Thursday, May 29, 2008
DS in the news, So You Think You Can Dance!
Logan is feeling better today. For the first time, I think his body fought off whatever was giving him the temp.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
We started the day ok...
Early this morning...
Tonight...
He's running a fever. It's been a month since he's been sick, but monthly has been the trend since the beginning of winter. I guess I should have been expecting it. Hopefully we won't have to take him in, but he has never gotten better on his own. The fevers have always stuck around until I am forced to bring him in. Logan never cries unless he is hurt or sick...and he has cried a lot tonight.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
First Hair Cut and a Video
Today, I cut Logan's hair for the first time. It was starting to hang in his eyes.
Later, Devin and Logan had some fun playing together. Logan's favorite person is definitely his big brother! You can see the love. So sweet.
Right after his haircut, Logan had fun with a musical toy. He is taking after his brother with his interest in music. Logan is always going after Devin's drumsticks and isn't bad himself on the drums.
Friday, May 23, 2008
It's been a while...and some news!
This week has gone so fast...
Logan is scheduled for a swallow study on June 6th. We could have gotten in earlier, but I am unable to participate due to being pregnant and it being an x-ray, so we are waiting until school is out for Dale. He has taken too many days off school already this year (for Logan's stuff) and this procedure is not an urgent one. I actually feel we may have missed this one a LONG time ago and he probably has improved over the last couple of months. I just had never heard of swallow issues causing problems for babies. But looking back, it may explain a lot of what Logan has been through. But then on the other hand, his swallowing may be fine and we still may never know what caused his respiratory issues, cough and difficulty with thin liquids. I hope to get some answers, but also hope that nothing is wrong at all.
BIG NEWS
Logan picked up a gerber puff just now AND put it in his mouth!!! He started eating crackers this week, but I had to put it in his hand. I cheered so loud for him that he looked at me like I was crazy!! Oh well. He is starting to show an interest in food, which is something I was worried about.
Logan is scheduled for a swallow study on June 6th. We could have gotten in earlier, but I am unable to participate due to being pregnant and it being an x-ray, so we are waiting until school is out for Dale. He has taken too many days off school already this year (for Logan's stuff) and this procedure is not an urgent one. I actually feel we may have missed this one a LONG time ago and he probably has improved over the last couple of months. I just had never heard of swallow issues causing problems for babies. But looking back, it may explain a lot of what Logan has been through. But then on the other hand, his swallowing may be fine and we still may never know what caused his respiratory issues, cough and difficulty with thin liquids. I hope to get some answers, but also hope that nothing is wrong at all.
BIG NEWS
Logan picked up a gerber puff just now AND put it in his mouth!!! He started eating crackers this week, but I had to put it in his hand. I cheered so loud for him that he looked at me like I was crazy!! Oh well. He is starting to show an interest in food, which is something I was worried about.
Monday, May 19, 2008
12 Month Check-Up
Weight: 23lbs 8.25oz (60%, 90+% DS Chart)
Height: 28 inches (7%, 50% DS Chart)
His appointment went well. Logan had blood drawn to check his blood counts and for a thyroid check. He will also be scheduled for a swallow study in the near future.
Height: 28 inches (7%, 50% DS Chart)
His appointment went well. Logan had blood drawn to check his blood counts and for a thyroid check. He will also be scheduled for a swallow study in the near future.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Party!
First, I want to thank all of our friends and family who were able to make it to Logan's 1st Brithday Party. It is so encouraging to have all of the people who love Logan together to celebrate his big day. I don't know what I would have done without them over the past year. From the very start, our friends and family have treated Logan so well and have welcomed him into our family. I can honestly say that I don't remember anyone saying anything negative when we told them Logan had Down syndrome. We were congratulated as if nothing was different about him. Since then, we still feel like they don't see anything different when they are with him. He is just another wonderful addition to everyone's lives. Thank you SO much for all of your support. Logan is the luckiest little boy ever to have all of you.
Logan's showing off his big tooth!!
Logan with Mom and Dad.
The theme was Duckies because Logan's loves the bath and going to the pool!
Mom with Logan.
Logan's cousins on Logan's birthday present from Mom and Dad. Logan loves to bounce!!
Logan with Aunt Traci.
Logan with a couple of his little friends.
Logan loved the wrapping paper more than his gifts!
Logan and his godmother, Shanna. (thanks Shanna for the cute birthday hat!!)
Logan's showing off his big tooth!!
Logan with Mom and Dad.
The theme was Duckies because Logan's loves the bath and going to the pool!Mom with Logan.
Logan's cousins on Logan's birthday present from Mom and Dad. Logan loves to bounce!!
Logan with Aunt Traci.
Logan with a couple of his little friends.
Logan loved the wrapping paper more than his gifts!
