tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680755856994599712024-03-14T04:06:24.670-04:00Life As We Know It - stories from the Farhat familyOn February 19th, 2008 Isa and I grew from a couple into a family. I decided to start this blog in order to share all of the wonderful things going on in our lives and document the journey as our family grows!Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-32225804949785460612011-08-15T08:36:00.002-04:002011-08-15T08:42:40.281-04:00Almost a year.Yes, I hate to say that I tried this Blogging thing and I just couldn't get the hang of it. Every day I would say "today I will post about the funny things Sarah says" or "today I need to write about that huge milestone Evie has reached," it just never happened!! Life just always got in the way. Too tired, too busy, blah blah blah.
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<br />Well, I'm turning over a new leaf. I am going to REALLY start documenting this crazy life of my family and I'm starting TODAY! Stay tuned for preschool transitions, Down Syndrome woes and wins, managing kids and a marriage, having a hubby that works ALL THE TIME, potty training, summer vacation, weight loss trials and tribulations, training to run my first 15K.... etc, etc, etc.
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<br />Bet you cant wait :) Lol.Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-32040754653835245772010-09-07T20:43:00.005-04:002010-09-07T20:50:14.081-04:00Backpacks and Lunchboxes!The day that I gave birth to Evelyn feels like just yesterday. I remember every second of it, her tiny little face, her little fingers and black hair that stuck straight up. Today I packed her backpack, made her lunch and dropped her off at Pine Spring Elementary for her first day of Preschool. She was so happy to be there that I barely shed a tear, surprisingly. I love this kid so much. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbc_g65tdI/AAAAAAAAAUU/f3sa1CKpztI/s1600/20100906-IMG_5085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbc_g65tdI/AAAAAAAAAUU/f3sa1CKpztI/s320/20100906-IMG_5085.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514337777488606674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdTG-QUWI/AAAAAAAAAUc/rFxfRXoa0AM/s1600/20100906-IMG_5110.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdTG-QUWI/AAAAAAAAAUc/rFxfRXoa0AM/s320/20100906-IMG_5110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338114120733026" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdgZb6UlI/AAAAAAAAAUk/rto95Xn5dAs/s1600/20100906-IMG_5098.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdgZb6UlI/AAAAAAAAAUk/rto95Xn5dAs/s320/20100906-IMG_5098.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338342415258194" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdrim100I/AAAAAAAAAUs/AIcmoZIXj5A/s1600/20100906-IMG_5101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TIbdrim100I/AAAAAAAAAUs/AIcmoZIXj5A/s320/20100906-IMG_5101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338533855580994" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-89730247035943842332010-09-03T20:20:00.002-04:002010-09-03T20:27:24.437-04:00And the lifelong friendship begins...I have dreams of my 2 girls being best friends. Sharing a room, sharing clothes, walking to school together, looking out for one another and loving every second of it. Well... okay, maybe not every second. I know, I have a sister, there is drama, tears and slamming doors. But there is still so much love. <br /><br />Today was my first true glimpse of the reciprocal affection that Sarah now has for Evie. Evie has always LOVED Sarah. She follows her around, wants to hold her hand, and kisses and hugs her all day long. Unless she takes a toy from her, then that's another story. Anyways, for the past few months now that Sarah is walking, she has been almost running from Evie. She pushes her away when Evie tries to kiss her, she cries when Evie tries to hold her hand or dance with her, its so sad. But- today was the first time I have seen a glimpse into the future. <br /><br />I took the girls to play at MoBu Kids during open play to wear them out before dinner. There were a lot of kids there and they were all running and screaming. Sarah got a little freaked out from time to time and kept scanning the room for me to save her. After she ran up to me and gave me a hug I said to her, "Go find Evie and give her a hug!" She turned around, scanned the room, ran over to Evie and then put her arms around her and hugged her tight. Evie in return put her arms around Sarah and it was the best thing I have ever seen. They hugged each other for an eternity it seemed and I LOVED IT. <br /><br />I am so blessed.Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-21672058169902060422010-07-08T16:35:00.007-04:002010-07-08T20:27:07.048-04:00A Year Comes and GoesA year seems like a long time, but when you have kids it really does <span style="font-style:italic;">FLY</span> by. As I am both emotionally and logistically planning for Evelyn to move onto preschool in September, I cant stop myself from thinking about her still being such a baby in my eyes. I know she is 2 1/2 and that she is walking, talking and playing like a "little girl" but she is my baby and I want to do everything I can to protect her from the world. I cant believe she will be away from me for 4 hours a day and possibly even be getting on a big yellow school bus. I am not convinced I can put her on a bus, but maybe I will come around when September hits. Just a year ago Evie was only crawling for God's sake!!! I just cant imagine letting her out there in that world all alone without me by her side. <br /><br />I recently saw a movie with some girlfriends that really helped to put things into perspective for me. <a href="http://www.monicaanddavid.com">Monica and David</a> is a documentary about an adult couple that both have Down Syndrome... their life, their love, their family, and most importantly (at least to me) their independence. It is actually premiering on HBO coming in October, so please check it out. Anyways, I found myself really doing some soul searching after I saw this film, mostly about letting Evelyn experience life, the way she wants to do it. I know she is only 2 and that she still requires all my love and guidance and support at her age, but I really want to do my best to set her free when the time comes. I know she can do it, and as her Mom, its my duty to really let her <span style="font-style:italic;">live</span>. I just need to keep reminding myself that she is a strong little girl and she knows what she wants- that will serve her well in this world and she will without a doubt reach her dreams. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY6HGelS2I/AAAAAAAAAT0/6uCMVaGu9cw/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY6HGelS2I/AAAAAAAAAT0/6uCMVaGu9cw/s320/IMG_6833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491640689297279842" /></a><br />Evelyn July 2008<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY6oPXYhLI/AAAAAAAAAT8/7wMEbjfdCPw/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY6oPXYhLI/AAAAAAAAAT8/7wMEbjfdCPw/s320/IMG_1816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491641258618684594" /></a><br />Evelyn July 2009<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY7PaZB44I/AAAAAAAAAUE/rkgQRmyfsAU/s1600/20100704-IMG_4811.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TDY7PaZB44I/AAAAAAAAAUE/rkgQRmyfsAU/s320/20100704-IMG_4811.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491641931593278338" /></a><br /><br />Evelyn July 2010Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-16660813709885072752010-06-24T21:32:00.003-04:002010-06-24T21:36:00.758-04:00Lunch Date with the PresidentYeah that's right, I ate lunch today with President Barack Obama and Russian President Dimitri Medvevev. Well, maybe I didn't eat with them, but I did get to shake both their hands. It was definitely a lunch I wont ever forget!!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx55G5b_rP8qw-rR9Qh6eUxUbPc8VCTQpjyIBK8aXNTfx1h_Qez4hlHxSMhM2Aeo9wZmX7E1XsmLnn0kkE-Wg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-13435481529575762932010-06-22T20:55:00.010-04:002010-06-22T21:19:58.724-04:00A Massive UpdateOkay, so yeah... it's been quite a while since I posted anything on my blog. I don't know what it is- lack of time, lack of motivation or just a lack of clarity about the thoughts in my head. But I find it so hard to stay on top of this thing. Maybe its just working, raising two babies and everything else that goes along with it.<br /><br />Anyways, in recent months there have been a lot of things going on in the Farhat home. Here is a quick little rundown...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 2010<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>: We bought a house!! From Georgetown D.C., to Arlington VA, to Jacksonville FL, to Falls Church VA, to Annandale VA. That's a lot of homes, a lot of boxes and a lot of packing for one family in a matter of 5 years. However, I will say that we are happy, getting settled and will be here for a l o n g time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFfeehTzfI/AAAAAAAAATc/n03zZ4MM00M/s1600/20100616-IMG_4675.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFfeehTzfI/AAAAAAAAATc/n03zZ4MM00M/s320/20100616-IMG_4675.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485770798307462642" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May 2010<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>: Packing, packing and more packing<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">June 2010<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>: Busy, Busy, Busy. First of all, We moved!! It was a lot easier than I had envisioned with 2 kids. Thank you to my amazing nanny for the girls who took them to her house the entire moving day so we were able to do it kid-free, which made all the difference. And, if you are in the market for a moving company recommendation, I can really say that I LOVE the guys that we used. Give <a href="www.mytruckbuddy.com">My Truck Buddy</a> a call! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFfssfI19I/AAAAAAAAATk/3L-dtyoiKUQ/s1600/Saxony+Door.