Update on Sick Aiden

Knock on wood, we have not had any vomiting in almost 24 hours. (Now watch, I'll jinx myself! LOL) He is still a bit warm, but not a major fever.

And right now, he is taking a nap without being attached to me. (This however, should be short lived, he didn't sleep much last night. We were up at midnight and he was wanting to play. Thank God for the GloWorm.)

And for my reward of being Mommy to a sick child? I, once again, have been reminded that I have sinuses which do not like me. Claritan isn't working, so I have horrendous drainage and I am on the verge of losing my voice.

Chopsticks

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Normal Syndrome

Since termination is such a common option for children with Down syndrome, why aren't typical developing children diagnosed like this?

How to give parents a pre-natal diagnosis:

I'm very sorry, I have the results of the genetic tests and they have  confirmed our suspicions that your fetus is what we call ... Normal.  Some people prefer the terms "Ordinarily Challenged" or "Normal Syndrome". The syndrome can be easily identified by a complete lack  of any interesting genetic characteristics. I know this will come as  a shock to you, but you should be aware of what this is likely to  mean.

If your fetus manages to survive the rest of the pregnancy and the  birth, which is becoming more common these days, he or she will face some daunting challenges. Children who suffer from normalcy are prone to health and psychological problems. It is almost certain that the growing child will suffer a seemingly endless stream of viruses. They will frequently damage themselves, and sometimes others, from their excessive energy.

Their relentless demands will put a strain on your existing family and, of course, your relationship with your partner will suffer, and possibly end in a painful and acrimonious separation. Any children you already have, even if they also suffer from normalcy, will be jealous of the newcomer and all their extra attention. Many siblings are liable to be psychologically scarred by the new arrival.

I need hardly mention the financial consequences, although disastrous, they will be nothing compared to the emotional turmoil your life will suffer.

After a while, you may be lucky and find they can be kind and loving young children. They may find some temporary happiness in things such as music, dancing, food or playing with toys.

But if they survive early childhood, a Normal child is almost certain to grow into a Normal adolescent. Your years of sacrifice will be thrown back in your face as they become disobedient, wild and reckless. Unable to find happiness and contentment, they will treat you with contempt until they manage to leave home. Even then the suffering will continue as they will often return to try and extract money. They will blame you for their own faults and leave you bitter and twisted.

They may well become criminals, over a quarter of Normals will have trouble with the law, many will spend time in jail. Many will have problems with alcohol or drug abuse. Normal marriages are often
unhappy and short and over half end in divorce.

Even if they become successful this is likely to be because of the often observed tendency of Normals towards excessive greed. The chances of them sharing their success with you are remote and they will tend to see you as an embarrasment.

Finally, Normal people are likely to die before their time. 23% will die of cancer, 33% of heart disease. Hundreds every year in this country alone are so distressed by their condition that they take their own life. I'm sorry to say that many will have had a lonely, painful and pointless existence.

I am afraid that Normal Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects every cell of the body, and so is impossible to cure.

Termination is an option.

Shall I book an appointment?

..... from a parent who received a diagnosis rather like this.

Bob Lincoln, author

Aiden is Sick

Friday, Aiden and I went to go do our grocery shopping. We weren't even half way through when Aiden decided that we were finished. He puked all over himself and me. So I quickly work our way to the front of the store, buy what was in the basket already and came home. We spent all day Friday cuddling as that was the only way Aiden would take a nap.

Saturday, Aiden decided to get a fever. And everytime he coughed, he would vomit. Again we spent all day cuddling.

Sunday, Aiden still doesn't feel well. The fever is still there, but no vomiting. Until I put Aiden in bed for the night. He wasn't in bed but two hours and the vomiting began. Also, Aiden refuses to sleep unless he is cuddled next to me. In order for me to get some sleep, I take Aiden and put him in bed with us. Aiden does get back to sleep finally, but in his own way. The boy is like a dog and must make continual circles until he has found a comfortable spot. Chris must get out of bed and sleep on the sofa, to make room for Aiden wanting to be in the middle of the bed.

