Look what Joey started doing this week... I am so proud of him. He also will slap your hand if you put it in front of him and say "give me five." We love this little boy so much... he is just too cute!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wordless Wednesday (Birthday Boy)
These were from his actual Birthday (and one from the day before). His party is Saturday so more great pics to follow I am sure!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Joey's Photo Shoot
Joey had a photo shoot on Tuesday with local photographer Penny Silva for a special project being put together by the Sacramento DSIA. (more about that later) The pictures are gorgeous! Penny is truly amazing and we had so much fun spending time with her. Thank you so much Penny for the beautiful pictures and thank you to the DSIA. We are honored to be a part of this special project and appreciated the opportunity to work with Penny. Check out some of the pictures Penny took here.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Letter To Joey On His First Birthday
Happy 1st Birthday my little Joey!
The morning after you were born your doctor told us that you had Down syndrome. You also had a blocked intestine and you could not keep down any milk. You had surgery when you were four days old. It was a difficult start for us all, but I think that we are all stronger as human beings and as a family because of it. We also had a difficult time when we first found out you had Down syndrome. We are at peace with it now. While you are a baby first, the Ds is part of you and we love you just as you are. I just wish I had known then, everything that I know now. It breaks my heart that there was any sadness in connection with your first few days in the world. I hate that the tears I cried were anything but tears of joy but we were scared and sad that you were so sick. That is in the past now and the joy you have brought us this year is immeasurable. I never knew my life had been missing something until you came along. Nothing brightens my day like the thought of you, the sight of you and your little smile!
When you were two months old you were hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Your daddy and I were very scared. Especially when they put a tube down into your lungs and had a machine breathing for you. Your Grandma came and rocked you all night when you came off the machine and were having withdrawals from the morphine. This is what you looked like in the hospital.
You were in the hospital for just over two weeks. We insisted that they let us take you home for your first Easter, so they gave us an oxygen tank and a machine that kept track of your oxygen. You got through it. You are a strong, strong boy and you fought through this like you will any other challenge in life. I admire your strength. You were such a brave boy though it all. Here you were on Easter weekend with your little oxygen tubes but sooooo happy to be home.
You are a little angel. The best baby a Mom and Dad could have asked for. The first night we brought you home from the hospital (February 25, 2009), instead of crying when you were hungry in the middle of the night, we heard you making little sucking sounds. To this day, when you are hungry, that is what you do. It is the cutest face. I call it your "sucky face." In fact, you rarely cry. You have developed other ways of communicating with us though. One of them is the sucky face. The other is blowing raspberries. You especially do this now when you are frustrated or, in the middle of the night when you need a diaper change. The raspberry is also the first sound you make when you start to wake up in the morning, even before you open your eyes sometimes. You look so precious when you are sleeping. You have always been a good sleeper and began sleeping through the night when you were only four months old. Momma and Daddy appreciated it sooooo much.
You have greatly impressed me when it comes to eating. We were really concerned at first that you were going to have difficulty in this department, especially during the first week after your surgery while you wee still in the NICU. It was a very difficult time. It broke my heart having to go home each night to sleep without you. But I always was back by 7:00 am to feed you breakfast. The nurses wanted to feed you through a tube in your nose but I would not let them. Your Daddy and I made sure we were there for most of your feedings each day so that we could feed you ourselves. I would hold you and feed you while Daddy tickled your feet and wiped your face and hands with a cool washcloth to keep you awake long enough to eat. We knew you could do it and were very proud of you when you would finish those tiny 2 ounce bottles they would give us to feed you my breast milk. Here you are the day we got you home from the hospital showing everyone what a good little eater you had become.
You never took to breastfeeding but that was ok. I pumped milk for you and you were almost exclusively on breastmilk for 6 months. Then you started eating baby oatmeal. I pumped until approximately September 30, 2009 and because there was so much of it, you continued to have breastmilk until November 17, 2009 when all the milk I had frozen for you ran out. Here you are drinking your last bottle of breastmilk. It was a bittersweet moment for Momma.
I knew I would love you but had no idea just how very much. You give me purpose in life and I am a better person (perhaps even way better) because of you. Happy Birthday my little Joey! Your Momma and Daddy love you with all their hearts and we look forward to watching you grow over the years!
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since you came into our lives . I still get choked up when I think about your birth and the first time your little eyes met mine. I was not sure that I had the "maternal instinct" in me but from that moment on I was so in love with you that any doubts I had quickly dissipated.
