I have so many things I want to blog about from our summer. But sadly, our iMac crashed last week, taking our hard drive and our pictures with it. We believe we will be able to restore the lost data (please, Lord) for about the price of a small car. I would sell an organ, though, to get the last 18-months of pictures back.
Side note: don't procrastinate on backing up your data...even if you believe you have an unbreakable Mac.
Here are some bullet points that I want to touch on from the past few months.
- Our summer started off slow, as we were done with school around May 23rd and the weather had not yet consistently warmed up.
- I started a job at the end of June. I work for my dad's magazine publishing company, from home, as much or little as I want. It's a pretty great arrangement.
- I started training for a half-marathon, that I will be running in October. Brian is doing it too - yay!
- We had three amazing camping trips with friends.
- Emma, Isaiah and Noah took swimming lessons and did so great. I was completely amazed at their progress over four weeks.
- Braxton started wearing Thera Togs. It's therapy grade compression clothing that helps stimulate his muscles and helps him work on controlling his movements.
- Braxton finally cut his first tooth at the end of August - a top molar! He has since cut another molar, and just this morning, his lower front tooth.
We finally started the new school year late last week, and are still getting used to our new schedule. We have some new activities I am super excited about, like horseback riding and violin lessons.
I can't wait to get my computer and all my pictures back so I can get back to some regular blogging.
Happy Fall!
Showing posts with label Braxton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Braxton. Show all posts
Monday, September 17, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
One!
Braxton turned one yesterday, and we had a nice, quiet day at home. For a while I contemplated having a huge birthday bash for Braxton. But the more I thought about it, it just didn't feel right. While I wanted to be able to celebrate the first year of our precious Braxton with all our family and friends, it felt like it would be more about us, and not him. He wouldn't be engaged in gifts or balloons. A ton of people and noise might overwhelm him. And he is not yet eating solids, so there would be no traditional cake smashing.
So instead, we made things all about Braxton.
He had a nice therapy session at home with his developmental therapist.
He loves listening to singing, so he thoroughly enjoyed us singing "happy birthday" to him throughout the day.
He snuggled with me in the sling while I made dinner.
He sat in our laps as we ate dinner as a family.
And we painted his feet to make footprints to hang on his bedroom wall.
It was simple. Special. Perfect.
Braxton, we love you SO much. We have more joy, more laughter, and more love, because of you. We love you! Happy birthday!
So instead, we made things all about Braxton.
He had a nice therapy session at home with his developmental therapist.
He loves listening to singing, so he thoroughly enjoyed us singing "happy birthday" to him throughout the day.
 |
| Okay, so he wasn't particularly happy at this moment. |
He snuggled with me in the sling while I made dinner.
He sat in our laps as we ate dinner as a family.
And we painted his feet to make footprints to hang on his bedroom wall.
It was simple. Special. Perfect.
Braxton, we love you SO much. We have more joy, more laughter, and more love, because of you. We love you! Happy birthday!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
3-21
3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Today is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
What a great opportunity to take a few minutes and learn something new about Down syndrome, or hang out with someone you know who has Down syndrome, or even donate some of your time or money to an organization that supports Down syndrome.
Tonight we are excited to go to an event that is being hosted by our local Down syndrome association. As we have slowly started integrating ourselves into the Down syndrome community, we have been so blessed by the wonderful connections and relationships that have been forming. I can truly say that I am looking forward to this event, and that I look forward to the friendships we will continue to make. I have come a long way from where I was last summer.
I leave you today with an essay that Emma wrote yesterday, in honor of this day. And also a little sneak peek from the photo shoot Braxton was a part of for a calendar that will be sold for next year.
What a great opportunity to take a few minutes and learn something new about Down syndrome, or hang out with someone you know who has Down syndrome, or even donate some of your time or money to an organization that supports Down syndrome.
Tonight we are excited to go to an event that is being hosted by our local Down syndrome association. As we have slowly started integrating ourselves into the Down syndrome community, we have been so blessed by the wonderful connections and relationships that have been forming. I can truly say that I am looking forward to this event, and that I look forward to the friendships we will continue to make. I have come a long way from where I was last summer.
I leave you today with an essay that Emma wrote yesterday, in honor of this day. And also a little sneak peek from the photo shoot Braxton was a part of for a calendar that will be sold for next year.