Logan and his godmother, Shanna. (thanks Shanna for the cute birthday hat!!)Thursday, May 15, 2008
Logan's Birth and How Logan Changed My Life
Logan's Birth Story
Logan came quickly into this world one year ago on Mother's Day. When I first looked at him I noticed first his size, he was SO small, then I looked into his eyes. I remember thinking, he doesn't look the way I thought he would. His eyes looked strange and he didn't cry. I held him for what felt like just a few moments, then they took him to clean him up. I remember looking over at him and feeling a little uneasy, I think I knew deep down that something was coming. My doctor walked over to Logan, which I thought was different, he hadn't done that when I had Devin. He then came over to us and simply said, "It looks like your baby may have a chromosomal abnormality and this can mean there could be serious internal issues". I remember freezing in fear. I didn't cry, I didn't say anything. I just felt like time stood still and and couldn't move or breathe. Immediately, Logan was taken away and the doctor left. I don't know how much time past before they came back and told us that they thought Logan had Down syndrome.
All I remember of the next two days was Dale and I alone, crying and trying to support one another. The first day or two were the hardest for Dale, but then after that he was on the phone announcing to friends and family that Logan was here and he calmly told each person that Logan has Down syndrome. I am so thankful that he did this, because at that point and for weeks afterwards, I was not ready to talk to anyone.
Besides the obvious, the hardest thing about the first days in the hospital was that Logan was only in our room for 30 minutes (to try to breastfeed) every 3-4 hours due to jaundice and inability to control his temp. I just wanted to grab him and go home! I couldn't sit and look at the same four sad walls anymore. I wanted to escape and try to get back to what I knew. Thankfully, at the end of day three, when I was supposed to go home, they told us we could take him with us as long as we brought him right back in the morning to check him over. When we were home I was able to start to bond with Logan and sort through my many feelings. It took a couple of weeks before I felt comfortable talking with everyone about Logan and even longer before I wanted to seek out information and support, but it eventually happened.
How Logan Changed Me
Because of Logan, I am more trusting of other people (because I now have to rely on others to survive). I am more relaxed as a Mom (not everything is going to go just the way I want). I became a member of a very special group of amazing people with amazing stories and have made lifetime friends.
Before Logan I had not had any experiences with people with Down syndrome, but now I am proud to cheer them on, but sad to think that such beautiful children have to endure such great challenges.
I have found that life is even more precious and every second should be enjoyed and cherished.
"Blessing in Disguise" was how my doctor put it when he delivered the diagnosis. I completely ignored this comment at first because I was too focused on me and how the diagnosis was going to affect MY life. How selfish that was.
I still need to thank my doctor for how he handled the situation. He said all the right things and turns out, he was right about everything even though I chose not to believe him at first.
I still fear the future, but it is much brighter than I had expected. Logan is our angel sent from God to enhance our lives and bring clarity to see what is most important in life.
My dreams for Logan are that he will feel accepted and an equal part of our family.
Logan came quickly into this world one year ago on Mother's Day. When I first looked at him I noticed first his size, he was SO small, then I looked into his eyes. I remember thinking, he doesn't look the way I thought he would. His eyes looked strange and he didn't cry. I held him for what felt like just a few moments, then they took him to clean him up. I remember looking over at him and feeling a little uneasy, I think I knew deep down that something was coming. My doctor walked over to Logan, which I thought was different, he hadn't done that when I had Devin. He then came over to us and simply said, "It looks like your baby may have a chromosomal abnormality and this can mean there could be serious internal issues". I remember freezing in fear. I didn't cry, I didn't say anything. I just felt like time stood still and and couldn't move or breathe. Immediately, Logan was taken away and the doctor left. I don't know how much time past before they came back and told us that they thought Logan had Down syndrome.
All I remember of the next two days was Dale and I alone, crying and trying to support one another. The first day or two were the hardest for Dale, but then after that he was on the phone announcing to friends and family that Logan was here and he calmly told each person that Logan has Down syndrome. I am so thankful that he did this, because at that point and for weeks afterwards, I was not ready to talk to anyone.
Besides the obvious, the hardest thing about the first days in the hospital was that Logan was only in our room for 30 minutes (to try to breastfeed) every 3-4 hours due to jaundice and inability to control his temp. I just wanted to grab him and go home! I couldn't sit and look at the same four sad walls anymore. I wanted to escape and try to get back to what I knew. Thankfully, at the end of day three, when I was supposed to go home, they told us we could take him with us as long as we brought him right back in the morning to check him over. When we were home I was able to start to bond with Logan and sort through my many feelings. It took a couple of weeks before I felt comfortable talking with everyone about Logan and even longer before I wanted to seek out information and support, but it eventually happened.
How Logan Changed Me
Because of Logan, I am more trusting of other people (because I now have to rely on others to survive). I am more relaxed as a Mom (not everything is going to go just the way I want). I became a member of a very special group of amazing people with amazing stories and have made lifetime friends.
