
But, all I heard were sweet little baby sleep noises from our room (and Jason snoring) then Aidan bellowing from his bedroom, "I had a bad dream". Fortunately, a little twilight prayer for good dreams with Aidan worked and he drifted right back to sleep and a good poke to Jason and he stopped snoring.
We ask for a prayer for Alayna's body to resume its normal functioning (ok really prayers for her mother to stop worrying so much about her). Alayna's plumbing has been a little blocked up this past week, not sure if it is the quick growth, her shots knocking her system out of whack, the 2 month old don't need to poop as much as I did when I was a newborn thing, her low muscle tone, or she is using up most of the breastmilk so there isn't much waste to part with or what.
I tell you she is going to have legs like a rockette (or abs of steel)with us doing the "bicycle" motion to try to get things moving. The nurse assures me that if she has gas moving all is good (well, she does take after her father so that tooting thing is no problem for her).
Aidan was so excited that we had a few inches of snow that even with -10 degree windchills he was out playing in the winter wonderland. Alayna took one look outside and decided a nap would be a much better use of her time.
Try to stay warm (unless you are in Texas then be sure to wear your sunscreen!)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Did Someone say party? I love a party!
This is Alayna after a full night of Christmas partying on Friday night. The party started at 7 and she woke up around 7:30 and finally went to sleep around 11 pm. She was intrigued by all the people, voices, music and entertainment. Of course, she was passed around like a hot potato and loved every minute of it. She wasn't about to close her eyes and miss anything. She had to take it all in.
On Saturday she spent most of her day on daddy's chest fast asleep...(great excuse for Jason to lay around and doze).
Today Alayna decided to model her new outfit, compliments of "Big Sarah" . She is all ready for her next party which will be Saturday for the DSG Christmas party (she even gets to meet the big guy in the red suit - stay tuned for more pics)
Alayna is definitely a mover and a shaker, she is now kicking her legs and moving her arms when she is laying on her back and gets excited about something. Very cute.
Uncle Ed didn't think she could smile yet until she glanced up at him, shot him those big blue eyes and toothless smile. I think his heart melted on the spot.
We pray that you are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday as we are, please know that we are having too much fun playing with Aidan and Alayna to do Christmas cards this year. (OK it is just a great excuse as I am feeling too lazy to write them out). If I took the time to do them you would definitely be on the list...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
People first language
People First Language
At the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center we believe that children are children, and come in all different packages.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Two Months Old Already?
As I look back over the past two months we have experienced so many emotions, concerns, joys, love, and support. I again thank everyone who has visited us, prayed for us, showered us with food, gifts, support and help with Aidan. God blessed us with Alayna and so many other wonderful people in our lives. We are glad you are reading this and keeping up with our beautiful daughter & our family via this blog.
Aidan, Alayna & I were up bright and early this morning to be at the pediatricians office by 8:30. Jason helped get Aidan ready while I tended to Alayna (wow getting 2 kids ready and somewhere on time is hard work, how do you parents of more than 2 do it?)
Alayna's 2 month visit went extremely well...She is now 8 pounds 6 oz. & 19 3/4 inches long. YAHOO! She is up a half pound since last Thursday. Go girlie go. Aidan said "we can't call her peanut anymore, she is too big". She is in the 50% for weight, 10th% for height & 55% for her head circumference.
She had her 3 injections, which she was not at all pleased with Lisa our nurse for administering the shots. She made the cutest pouty lip before Lisa even stuck her. However, she didn't cry too long afterwards. Aidan said that was the most he has ever heard her cry. Which is true, she is normally laid back and doesn't cry except when she is hungry or wants a diaper change. But, after a minute she was back to her normal laid back self and snuggled right into my shoulder and went to sleep so I guess the shots didn't bother her too much.
She has met all her milestones that she is supposed to have met to this point. She continues to do well with tummy time ~ lifting her head and pushing up on her arms now. She is smiling at us, moving around lots and talking to us or toys now which is lots of fun to watch.