Braxton is different than other babies, because he has Down syndrome. He doesn't grow very fast. It is kind of neat that he has Down syndrome, because I like that he doesn't grow very fast. Sometimes I wish that he could learn new things, but then I remember that he has learned a lot of things. I want to help him learn things.
You can't tell that someone has Down syndrome by looking at them, because all people look different.
I want people to be nice to Braxton and not be mean to him. I wish that I can always be around to help him.
Some people have 46 chromosomes, and some have 47. I don't think it's good or bad, because all people are different.
Emma, age 8
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| photo credit |
Monday, March 19, 2012
Reflection
This little Lambie-Lump-of-Love is turning One in a week. Can you believe that? ONE! I've been catching myself having feelings of nostalgia lately, as I get little memories and feelings that I had this time last year. I was very pregnant. Although technically not due for another four weeks. I was busy thinking about labor plans and childcare and cleaning the house and trying to come up with baby names.
On March 21st, I stumbled upon this blog post. I had only been to that blog one other time, months before. Yet somehow I ended up there on World Down Syndrome day....five days before I gave birth to my own precious child with Down syndrome. It was one of the many little ways God had been preparing my heart all along.
And now, almost a year later, it is amazing how much things have changed. Things I never, ever, would have imagined. I am an expert at rattling off a list of diagnosis to various health providers. I am on first-name basis with many therapists in the valley. And I now have a degree in medical billing. But most importantly, I have been opened up to a world of acceptance. Of love without limits. And of huge, huge blessing.
Yet at the same time, things are exactly the same. I am a Mama, and have five wonderful children. I have a sweet, sweet baby, who nurses and coos and laughs, just as he should. I see my children for who they are, and not where they were born, what color skin they have, or how many chromosomes they have. They are all equal, and special, in their own way.
I have learned so much about life through my children this past year. Like how when I tried to explain to Emma that Braxton will look different as he grows up, and her response was, "Mama, all people look different". And how, to this day, she still wouldn't be able to single out a person with Down syndrome from a group of people.
Total, blind, acceptance.
I have a lot to learn. And I am so, so thankful that I am finally learning even just a tiny bit. My life is so much fuller. So much richer. And I can't wait to see where it leads!
This was Braxton at 11 months.
He loves his Daddy. Forget trying to nurse him when Daddy's in the room - he will crane his head any direction to see what Daddy is doing or has to say.
Braxton has made noticeable strides lately in his development. He is playing with his mouth more, reaching for things more, and twisting around all over the place. He had a bit of a rough start, but since his surgery he is making up for it.
Now, excuse me, as I go get my Love Muffin up from his nap.
On March 21st, I stumbled upon this blog post. I had only been to that blog one other time, months before. Yet somehow I ended up there on World Down Syndrome day....five days before I gave birth to my own precious child with Down syndrome. It was one of the many little ways God had been preparing my heart all along.
And now, almost a year later, it is amazing how much things have changed. Things I never, ever, would have imagined. I am an expert at rattling off a list of diagnosis to various health providers. I am on first-name basis with many therapists in the valley. And I now have a degree in medical billing. But most importantly, I have been opened up to a world of acceptance. Of love without limits. And of huge, huge blessing.
Yet at the same time, things are exactly the same. I am a Mama, and have five wonderful children. I have a sweet, sweet baby, who nurses and coos and laughs, just as he should. I see my children for who they are, and not where they were born, what color skin they have, or how many chromosomes they have. They are all equal, and special, in their own way.
I have learned so much about life through my children this past year. Like how when I tried to explain to Emma that Braxton will look different as he grows up, and her response was, "Mama, all people look different". And how, to this day, she still wouldn't be able to single out a person with Down syndrome from a group of people.
Total, blind, acceptance.
I have a lot to learn. And I am so, so thankful that I am finally learning even just a tiny bit. My life is so much fuller. So much richer. And I can't wait to see where it leads!
This was Braxton at 11 months.
He loves his Daddy. Forget trying to nurse him when Daddy's in the room - he will crane his head any direction to see what Daddy is doing or has to say.
