Monday, December 1, 2008

Thanksgiving Detox

The good news is that before Thanksgiving I lost six pounds. The bad news is that I gained three back. Oh, well.

We put up our Christmas tree and outside wreaths the weekend before Thanksgiving, and it all looks so good! I want to take a picture of the outside later. Maybe tomorrow when it's a little warmer than 35 degrees.

I took Benjamin to the doctor today for his flu shot booster, one vaccination, a hearing recheck, and a weight check. And........HE PASSED HIS HEARING TEST IN BOTH EARS!!! I am so relieved. Hearing problems are common with Down syndrome babies. So we are cleared for another few months when he'll get rechecked. His weight was up to 13 lbs, 14 oz! That is up eight ounces in 13 days, which is really good. I never did give him formula; I just nursed him longer and he's now on solids twice a day.

Sorry I haven't been updating my blog. Truth is, I've been busy. And tired. And a little depressed. But just a little. Nothing to stress about. It's just starting to become more and more of a reality that I have a child with Down syndrome. Sometimes I don't think about it for several hours but then I remember. And it's still sad. More on that later. Right now it's naptime. I hope and pray both boys sleep b/c Momma is pooped.

But here are some pictures first:

Nothing says Christmas like a piggyback ride around the tree.


Look, Andrew, here are more things you are not allowed to touch!



Huddle



Where's Waldo?



Benjamin's seventh month picture



And here is Andrew at seven months:



Hope you all are having a good Monday. I went out Christmas shopping yesterday afternoon and found some great deals!! Yay!

9 comments:

lots_of_love_four_kids said...

YAY Benjamin~ so glad to hear about his weight gain- and his hearing results! I love seeing all of your photos and your BEAUTIFUL family. I will be praying for you! Take care, and hope you get a nap! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so sorry you are feeling sad. But, you know what? It is Christmastime!!!! You can't be even slightly depressed when there are Christmas lights on everyone's houses and Jingle Bells is playing on your radio.

I am so glad that Benjamin gained weight without the formula. I am impressed with how hard you tried and how well you succeeded.

Hugs.

Lisa said...

WTG, Benjamin!! Hugs to you. You are totally normal to feel sad every once in a while. Just go watch Andrew gazing at the Christmas tree or Santa. That should help alleviate the blues a bit.

Btw... you've been tagged! Check out my blog for the details (http://lisasepiphany.blogspot.com/2008/11/happy-thanksgiving.html)

Anonymous said...

Hey Angela,
You should come join us at Julie's moms house for "snack" night. I think it is Dec. 16. We would love to see you! Selena

Beth said...

Hi, I just found your blog through...umm...I forget! Your boys are beautiful, though I am partial to little ones with the chromosome enhancement! My daughter with Ds is ten years old. I remember well the roller coaster of the first year. The rough times become fewer and fewer, and those feelings of sadness and insecurity do actually disappear. Don't try to rush through it. We all have to take our time in getting used to new things. Before long you'll be wondering what the big deal is about Down syndrome.

I once read a piece by a Dad who wrote that when his baby was born with Ds, he felt like the baby was 95% diagnosis, and only 5% his son. By the age of two, he felt that the baby was 99% his son and 1% diagnosis. As you grow with Andrew you will move well past the doubts and worries.

It is clear that you are a wonderful mommy! Keep up the breastfeeding as long as possible--it will help Benjamin in so many ways, from health to good oral motor habits, which lead to clear speech.

Wishing you the best.

Unknown said...

I feel a little blue sometimes with two healthy kids. So good to hear about B's weight gain. I can't wait for more pics. We are having serious nap issues at my house with both kids. Emma did not nap at all today and I was reading to her in attempt to spark sleepy time and instead I almost went to sleep. The books worked just on the wrong person. OH and by the way I still have the dent in my rump. It is so weird. It kinda scares me! Hey maybe you guys can come play at our house Wednesday just call me.

Amber said...

Sister-friend...I'm sorry to hear that you're a little depressed. Insert something inspiring here...nothing I can say will make it better - BUT - B is adorable regardless. Speaking of B - look at him sitting up all by himself in his chair! He looks so freakin' proud, too. Thanks for the update :)

Heather said...

That boy is Cute with a capital C. I'm so sorry you're feeling blue. I was beginning to wonder about that because you'd been a little MIA and that's so unlike you. You know I've been through my share of PPD problems so if you ever need to talk, I'm always here. Love you,

H

Stephanie said...

Could either child be any cuter? Love the shots of them in the chair.
I am sorry you get depressed. I have always been amazed at how great you have done with this curve ball in life. You are such a great mom and handle everything with such grace. I guess if you need a momment of sadness, we can allow it. :)
Benjamin really is THE CUTEST baby.
Love,
Steph