Inspired!

Take a minute to watch this... it is AWESOME!

Down Syndrome Player Becomes a Star | Video - ABC News

Bloom

I love to read but have trouble getting anything else done so I don't allow myself that pleasure. I told myself that I could read ONE book this winter (not counting what I read to Nathan or Joshua). That is a HUGE treat to thyself. However, no title has come upon me that screams it is worth my time and lack of sleep that will be endured to read it... until tonight.

Bloom is being released on April 3rd. This is THE one. I cried just watching the trailer: http://www.kellehampton.com/2012/02/bloom.html

The author of the book, Kelle Hampton has a blog. I was introduced to the blog, "Enjoying the Small Things" in a really neat way. I sent our Christmas letter to a good friend of ours. His name is Nick. Nick was just married to a really neat gal in May (you may remember the posts I wrote back then when we danced our socks off even though I was BIG and PREGNANT). Anyway... Katie, his cute wife, sent me a note. Not an email... a REAL note... that came in the REAL mailbox. After reading our Christmas letter she thought she would pass along a blog that she thought I might enjoy reading. She was SO right. I absolutely love Kelle Hampton's writing style and the obvious love and gift she has for being a mom. You can find the blog here: http://www.kellehampton.com/

I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Is it April 3rd yet?

Seems like yesterday...

but yet so far away. (I always say that.) How could SIX months have went by since baby Joshua was born? Yet, we have went through so much in that time that it doesn't seem like we could have went through ALL of that in SIX months. ??? So confused when it comes to time...

Anyway... this little peanut is SWEET as sweet can be. He is such a GIFT beyond words! He has graced our family in the best possible ways.

These days, he is:

* Eating solid foods (made by yours truly!). So far, avocados, sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash, and as of today... PEAS (YUCK!!!! YUCK!!!! YUCK!!!!). He loves all of it and took to eating solid foods amazingly well. He is super cute to watch too.

* Stares up and smiles at absolutely NOTHING. I am quite positive he is talking to his fellow angels that are still in Heaven and continue to watch down on him. And, when you hold him up right chest to chest, he flaps his little angel wings. I am dead serious. He STILL thinks he has his angel wings on. He does. Or maybe it is his superman flying powers... ??? (Probably a little of both.)

* Loves to roll over from his back to his tummy but gets mad once he is there. He wants us to roll him back from his tum to his back so he can do it again... even though he learned to roll from his tum to his back before learning to roll from his back to his tummy. He will plant his face on the floor with frustration until we roll him back over... and then he does it again within seconds.

* Giggles. No words to describe that or his HUMONGOUS smile that goes with it.

* Is very ticklish.

* Grabs my hair quicker than I can blink and holds on tight and won't let go.

* Loves to escape his diaper when we are changing him. It has become a game that has proven to be quite a mess when he teases his mommy that he really won't have an accident if I keep the diaper off longer. And, I am talking... Funniest Home Videos funny. He nailed me and him right in the face... all over my glasses... and the bed with his pressure washer.

* Yells when he gets excited. It is hilarious! And of course... adorable! It is just one quick yell to let them know he is there.... like when we go to a basketball game or the rodeo. He is one cute cheerleader!

* Has just started touching our faces while looking into our eyes with the most honest, heartfelt look on his face. He has always... since he was teeny-weeny... looked us in the eyes like that. It is indescribable. And now... both hands gently feeling our cheeks.... mmmm... it is the sweetest touch I've ever felt.

* Loves toys. He loves yanking the plastic chain links that hang from his swing and his car seat. He also loves to make his light-up snail make noise.

* He sleeps through the night so well but hates to take naps during the day. He gets mad when he is tired, gives in, falls asleep, and is up within minutes. Power naps are all he needs to be a happy baby during the day.

* Continues to wake us up in the morning by sneezing, tooting, or slamming both feet down in his play yard to make a loud noise. He will lay there for about 15 minutes before he starts making noises with his mouth to say, "Hello, I am up. Is anyone there?" Usually, I go get the coffee pot going and his bottle ready before I pick him up. And when I do... he is ALL smiles. What an amazing way to start every morning.