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFfssfI19I/AAAAAAAAATk/3L-dtyoiKUQ/s320/Saxony+Door.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485771042574620626" /></a><br /><br />Also in the month of June, my little peanut turned 1!! I really cant believe that the little tiny girl that I used to hold in my arms not that long ago... seems like yesterday... is already a toddler. Running around, stealing her sister's toys and talking and signing up a storm. Amazing.<br /><br /><br />Lastly in the month of June was my first trip away with girlfriends (since Mommyhood), leaving the family at home to fend for themselves. It was so much fun and desperately needed. Although I walked all over NYC in the heat, got little sleep, drank way too much and had to drive hours in traffic going through the Lincoln tunnel, it was SO RELAXING. Not to mention I got a hug and kiss from Donnie Wahlberg :) Sorry <a href="www.thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com">Bethany</a>!! <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFf-D3PgxI/AAAAAAAAATs/YjGgcgjfaQE/s1600/NYC+girls.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/TCFf-D3PgxI/AAAAAAAAATs/YjGgcgjfaQE/s320/NYC+girls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485771340907512594" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Looking forward to the summertime now with the family... pool time, playdates, BBQs and a beach vacation. Bring it on!!!<br /><br /><br />Oh and I forgot to mention... Evie goes to preschool in just a little more than 2 months from now. Eeeekkkkkk! Are you KIDDING?? Where has the time gone?Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-15917018140079077492010-03-19T08:08:00.003-04:002010-03-19T08:11:18.883-04:00"Oh No!!"Dont worry, nothing's wrong. Its just Evie's new favorite saying...<br /><br />She throws something and says "Oh No!"<br /><br />She spits her food out on the floor for the dog and says "Oh No!"<br /><br />She pushes her sister over onto the floor and says "Oh No!"<br /><br />Apparently if you are really cute and say "Oh No" after everything bad you do, you can get away with anything! :)Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-22438268758734064432010-03-18T20:01:00.003-04:002010-03-18T20:17:50.058-04:00The Sun Shines OnI feel like this winter has lasted for an entire year!! Sarah was born in June of last year and I barely can remember enjoying the summer at all. I guess that's just it- I was inside the house most of the time with a toddler and a newborn for the summer months. Well... after a long cold winter filled with record breaking snow storms, I am thrilled that we are finally seeing the Sun Shine On!!!<br /><br />What is going to make this Spring and Summer so special for me is that Evie is really going to be able to enjoy it. It was so tough to take the kids outside last year given that Evie would just want to crawl all over the place (dirt, gravel, the street, etc.) and Sarah couldn't even sit up on her own. This year I am so excited to spend quality time outside with the kids and let Evelyn truly explore her world - <span style="font-weight: bold;">ON HER OWN<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>!!! <br /><br />Yesterday I took the kids to the park to enjoy the 70 degree weather and I was almost in tears (of joy) when I could walk from the car to the park holding Sarah in my arms and holding Evie's hand.... yes, just holding her hand! It was so amazing. What makes it even greater is that she is so proud of herself. She laughs and giggles and smiles the entire time she is walking. Now of course we had a few episodes of her getting down on hands and knees and taking off crawling in the sand and on the grass because it was too uneven for her to keep her balance - but who could blame her, I can barely walk in sand! Lol. Nevertheless, she amazes me everyday and I am really looking forward to her getting stronger and faster over these next few months. <br /><br />Now I know I'm really going to be in trouble when both of these girls take off on foot and I am left to chase them all over god's green earth. But I just cant wait :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dygH15Pafv3hnrCfqkR_Z7DxWh8Evjie7nEgAbhTmlyCnhvGbtDfjJzkyDMw1PrLd_-K3UVdh6kqDI-4wmTlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-4067327125969742102010-03-17T20:53:00.003-04:002010-03-17T21:13:27.034-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S6F-MuKHL9I/AAAAAAAAASM/qxE__QyxDvY/s1600-h/Sarah+8+months2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S6F-MuKHL9I/AAAAAAAAASM/qxE__QyxDvY/s320/Sarah+8+months2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449775781108985810" /></a><br /><br />Sarah Bear - 8 1/2 monthsStefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-45589708217834951972010-03-14T20:13:00.003-04:002010-03-14T20:28:36.588-04:00A Weekend Well SpentThis weekend some girlfriends and I headed down to Roanoke, VA to attend their local Down Syndrome Conference. Its the first DS conference I have been to, and to be honest I didn't have very high expectations. Actually, I just didn't really know what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement! <br /><br />Some of the speakers that we were blessed with hearing were Dr. Brian Skotko, a genetics fellow at Children's Hospital in Boston and Pat Winders, the PT guru and author of "Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome." Both were amazing. I also got the pleasure of hearing Kathie Snow speak, who is a die-hard advocate of inclusion of kids with disabilities in schools. She definitely left me both in tears and questioning a lot of where I want Evie to be in the future. <br /><br />To give you a little taste of some great things we heard, here are some of my favorite quotes from the Conference...