Just Another Ordinary Miracle

It's not everyday that you get to see the actual chromosomes in one of your cells. Recently I was able to get a copy of Erin's karyotype, which is a profile of a person's chromosomes. Along with the karyotype came the actual image of one of her cells that was examined shortly after her birth. As you can clearly see here, she has three 21st chromosomes, which happen to be the smallest of the human chromosomes. Hence, the scientific name, Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down syndrome.





It's interesting, and may even sound a bit strange to some, but I have grown to love that extra chromosome that is found in all the cells of my sweet little girl's body. Partly, the extra 21st is what makes Erin unique; it's what makes Erin, Erin. I feel so incredibly blessed and honored to be her mother. I plan to frame this karyotype, this little fingerprint from God, and save it as a keepsake for us to cherish.

Erin's On the Move!

No, she's not walking....she's trucking!





You should see how fast the kids move her from room to room. All the while, Erin squeels with delight!

You'll Never Guess What I Found

I love it when my siblings leave their Easter candy on the floor, says Erin!!

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday, Dear Moira.......happy birthday to you!!!!

Moira was born 15 years ago today. What joy she has brought into our lives! Have a great day, Moira, we love you!!! Here she is with two of her favorite people...



And isn't she fortunate to share a birthday with another one of our favorite friends? Happy Birthday to you too, Father Eric!!

Husband of the Year Award

3rd Place goes to: Greece !





2nd Place goes to: Serbia


And the winner of the husband of the year is:
Ireland

And while it didn't make the finals, this one deserves honerable mention as well from the good ol' USA...Here I am, opening my birthday gift from my dear hubby....pots and pans!



JUST KIDDING!!! LOL! (I actually love my pots and pans!)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

Here's a picture of Moira with her dress on. Eileen had hers off too quickly, so I'll have to get a picture of her tonight.

It's Time to Pick Up the Legos!

Yes, that's right....it's time to pick up the Legos, little dinosaurs, marbles, game pieces etc, because we have a crawler on the loose! Just this Tuesday, Erin's PT was here and mentioned that it wouldn't be long before Erin was crawling. She predicted one or two more months. Well, I think Erin heard her and wanted to pick up the pace and show her she had other plans. It's funny, yesterday Erin was not THAT close to crawling....today, to our amazement, she just crawled across the room. I think these unexpected milestones are what makes parenting a special needs child so incredible, and so so underrated! I can tell you we celebrate each one with great joy and enthusiasm.

A Celebration For Healthy Hearts!

Herma Heart Center (from Children's Hospital of WI) has an annual event for children who have gone through open-heart surgery. It was, of course, our first year participating, and we all had thankful hearts for our little Erin!! We had a lot of fun at the event which was at the local children's museum. We met many families and even recognized a few.


The kids took full advantage of all that was offered...





Mike strategically placed the bench here so he and Erin could take full advantage of the fish.




Nothing like playing in water....






And if you think the excitement ends there, you are mistaken. On the way home we were pulled over by a police officer, sirens and all. Moira, our camera happy girl, didn't waste any time snapping a picture of the confused faces in the back seat. Of course she put the camera away when the officer started shining his flashlight into the car :) As it turns out we had a back tail light out. Whew....and you all thought Mike was speeding didn't you? ;) Thankfully, we just got a friendly warning.

More Photos of Father Daughter Dance

Bridget, Colleen, Eileen

Bridget, Mike, Teresa

Teresa

Mike, Bridget

Colleen, Kelley

Margaret and Molly Grace

Father-Daughter Dance

It's once again time for the much anticipated Father-Daughter Dance for home schoolers in our area. The girls look forward to this event all year! Here are a few pictures I took just before they headed out the door. I'll try to post another picture of Mike with five of his girls (Erin's too young to go) soon! I think it was the year of the polka dots...