Rules.....

In our house, we only have a couple rules. Well, we, meaning I, probably have more but I will talk about the two most important ones, I may actually touch on more. We'll see.

1) For everyone under the age of 2, there is no pooping in the bath tub. I'm hoping that everyone over the age of 2, just knows better. Maybe I will make sure that James is fully aware of this rule. :)
I should have known when Brinley's eyes went red, her nose went red and her cheeks went red and there was a little grunt and then a sigh of relief. Brinley needs to know that her momma has slight OCD and all the toys that came in contact with that water don't get cleaned, they get tossed. No more pooping in the tub!!

2) I am a heater and so is James, but I am by far worse off. James and I have a fan that we leave on 24 hours a day just to keep the room a little cooler. MY rule, since the fan is on James' side of the bed, is no farting toward the fan and if you must, on accident, you cover quickly and then don't move. James seems to 'forget' that this is a rule and a very important one. I am back on diclectin as the nausea has come back and when this rule is broken, I gag
and gag and then get mad. I try not to laugh because it it funny, yet, it makes me feel ill. 'WE' will continue to work on this rule and I know that you would like to stay updated.

I think I will only touch on these 2 today as I don't want the people who don't know me well to think that I am bossy or overbearing. I know that my close friends are laughing right now. I'm a teacher and a Rowland....we are assertive. ;)

Next, Brinley has decided that she doesn't want to eat meat right now but has a very strong love for grapes and cheese. We try to trick her, nope, it doesn't work. She will also only remain in her high-chair for so long before she needs to come out, meanwhile her meal is waiting for her on the tray. Do we let her graze and just leave the food on her tray for a while?? I can't wait until I can start bribing.
Some of you may say, she will let you know when she's hungry, but how she lets us know is through anger and tears. I am not wanting to get to that point. I just want her to eat! :)
Advice?

Brinley grazing and yes, that is crazy hair!! :)

Her Auntie did come over today and managed to get Brinley to eat her whole lunch. Do I hire Auntie Ange to come over daily and feed her niece? This is an option, it's not like she has anything better to do.

Lastly, I was recently told that if you are carrying a baby with Down Syndrome, the mother should be eating foods that contain certain vitamins? Is this a fact? Is there a special diet?

Still thinking about Boston today and sending love, prayers and hope your way. <3

Brinley's 13 month picture. Not so easy when they are mobile. :)

 

 

This and That....

I have a few things that I want to talk about today. I am going to start with a small one. I would really appreciate it if you would follow my blog, which means to become a Follower. The problem is, it very rarely shows up on my page, just the word Followers but the list of friends and their pictures do not appear.  I'm not too sure if it works for others. Let me know. :)

Next, my 7 year old niece wrote a very special letter to her cousin. It is written from the heart. <3 

 

Dear new cousin,

I don't care what you look like. Your my cousin and I love you. And a big cousin would always protect you and make sure you are safe. I would take you places like the mall or the circus. I love you.

Danika.

 

Honestly, do you not get a little teary and possibly let out a little giggle?? I like the part about taking her to the circus!!

 

 

Next, I know that everybody has been consumed by the horrible incident that happened at the Boston Marathon. My initial thoughts were that I was so upset and felt that I had lost all faith in the human race. How could people do this to others? To families? To children? What would possess you to take another life? To injure so many? To affect so many all across the world? It makes you think about just how horrible our world is today with all these wars and mass killings. I am so sorry for the family of the 8 year old boy who was waiting for his dad at the finish line. My hearts breaks for you.

After watching way too much footage, I realized that we have a world filled with amazing, caring and brave human beings. Volunteers, spectators, EMS, Firefighters and Police all risked their safety to help save the lives of others. I saw so many video clips of civilians running toward the injured and not in the other direction. This is what restored my faith in man kind. This is what makes me believe that my children will be ok. You raise your kids the best you can, teach them to be good people and to respect themselves and others. Dangers are everywhere and have been since the beginning of time....give them all the necessary tools and pray, lots.

 

Taken yesterday after rolling around in the blanket. Such awesome hair!

Your smile for the day. :)

 

 

My Crazy Sister....