While Aiden is sleeping, he vomits all over the sheets. NICE!! Now I must strip the bed, clean Aiden up, remake the bed, place a towel under Aiden.....

First thing this morning, I called Dr. Pediatrician and made an appointment for Aiden.



UPDATE

So, we made it to Dr. Pediatrician. While the thermometer read that Aiden was normal temperature, the nurse didn't think so because she could feel the heat radiating off of Aiden's little body. And he hasn't lost any weight with the vomiting, in fact he has gained weight. Officially Aiden is now a 16 pounder!!!

Dr. Pediatrician came in and checked him out. His sats were good (96%), his breathing was fine, and his chest was clear. He is teething, but that was ruled out as what is going on. She checked his ears and could not see into his left ear, so she is putting a call into Dr. ENT.

It could be that he has an ear infection or that he was cursed by me and got my bad sinuses.

Bloggy Award

Debbie, Noah and Addison's Mommy, at Finding Normal awarded me with this award.

The rules for this award are:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her/him the award itself.

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. (I'm not sure what the blog is about as I don't read, speak, or write Spanish - other than ordering Mexican food.)

So my chosen award goes to

• Tammy at Praying for Parker
• Pam at Rhett's Journey
• Carey at Dream Big
• Debbie at 3 Weddings
• Renee at My 3 Ankle Biters
  
  
  

Tagged!

My friend, Debbie (Addison's mom), tagged me to share 6 little known facts about myself. So, here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your entry.

• I haven't seen my natural hair colour in over 10 years. I got my first gray hair at the age of 24.
• I cross stitch and crochet, but I can't sew.
• I have small feet. My shoe sizes range from 5 1/2 - 6 1/2.
• I love watching boxing and football - the guy sports.
• I have 6 tattoos and 22 piercings; however all but 3 of the piercings have been removed.
• I don't eat much sweets, but I do keep a candy bowl of Jelly Belly jelly beans next to the computer.

Now I tag the following people

1. Terry
2. Michelle
3. Renee
4. Mindy
5. Kari
6. Jessica
   

Orthotics

Aiden is getting Sure Step orthotics for his feet. Karrie, Aiden's Early Intervention PT, is having the orthotist come to the house for one of Aiden's therapy sessions in May to fit him.

Some Beach, Some Where

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Alaskan Governor Palin has Baby with Down syndrome

Governor of Alaska, Sara Palin, gave birth to a preemie who also happens to have a little something extra. Here is the story

How to Make Boys Laugh Uncontrollably

You will need the following items
1) toss pillows from Infantino Big Mouth Basket Toss (available at Wal-Mart)
2) Dad of child

Instructions for Laughter: Place child laying down face up. Have Dad of child hold the toss pillows above said child. Dad will release toss pillows while making "air bombing attack" sound effects. Toss pillows will land on child's tummy. Child will laugh uncontrollably for unknown amount of time. (Aiden laughed for a good 5 minutes before I started taping.)

I Think We Have Created a Monster

With this eating thing. Aiden LOVES to eat! And he doesn't care who the food belongs to either.




That was my corndog, but as soon as Aiden seen that it was edible, he grabbed it from my hand and started eating it.

My Friends Tigger and Pooh

Now, why won't he do this for Snoopy? Hmmmph

A Trip to the Cardiologist

This is a summary of a regular visit to the cardiology office for Aiden.

Donna, Receptionist/Check In

Whenever we go to the cardiologist office, Aiden goes immediately to Donna and they disappear. A few times I wondered where they were off to. Aiden has to make his "rounds" to see everyone there because sometimes we don't get to visit with everyone there. While I am waiting to go back, because Aiden doesn't always return, I get to watch the fish.

Or the television

Then we get to go back to one of the rooms. There Aiden has his weight, length, blood pressure, and O2 sats checked by

Tracy, Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist's nurse


However, since Aiden's hospital stay in February, we haven't seen Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist; she is on maternity leave. (Adorable chunk of a baby girl born in March.)