* Tampers with holding his bottle. He does it for awhile... I think without even realizing what he is doing... and then it is my turn. (And for all of you that are against formula - it is breast milk. I pump and feed because I had to when he was in the hospital and we've never changed back - still HAVE to know how much he eats... I had to focus on that for so long that I just can't let that go.)

* Just started playing with his cute tootsies.* Rarely takes a pacifier.

And just a few notes for myself that I don't want to forget:

* When he was a new baby he always, ALWAYS had to peek one eye open to see who was holding him or where we were.

* Loved to have his hand tickled when he was eating. Actually, he is starting to do that again...

* Used to study his fists and try so hard to get them right to his mouth. Now days he just puts his thumb right in, or his fingers, or his entire fist.

Spread the Word!

My dear friend passed this article to me: http://www.orangeparents.org/noahs-story/ and I felt it needed to be passed further. Obviously, this story hit close to home. I can relate to every single word written in this article. I encourage the world to know how much better life can be with a child born with Down syndrome. Our lives have been FOREVER TRANSFORMED (in the most amazing way) since July 15th when Joshua entered our lives. I hope my little family can make a difference in the world by Down syndrome awareness as well... to save an aborted baby, to encourage new parents with this news after their baby is born with this diagnosis, adoption of a Down syndrome baby, etc.

It is interesting to me as I look back at the day of Joshua's birth when we were hit with the news of his diagnosis. It is a day that I cringe thinking about because of how I acted for the hour or two after we were told of his diagnosis. I was sad. I was hurt. I felt personally betrayed by God. And yet... I was in love instantly with our newest baby. I hate thinking about it. HATE. It was a few hours later when my sister reminded me that Josh's birthday was a day of celebration and we should start celebrating. DUH! Of course we should. It doesn't matter what he has. He is ours. And we love him and Nathan no matter what they are diagnosed with. They are both a GIFT! The best gifts we've EVER received!

I have to admit that I didn't care for the doctor that told us about Joshua's diagnosis. He was very UNsympathetic and he wasn't compassionate. We dealt with this doctor when Nathan was a preemie and in the NICU. He does not have a good bedside manor. HOWEVER, I'm glad he wasn't sympathetic. He shouldn't have been. It is nothing to be sorry about. Joshua is a gift no matter what he was born with or without... just like any other child who might be diagnosed later in life with something else. So, I can get over those details with this particular doctor. What I can't get over is that he didn't lift Joshua up and be excited about his birth and promote positive attitude about Down syndrome.

I encourage all of you to read the article and pass on positive ANYTHING regarding Down syndrome.

Love,

Joshua's Mom

Get it... Noah's Dad... Joshua's Mom. :o)

Christmas 2011

As I look back at 2011, I find my heart fuller than it has ever been. It was a year of many challenges that were often questioned but have left us feeling extremely blessed. Let’s start at the beginning...

Who would have thought that when we took our Christmas picture last year we were going to be blessed with another miracle? Against all odds... we were pregnant in that picture and didn’t even know it! It took SEVEN pregnancy tests and THREE ultrasounds to convince us that our dreams of having another child were actually true. It was a gentle reminder that none of us, not even infertility specialists, are in control.

Joshua Michael joined our family four and a half weeks earlier than expected via emergency c-section on July 15^th. He immediately captured our hearts and made our family complete. However, as exciting as his birthday was, it was filled with immediate concern. Within hours of his arrival, baby Joshua was diagnosed with a heart defect and Down syndrome. While at first everything was a little hard to comprehend and worry flooded our minds... the celebration of little Joshua began. Anytime we were consumed with worry, we just put him in our arms and he melted our worries away. He was, and still is, very powerful. In fact, he received the nickname Superman because he fought so hard for life before and during his surgery. On September 2^nd, he had open-heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital in Omaha. We found out that his heart defect was far worse than anyone suspected and the doctors didn’t know if he would survive the recovery. Little Joshman had only been operating on 20% of his heart for the first seven weeks of his sweet little life. Just days after the surgery, the doctors began shaking their heads in disbelief at how well he was doing. He was far better than they ever imagined. He is a fighter and a REAL superhero to all of us! We are so honored that God chose us to raise this child. The journey from his birthday through his recovery is one that will never be forgotten.