<br /><br />"Never deny the diagnosis, but always deny the prognosis"<br /><br />"Disability is a natural part of the human experience"<br /><br />"Electric lights are just assistive technology for those who have sight" (funny)<br /><br />"Low Expectations are bigger barriers than our disability will ever be"<br /><br />"Your children are worth taking risks to have a life well lived"<br /><br />"The true value of a person's life isn't what he becomes, but sometimes what he overcomes."<br /><br />What did I do when I got home.... went right into Evie's room (who was sound asleep), put my hand on her back and told her how much I love her. She honestly is AMAZING and it is my mission in life to help her be the best she can be. Most of all, to be happy, healthy and loved.Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-5317751689724756632010-03-10T21:04:00.003-05:002010-03-10T21:05:30.273-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S5hP34QPauI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wmL6hToaEK4/s1600-h/Saxony+Door.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S5hP34QPauI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wmL6hToaEK4/s320/Saxony+Door.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447191570716519138" /></a><br /><br />The countdown has begun..... until we move into our new home!!!Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-56751196730690668852010-02-19T08:40:00.005-05:002010-02-19T08:59:18.825-05:002 Years Ago .... Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S36Xp6Z-NCI/AAAAAAAAARk/RDJjiWvkFvE/s1600-h/IMG_4895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S36Xp6Z-NCI/AAAAAAAAARk/RDJjiWvkFvE/s320/IMG_4895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439952146218759202" /></a><br /><br />2 years ago today, my first born child came into this world. It was a day I will never forget. Filled with excitement, anticipation, fear, sadness, and pure joy. To be honest I remember the day being a complete emotional rollercoaster from the moment that Evie was born and they wisked her away to the NICU. The hours and days and weeks and months that followed were the most difficult time in my life. However, today I find myself 2 years along in this journey of life, marriage, parenthood, and Down Syndrome, and I can honestly say with every breath of my being that I feel truly blessed. If I could go back in time to that day Evie was born and tell myself and Isa that in just 2 short years from now Evie would be a happy, smart, witty, active and beautiful little girl, full of life and potential, I would. I realize now that I had to feel those feelings and learn what I have learned, to be the person I am today. <br /><br />To my sweet Evie,<br /><br />Words cannot describe the love that I have for you in my heart. With every smile you give me, every step you take, every word you say, you remind me just how full of life you are. If given the choice today, I would not change one single thing about you. I want you to know that your life will be full of challenges, as all of us face, but you will have a different hurdle to overcome. I am confident that with the love, guidance, and support of your family, you will do amazing things. In just 2 short years, you have changed my world forever. I am now a more compassionate person, a more patient person, a more understanding person, a more giving person and a better parent. You have taught me more than you will ever know and I look forward to standing by you for every laugh, milestone and major accomplishment that is in your future. Without you, I would truly not be living. <br /><br />I love you so much. Happy Birthday Evelyn Riisen!!<br /><br />Love Mommy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S36X2JAduaI/AAAAAAAAARs/huW4yH81avs/s1600-h/IMG_3087.