Priorities

Are you looking at your little girl when she shows you a flower? Or are you playing on your phone saying, "Yeah, that is nice." Are you looking when she asks if you see the moon? Or when she shows you a drawing she made. Are you listening when she babbles on about her day? Really listening?

What is your definition of success? Career? Family? A lot of money? Nice car? Every material possession you want?

My idea of sucess has changed a lot over the past several months.

I definitely think education is important. I don't think it is everything. I'm proud of my education. I'm equally proud of my hubs who chose not to go to college. I'm all about pursuing dreams.

What are your dreams? I'm a momma, so my dreams may not seem big to many of my readers. You see my dreams changed a bit when I decided to have kids (especially that second one). I do have dreams. Most of them revolve around two small chicks who live at my house. I have dreams for myself, but they are mostly of traveling and memory making. I don't wish to be famous, but Lila might make me that someday. :) Okay, when I re-read this, I wouldn't mind being famous.

I'll not rant about my dream of winning the lottery, it is low on the totem pole. But, I will say this: my kids are only little ONCE. They grow up too fast.

I feel that parents should pursue goals and dreams. It shows children by example. I also believe that some people don't get the chance to go to college until later in life, that too is understandable. Go for it when you can!

We are all entitled to our opinions. But, my cousin said it very well. She said, "I just believe that some people have it all wrong. I'm not saying you should not do things for yourself, but in five years all of my bigger children will be grown!! Five years-that is not long! I CHOSE to have these children and I believe they should come first. I just know in a few years my life will change forever. Never again will all of my children be under the same roof when I go to bed. They will be starting their own lives and I hope I can send them out into the world with the confidence they need to succeed in this world and to hopefully make a difference in someone's life! If your children spend most of their time in daycare and watching you chase after things that truly do not matter I don't think they will ever get it!!"

Preach on sister! Now, some things are absolutely worth chasing. Many things deserve our time. But, every chance I get away from work and chores and every day "must-dos"...I want to spend that time with my kids while I can. Of course, we must make time for our marriages too and keep those relationships strong.

Can children grow up with confidence if you don't spend lots of time with them? Yes. I realize some people have to work hard and provide. I also realize kids have to go to daycare and baby sitters too. I am not trying to step on anyone's toes.

I just wonder....what is your idea of success? Do I sound crazy? I know that (most) everyone loves their kids. I'm not knocking parents who are busy with jobs and school, etc. I work and spend time away from my girls because of my job.

But, I wonder....what comes first for us? Many Americans in this fast-paced climb do not take the time to see what is truly important.

Are you looking? Are you really looking? It is right in front of you.

A day will come, way too soon, when Layla doesn't want to sleep in the middle. A day will come when she won't think I'm the coolest mom in the world.

A day will come when my baby doesn't need me in a child-like way anymore. A day will come when she will be grown and gone.

Did I give her what she deserves? Did I spend my time wisely? Was I fun? Will she have good memories of this time in her life? Memories where her mom was fully present?

I wonder? What is your definition of success? Mine revolves around two chicks and the memories I make with them. It revolves around teaching them about God and love and life. It revolves around trying to show them in every possible way that I love them and cherish our time together. It also includes a man I love dearly. And our family who means the world to us. We have so many blessings. Every day I am thankful for this life and the people in it!

But, please, oh please, be sure you are looking. It will be gone way too soon.

.

Zoo trip and EASTER Pictures

We visited the zoo on the first Saturday of Spring Break. We went with our friends Joey, Sarah and Gabe. It was lots of fun!

Lila, Layla and Gabe 

 

Lila was a clown on the way home!

 

 :-)

 

 

 

Oh, and I just love our Easter pictures! Our Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy at Hilburn Photography took them. I am so pleased!

 

 

 



World Down Syndrome Day (posted a bit late)

WDSD

Word Down Syndrome Day was March 21st. We were on Spring Break, so I didn't post. The date is highly appropriate: 3-21 for 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.

In celebration of the day, we wore our blue and yellow (the colors that represent DS awareness). We also wore crazy socks.

We ate some cake (it was leftover from Daddy's birthday, but that's okay). We played and enjoyed family time.

So, what does this day mean to us? Two years ago, it meant absolutely nothing. It is amazing how times have changed. Who would have known how much a baby could rock our world and change our lives? Not just how we live but, how we treat others, how we get involved and how we love.

 

Layla is an awesome kid. She is so sweet with little Lila. She likes to pretend to be a therapist and work with her. She likes to tell people about DS and it is so cute to watch.

She is a fantastic teacher. She teaches me from a child's view everyday. Oh, what a lovely view that is.

 

 

There are so many things I could say about DS and how it affects our every day lives. But, this is what I will say: Lila is the baby girl. She is an extremely good baby. She is into everything. She enjoys dancing, jabbering, pointing and walking (up to eight steps!). She loves mean mugging.

 

 

She brings us joy. She brings emotions out in people who I thought didn't have many. She teaches with every moment, with every milestone. She is a clown. She is a love-bug. She is a warrior princess. She is my HERO.

 

At this time last year, I was still mourning the hand that I was dealt. But, now I see (through tears as I type this) what I was really given.

 

I was given through Lila, the gift of sight. For, I now see things I would have never seen before. I see smaller things and their importance. I see how unimportant some things are (housework, laundry, society's standard of acceptance and beauty). I see the importance of loving everyone. I see the importance of teaching others to have compassion. I see the importance of stopping to smell the roses.

 

I wouldn't trade this gift and all of the extras it brings, I wouldn't trade this gift of Lila for ANYTHING.

 

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! I am PROUD to be a part of this family!

 

 

Our cousins showing some love for Lila on WDSD!  

