Remember Maria?

Last year, there was a little girl name Maria, that I fell in love with through Reeces Rainbow!  She has found her forever family and I am over the  moon!  Please follow Kelly and Kyle as they are working so hard to bring their little girl home.  

Grab This!

World Down Syndrome Day

Hey, so I know I’ve kinda been absent from blogging, but I have good reasons!  I moved from CA to FL, lived with our friends for a few weeks, and finally bought a house!  So, for all you people who can move and travel and keep up with their blogs, kudos to you!  But, did I say we bought a house?

Yep, we are officially home owners and I’m loving it!  Our house is perfect for us and has a lot of room.  I’m down to the last few boxes to unpack and then I can decorate!  But hey, it’s so hard to do those things when the beach is calling!

SO, today, I wanted to share something else.  March 21, just happens to be World Down Syndrome Day!  Now, for the ones who share the designer gene, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you why this day is important.  However, I wonder how many of my other friends know why this day is important…OK, I should say, why March 21 was chosen to be World Down Syndrome Day?

AND in celebrating this day, I want to send you to another blog.  This person has been a constant since Lillian was born.  She’s given me great advise and a ton of support!  Now, in return, I want to do the same for her.  She and her family are adopting!  A little boy who needs a home immediately!  As, people are coming together to show her support, I’m here to help her by running a fundraiser in Alex’s name. 

Yeah, I know, you didn’t come here asking to give your money away.  But I’m asking you.  In our small community, there are many many families who are in the process of adopting or has already done so…like my friend Jennifer who adopted Sofia (isn’t she beautiful!)  We all know the cost involved in adopting are astronomical, but all we can do is ask for support.  You wouldn’t believe how many forever families have been brought together by simple donations from online fundraisers and from blogging.  It’s amazing, and all of their stories are amazing!

So, if you are willing please go to Christie’s Blog and participate in one of her giveaways.  OR, you can check out my AVON fundraiser for them and help.  AND, if you do, please remember to use the promotional code “4ALEX” at check out. 

Blessed

" It seemed that everyone really wanted to know about the therapies available, the medical benefits and what type of future we can expect for Sofia. Everyone just seemed eager to know that there really is a place for a person with DS in society. We told them that people with DS can go to college, drive a car, get married, hold a job and that there is huge potential in each individual. We also stressed that Sofia would be raised knowing where she came from and that we would teach her about her culture and give her the opportunity to visit if she ever wanted to."

The above comes from Hector and Jennifer's blog, Saving Sofia.  I've written about them a few times, and I'm going to write about them again.  As a recap, they are a beautiful family, that I have personally met, who are in the process of adopting and bringing home their beautiful daughter Sofia from the Ukraine.

Their words are touching and heartfelt as they share their journey in bringing Sofia home.  However, those few sentences shed a lot of light for me.  As much as I want to gripe and complain about the lack of whatever Lillian is not getting, I have to remember that there are children like Sofia who are getting absolutely nothing!  And that if I really wanted to, I can call around and pay for those services myself to satisfy my needs.

Thank you Hector and Jennifer...I have been put in my place and grateful that Lillian is getting more than any child could ever receive, like the children in the Ukraine.  I am so pleased that we have insurance to pay for those minor surgeries, like the one earlier today.  I am so blessed that Lillian was able to have those Suresteps to help her become a better walker.  I am so grateful that I didn't have to give her away and that I have the resources to raise her as a happy and healthy child so she may grow up to be a prosperous member of our society.  

I am blessed.

In the midst of celebrating Sofia's adoption, there has also been some sadness in our Down syndrome Community.  I ask that you may take a minute and visit the George Family Blog as they write about their daughter Carly who decided to be with the angels.  And also, another family whose daughter was just recently diagnosed with leukemia.  Ms. Sweet Ella Grace can use all of us to rally and support her as she pushes forward to win her battle against leukemia.

Just remember to kiss your babies and tell them how much you love them everyday.

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The Children

I have a need to share this story with everyone.  I hope you will please read this story.  I think it is very touching.  This story just shows how lucky we are to be in a country where our children will be provided for and cared for.  I hope that one day I will be able to follow in this family's footsteps.

Who knows, maybe after reading this story, you will too.

Reece's Rainbow Warrior Campaign and Maria

See this cute little girl?  Her name is Maria and she is living in an Orphanage in Eastern Europe.  I found Maria through Reece's Rainbow when I decided to become a Warrior for the 21.03.10 Warrior Campaign.  I am trying to raise money for her adoption fund, but ultimately would love for her to find her forever family.

Maria was born January 2008.  She is only one month older than my Lillian!

So, if you're stopping by, please take a good look at her.  Make a contribution to her fund.  Post it on your facebook or even help by blogging about her.  I'm sure her family is somewhere waiting!  

Thank you! 

Saving Sofia

There is a beautiful little girl who found her forever family and they are working really really hard to bring her home!  Her name is Sofia and her forever family is the Sanchez Family.  The Sanchez Family are truly awesome people...I know because I've met them!  But, they are doing something that I can only dream of right now!

Please take your time to go over and show some support.  Words of encouragement are always appreciated!






AND since we're on the subject of adoption, you may also want to take a minute to check out Reece's Rainbow.  This is a special kind of adoption agency.  The founder, Andrea Roberts, will be featured in People Magazine this Friday, February 19, 2010.  Her work is truly amazing!