Now, excuse me, as I go get my Love Muffin up from his nap.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Balance
I had a post mostly drafted the other day that went into having balance in life, and goal-setting, and keeping priorities in line. The post started feeling wordy and was going down too many rabbit trails, so I abandoned it.
Let's just say I am focusing on having balance in my life, while keeping my priorities in line, and also allowing for special interests, hobbies, projects, etc. Things were a little crazy and off-balance for a while, but they've begun to settle down nicely.
Things are getting done. Kids are being nurtured. Food is getting cooked. Balance.
*********
We sat down as a family at the beginning of the year and set goals. Individual goals, family goals, fitness goals, financial goals, etc. I am excited to do this a few times this year and see what everyone has accomplished.
I love the Harvard study about goal-setting, where it finds that the 3% of students who set goals (in writing) were making 10x the salary of the other 97% of students, ten years later.
I shared that story with the kids during our meeting. I also pulled out the oldie-but-goodie, "If you don't aim for anything, you are guaranteed to always miss".
I believe my preschoolers took these words deeply to heart.
Goal setting isn't just about financial success - it applies to all areas in life. I want to be successful in the areas of life that are important to me, keeping priorities in mind (God, then family...etc.)
This blog is one of those areas that I wrote goals for. Actually, I am still writing them and figuring out exactly where I want to take this blog this year. I do know that I want to continue to share pieces of my family, hopefully in a way that is encouraging to others. I want to share glimpses of real life (at least what real-life is for us). And I want to share some of our creative stuff, like room decorating, DIY projects around the house, and on. And I do want to share bits about Down syndrome, and adoption - while they are not the main focus of our lives, the reality is that they do exist, so I will talk about them on occasion.
So for now, I leave you with some pictures of adorable Braxton, who will be ten(!) months old on Friday, and who is learning new tricks, like lifting up his legs and bringing his fist to his mouth.
I am so in love with this boy.
Let's just say I am focusing on having balance in my life, while keeping my priorities in line, and also allowing for special interests, hobbies, projects, etc. Things were a little crazy and off-balance for a while, but they've begun to settle down nicely.
Things are getting done. Kids are being nurtured. Food is getting cooked. Balance.
*********
We sat down as a family at the beginning of the year and set goals. Individual goals, family goals, fitness goals, financial goals, etc. I am excited to do this a few times this year and see what everyone has accomplished.
I love the Harvard study about goal-setting, where it finds that the 3% of students who set goals (in writing) were making 10x the salary of the other 97% of students, ten years later.
I shared that story with the kids during our meeting. I also pulled out the oldie-but-goodie, "If you don't aim for anything, you are guaranteed to always miss".
I believe my preschoolers took these words deeply to heart.
Goal setting isn't just about financial success - it applies to all areas in life. I want to be successful in the areas of life that are important to me, keeping priorities in mind (God, then family...etc.)
This blog is one of those areas that I wrote goals for. Actually, I am still writing them and figuring out exactly where I want to take this blog this year. I do know that I want to continue to share pieces of my family, hopefully in a way that is encouraging to others. I want to share glimpses of real life (at least what real-life is for us). And I want to share some of our creative stuff, like room decorating, DIY projects around the house, and on. And I do want to share bits about Down syndrome, and adoption - while they are not the main focus of our lives, the reality is that they do exist, so I will talk about them on occasion.
So for now, I leave you with some pictures of adorable Braxton, who will be ten(!) months old on Friday, and who is learning new tricks, like lifting up his legs and bringing his fist to his mouth.
I am so in love with this boy.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday
We got home from the hospital late Monday night. Braxton had his catheter pulled out Monday morning, and we WAITED. ALL. DAY. to see the doctor and get discharged. Since coming home, Braxton has been doing great, and even his pain while stooling seems to be getting better. Yay!
Things are crazy around the house. I feel like I still need to get the house caught up from me being gone for a week. But I haven't been home for more than an hour, it seems, without having to go run some errand. On top of that, I need to be getting our house ready to rent. That means clearing out clutter, painting baseboards, spackling walls, etc. Oh yeah, and I need to pack up the house.
Things are moving really fast on the house purchase. We had the inspection this week, and we close in three weeks.
Here is a picture I snapped really fast the other day during inspection.