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/S36X2JAduaI/AAAAAAAAARs/huW4yH81avs/s320/IMG_3087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439952356296735138" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-56275259371190900012009-12-13T09:01:00.003-05:002009-12-13T09:10:22.147-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 8A few weeks ago a friend of mine, Bethany, told me a story about an amazing family who is struggling this year during the holidays. Not only are they going to be struggling financially, but they have a great son who has had to endure many health battles, and they are amazing parents to him. I don't need to go into all the details, but this Christmas my friend decided to reach out to her friends to help this family and give them a Christmas they can really celebrate. See here: <a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/12-days-of-giving-day-10.html">Life With Bubba, Chicky and Nika</a><br /><br /><br />I am blessed to know Bethany, someone to has so selflessly donated her time and energy to helping a friend in need and blessed to have been part of making their Christmas one they will never forget!! <br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-50248672371658063342009-12-11T12:51:00.003-05:002009-12-11T13:06:38.234-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 6 & 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SyKJG-MbbLI/AAAAAAAAARc/pgArbAoi6kA/s1600-h/zhoraberizkajuly2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SyKJG-MbbLI/AAAAAAAAARc/pgArbAoi6kA/s320/zhoraberizkajuly2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414040454920105138" /></a><br /><br /><br />Please consider making a donation as part of your holiday giving. CLick here for more information on this little angel : <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/waitingchildgallery.html">Reece's Rainbow</a><br /><br /><br /><embed allowScriptAccess="always" src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/fe9b7401fbe8e9ff" flashVars="color_scheme=gray&event_title=Zhora%20needs%20a%20family%21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-38248098468630857962009-12-07T16:38:00.007-05:002009-12-11T13:06:53.537-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 4 & 5I woke up this morning wondering how I was going to "give" today and I thought, I will just look for the right moment and when it hits me, I'll know it. I got up, started the standard morning routine on little sleep as usual... got Evie up and settled in the basement to play while I got Sarah changed and nursed. Then, as I was feeding the girls breakfast and waiting for our nanny to get there (so I could finish getting ready for work), I was thinking about about how much I really am thankful to have her in our lives. Her relationship with Evie is amazing and her love for both of my kids is always evident. <br /><br />I don't know honestly how I would survive going to work without her. I do feel very blessed to have her and I don't think I tell her that enough. With all the love and security that she gives to my family, I am forever grateful. <br /><br />When she arrived today I made sure that I said "thank you" for all that she does and told her how much I appreciate her. I am also putting together a great collage of the girls for her for Christmas and having her family over to the house for dinner. I need to remind myself sometimes not to take blessings that we have for granted.<br />A "thank you" each day will go a long way.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-528683792821403102009-12-06T21:01:00.003-05:002009-12-06T21:08:19.294-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SxxjV7TkccI/AAAAAAAAARU/GNNku0YngYo/s1600-h/salvation+army.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SxxjV7TkccI/AAAAAAAAARU/GNNku0YngYo/s320/salvation+army.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412310080540668354" /></a><br />I actually had a few hours to myself today, something that I dont feel like I have had in weeks. Isa has been traveling a lot and working a lot, so I have been on single mommy duty a lot. Today I did a little shopping, kid-free, while Isa stayed home with the girls. Of course I took the opportunity to do what I always do each year and that is give a little donation to the "jingle bell" Salvation Army volunteers in front of the grocery store. All in all it was a good day and I hope that my little donation will give someone else a good day as well :)<br /><br />Happy Holidays!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-5272716626950282352009-12-04T20:34:00.003-05:002009-12-04T20:47:39.616-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 3I received this email from a friend and colleague today. It's as if she knew about the 12 Days of Giving, but it was actually just a coincidence. Needless to say, its a great organization and a perfect opportunity to give. Now I'm off to Target to buy this girl a gift card!!!<br /><br />***<br /><br />As some of you may know, I volunteer as a child advocate for abused and neglected foster children in D.C. Approximately 2,500 cases of abuse and neglect among foster children are currently in the DC Family Court system, with approximately 1,500 new cases of abuse and neglect appearing each year. My program’s goal is to recruit and train a volunteer advocate to serve every one of these children. As trained advocates we represent one family at a time, with approximately 1-3 children ranging in age from birth to 21 years. As part of our role, we gather information about each child’s situation, submit reports to the court, make recommendations in the best interest of the child (such as where they should be permanently placed or where their developmental needs are), and most importantly serve as a mentor and friend.