She won't go back to the pediatrician until February for her 4 month check up and shots. But, I will continue to blog about all her accomplishments until then.
Aidan remains the ever doting big brother. He is mature and wise before his time. We know God placed these children in our lives strategically at the right time. On Saturday night we met an adorable 4 year old girl who also has down syndrome, Aidan knew immediately and commented on the way home, "Mom I think she also has down syndrome". Then he said, "Mom I don't care if Alayna has down syndrome, I love her so much anyway." This gave us a great opportunity to talk about differences in people and how we can be accepting and help other people to be accepting of all of our differences.
They are both such a huge blessing to us we can't begin to thank God enough. Seeing Aidan unconditionally love his baby sister makes your heart melt & makes you truly thankful for all our treasures.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Children's Mercy Genetics Clinic Visit
Today we visited Children's Mercy Hospital's Genetics Clinic (everyone is first evaluated and talked to by the genetics staff before going on to the down syndrome clinic). We met with a genetic counselor and then a great geneticist who discussed what causes down syndrome and answered all of our questions that we had about the genetics part of down syndrome. (If you are still unsure of the cause read on in red, if you already know skip down to the black text again)
What Causes Down Syndrome
The human body is made of cells. All cells contain a center, called a nucleus, in which genes are stored. Genes, which carry the codes responsible for all our inherited characteristics, are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person's cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The most common form of Down syndrome is known as Trisomy 21. Individuals with Trisomy 21 have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 in each of their cells. The condition results from an error in cell division called nondisjunction. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This error in cell division is responsible for 95 percent of all cases of Down syndrome. For more facts about Down syndrome http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=74
We were thrilled to learn that Alayna has now caught up to Aidan's birth weight and length. As of today she is 8 weeks old and 7 pounds 14 oz. and 19 3/4 inches long. YAHOO!!! (I knew those newborn diapers were getting snug).
We have an appointment on April 1, 2009 at the Down Syndrome Clinic. This will serve as a consultative service and screening for Alayna yearly through adolescence on top of her routine visits with our family pediatrician. A team of professionals will meet and review Alayna's needs then will problem solve to help improve her quality of life. The team consists of: a pediatric geneticist and nurse practitioner, a genetic counselor, a registered dietitian, an occupational therapist, a behavioral psychologist, a clinic coordinator, an audiologist, and a speech pathologist. This clinic is not something we HAVE to do rather something we are going to try out to see if it is helpful to our family in providing more eyes in which to evaluate Alayna and make suggestions on how we can help her meet her goals. Will let you know more after April 1st.
Alayna is all decked out in her ballet outfit!Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving, football, 7 weeks already
We hope that you had your fill of turkey, dressing, cranberries, pie, family & friends.
Our list this year is SO huge we couldn't begin to list it in one blog (well I could but you would get tired of reading it quickly, I'm afraid). SO, here is what we are thankful for the short version...(cliff notes for you teacher types out there!)
Our Amazing God who has blessed us beyond measure. Our two beautiful, healthy, wonderful children, loving families that support us, outstanding friends who comfort and care for us, our awesome church family, and all those awesome prayer warriors who continue to lift our family.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Alayna...
Please keep those prayers coming for Alayna and LC! LC reached 9 pounds 1 oz today. YAHOO! Go girl go...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Smiles continue
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Smiles for Big Brother
Saturday, November 15, 2008
To look alike or not to look alike
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Baby therapy class
Of course, at one month old she slept almost the whole time (she did wake up during music therapy for Twinkle, Twinkle (must be big brother's influence) and for the giant drum in which she laid on while we drummed on it. In physical therapy, she worked on the medicine ball to practice lifting her head and strengthen her shoulder muscles. Then we were on to occupational therapy where she laid on a cool incline mat that had music piped in and she could feel the vibrations of the music. She loved it.
She will also have speech therapies and water therapies every other week. Besides this group therapy class she will have her own physical therapy session for 30 minutes weekly.