 



Random Photographs

There is always room for some random photos...so here are a few. Happy Spring Break!

 Someone is a little too comfortable with nudity.

 



 So, how cute are they!? Ninja turtles on my girl and a pink blanket on daddy.

 

Ohhhhhh the hilarious-ness! Mean muggers!

 She is trying to walk! Sweetness!

 

Sister showing off her face-painting

Mom and Dad ran into our friend, Marty Ray, when we went to a concert. He is known as "The Beard". Y'all look out, he is well on his way to fame. :)

 

An old Buddy Walk pic of Lila with some of her friends.

 

Sisters at their photo shoot with Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy

 

 Ohh, it is awful when she is sad, but it is so cute.

 

 

 

 



Reflecting..

We are nearly to the one year anniversary of Lila's open heart surgery. One year ago we were anxiously awaiting Spring Break. Not for the thrill of a trip or sleeping in....no. We were extremely close to a scary time and we weren't too excited about it.

Having said that, all went well. She was a warrior princess. She sailed right through surgery and went home after five nights in the hospital. LeBonheur Children's Hospital was wonderful. We are forever grateful for their care. They took excellent care of our baby and us. They also had lots of fun activities for big sister.

But, I reflect on the fear and apprehension I felt. I remember holding that sweet baby all night before her surgery. I just rocked and sang. And prayed. Oh, did I pray. Isn't it ironic how we dutifully pray in those times of weakness? If I only prayed that way every day.

The scariest feeling I have ever had was handing my baby to the nurse as she walked away with her for surgery. I hope I never have to experience that again. I am so very thankful for the beautiful healthy heart she now has.

The following photos and videos may be difficult to watch/see. Viewer discretion is advised.

 Sweet baby...

 

 Lila right after surgery...

This is just to show all of the machines and hook-ups..

 A healthy heart!

 

The warrior princess is such a trooper!

 

Big Sister Layla got to spend the night with her cousins when Lila had surgery. She enjoyed a bonfire, four wheeler riding and some playtime at the park with them. Special thanks to Jessica, James, Bo, Brody, Jamie and Bryx for keeping her occupied and happy while we were at LeBonheur.

Disney World 2013

In January we went to Disney World. It was a birthday celebration for Layla. We spent a week there and took with us my grandma, mom, Chase's mom (Nanny Pat), and his sister (Kelli). 

We had a fantastic time! It was warm and beautiful and great!

I am going to post some photos of the trip. There are so many, I'll just post a few. :-)

By the way, when we got there, we were upgraded (free!) to the new Cars Suites. They were great rooms. I almost cried when they upgraded us. I just love Disney World. They always make our trips magical. Lila enjoyed her first visit. The rest of us are ready to go again!

Thank you WDW for impressing us yet again!

Even Disney World gets the mean mug!

 Fun photo collage

 Both of my girls on their first trips to Disney

 

 Our suites :-)

 A picture with Grandma and Aunt Kelli

A princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Botique

 

(A picture of the picture of her seeing herself for the first time post makeover)

 

Goofballs!

Turtle Talk with Crush 

 

(I'll add more pictures later that include Nanny Pat and everyone else. I have these photos on my phone, not my good camera.)

Sweet Daisy

We lost our sweet old dog last month. On February 8, 2013 we made the choice to have her put down. She had lost a total of 18 pounds in three-four months. She had cancer and was getting worse by the day. She was suffering. After talking to the vet, we decided it was selfish to keep her here any longer. But, oh, the heart break.

Daisy was a gift for my seventeenth birthday. She was such a cute puppy. She would have been 13 this August. She was so good to my girls. She was so good to me. She was a pet worthy of praise and she loved us so very much.

I will miss her for so many reasons. I will miss her soft touch, her easy-going personality, her stinky toot followed by a sigh, her look that said "I didn't do it, I'm gorgeous and innocent," her sneaky way of stealing your food, her sweet tail wag, her white paws, her "I'm sorry" look..the list goes on.

I will miss the way she watched the kids. The loving licks she bestowed upon them. The chaos she caused by peeing on my sister. The times she came in muddy from the field. The dead possum she laid on my porch. The craziness that is having a dog.

I will miss the way Lila looked at her. I will miss her unconditional love.
We are thankful we had Daisy for 12 and 1/2 years. We shall see our sweet girl again at Rainbow Bridge!

 Layla playing doctor with Daisy

 A collage of Daisy photos

Daisy and Lila

The last picture of our Daisy before we said goodbye. :(

Videos, photos, fun!

Some fun videos and photos:

 Please excuse my crappy whistling, but Miss Lila is dancing in the tub!

 Walking with the new walker!

 Poor baby, who likes to organize a closet?

 Playing house..

 Ohhhh, I'm sure y'all want to turn me in to CPS for this one. Sneaky booger.

Hanging out with our buddy Wilson at the Lebonheur heart reunion.

Oh my stars, where is spring!? Or better yet, spring break!

Well, we have had enough of sickness and cold. Layla is finally starting to feel better. She has had strep. Lila is finally feeling good and so am I (after a round of antibiotics for each of us).

We are so ready to enjoy some warm weather and some outside. Big sister has gotten a lot of attention lately. She has felt like poo and we have all been doting on her. But, the little stinker will not be out done! She pulls up to where ever we are and mean mugs, claps, waves, says "hi-dy"... whatever gets her some attention.

And of course, we all pay attention. :)

Layla is playing baseball (first practice is today, so we will see if she can hang). Wish us luck!

Sister when she was sick. She just couldn't get enough rest.

I love spaghetti and my little toothie!

Oh cuteness!

 Bathtime fun! "Let's give Lila a princess skirt mom!" She looks a bit Scottish, but good fun!

 Ohhhh momma! I love bubbles!