As you can see...no landscaping. It sits on an acre that is completely un-finished. We have our work cut out for us! But the inside is really nice. The house is about 3700 square feet, 6 bedrooms, a finished basement that includes a big play room and a media room. There is a large office right off the kitchen that is perfect for a school room. It is going to be a great family home - and most important; it is on a cul-de-sac, so the kids can play out front without me worrying about traffic.
Today I got a few boxes packed, and Brian moved them to the garage along with two book shelves. I also took kid's clothes to the consignment store and made a few bucks, then quickly spent a few more.
Tomorrow is field trip day, along with as many other odd jobs as I can fit in.
Things are crazy around the house. I feel like I still need to get the house caught up from me being gone for a week. But I haven't been home for more than an hour, it seems, without having to go run some errand. On top of that, I need to be getting our house ready to rent. That means clearing out clutter, painting baseboards, spackling walls, etc. Oh yeah, and I need to pack up the house.
Things are moving really fast on the house purchase. We had the inspection this week, and we close in three weeks.
Here is a picture I snapped really fast the other day during inspection.
As you can see...no landscaping. It sits on an acre that is completely un-finished. We have our work cut out for us! But the inside is really nice. The house is about 3700 square feet, 6 bedrooms, a finished basement that includes a big play room and a media room. There is a large office right off the kitchen that is perfect for a school room. It is going to be a great family home - and most important; it is on a cul-de-sac, so the kids can play out front without me worrying about traffic.
Today I got a few boxes packed, and Brian moved them to the garage along with two book shelves. I also took kid's clothes to the consignment store and made a few bucks, then quickly spent a few more.
Tomorrow is field trip day, along with as many other odd jobs as I can fit in.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Yeah, Baby!
Yesterday was a big day for Braxton!
But let me back up a little, first. Saturday night my awesome husband stayed at the hospital so I could go home and get some sleep. Braxton was still not allowed to eat, until probably Sunday morning at the earliest, so it was a great chance for me to get some rest. Our friends also offered to have Emma, Isaiah and Noah spend the night at their house. Perfect.
I got home around 10:00, pumped, took Tylenol PM, and hit the pillow. I don't think I moved until Brian called the house at 9:30 and woke me up. I thought about going back to sleep, but realized I wanted to get some chores done at the house and that I better get moving. I got up, started pumping, and noticed that my cell phone, which I had placed on my nightstand before bed, was on the floor. I grabbed it.....and saw a missed call at 1:00 AM from the neighbor who had our kids.
"CRAP" was the first thing that came to mind as I waited for the voice mail to play. Yep, Emma had started puking and wanted to come home. And I never heard the phone.
Parenting FAIL.
By the time I got there, Emma was showered and feeling better. The living room carpet was cleaned up. And the over-spray had been wiped off her friend's face who was sleeping nearby. They are now friends for life. You just can't go through an experience like that and not be bonded forever. And I owe them new carpet.
Meanwhile at the hospital, Braxton's tummy went all the way down to 40cm, and Brian was giving him Pedialyte bottles. We started nursing around noon, and feedings have all gone great. His tummy is handling it just fine! The catheter was pulled out this morning and he's already peed a couple of times. We will probably do a bladder scan later to make sure he is completely voiding. The main concern right now is a nasty diaper rash, which is to be expected since his little buns aren't used to having poop touch them. He also still has pain when he goes poop.
Overall Braxton has made huge progress, and we are expecting to go home today. Thank you for continued prayers!
****************
In house news, our inspection is tomorrow. If everything goes well with that, I think this will all start to feel real for me. It's crazy that we might be moving in a few weeks! There is SO much to do to get our house ready to rent. Plus I have to throw Emma a Rainbow Birthday party before we move. Busy times!
But let me back up a little, first. Saturday night my awesome husband stayed at the hospital so I could go home and get some sleep. Braxton was still not allowed to eat, until probably Sunday morning at the earliest, so it was a great chance for me to get some rest. Our friends also offered to have Emma, Isaiah and Noah spend the night at their house. Perfect.
I got home around 10:00, pumped, took Tylenol PM, and hit the pillow. I don't think I moved until Brian called the house at 9:30 and woke me up. I thought about going back to sleep, but realized I wanted to get some chores done at the house and that I better get moving. I got up, started pumping, and noticed that my cell phone, which I had placed on my nightstand before bed, was on the floor. I grabbed it.....and saw a missed call at 1:00 AM from the neighbor who had our kids.