I asked my sister this morning what I should write about today....she usually says to say something about her, like how she just got her hair done and how pretty it looks or just write about how great she is and how much I love her.....poor girl needs to work on her self esteem. :))

My blog today is a letter that I wrote to the local TV station about someone who inspires me. (Guess who??)  

I am inspired by my sister every day.

In March of 2010, my brother in law was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The whole family was in shock. How could somebody in their mid 30's be diagnosed with cancer?? My sister, Angela, had to think about their two young children, Ryder was a year old and Danika was 3 at the time. We all live out in High River and Bob was admitted to the PLC, which is quite the drive from our home. My husband and I took 2 weeks off of work and took care of the children while Angela drove every day up to the PLC to spend the day with Bob. He went through many rounds of chemo and radiation with his wife always at his side. Angela made sure to keep the family's routines and life as normal as she could for the kids all while worrying about her husband and his health.

The months quickly went by and the family encountered more trauma. My husband and I got married three weeks after Bob was diagnosed with cancer.....ok, so that wasn't so traumatic.  :) Bob got a day pass from the hospital and stood beside us while we exchanged our vows. My sister was smiling and helpful and never complaining about what she was feeling at that time, but instead made the day extra special for myself and James. Three weeks after the wedding, our grandmother passed away. My sister's daughter Danika was very close to her Nanny and was very upset that she had gone to heaven. Angela now had to take care of a grieving and very upset daughter while still taking care of her husband. Always strong for everybody else. Well if that wasn't enough, our dear mother had a heart attack that August. She is healthy and well today, but of course this just added more stress and upset to the family. Angela was a rock for everybody and always supporting and putting everybody else first, while taking care of her needs last.

Since 2010, life has been pretty good and very busy. Angela has made a commitment to the LLS, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that she will help find a cure. Angela has raised thousands and thousands of dollars through fundraisers, online auctions and through the annual LLS walk. Angela has been so dedicated and passionate about raising awareness and educating others on blood cancers and other types of cancer. She has spent an endless amount of time raising the funds that are needed to find a cure for this horrible disease.
Angela has been featured in the High River Times several times as well as been on the news in Calgary because of her dedication to this very worthy cause.
I want everybody to know how wonderful and inspirational my sister is to myself and others in the family and in the community. She has become a local hero, but deserves to be viewed as a hero to all of Calgary and Alberta.

There is so much more that I could share about my sister, but this is a Coles Notes version of just how wonderful and lovely and amazing Angela Koenig is to all of us!!

Thanks so much!!

Sisters :)

 

 

I have to be honest, when I look back at this journey that our family was on together, it just reassures me that this new journey is something to look forward to. We have all been on journeys, whether you had lots or little support, you made it!! This is just a new journey that will be filled with some ups, some downs but my guess is, it will be filled with a whole lot of love. <3

 

 



 



 

Little Gifts.....

A couple of days ago, I received two beautiful gifts, one in the mail and one was left at the front door. My dear friend Angela, who I call Poo, I don't even know how I came up with that name, she doesn't just randomly poop, we don't sit around and talk about poop....I think maybe if she reads this post, she can be of some help. Angela is a kind, caring and beautiful friend who has a lot of experience with special needs. She sent me a book called, Expecting Adam. I haven't started reading it yet as I have been just exhausted at night and crashing when I get into bed, well after I think about all that needs to get done...things that I don't need to stress about but that I do. I am so lame sometimes.

Today's List: If I write this down, I will get it done!!

1) Take Brinley's 13 month picture with her giant bear. We are a week late.
2) Clear out clothes that don't fit her anymore. Princess Brinley now wears size 2. :)
3) Scrapbook her first birthday.
4) Dust
5) Nap

Back to the gifts......

The next gift was a beautiful leather bracelet from a super cool store out here in High River called Pixie Hollow. It is filled with beautiful and well made...well, everything. My friend Sundi, who has hooked Brinley up with pretty much her whole entire wardrobe, left this very thoughtful gift at the front door. The bracelet reads:

The greatest thing she learned is that there is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.

 

So beautiful!!