The morning after you were born your doctor told us that you had Down syndrome. You also had a blocked intestine and you could not keep down any milk. You had surgery when you were four days old. It was a difficult start for us all, but I think that we are all stronger as human beings and as a family because of it. We also had a difficult time when we first found out you had Down syndrome. We are at peace with it now. While you are a baby first, the Ds is part of you and we love you just as you are. I just wish I had known then, everything that I know now. It breaks my heart that there was any sadness in connection with your first few days in the world. I hate that the tears I cried were anything but tears of joy but we were scared and sad that you were so sick. That is in the past now and the joy you have brought us this year is immeasurable. I never knew my life had been missing something until you came along. Nothing brightens my day like the thought of you, the sight of you and your little smile!
When you were two months old you were hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Your daddy and I were very scared. Especially when they put a tube down into your lungs and had a machine breathing for you. Your Grandma came and rocked you all night when you came off the machine and were having withdrawals from the morphine. This is what you looked like in the hospital.
You were in the hospital for just over two weeks. We insisted that they let us take you home for your first Easter, so they gave us an oxygen tank and a machine that kept track of your oxygen. You got through it. You are a strong, strong boy and you fought through this like you will any other challenge in life. I admire your strength. You were such a brave boy though it all. Here you were on Easter weekend with your little oxygen tubes but sooooo happy to be home.
You are a little angel. The best baby a Mom and Dad could have asked for. The first night we brought you home from the hospital (February 25, 2009), instead of crying when you were hungry in the middle of the night, we heard you making little sucking sounds. To this day, when you are hungry, that is what you do. It is the cutest face. I call it your "sucky face." In fact, you rarely cry. You have developed other ways of communicating with us though. One of them is the sucky face. The other is blowing raspberries. You especially do this now when you are frustrated or, in the middle of the night when you need a diaper change. The raspberry is also the first sound you make when you start to wake up in the morning, even before you open your eyes sometimes. You look so precious when you are sleeping. You have always been a good sleeper and began sleeping through the night when you were only four months old. Momma and Daddy appreciated it sooooo much.
You have greatly impressed me when it comes to eating. We were really concerned at first that you were going to have difficulty in this department, especially during the first week after your surgery while you wee still in the NICU. It was a very difficult time. It broke my heart having to go home each night to sleep without you. But I always was back by 7:00 am to feed you breakfast. The nurses wanted to feed you through a tube in your nose but I would not let them. Your Daddy and I made sure we were there for most of your feedings each day so that we could feed you ourselves. I would hold you and feed you while Daddy tickled your feet and wiped your face and hands with a cool washcloth to keep you awake long enough to eat. We knew you could do it and were very proud of you when you would finish those tiny 2 ounce bottles they would give us to feed you my breast milk. Here you are the day we got you home from the hospital showing everyone what a good little eater you had become.
You never took to breastfeeding but that was ok. I pumped milk for you and you were almost exclusively on breastmilk for 6 months. Then you started eating baby oatmeal. I pumped until approximately September 30, 2009 and because there was so much of it, you continued to have breastmilk until November 17, 2009 when all the milk I had frozen for you ran out. Here you are drinking your last bottle of breastmilk. It was a bittersweet moment for Momma.
Then you drank formula like a champ and continued to try new foods. Your favorites have always been sweet potatoes, squash, apples, banana's and yogurt. You love oatmeal in the morning with fresh banana mashed up in it. You also love to tear apart waffles, eat pizza crust and any other thing we put on your tray. We hope you are always so easy to feed.
You love all kinds of music and you love it when we sing to you. Your favorite song was initially "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" but then we came up with our own version of "You are My Sunshine" that goes something like this:
You are my Joey, My little sunshine
You make me happy, when I've had a bad day
I know you know punkin'
How much Momma loves you
Please don't take my Joey away!
You have the greatest group of little friends. It will be so much fun watching you grow up together. Here you guys are at the Ds walk this past October.
We are so proud of how far you have come this year. You are amazing and you are doing amazing things. You have the strongest little arms and legs and although you are not sitting much, you are moving very fast across the floor with mostly your arms. It is so cute how you get up on all fours and rock before you throw yourself forward. We are going to have so much trouble keeping up with you in the months to come.