"CRAP" was the first thing that came to mind as I waited for the voice mail to play. Yep, Emma had started puking and wanted to come home. And I never heard the phone.
Parenting FAIL.
By the time I got there, Emma was showered and feeling better. The living room carpet was cleaned up. And the over-spray had been wiped off her friend's face who was sleeping nearby. They are now friends for life. You just can't go through an experience like that and not be bonded forever. And I owe them new carpet.
Meanwhile at the hospital, Braxton's tummy went all the way down to 40cm, and Brian was giving him Pedialyte bottles. We started nursing around noon, and feedings have all gone great. His tummy is handling it just fine! The catheter was pulled out this morning and he's already peed a couple of times. We will probably do a bladder scan later to make sure he is completely voiding. The main concern right now is a nasty diaper rash, which is to be expected since his little buns aren't used to having poop touch them. He also still has pain when he goes poop.
Overall Braxton has made huge progress, and we are expecting to go home today. Thank you for continued prayers!
****************
In house news, our inspection is tomorrow. If everything goes well with that, I think this will all start to feel real for me. It's crazy that we might be moving in a few weeks! There is SO much to do to get our house ready to rent. Plus I have to throw Emma a Rainbow Birthday party before we move. Busy times!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Weekend Recap
I realize a lot of my posts have focused around Braxton lately. Well, the little sweetheart just happens to have a lot going on. :)
Saturday was the Buddy Walk in Boise. This was our first time ever participating, and of course our first time ever having a team.
I want to give a HUGE shout out to all our friends and family who supported us either by walking with us, or donating to our team, or both! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
Talk about an awesome back-drop for the event! It was a beautiful (but cold) day!
Sunday was Braxton's dedication at church. Our Pastor also spent time praying for tomorrow's surgery and healing for Braxton's body. It was a special time for us, and we were again blessed to have friends and family there to support us.
Tomorrow is surgery day. I will be posting updates from the hospital over the next few days. Please keep Braxton in your prayers.
Saturday was the Buddy Walk in Boise. This was our first time ever participating, and of course our first time ever having a team.
I want to give a HUGE shout out to all our friends and family who supported us either by walking with us, or donating to our team, or both! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
Sunday was Braxton's dedication at church. Our Pastor also spent time praying for tomorrow's surgery and healing for Braxton's body. It was a special time for us, and we were again blessed to have friends and family there to support us.
Tomorrow is surgery day. I will be posting updates from the hospital over the next few days. Please keep Braxton in your prayers.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Love Like Never Before
Braxton is on my mind a lot lately. I know, it's not unusual for someone to have their baby on their mind often. But I've been finding myself lingering on thoughts about Braxton. I've slowed down lately, if you will, and just stared at him while he sleeps. Pressed my cheek against his a little longer. Sat on the floor with him a little more often.
A week from today is Braxton's colon surgery. It's a pretty big deal. The diseased part of his colon is going to be removed, and the good parts will be sewn together. His colostomy will be reversed. The actual surgery is expected to take about five hours. Then, as Braxton begins to heal, his colon will begin working, and we will eventually end up with poopy diapers. I will never be so happy to see a poopy diaper.
But oh, how I am dreading next Tuesday. I have had the experience of having children in surgery before, and I don't think it gets any easier the more you do it. Honestly I think this time might be the worst as I have had the longest time to think about it. It's also the most major surgery any of my kids have ever had.
On Sunday we will have the privilege of dedicating Braxton at church. We will go up on stage and our pastor will pray a blessing over Braxton and we will publicly declare our commitment to raise Braxton up for the Lord.
When I pause and spend a moment thinking about Braxton I immediately become overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I didn't ask for another baby. I wasn't trying to get pregnant. Yet here I have this precious, precious baby who is nothing less than a blessing from God. Oh how much my God loves me to give me this gift. I am so undeserving. And so grateful.
