Back from Chicago

We made it back from Chicago last night and now I'm so tired!  BUT, I need to let you all know that I didn't just go with Lillian, but Charlie and Katie went to Chicago with me too.  I have to say, that my kids made me SOOOOOOO proud.  They were so good and well behaved, that when we landed they were complimented on how wonderful they were to travel with!

The funny thing about traveling with three kids and one parent are the looks of worry from other passengers!  I know what they're thinking, "Please, I hope they aren't sitting by me/us".  Luckily, because they are pretty good traveler's, by the end of the flight, they breathe a sigh of relief.

When we left California, the weather was so nice.  It was warm and sunny.  Arriving into Chicago was so dark and terribly cold.  It has been so long since I felt cold like that.  Not even Washington felt that cold!  The kids were so excited though.  I don't think they even felt the cold.  But when the first snow starting falling, Charlie thought it was Christmas!  Oh, before I forget.  When we were waiting in the baggage area, we met the cutest little girl who also had Down syndrome.  I'm starting to hone in on my skills...because I saw her from a distance and knew.  Well, her and her family came my way and waited in the same area I was in and I asked politely if that was their daughter and if she had Ds.  Mom smiled and said yes and I told her my youngest has Ds also.  We chit chatted for a bit and I learned that her daughter is 3 and signs a lot!  She was just too cute.  They were heading back to Wisonsin, I hope they had a good trip.

Being in Chicago was nice though.  I forget how much I miss my family.  I truly enjoy my mother and sister and wish so much that we can be closer.  See, my mom is in Florida, my sister in Chicago and me....everywhere else!..  The saddest part of the trip was seeing  Katie cry.  She loves being with family too.  That's truly the hardest part of being a very active military family.  Being away from family.

I will post pics of the plane ride in a bit.  It's time to clean house.

Quote of the Day

I was reading some post today on babycenter.com and saw a quote that I thought was magnificent!

A Diagnosis is not a Prognosis

I think that is something that we can all benefit from.

So, on that thought.  Katie's x-ray yesterday revealed that she her VUR is not back to a grade II.  So, for some reason, it grew from a grade I to a grade II in the last two years.  We will see the Urologist again on December 5 to look at our options.  As of now, her right kidney is much larger than her left, but the current reflux of her kidneys is on her left.  Who knows, I guess I'll have more answers soon.

Lillian and I will be flying out to Chicago tomorrow to visit my sister.  My mom will be flying out also.  It should be good for all of us!  I'm thinking lot's of good FOOD!

The Bestest Sister Ever!

So, this week, I've been tauting the praises of my dear sister, Sophia!  Again, I'm so proud of her and her legs for running 26.2 miles!  But she does something more than that, something that is so totally unexpected.  My sister bought a ton of clothes of the girls.  But on top of that she sends me a generous gift card to my fav store Old Navy!!!  Now you would think that I should have treated her to something spectacular, but she beats me to it!  And tomorrow, a package for Charlie will be arriving.  Can there be a better sister...auntie than that?

I love love love my baby sister!

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Down syndrome Fact:

Quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome continue to improve.  Infants and young children with Down syndrome are now able to receive Early Intervention to greatly improve their quality of life.  Not so long ago, the majority of people with Down syndrome were institutionalized and kept hidden.  Currently, a diagnosis of Down syndrome does not mean doom and gloom as we now see children with Down syndrome in mainstream classrooms, graduating from high school and college, living on their own, maintaining a job, and some who are happily married.

Chicago Marathon...completed!

My BEAUTIFUL sister

Looking Hot ... like always

Warming up for the NIKE Run

She did it!  My sister finished the Chicago Marathon in 6 hours 34 minutes 47 seconds!!!  I'm so very proud of my baby sister.  She could have easily quit and gave up, but she didn't.  If I ever feel like giving up on anything, I just have to remember that my sister never did.  If she was able to endure a 26 mile run for Down Syndrome Awareness, then I can easily raise a child with Down syndrome.

I love you Sophie!  I hope you know that your are one of my greatest heroes.  And I'm so happy that my girls can look up to you as a strong woman.  Confident and beautiful.  You are truly an amazing person.  I am so proud to call you my sister.

For everyone else...will post pics later!

My Sister and the Chicago Marathon

Right now, at this moment, my dear sister is sleeping and getting lot's of rest.  Why?  Because she will be running in the Chicago Marathon tomorrow!  She has been training for this six months now!  Personally, I think I rather endure another 32 hours of labour with Charlie than run the marathon, but if anyone can do it, I know my sister can!  I will post pics tomorrow.  My dad is there now representing the family...I'm just so proud of her!!!  Go Sophie!!!

Down syndrome Fact:

Actually, this is more of a myth buster.  There are many who believe that people with Down syndrome are always happy and content.  Well, my dear friend's daughter, who just so happens to have Down syndrome and currently a teenager, is not always happy and content.  She can be just as bossy and stubborn like every other big sister in the world.  And Lillian will get very upset when mommy walks by her and not acknowledge her presence.  Every child/teen/adult with Down syndrome will have their own personality like you and I.  And it may or may not be the Happy Content person that has always been stereotyped.

Photo Op....that's all.

This is attempt number 6 as a family picture.

Look how big I'm getting.

Loving sisters.