So, we have been seeing Dr. Secondary Pediatric Cardiologist,

Dr. Kimberling

Today, Aiden decided to make the office ladies jealous and gave Dr. Kimberling a kiss and a hug.


Which is great by me, because I almost gave Dr. Kimberling a big ol' hug and kiss myself today. WE DON'T GO BACK FOR 3 MONTHS!!! I'm not sure if this is a bigger milestone than Aiden sitting unsupported is.

Now to mention the ladies and gentleman that aren't pictured

Christy, Check out/Appointments and answers all my phone calls
Jeri, Holter monitor hook up
Marie, EKG
Brian, Echo tech

The Many Faces of Aiden

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Let The Eating Begin

With teeth comes the ability to chew.

Aiden loves to eat and he'll try anything. And I mean ANYTHING...

Pickles


Beef Jerkey


Sausage Patties


He really likes sausage. So much he was trying to take "big boy bites"...

Aiden's Tooth Chart

I have added "Aiden's Tooth Chart" to the side bar. As Aiden gets a new tooth, I'll update the chart, so keep watching for those new toofers!!

FYI

KAREN GAFFNEY EVENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008
Bartlesville, OK

A keynote speaker for the National Down Syndrome Congress, National and State Chapters of the Arc, TASH, CEC, and various Parent-to-Parent groups, as well as other regional, state, and local Down syndrome support organizations around the country, Karen Gaffney speaks to national audiences about overcoming the challenges of Down syndrome, the importance of physical fitness, and the impact of early intervention, positive expectations, and full inclusion for children with Down syndrome.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
To be held at the Mid-High Auditorium, 5900 SE Baylor Drive, Bartlesville, OK

1:00-2:30pm: Karen's Presentation on fitness: Get Moving!

2:30-3:30pm: Activities and demonstrations of programs in Oklahoma for the Developmentally Disabled

3:30-4:30pm: Karen presents her Friends First program on inclusion

4:30-5:00pm: Question and Answer Session with Karen

WHO IS INVITED?
Everyone! The event is for everyone who wants to learn about, help and advance the cause of the mentally disabled.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE EVENT?
The event is free.

WHO IS HOSTING THE EVENT?
Psychological Services of Bartlesville, Green Country Independent Living Center, ARC of Bartlesville, The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, IDEA Empowerment, LLC, and Terrel Taylor Homes.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE KAREN GAFFNEY FOUNDATION?
Visit her website

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To reach us please email us or visit our event website

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Movie Reviews

Okay, so who watched and what did you think? Leave a comment or a link back to your review.


Raves:
Baby Pheobe was absolutely adorable!!
My heart cringed at the institution scene. ( I know that is how things were then, but still......... such deplorable conditions).
The "Hunny Bunny" story made my heart smile.
And such pride in the families during the school board scene.
Al and Pheobe's connection has personal interest for me. (Chris isn't Aiden's biological, but he is definately Aiden's Daddy. And the bond they share is unbreakable. Chris considers Aiden to be his.)

Rants:
I know it was a movie and a lot had to be taken out for time constraints, but more of Norah and Paul getting to know Pheobe is a big part of the ending.
More should have been shown of David's inner struggle not knowing Pheobe and giving her away. That played a huge part in his death. And Norah forgiving David in the end.
The scene where he returned to his childhood cabin should have been shown, that was crucial.
Why is it that in 25 years, Norah never changed? They aged everyone but her?
And why didn't they show more of Norah's depression of losing a child. In the movie, she was made to seem cold, but in the book, her turmoil is obvious.

And I am so proud of Chris. As much as this was definately a "chick flick", he watched it also. And in the end, he said with disappointment "They should have used tulips."

All-in-all, I LOVED it. Thank you Lifetime Network for showing a positive movie about having a child with Down syndrome.

Don't Forget!!!

The Memory Keeper's Daughter premiers tonight on the Lifetime Network at 9pm ET. You can see exceprts from the movie here

A Milestone of the Unsupported Kind

Aiden sat unsupported for the first time! And long enough for me to snap off 7 pictures.