<br /><br />How You Can Help…<br />Each year many of the foster children in our program go without gifts for the holiday season, this is particularly true of our older children as many of the gifts donated are geared towards children under 10. This is where you come in! There’s no pressure, but please consider sponsoring one of our children this season. Her information is listed below:<br /><br />Shumeka is 19 years old and is a college sophomore. Despite some of the struggles in her life, she describes herself as loving, caring, and goofy. Her true loves are the Disney Channel and writing poetry. This holiday season she would like 1. Gift Cards to a Department Store and 2. A Pink or Purple Full Size Bed-in-a-Bag.<br /><br />Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring Shumeka this holiday season and if you would like to donate money towards a gift card purchase or donate a purple comforter set. I would need your gift no later than Friday December 11th.<br /><br />For more information, please visit CASA DC at http://www.casadc.org/.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-67603988092567742552009-12-03T20:48:00.002-05:002009-12-03T20:53:01.626-05:0012 Days of Giving- Day 2I don't have much time, so this one will be quick and to the point :) I found a family through the Salvation Army's Adopt a Family program that lives in our area and has a 12 month old little boy. They are in need of a lot of stuff, but especially a highchair. It is one of their specific holiday wishes. Good news is that I was about to list our Chicco Highchair on craigslist and just haven't gotten around to it yet. Now I am happy it has a good new home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SxhrI8pW5EI/AAAAAAAAARM/eERFL1GKsFY/s1600-h/EV+highchair+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SxhrI8pW5EI/AAAAAAAAARM/eERFL1GKsFY/s320/EV+highchair+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411192753748370498" /></a><br /><br />A shot of the highchair and it's original owner :)<br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-30090860480216492022009-12-02T13:04:00.004-05:002009-12-03T20:53:39.206-05:0012 Days of GivingA friend of mine, <a href="http://www.thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com">Bethany</a>, has put forth a challenge.... or really more of a inspirational message, to "give" for the next 12 days. With that in mind, I will be posting my gifts to others and I hope that in the spirit of the holidays, in the spirit of helping those that are in need, and in the spirit of making someone else smile, you too will consider undertaking the 12 days of giving. <br /><br />I think I am a day behind.... however, that's okay, because my 12 days can start now!! :) I am going to begin with somewhat of a sad story, because it puts context behind my gift. Raquel is a woman that helps me with the girls on Wednesday mornings. She really only is there to assist with Evie, but regardless, she is a wonderful lady and is wonderful with both of my kids. She is loving, giving and full of faith. About 3 weeks ago her own daughter had a little boy. He was born a few weeks early, but was a healthy 6lbs and 13oz with no complications. On Thanksgiving morning, her little grandson lost his life. They still don't have all of the answers, but regardless of the medical cause, my heart hurts for them. As a parent I cannot imagine the pain that she, her daughter, and their entire family must feel. This holiday season is going to be nothing less than painful. <br /><br />I was trying to rack my brain and come up with something that I thought might make just one moment easier for them and flowers just doesn't do it for me. With that said, I decided to put together a care package for them. So far I have included homemade lasagna, bread & salad, flowers, a card, a necklace for Raquel's daughter with a charm on it with his birthstone... and thinking of a few more stuff. To be delivered tomorrow. I only wish there was something more to ease the pain, but I guess only faith can do that.<br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f306/lilpayton/12daysofgiving.jpg" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-4842148704953492952009-11-04T20:39:00.001-05:002009-11-04T20:40:51.338-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SvItGqo__AI/AAAAAAAAARE/eywyjKSBml4/s1600-h/IMG_2763.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SvItGqo__AI/AAAAAAAAARE/eywyjKSBml4/s320/IMG_2763.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400428495719365634" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-37381696849567016012009-11-01T09:42:00.003-05:002009-11-01T09:44:00.174-05:00Trick or Treat!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Su2enuaGKoI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/p_qsWkYNi0c/s1600-h/IMG_2848.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Su2enuaGKoI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/p_qsWkYNi0c/s320/IMG_2848.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399145933596666498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Su2eg21xu0I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tffWbLf8Jkc/s1600-h/IMG_2817.