Before Logan I had not had any experiences with people with Down syndrome, but now I am proud to cheer them on, but sad to think that such beautiful children have to endure such great challenges.
I have found that life is even more precious and every second should be enjoyed and cherished.
"Blessing in Disguise" was how my doctor put it when he delivered the diagnosis. I completely ignored this comment at first because I was too focused on me and how the diagnosis was going to affect MY life. How selfish that was.
I still need to thank my doctor for how he handled the situation. He said all the right things and turns out, he was right about everything even though I chose not to believe him at first.
I still fear the future, but it is much brighter than I had expected. Logan is our angel sent from God to enhance our lives and bring clarity to see what is most important in life.
My dreams for Logan are that he will feel accepted and an equal part of our family.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Happy Birthday Logan!!
Today my little sweet heart turned 1!
Heart Update:
We spent this morning at his pediatric cardiologist for another check up. When Logan was born he had pulmonary hypertension which made the right side of his heart enlarged. He also had a narrow aorta, a PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus) and a PFO (patent foramen ovale), both are holes in his heart. We got good news today. All of these abnormalities in heart have healed except for the PFO. It is clearly still there, but he continues to not have symptoms so they typically do not do anything to fix the hole. So, Logan does not have to go back until he is 3 unless he develops any symptoms that would point to a problem with his heart. If at 3 he is still doing well, we won't ever have to go back!
Here is Logan's First Year Montage:
Heart Update:
We spent this morning at his pediatric cardiologist for another check up. When Logan was born he had pulmonary hypertension which made the right side of his heart enlarged. He also had a narrow aorta, a PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus) and a PFO (patent foramen ovale), both are holes in his heart. We got good news today. All of these abnormalities in heart have healed except for the PFO. It is clearly still there, but he continues to not have symptoms so they typically do not do anything to fix the hole. So, Logan does not have to go back until he is 3 unless he develops any symptoms that would point to a problem with his heart. If at 3 he is still doing well, we won't ever have to go back!
Here is Logan's First Year Montage:
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day and another Award
I hope all you Mom's out there had a very special Mother's Day. Logan was born last year on Mother's Day. I can't believe it has been a year. It still seems like just yesterday that our lives took an unexpected turn. One year ago yesterday, I thought that each Mother's Day would be a horrible reminder of that day....but that was definitely not the case at all. Yes, the memories are of a very emotional time for Dale and I, but I think back now about what a miracle Logan's birth was. He was born healthy and was such a sweet baby from the very first moments. Like I have said before, I wish I would have known then, what I know now. He was the best Mother's Day gift I have ever and will ever receive.
Tomorrow Logan has his heart checked again. I will give an update tomorrow.
I received an award from Val! Thanks Val!
Tomorrow Logan has his heart checked again. I will give an update tomorrow.
I received an award from Val! Thanks Val!
Friday, May 9, 2008
I've Won An Award!
Amy from the Fledge Farm thought I was worthy of an award!! The rules for this award are:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her/him the award itself.
4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. To show these rules.
I've been tagged twice...
I've been tagged by RK...
What I was doing 10 yrs ago: May 1998... I was about to graduate from High School! I also just decided to be a teacher and go to school where my boy friend was attending at the time.
Five things on my to do list for today: With a birthday party coming up next week...too many things to list, but mainly clean, clean, clean. But it's late, so for tomorrow I will be taking the family to a DS playdate, shopping for mother's day gifts (I am a procrastinator), cleaning, making many lists of what I need for the party, and cleaning up the landscaping.
Three of my bad habits: DVRing too many shows to watch in my free time (what free time??), going to bed too late (and snacking right before bedtime), getting behind on laundry
What would I do if I was a billionaire: Donate lots of money to promote Down syndrome awareness and start programs to help children and adults with Down syndrome make important transitions in life, pay off my mortgage, take my family on many vacations (maybe a few without the kids!), and just spend as much time as possible with family and friends.
Five places I have lived: Only one...Wisconsin. But I have moved more than five times! Dorm rooms, apartments, duplex, apartment, house.
Five jobs I have had: Fazolies, Fleet Farm, Childcare Centers, University office work, Grocery Store, Teacher (I know that's six)
I've also been tagged by Kacey for this one:
4 places I go over and over
1. Grocery Store
2. Grandmas House
3. Doctors Appointments (me and Logan)
4. Gas Station
4 people that email me
1. Angie
2. Michelle
3. Debbie
4. Tina
4 of my favorite foods
1. Pasta
2. Salad
3. All breakfast food!
4. Ice Cream
4 places I would rather be right now
1. Some place warm and tropical, relaxing
2. Visiting family or friends
3. The spa
4. Home with the family, in a clean house, with a husband off of work for while (no cell phones or computer!)
4 movies I could watch over and over
I don't like to watch movies more than once...I like to keep up with the new ones as they come out on DVD (because I no longer make it to the theater)...but I have seen Backyardiagans, Little Bear, Max and Ruby, Wubbzy and Super Why Over and Over!