Nathan jumped into the role of big brother like a true pro. He never complained that he no longer had the undivided attention of his mom and dad or that his life had drastically changed in an instant. We could not be more proud of how quickly he adjusted. He just turned 10 years old... is growing like a weed... joined the swim team... loves the Vikings... just broke his wrist while snowboarding... continues to have a big heart... and is overall a great kid that we are proud to call our first miracle.

Superman is five and a half months old. He is healthy, thriving, and absolutely adorable. His doctors continue to be amazed at his progress and remind us every visit what a true miracle he is (although we already know). He is such a good, happy baby with a personality that we fall more in love with every day. He does great attending Nathan’s events... takes food VERY seriously... sleeps through the night... rolls over... smacks his lips... giggles... loves watching his big brother... and continues to burst our hearts wide open. He has already taught us more than we dream of teaching others in a lifetime.

Scott continues to work hard for our family and is in his third year at American Family Insurance. This year he luckily walked away from driving over a 15-foot cliff on a riding lawn mower, as well as falling out of a 20-foot tree stand. He shot a 5 x 5 bad boy with his bow this year... traded in his four-wheeler for a new-to-us fishing boat... and is still passionate about any outdoor sport.

I couldn’t be happier about returning to my role as a full-time stay-at-home mom. School is on hold for now as I am not ready to give up precious baby time for study time. There are few days that go by that I don’t hold our baby, cry, and thank God for the miracles He has given us. When I look into Joshua’s eyes, I know that I am right where I am suppose to be. Aside from changing diapers and feeding the baby, I didn’t want to be the only one without injury this year, so I decided to sprain my wrist while chasing Nathan on the ice skating rink. Taking care of a 4-month old with one arm is not something I wish to experience again anytime soon.

The dogs have had a bigger than big adjustment as well. They tend to get the tiny little bits of leftover attention that is pretty sparse by the end of the day. Jasper didn’t jump into the big brother role nearly as well as Nathan. He is extremely jealous and secretly dreams of the days when he was my baby. Toby has suffered quite a few back problems this year; however, he is still our eight-pound over protective guard dog. And then there is Sam… who we’ve nicknamed Houdini because he finds magical ways to get off of his leash and sport around the neighborhood. He also had luck on his side this year when he got hit by a speeding truck and walked away with only scrapes and bruises. Even though these pups get the short end of the stick, they are loved just as much now as they were before our family grew.

In addition to this crazy year, we lost my grandpa to Alzheimer’s disease right before Christmas. As hard as it was to see him go, we know he is finally home... and that brings so much peace to all of us. He will be missed but will live in our hearts forever!

It is obvious to us that this year would not have been possible without the incredible love and support of our family and friends. We are so blessed by those who helped us get through this year. We have seen kindness and generosity at a level beyond our comprehension. Thank YOU. Thank you SO very much for your prayers and your unbelievable support!

We love and treasure you all,

Jennifer, Scott, Nathan, Joshua, Toby, Jasper... and Sam p

We Believe!

God is SO GREAT!

Miracles DO come true!

TWO months ago today, our little Superman pulled through open-heart surgery. To this day, the docs are still shaking their head in disbelief that he is here and THRIVING!

I can barely touch the surface of my memory thinking of this day two months ago. It hurts too much. I have yet to look at the pictures or read the posts I wrote on Caring Bridge. No thanks. Not yet. Someday. For now, I'll continue to look at the Joshman and see the miracle right before my eyes. He is such a gift!

Whoooo's Cute?!

Last night was a monumental Halloween for the Gordostyle family. The night marked Nathan's 10th Halloween and Joshua's first. It also marked absolutely beautiful weather and a sliver moon covered by scattered clouds - totally halloweenish. It also marked my least favorite costume ever worn by Nathan:


For a couple years we've battled against him wearing scary costumes and this year I lost the battle. And so it begins... growing up. :o( At least I'll have control over Joshua for awhile.