I knew I would love you but had no idea just how very much. You give me purpose in life and I am a better person (perhaps even way better) because of you. Happy Birthday my little Joey! Your Momma and Daddy love you with all their hearts and we look forward to watching you grow over the years!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Funny Face
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wordless Wednesday (# 2- Joey On The Drum)
I know I already posted one of these today but I saw this picture from Joaquin's birthday party yesterday, on Facebook after I posted the snow pictures. It was posted by Jen (thanks Jen!). In addition to the snow picture below, which was taken by my Mom, it is one of my favorites. It is funny how the best pictures of Joey are the ones taken by other people. Either my camera stinks or I just don't have any photography skills. I really should take a class because I have no idea what most of the buttons or settings on my camera before
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Year Ago This Past Weekend...
It was a year ago this past weekend that we drove down to San Diego for my baby shower. 
At the time we thought there would be another month before baby Joey would make his debut... He had different plans... but anyway that was the last time that we actually made the 9 hour drive to San Diego... that is until this past weekend when we drove down to celebrate Joey's first birthday (a week early) with my family. We have flown down to San Diego several times with Joey but this was his first drive down there. 
And an activity table that he can practice standing to play with.
And the silly town that encourages him to sit and play with (although here he was too tired and opted to play with it on his tummy).
Cannot believe it has almost been one year and that we have survived!
At the time we thought there would be another month before baby Joey would make his debut... He had different plans... but anyway that was the last time that we actually made the 9 hour drive to San Diego... that is until this past weekend when we drove down to celebrate Joey's first birthday (a week early) with my family. We have flown down to San Diego several times with Joey but this was his first drive down there.
Here Joey is all buckled up for the long drive down. We left Sacramento at about 8 pm Thursday night with the hopes that Joey would sleep the whole way down.
Although he perked up when we first put him in the car... he only lasted for about fifteen minutes before he was down for the count.
Like the little angel that he is, he slept the whole way there (which he did not do for the ride home).
While in San Diego Joey had his first taste of McDonald's Chicken nuggets (at Grandma's insistence). And of course he loved them!
Look at him opening up wide and leaning in for them!
And of course there was a birthday cake... the first of what will likely be several first birthday cakes. I was a bit disappointed that he did not dive right in. Oh well, maybe the next one.
Kickin back and having a little fun.
A year ago when we made the drive back up to Sacramento (after the shower) my car was loaded with baby necessities and Joey's bassinette. This trip we brought the bassinette back to my mom (as we will not likely be the ones to need it again next) and when we returned to Sacramento the car was loaded (and I mean loaded) with toys for Joey. My living room now looks like Toysrus exploded in there!
Here he is with some of the cool new toys he got for his birthday from my family. He got a cool ride on and push toy.
And an activity table that he can practice standing to play with.
And the silly town that encourages him to sit and play with (although here he was too tired and opted to play with it on his tummy).
Cannot believe it has almost been one year and that we have survived!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
On The Move...
So he's not quite crawling...but look at him go!
He is half dressed because he had rolled away from me when I was trying to get him undressed for his bath...little turkey!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
If I could go back in time to when I received Joey's Diagnosis
The question was recently posed to me...If I could go back in time to when I received Joey's diagnosis what would I tell myself? I had never really thought about that before. Anyway, I thought I would share my answer...maybe someone who is about to have a baby with Ds will see it and will be encouraged by it.
Me then (three weeks before I went into labor)...
If I could go back in time to when I received Joey's diagnosis I would tell myself first and foremost that everything is going to be ok. Do not to try and worry about his future, developmental milestones or anything other than getting to know and love this baby. I just remember my mind racing and jumping to various things and trying to worry about everything at once. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stop, and just take him in. Look at his little fingers, his little toes, those eyes looking into my eyes and searching my soul and stop trying to worry about next week, next month, next year—you would not do that with any other baby. I would tell myself just focus on the fact that he is a baby first, your baby, and although he may have some health issues, he is just like other babies in every other way. He eats, sleeps, cries (ok, not Joey), poops and needs your love.
I would also tell myself not to worry about other what friends and family might think about him and not to worry that they will not love him as much because of the Down syndrome. Such concerns are so unfounded. Your family and friends will love him just the same as they would have if he had not had Down syndrome. In fact the family, friends and acquaintances that matter will rise to the occasion. They will want to learn about Down syndrome and may even take even more interest in him than they would have otherwise. We will make new friends, friends we know that will be with us for life, who share the common bond of having a baby with Ds. These friends understand our fears and concerns and they will be there for us to give us the emotional support and wisdom we need to raise this baby. Lastly I would assure myself that God would not have given us Joey if we could not handle it. We were chosen for this baby because we can and will be good parents to him. I would remind myself that as with any other challenge in life, you will find the strength you need to deal with anything that comes your way. And again everything IS going to be ok.