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Su2eg21xu0I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tffWbLf8Jkc/s320/IMG_2817.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399145815601167170" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-30048161446068098752009-11-01T09:07:00.003-05:002009-11-01T12:44:58.152-05:00Down Syndrome MomsI have a lot of very close friends and family that do not have a child with DS, may not really know much about DS, and give me a lot of love and support. I love them dearly for all that they do to support me, my family and especially Evie. <br /><br />I don't know how to explain it, but there is just <span style="font-style:italic;">something</span> about the Mom's that I have met through the Down Syndrome community. Something that makes me feel comforted, something that makes me feel understood, something that makes me feel positive about my life in general and something that makes me feel as if I have known them forever. <br />I know that we have the obvious bond and that they have felt my emotions, have the similar fears and have actually walked in my shoes. But there is more. I think that God must pick certain people for a reason when he delivers little DS babies. He knows just where to find the best people with compassion, humor and a strong sense of what life is all about. I feel so blessed to not only have Evelyn in my family, but to have been given the opportunity to meet some of the world's coolest people because of her.Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-39880039683793212482009-09-30T20:26:00.001-04:002009-09-30T20:28:22.175-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SsP3l-o6VsI/AAAAAAAAAQs/wV3VFGVCBNc/s1600-h/Evie+photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SsP3l-o6VsI/AAAAAAAAAQs/wV3VFGVCBNc/s320/Evie+photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387421811107059394" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-41700054739769179972009-09-11T14:55:00.005-04:002009-09-11T14:59:27.586-04:00My Babies- Just Because.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Sqqd-vxA1uI/AAAAAAAAAQE/c5NGPv9__3k/s1600-h/IMG_2216.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/Sqqd-vxA1uI/AAAAAAAAAQE/c5NGPv9__3k/s320/IMG_2216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380286406146971362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdschO09I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Qmz8phgMZGQ/s1600-h/IMG_2165.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdschO09I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Qmz8phgMZGQ/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380286091742860242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdebrYuoI/AAAAAAAAAP0/BUM711kGthU/s1600-h/IMG_2343.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdebrYuoI/AAAAAAAAAP0/BUM711kGthU/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380285850998848130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdYLGpa0I/AAAAAAAAAPs/l7fll3WriQ0/s1600-h/IMG_2352.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SqqdYLGpa0I/AAAAAAAAAPs/l7fll3WriQ0/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380285743470570306" /></a>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368075585699459971.post-88697320880434015682009-08-30T13:08:00.004-04:002009-08-30T13:19:00.953-04:00Big Steps!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SpqzfTRsG8I/AAAAAAAAAPk/tXHeX-z5n1s/s1600-h/IMG_2098.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAfTnR0auVA/SpqzfTRsG8I/AAAAAAAAAPk/tXHeX-z5n1s/s320/IMG_2098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375806455551892418" /></a><br />Evelyn is surprising me more and more these days. She has never really responded too much to sign language in general. And well I have not really tried too hard to teach her many signs either since she always has done so well with sounds and words. With that said, we do introduce a few signs here and there when the mood strikes :) Well yesterday not only did she do the sign for "baby" when I brought Sarah into the room(which is so cute) but also did the correct sign for "more" and "eat." I don't know where this kid was hiding these little tidbits of knowledge... it's crazy. And then this morning when I said "Evie say "Up!" so that I could show her daddy how well she pronounces it, she points her hand up to the sky and says "Up!" I think her word count is up to 10 or 12 now. In the area of OT and structured play she is consistently stacking blocks, placing rings on the holder, putting lids on jars, tops on bottles/cups, trying to use a spoon and passing objects to me!!!! And now since I'm gushing over her I might as well add in how much progress she is making in the gross motor area also. This has always been her tough spot and really I didn't progress too much from 8 months to 15 months. In physical therapy last week Evie took 7-8 steps with barely any assistance, just one little finger in the middle of her back for support. I almost cried. I love her! :)Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06612089807453902108noreply@blogger.com1