 

 

I wonder if I keep writing this blog, I will be sent gifts from Tiffany or maybe Porshe. I also wonder if I will stop drinking Tim Horton's and move onto Starbucks. I think this blog has endless possibilities for me...I am getting so excited!! It seems as though the 60 dollars I have spent on lottery tickets in the past 3 weeks is a waste of my time and money as I have won a total of 4 dollars. If you are any good at math, I have lost 56 dollars. Is it really worth it? People in really, super small towns don't win money.  :) I think I just went from optimistic to feeling sorry for myself. I'm going to think positive and rely on others to provide me with gifts and maybe even money. :)

 

 

Onto Baby Bean. She has been moving quite a bit lately which sometimes gives me the heebie jeebies. I know that some women love to feel the baby kick and swim, I like to know that she is doing well, but sometimes the thought of a living being inside of me, I find a little bizarre. I asked my OB one day if I was the only weird one out there who felt this way. She laughed and reassured me that it was normal. I have to be honest, I think she just said that to make me feel better or she just wanted to wrap up the appointment with the crazy pregnant lady and move on. :) 

 

 

I continue to connect with moms and was recently invited to attend a workshop/luncheon for parents who have a child with Down Syndrome. I was pretty pumped at the start, then I thought about it and realized that I am not quite ready for that yet. I think I need to wait until Baby Bean is in my arms. I will have what I need to have ready, but the group gatherings will have to wait for a little while.

 

Have a wonderful and beautiful day. <3

 

 



Brinley's insanely long eyelashes!





 

A Little Random.....

Brinley wants some bikini weather!!

So today is cloudy and glum and I heard another snowstorm is on its way. Boo hoo! It's a great day to write a blog about some of my favourite things/people.

I am going to list some of my faves and they are in no particular order. I am also going to number them because I am a teacher. :)

1) Friends who have re-posted my link and who are fully supporting our journey.
2) My family - James, Brinley, Angela, Bob (brother-in-law), Danika, Ryder, mom and dad.
3) I am thankful for extended family.
4) Paperlili - http://www.paperlili.com/
5) I just re-read my post and I started to get bored, so I will move on. Four things to be grateful for today is enough for now. :)

Bob, Ryder, Ange and Danika! <3

 

My dream - I had a dream last night that I was going in for surgery, another laparoscopy for my endometriosis. I was pregnant with this little bean but still going for surgery. My blood work came back with high levels but they couldn't explain to me what was wrong. My surgery kept getting put off. Another hour. Another hour. All of a sudden, my Nan, who passed away 3 years ago showed up at the hospital, just to sit and comfort me. I thought I was imagining things because I knew that my Nan was no longer with us. Then Tim Allen from Home Improvement showed up and I told him that my Nan had passed a few years before so she wasn't really there...he looked at me and told me that I needed to believe and that I should value this visit with her and enjoy these 'dream' moments together. I love it when my Nan shows up in my dreams. I feel peace. Anybody analyze dreams??

 

 

Last comment for the day. I was advised that the book that James purchased is not the best for reassuring couples that everything will work out just fine. I guess there are a lot of stats and it talks about all the horrible things that can go wrong with a baby with Down Syndrome. I don't want James to get all freaked out. I want him to feel comfort. Any suggestions on books or articles that he should read? Thanks. :)

 

 

I feel like this blog needs a little bit of humour....think Krista, think.

Only watch if you have a sense of humour!! :)))

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03UmJbK0lA

A New Book.....

Last night, I walked upstairs to find this......

Yup, that is what I found. James ordered himself 2 books on snipers and one on Down Syndrome. I giggled. I for sure thought that his nightly read in the tub (don't tell him I told you that he takes a bath in our little, wee tub at night and he's 6'4") would be one of the sniper books....nope, he cracked open the Babies with Down Syndrome. I'm proud of James. He pretty much did this with no coaxing....except for when I told him that I couldn't do all of the research on my own and that he needs to step up just a little. Otherwise, no coaxing. :)

I don't think I want to read the book. I'm still scared. I still worry about our future and for me, it is sometimes better knowing less information. Whenever I have had to go in for surgery, I tell the doctors, don't tell me anything. Knock me out and do the job. I will deal with the pain and suffering when I wake up, but please remember to put something in my IV so that when I do wake up, I am happy!!

I don't want to become overwhelmed, again. Instead, I will go out for lunch with friends and we can casually discuss what is going on in all of our lives. This way, I am eating, visiting and enjoying the day.