I would also tell myself not to worry about other what friends and family might think about him and not to worry that they will not love him as much because of the Down syndrome. Such concerns are so unfounded. Your family and friends will love him just the same as they would have if he had not had Down syndrome. In fact the family, friends and acquaintances that matter will rise to the occasion. They will want to learn about Down syndrome and may even take even more interest in him than they would have otherwise. We will make new friends, friends we know that will be with us for life, who share the common bond of having a baby with Ds. These friends understand our fears and concerns and they will be there for us to give us the emotional support and wisdom we need to raise this baby. Lastly I would assure myself that God would not have given us Joey if we could not handle it. We were chosen for this baby because we can and will be good parents to him. I would remind myself that as with any other challenge in life, you will find the strength you need to deal with anything that comes your way. And again everything IS going to be ok.
The night Joey was born...
A week later...
Still cannot believe it has almost been a year! I feel like we have learned so much this year.
Still cannot believe it has almost been a year! I feel like we have learned so much this year.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Almost Wordless Wednesday (Joey's favorite time of day)
Yep... it is bathtime. And thanks to grandma showing Joey at Christmas that he can roll over onto his belly in the tub, we cannot keep him on his back for even a second. Check this silly boy out!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Eleven Months Ago Today...
our baby Joey made his enterance into the world. I am in shock over the fact that we are one month shy of his first birthday. I am slowly forgetting what life was like without Joey and I cannot imagine it. Eleven months ago life certainly did not have as much meaning or purpose.
At eleven months age Joey is still working hard at trying to crawl. He gets up on all fours and rocks and throws himself forward or he inches forward like a little worm. He also likes to do push ups and the downward dog yoga pose. In fact he almost goes into a side sitting position from the downward dog position. He is also gaining better trunk control and I am hopeful that he will be able to sit better independently by his first birthday.
Joey's greatest accomplishments are in the are of eating. Like his mommy and daddy he has a real passion for eating. He loves trying new foods of all consistencies and textures. We recently tried a jar of turkey, rice and vegetable stage 3 baby foods and he did wonderfully. He also tries very hard to self feed. I just love watching him tear apart frozen waffles and frozen mini pancakes, breadsticks and pizza crust. He can sometimes pick up small pieces of cereal and he almost gets it into his mouth. He is certainly motivated to be feeding himself.
Here he is trying a french fry. (I know bad mommy)
The area of development which I believe is going to be most difficult for Joey is speech. He babbles more and more all the time but is still not that "talkative." He is presently going to oral motor therapy once a month. While I am not sure it does anything for him at this point in time, we will stick with it because we want to make sure we are doing everything possible for Joey to assist him in this area of development.
It seems like Joey is constantly being evaluated. It is difficult to see evaluations of Joey placing him at developmental ages lower than he is. I know that it "is what it is." We are doing everything we can for him, and he will do everything he needs to be doing eventually. Although I know this... it does not make it any easier.
I think the hardest of these "evaluations" was the report I recently received from Joey's MRI that was done at the end of October to rule out a tumor as the cause for his nystagmus. The opthamologist handed it to me in an envelope at the end of our appointment last week so I did not get to review it until we got home and I did not get to ask her any questions. The report indicates that "demylelination pattern may be slightly less than expected for a chronologic age of eight months, more similar to a six month chronologic age, based on the appearance fo the anterior limbs of the internal capsules." What the heck does that mean? I googled some of the phrases but was unable to find any helpful information. What I am guessing, and I could be wrong, is that this is why he has developmental delay. Is this issue with chronological age of the brain something that is typical with Down syndrome? The report also states "Of note, the maxillary sinuses appear opacified." Again, what the heck does that mean? Once again a google search was of no assistance. I have so many questions I am, for once, anxious for the visit to the doctor so I can get some more information on this. If anyone knows anything about this I would appreciate the information.
At eleven months age Joey is still working hard at trying to crawl. He gets up on all fours and rocks and throws himself forward or he inches forward like a little worm. He also likes to do push ups and the downward dog yoga pose. In fact he almost goes into a side sitting position from the downward dog position. He is also gaining better trunk control and I am hopeful that he will be able to sit better independently by his first birthday.
Joey's greatest accomplishments are in the are of eating. Like his mommy and daddy he has a real passion for eating. He loves trying new foods of all consistencies and textures. We recently tried a jar of turkey, rice and vegetable stage 3 baby foods and he did wonderfully. He also tries very hard to self feed. I just love watching him tear apart frozen waffles and frozen mini pancakes, breadsticks and pizza crust. He can sometimes pick up small pieces of cereal and he almost gets it into his mouth. He is certainly motivated to be feeding himself.