I am a Mom, so I know what it means to have your heart live outside your chest. Yet there is something even more profound, more indescribable, about the love in my heart I have for Braxton. At the same time, that love overflows to my other children as well. And I think that my love for my other children trickles down and puddles up around Braxton. Honestly the more children I have, the more love I have for my children. I've heard people who worry that they won't have enough love for a second baby, because they've already given the love they have to their first child. I say that being a Mom equips you to have that extra love for another child. The more experience you've had loving a child gives you that much more love for the next one. It kind of makes me want to have a few more children just to see.
As I struggle to find the words to explain my love, my mind is also thinking about Down syndrome and trying to make sense of how I feel about that.
This might surprise some of you. But I have actually fallen in love with Down syndrome. How could I not? It is a part of Braxton, and part of what makes him who he is. I couldn't love Braxton without also loving his extra 21st chromosome, just like I love his hazel eyes and his ball chin. I am not a fan of some of the negative things that sometimes come along with Down syndrome...but all of my kids have things about them that I'm not a fan of.
This month is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. On Saturday we are participating in our local Buddy Walk. I am new to all of this. And to be honest, a little intimidated. But we will walk with pride for Braxton on Saturday. And we will do our part to change the way the world views people who have Down syndrome.
**********************
Did you know that around 90% of babies who have Down syndrome are aborted and never given the chance to fill their home with the same kind of love Braxton has filled our home with? I'm not talking about a love that feels sorry for a person, or a love of sympathy or lack. I'm talking about a love so deep you never knew you could love like that.
Ninety percent.
A week from today is Braxton's colon surgery. It's a pretty big deal. The diseased part of his colon is going to be removed, and the good parts will be sewn together. His colostomy will be reversed. The actual surgery is expected to take about five hours. Then, as Braxton begins to heal, his colon will begin working, and we will eventually end up with poopy diapers. I will never be so happy to see a poopy diaper.
But oh, how I am dreading next Tuesday. I have had the experience of having children in surgery before, and I don't think it gets any easier the more you do it. Honestly I think this time might be the worst as I have had the longest time to think about it. It's also the most major surgery any of my kids have ever had.
On Sunday we will have the privilege of dedicating Braxton at church. We will go up on stage and our pastor will pray a blessing over Braxton and we will publicly declare our commitment to raise Braxton up for the Lord.
I am a Mom, so I know what it means to have your heart live outside your chest. Yet there is something even more profound, more indescribable, about the love in my heart I have for Braxton. At the same time, that love overflows to my other children as well. And I think that my love for my other children trickles down and puddles up around Braxton. Honestly the more children I have, the more love I have for my children. I've heard people who worry that they won't have enough love for a second baby, because they've already given the love they have to their first child. I say that being a Mom equips you to have that extra love for another child. The more experience you've had loving a child gives you that much more love for the next one. It kind of makes me want to have a few more children just to see.
As I struggle to find the words to explain my love, my mind is also thinking about Down syndrome and trying to make sense of how I feel about that.
This might surprise some of you. But I have actually fallen in love with Down syndrome. How could I not? It is a part of Braxton, and part of what makes him who he is. I couldn't love Braxton without also loving his extra 21st chromosome, just like I love his hazel eyes and his ball chin. I am not a fan of some of the negative things that sometimes come along with Down syndrome...but all of my kids have things about them that I'm not a fan of.
**********************
Did you know that around 90% of babies who have Down syndrome are aborted and never given the chance to fill their home with the same kind of love Braxton has filled our home with? I'm not talking about a love that feels sorry for a person, or a love of sympathy or lack. I'm talking about a love so deep you never knew you could love like that.
Ninety percent.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Weight Update
11 pounds, 6 ounces!!!
We are on the right track! Surgery is still scheduled for October 11.
We are on the right track! Surgery is still scheduled for October 11.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Past Few Days
I'm sitting in the waiting room at Braxton's surgeon's office. We're here for our weekly monitoring, as we are nearing surgery date. Did I mention that surgery was once again pushed out due to Braxton's low weight? He's been hovering around ten and a half pounds the last couple of weeks. Hoping for some significant gain today.
So the past few days have been busy with house hunting. We haven't officially been "looking", but I am always keeping my eye on the market. We don't have to move by any means, but it would be nice to have more space, and perhaps a bedroom for Braxton. :)
So we made a list of our must-haves. Again, since we don't have to move, we feel like we can be picky and wait for the right house. Here is our list:
Dead-end cul-de-sac
Large yard
5 bedrooms
Rural-ish setting (not a subdivision feeling)
Bonus room
Same or better commute for Brian
Mature trees
Of course it has to be the right price, too.
