Dancing in the Rain

October 31, 2011

Awareness

October is spina bifida awareness month.

I'll admit, I've slacked this month (yes, I do realize this is the very last day of October). But I've been at a loss for words about what I want to say about awareness. I know that awareness has saved lives. Literally. I know of several cases where a mother decided not to abort because of a blog, video or group she found. I know awareness helped me to find an incredible group of moms who encourage and support each other and their children every step of the way. One of those moms wrote up a little something that was everything I wanted to say but couldn't think of. Thanks, Joanna.

You should be aware that having a child with SB may cause increased motivation to help others, a new-found perspective in times of trial, a desire to enjoy the little things and commitment to change the way the world defines "disability". Studies show that raising a child with SB will induce strong feelings of gratitude for even the simplest of milestones and produce a willingness to do anything, talk to anyone, try any method necessary to make life better for your child. Side effects include feelings of worry, fear, uncertainty, and anger but are tempered with love, faith, determination and hope. Having a child with SB is not easy...but loving one is.

I think that says it all.

October 26, 2011

6 weeks

and cute as a button.

Cousins

Our family has really been growing. At the beginning of this year, Nathan had 3 cousins. Now he has 6! Had to do a post about all these cuties!

My sister's baby, Zachary, is 7 months already and smiles all the time. He is too adorable and has the chubbiest cheeks! I can't get enough of him! Nathan has been more interested in "playing" with him lately, too, now that Zach is sitting up and starting to play with toys.

Look closely-you can see his first little tooth!

Recently we got together with my cousin Erin and her 2 kids, Fernando Jr. and Millie. Nathan was just used to being the only kid at Gramma's house but that day there were 5! It was the first time we were all together with the addition of Lucas. It was a busy but fun day.

This is the best I could get with 4 kids under 3! (Lucas sat this one out)

Beautiful Millie


Junior (look at those curls!)

And then there is Ryan's sister who was due 4 weeks before me, but had her baby boy, Dylan, 3 weeks after Lucas was born. He was 10 lbs 4 oz!!!! Crazy how things work out sometimes. We were excited to finally meet him last week.