Here he is trying a french fry. (I know bad mommy)
The area of development which I believe is going to be most difficult for Joey is speech. He babbles more and more all the time but is still not that "talkative." He is presently going to oral motor therapy once a month. While I am not sure it does anything for him at this point in time, we will stick with it because we want to make sure we are doing everything possible for Joey to assist him in this area of development.
It seems like Joey is constantly being evaluated. It is difficult to see evaluations of Joey placing him at developmental ages lower than he is. I know that it "is what it is." We are doing everything we can for him, and he will do everything he needs to be doing eventually. Although I know this... it does not make it any easier.
I think the hardest of these "evaluations" was the report I recently received from Joey's MRI that was done at the end of October to rule out a tumor as the cause for his nystagmus. The opthamologist handed it to me in an envelope at the end of our appointment last week so I did not get to review it until we got home and I did not get to ask her any questions. The report indicates that "demylelination pattern may be slightly less than expected for a chronologic age of eight months, more similar to a six month chronologic age, based on the appearance fo the anterior limbs of the internal capsules." What the heck does that mean? I googled some of the phrases but was unable to find any helpful information. What I am guessing, and I could be wrong, is that this is why he has developmental delay. Is this issue with chronological age of the brain something that is typical with Down syndrome? The report also states "Of note, the maxillary sinuses appear opacified." Again, what the heck does that mean? Once again a google search was of no assistance. I have so many questions I am, for once, anxious for the visit to the doctor so I can get some more information on this. If anyone knows anything about this I would appreciate the information.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Christmas Cookie Party With The SacTown Babies
A few weeks ago Jen had a Christmas Cookie and Coffee party at her house with the SacTown Babies and Mommas with whom we have become good friends over the past year. Here are some of the photo highlights from the party. It was an absolute blast and I hope there are many more get togethers like this in the new year.
Joaquin greeted Joey with a big smooch.
Joaquin checking out Maddi who joined us all the way from Washington.
Joey went to Santa no problem. I wonder if he recognized Darin who we hang out with all the time and who Joey loves.
Maddi with Santa Clause.
Joey loved Santa!
Joey and John Michael hanging out under the tree.
The whole group gathered around the tree for a photo op. From left to right we have Joaquin, Maddi, Sheridan, Cody, Gracie, Gabby, Eva, John Michael and Joey.
Joaquin greeted Joey with a big smooch.
Joaquin checking out Maddi who joined us all the way from Washington.
It was nice getting to meet Maddi and her mom. Joey likes the ladies!
Joey, Joaquin and Maddi getting aquainted.
Our really good friend and neighbor Darin came along to play Santa for the kiddos. Thanks so much Darin! The kids really liked getting to meet Santa (some of them for the first time). I don't think they were old enough to be scared of him! Next year I expect there will be a little more "stranger danger" at being handed over to Santa. Looking good Santa!
Joey went to Santa no problem. I wonder if he recognized Darin who we hang out with all the time and who Joey loves.
Joey is thinking just let me get my hands on that beard!
Santa with then 5 day old Delilah and new mommy Amy.
Maddi with Santa Clause.
Joey loved Santa!
Joey and John Michael hanging out under the tree.
The whole group gathered around the tree for a photo op. From left to right we have Joaquin, Maddi, Sheridan, Cody, Gracie, Gabby, Eva, John Michael and Joey.
Joey playing with the ladies Gabby and Gracie.
Miss Gabby looking oh so pretty in her Christmas dress.
Gracie and Maddi with Joaquin who was looking very handsome.
Cody showing everyone his dance moves.
Beautiful Gracie
Miss Gabby looking oh so pretty in her Christmas dress.
Gracie and Maddi with Joaquin who was looking very handsome.
Cody showing everyone his dance moves.
Beautiful Gracie
A beautiful picture of Joey that I got from Facebook... not sure who took it but I love his eyes in this picture.
Unfortunately the batteries in my camera died so this is all I got. We did a gift exchange and Joey got a set of Goosie flash cards (from Lisa and Sheridan) with pictures of all his friends on them. It was such a cute gift and we love them! Thanks so much Lisa!
It is always so much fun getting together with this awesome group of Mommas and Babies. This group has provided Joey and I with so much support this past year and we do not know what we would do without you. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Joey and I cannot wait to see everyone again in the new year!
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