So long story short, we found a house with everything...except the mature trees. In fact, there is no landscaping yet...just an acre of dirt. But of all the things on our list, that is one we could actually change.
So last night we visited the house for the third time, and walked around praying, talking, dreaming.
I think we might make an offer today. We would love your prayers for wisdom, favor, guidance.
By the way, this is a hard decision as we love our current neighbors, and there are a lot of things we like about where we live. But I also feel like God has given us a new dream for our family.
So the past few days have been busy with house hunting. We haven't officially been "looking", but I am always keeping my eye on the market. We don't have to move by any means, but it would be nice to have more space, and perhaps a bedroom for Braxton. :)
So we made a list of our must-haves. Again, since we don't have to move, we feel like we can be picky and wait for the right house. Here is our list:
Dead-end cul-de-sac
Large yard
5 bedrooms
Rural-ish setting (not a subdivision feeling)
Bonus room
Same or better commute for Brian
Mature trees
Of course it has to be the right price, too.
So long story short, we found a house with everything...except the mature trees. In fact, there is no landscaping yet...just an acre of dirt. But of all the things on our list, that is one we could actually change.
So last night we visited the house for the third time, and walked around praying, talking, dreaming.
I think we might make an offer today. We would love your prayers for wisdom, favor, guidance.
By the way, this is a hard decision as we love our current neighbors, and there are a lot of things we like about where we live. But I also feel like God has given us a new dream for our family.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Go Team Braxton!
We are excited to be participating in our local Buddy Walk this year. The Buddy Walks are held all across the nation, and are held to help raise awareness and funds for Down syndrome. Plus they are a lot of fun for families.
We have created a team in honor of Braxton, Team Braxton. (Creative name, huh?)
If you are local and would like to join our team, click on the link below. We would love to have you!
Register for Team Braxton
Walk is October 8, 11:00 AM. Last day to register online is Wednesday, September 7th. Hurry up!
We have created a team in honor of Braxton, Team Braxton. (Creative name, huh?)
If you are local and would like to join our team, click on the link below. We would love to have you!
Register for Team Braxton
Walk is October 8, 11:00 AM. Last day to register online is Wednesday, September 7th. Hurry up!
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Smile, Baby!
I have this spot on the couch where I sit and nurse Braxton downstairs. Every time I am done nursing, I hold him on my lap and play / do therapy. Without fail, every time, Braxton's eyes wander to the side and he fixes his sight on something in our stairwell. I think it's the shapes and contrast of things like the spindles and the angled stairway that he likes. He likes it so much, in fact, that he will randomly start smiling at it.
See, Braxton doesn't quite yet lock eyes with us and smile in reaction to us. It takes a lot of muscle control to both lock eyes and smile, and so far we usually get one or the other. But that's okay, because he will get there soon enough, and in the mean time I laugh at the imaginary friend he has in our stairs.
Today I captured the best smiles I've seen yet.
I have been waiting for months to see the "squinty smile". Well worth the wait...
Then, a little while later, I went to pick up Braxton off the changing table...and he laughed! So I had Emma grab the video camera and we played on the floor. And I got him to laugh. On purpose! Oh, my heart is so happy. This boy just blesses me!
We'll be with some extended family at a reunion of sorts this weekend, so I'm off to finish getting all the food ready. Have a great week!
See, Braxton doesn't quite yet lock eyes with us and smile in reaction to us. It takes a lot of muscle control to both lock eyes and smile, and so far we usually get one or the other. But that's okay, because he will get there soon enough, and in the mean time I laugh at the imaginary friend he has in our stairs.
Today I captured the best smiles I've seen yet.
I have been waiting for months to see the "squinty smile". Well worth the wait...
Then, a little while later, I went to pick up Braxton off the changing table...and he laughed! So I had Emma grab the video camera and we played on the floor. And I got him to laugh. On purpose! Oh, my heart is so happy. This boy just blesses me!
We'll be with some extended family at a reunion of sorts this weekend, so I'm off to finish getting all the food ready. Have a great week!
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