It is an awesome program and we are hoping to get on scholarship as insurance only covers part of the cost. (If you are looking for a great place to donate to before the end of the tax year this would be one great place...)
We decided to give Alayna a little more time to be a new baby at home and we will start after the first of the year when she is 3 months old. The physical therapist gave us some things we can be working on at home until that time. But, she was pleased that Alayna already moves her head back and forth, brings her hands up to her chest and up to her mouth, and that she is able to lift her head.
Prayers for her continued success on gross motor skills, for our ability to parent she and Aidan and for Aidan's continued transition into sibling hood.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Super Growth!
After the doctors appointment we took the kids to the pottery place and had Aidan's hand prints and Alayna's footprints done on plates to commemorate their ages and size. It was really fun. (I took the camera but, forgot to take it out and use it while we were there.)
This afternoon Jason, Alayna and I are going to the Leann Britain Infant Development Center for a tour and to see what services they have to offer Alayna.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
HAPPY 1 MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!!
We celebrated the day by going to church and then to small group this afternoon. Our small group friends showered us with a chili luncheon and wonderful welcome to the world cake for Alayna. Of course, I had the biggest piece of cake with the giant flower on top, that will plump Alayna up by morning (should make for some yummy milk eh?)...Thanks small group family, we love you.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
DSG Breakfast ~ Connections to others
We were thrilled to see Courtney, Justin & LC. LC & Alayna had their pictures made together (so sweet)! It is so nice to have this family so close and walking the same path. (Thanks photographer extraordinaire...Courtney for the awesome picture of the girls)
Grandma & Pop Pop got to meet other grandparents and hear their stories of how life with a grandchild with ds has impacted them as well as learning more information about down syndrome.
Alayna slept right through the whole meeting then almost on cue as we dismissed she knew it had been 3 hours since she had eaten and she woke up starving. Grow, grow, grow... she has another weight check at the pediatricians on Monday morning.
Aidan was thrilled to hang out in the play room with all the other kids and siblings.
We will be investigating the infant development center and how soon we can get Alayna in for therapy.
Will add more pictures tomorrow as she will be ONE MONTH OLD!!! AHH Did I just say that? Where does the time go?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hanging out
Monday, November 3, 2008
The weigh in & more tricks
All went well on my first day at home with the kids. Aidan was really good and we even managed to have enough time before school to make spider cookies with grandma (Thanks, Big Sarah) they turned out SO cute. He gave them to the neighbor kids, grandma and pop pop and his teacher. He was truly proud of his creations!
Alayna, of course missed all the action by sleeping most of the time (how can she resist when she had grandma here to hold and spoil her). Alayna is telling BIG stories already she is such a talker (wonder where she gets that?)
Thanks for the continued prayers! We definitely are feeling them.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday - Full of big outings
Friday, October 31, 2008
Trick or Treat
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
First Doctor's visit
Today Alayna got to meet her pediatrician, Dr. Rozina for the first time. She wanted to assess Alayna before she ever gets sick and check her weight. YAHOO! Alayna has plumped up to a nice 5 pounds 6 oz.
All is well she is eating every 3 hours but still not waking up to eat. Although, she is more alert now when we wake her to feed.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Bath time fun
Monday, October 27, 2008
First day home
Home health care came out to weigh Alayna and she is up to a whopping 5 pounds 4 oz. YAHOO! She is nursing well still without any supplements.
Aidan continues to love and want to hold Alayna all the time. His comment today was, "I wish I could be her mom so I could hold her whenever I wanted to."
Our family, neighbors, friends and church family have wrapped us in so much love the past few weeks. We can't thank them enough for all the meals, babysitting, car rides etc. We are blessed.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Coming Home
We finally get to bring our little princess home. Big brother, Aidan can hardly wait to test out his skills at brothering. He packed up all of our stuff from the hospital and even pushed the cart out to the car.
Alayna did very well coming home and immediately snuggled in for a sleep. She continues to nurse well.