Jumping to my next topic....I have only encountered positive and non-judgemental people along this journey thus far but I am worried that somebody is going to say the wrong thing to me and I lose it. I mentioned this in my first post, but I do worry. I am VERY outspoken, usually a lack of filter but I am incredibly sensitive, especially when it comes to family and close friends, oh, and my weight and my boobs that James said are drooping a bit and the stretchmarks that never went away after Brinley and I noticed in a picture that my nose isn't as symmetrical as I would like...I think you get the picture. I need advice.

Lastly, a new friend, sent me a link yesterday called E60 Perfect. Good lord, I cried like a baby! It was real and genuine and honest. If you have 13 minutes, please watch this one and have a whole box of kleenex nearby. My sister had my niece Danika, who is 7, watch the video just to get a little idea of what is going on. Danika got very emotional, shed some tears and is concerned that her new cousin will get bullied or picked on. She called me and we had a little chat and I reassured her that we will all do our best to support this new little bean. Danika ended the conversation with "Auntie, it's not like my new cousin will be a dinosaur, she IS a human being, just like the rest of us." Well said!!!

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8450488

 

Have a wonderful day! :)

 

 

Angela's Love.....

My sister Angela and her boyfriend ;)

This journey that we are on, not only involves James, Brinley and myself, but it also involves our families. My sister wrote the blog for today. It's beautiful! <3

 

Hi, I'm Auntie Angela! I wanted to share with you some thoughts and wishes and dreams that I have for the new little darling on her way to this crazy family.

The day Krista said "I do" to the love of her life James, this is what I wrote for her....

I smile because you are my sister, I laugh because there is NOTHING you can do about it!"

Cancun. San Diego, Disneyland, New York, Rodeo Drive Baby, Phoenix, Madonna, Mariah, PCD, NKOTB, BE, Gwen, Douglas Glen, New Brighton, McKenzie Towne, yellow bear, brown bear, love lost, love found, Coconut Joe's, The Alley, Yuckatan's, Rattlesnake, ice tea, Crystal Lite, dark rum and coke, chicken fingers and fries, spaghetti and meatballs, The Zoo, Calaway Park, Heritage Park, the beach, The Big Comfy Couch, the list could on for hours and hours but I just want to let you know how truly grateful I am for each and every memory I have with you.

There is no better friend then a sister and there is no better sister then you.

The reason I wanted to share this is the simple fact that I can't wait for Brinley and her sister to have all their own wonderful memories and adventures too. With parents like my sister and James, these two little girls are going to have plenty of laughter, love and support. Their extended family and friends are blessed to catch a glimpse of what is going on in their lives and the chance to experience them growing, is a blessing.

Early one morning, Krista sends me a text saying I sent you an email, which is very common. She will always email a photo of Brinley....a little something to make me laugh or brighten my day. I head to my computer, open the email only to find attached a photo of a positive pregnancy test! My jaw dropped, my hands were shaking and I screamed! The day I found out that Krista was expecting again blew my mind, it was so soon and the babies would not be too far apart. Regardless of that, I was thrilled to be an auntie again. Brinley is one of my most favourite people in the whole wide world, and I can't wait to experience all the wonders of this world with her. I convinced Krista to wait a few days to tell our mom and dad. I had a t-shirt that we let our daughter wear to share the news of our second pregnancy and I thought it would be so fun to let Brinley wear the same shirt to tell the grandparents!

That day that Krista received the call about her ultrasound, my heart broke for her and James. Not because I was upset that the baby would have special needs but for the fact that I knew they had some tough decisions to make. After a trip up to the hospital that afternoon, my head was spinning so I could only imagine how they were feeling. Whatever decision Krista and James made was fully supported by my husband and I. The fact that they have decided to continue on with this little miracle of life, I couldn't be happier for them and all of us. Krista has always said you are given only what you can handle and I believe that this little bean (I call her baby Annie!) is going to be a special gift not only to us but to all of you. She has chosen the 2 most amazing people to be her parents, and with their support, guidance and unconditional love this girl is going to move mountains.

I am the aunt, one crazy, proud aunt and I can't wait to hold her and hug her and take both girls for their first tattoos and nose piercings!

Krista, thanks for putting your words down for others to read and share in this experience. I believe in you and know that you are going to reach for the stars and because of that your world is going to be a brighter place.

Love your sister.

xo