I am tagging these five people for both of these tags because I want to know more about them: I tag Pam, Laurie, Val, Shanna, and Sandy.
What I was doing 10 yrs ago: May 1998... I was about to graduate from High School! I also just decided to be a teacher and go to school where my boy friend was attending at the time.
Five things on my to do list for today: With a birthday party coming up next week...too many things to list, but mainly clean, clean, clean. But it's late, so for tomorrow I will be taking the family to a DS playdate, shopping for mother's day gifts (I am a procrastinator), cleaning, making many lists of what I need for the party, and cleaning up the landscaping.
Three of my bad habits: DVRing too many shows to watch in my free time (what free time??), going to bed too late (and snacking right before bedtime), getting behind on laundry
What would I do if I was a billionaire: Donate lots of money to promote Down syndrome awareness and start programs to help children and adults with Down syndrome make important transitions in life, pay off my mortgage, take my family on many vacations (maybe a few without the kids!), and just spend as much time as possible with family and friends.
Five places I have lived: Only one...Wisconsin. But I have moved more than five times! Dorm rooms, apartments, duplex, apartment, house.
Five jobs I have had: Fazolies, Fleet Farm, Childcare Centers, University office work, Grocery Store, Teacher (I know that's six)
I've also been tagged by Kacey for this one:
4 places I go over and over
1. Grocery Store
2. Grandmas House
3. Doctors Appointments (me and Logan)
4. Gas Station
4 people that email me
1. Angie
2. Michelle
3. Debbie
4. Tina
4 of my favorite foods
1. Pasta
2. Salad
3. All breakfast food!
4. Ice Cream
4 places I would rather be right now
1. Some place warm and tropical, relaxing
2. Visiting family or friends
3. The spa
4. Home with the family, in a clean house, with a husband off of work for while (no cell phones or computer!)
4 movies I could watch over and over
I don't like to watch movies more than once...I like to keep up with the new ones as they come out on DVD (because I no longer make it to the theater)...but I have seen Backyardiagans, Little Bear, Max and Ruby, Wubbzy and Super Why Over and Over!
I am tagging these five people for both of these tags because I want to know more about them: I tag Pam, Laurie, Val, Shanna, and Sandy.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Regrets...feeling guilty.
I have had this nagging feeling of guilt and regret lately. I know I should not dwell on the past, but I just keep thinking that I missed something in Logan's first 7 or 8 months of life. I wish I could have counted on Logan's doctors to find it, but I know his ped just doesn't have the experience. I told him at several appointments early on in Logan's life that I thought he was sleeping too much. My concerns were always answered by "babies are supposed to sleep a lot". I feel like maybe, if I would have searched harder for answers, Logan maybe would have been able to start developing sooner. He basically slept his first 8 months of life and just in the last couple of months started changing and learning. Before 8 months he had no motivation in him to do anything, but suck his thumb. For a while I was very worried that he wouldn't snap out of it. He didn't smile or respond to his name. Finally, at 8 months we looked into his hearing, breathing and chronic cough problems, but I feel like I took action on those things too late. But how was I supposed to know that he could have sleep apnea as a baby, and I am just learning now about other problems that babies with DS can have. Why didn't the doctors suggest a sleep study or looking at his airway?? Now, I have been made aware that DS children often need swallow studies to make sure they are not aspirating into their lungs when they drink. Could this have been happening to Logan since he was born without us being aware of it?? Could it have caused his chronic cough and noisy breathing. Was he getting enough oxygen when he was sleeping before we put him in his car seat to sleep??
I have to find a way to put all of this behind me and out of my brain. He is doing so much better now, but I just wonder if I could have found a way to make a difference for him back then.
I have to find a way to put all of this behind me and out of my brain. He is doing so much better now, but I just wonder if I could have found a way to make a difference for him back then.
Some Fun In The Sun!
It was above 70 on Tuesday! I am praying for a warm day without rain for Logan's party next weekend. We have fun outdoor stuff to do!
Logan loved being out in the sun!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Logan Speaks!!
This is a small clip of the video from my last post. I thought I was just hearing things, until my husband watched it. Listen to what Logan has to say....do you think he is excited about his birthday??!!
2 New Tricks!
Logan recently started jumping in his jumperoo! Before this he was playing with the toys and just standing.
Last night, Logan found his toes!!! I took so many pictures! I just love when babies do this. I remember Devin doing this for the first time. (It seems to take my babies a little longer because of their BIG bellies!)
Look Mom! I can even hold both at the same time
Look Mom! I can even hold both at the same time
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