As much as Joshua probably should have been Superman (since he IS, after all, the REAL SUPERMAN) I wasn't "feelin" it. So it became that he would be an owl and I would be his tree (inspired by the blog: Humpty was Pushed).

It was SO.MUCH.FUN!!!!! He slept in the "tree" the entire evening.

The loot (every year he has to dump it all out and then sort it into piles):
The hat (using the tutorial from Humpty was Pushed blog):
Even though owls are nocturnal, this owl slept through the night...again!

Smiles!

My camera was throwing temper tantrums...so Nathan captured these with his ipad. I love them! He makes my heart smile!

What a GOOD Feeling!

Lately, I have had the feeling that my heart could burst wide open with love.

For three days in a row, just staring at him has brought tears rolling down my face.

I love this little guy more than I can ever begin to say.

He completes me. He completes our family.


(2 months old in these pics. Tomorrow he will be THREE months!)

In Love...

In February I bought this cradle at a rummage for 5 bucks. I was so scared to buy the cradle since I was so early in my pregnancy. I never EVER imagined that I would actually make it to 35 weeks. Now here we are awaiting our miraculous bundle and the cradle is finished and waiting for him to arrive.

P.S. He still doesn't have a name but at least he has a bed!

He is the Sweetest!

The past two Sunday's, Nathan has been invited to go somewhere fun with a friend (water slides and the pool). Each time he returns home, he brings me a treat from their concession stand! To know that he is thinking of me while he is with his buddy, makes my heart happy (and my tummy very happy). :o)

He is so darn sweet!

Calling ALL Christians...

Actually, calling all NON-Christians too!

This is a MUST read!

It is an easy-quick UPLIFTING read. And, I wish I would have read it to Nathan. However, since Scott NEEDS to read it too... he is going to read it with Nathan. I can't wait to hear their comments about it. It gives me chills already...

Soon To Be...

a mommy of a 4th grader and a baby (10 weeks to go)! The hard part between those two is definitely the fact that Nathan will be in 4th grade. It goes so fast! And as fun as each day has been, I want it to slow down. I am already stressing about how fast the baby will grow! I love this time in our lives with a child that still cares about us, listens well, and is so much fun to be around. Last night as I was lying in bed, I thought that maybe God waited to give us a second child so that I would have kids at home longer. I'm so OK with that!

Here are a few pics from the last day of 3rd grade:

His teacher (best one ever):

2 best buddy's:

Had to do some back flips off the swings from the playground before we left:


Celebrated by going to a local favorite ice cream shop (the boys could NOT sit still):

Ahhh.... summer, here we come!

Week 27.5: Future Wedding Crashers

(Scott (groomsman), Me, Groom, Friends Wife, Friend (Groomsman))

Scott and I headed to a friends wedding in:

Population 232.

Our friend doesn't live there but they were taken by this old blind school that had just been renovated into a resort in 2010. It's kind of neat because he is an eye doctor and she is a teacher -- put them together and they got married at a blind school. I have to admit, I was leery about staying in such a small town - wondering what kind of place would be there. However, it was full of beauty and character with modern touches. We loved it and had a GREAT time together!

We arrived early enough to check into the hotel and then took off to go asparagus hunting. Yep, you heard me right... asparagus hunting. Scott was on a mission to bring back some fresh green stuff that we love. However, it was wet and muddy so I played photographer from the car. I wish I would have taken more of the resort. I had every intention and then we got busy with the wedding and time flew by faster than I thought it would.

Above: Scott on the hunt...

Below: Pics from the dry car:

Below: Could someone explain the fees on the sign, please?

Below: A barn on the property of the resort. (Loved it!)

Below: A pond also on the property of the resort:

Below: If you look carefully, there is a teepee in the background. You can rent them out for the night. We weren't daring enough. Maybe someday when we have Nathan with us and I'm not pregnant.

Scott and I kept joking that we should become wedding crashers once a month to refresh our marriage. THAT is how much fun we had. :o)