Our Special Gift

On Monday October 6th we received the most amazing gift..Benjamin Michael. As soon as the doctor handed him to me I knew instantly..our baby was healthy but something was wrong..he had Down Syndrome. We opted out of all the testing so we had no idea. I was in complete shock. Even if we had done the tests, it wouldn't have changed anything. At this point Bill still hadn't made it to the hospital yet. I looked at the doctor who was talking to me but I don't know what he said. I had so many thoughts running thru my head. I was so happy to have another healthy baby boy & sad at the same time because I felt as though he was broken & I couldn't fix him. I didn't know how to feel.

We received the confirmation this week from the Genetics doctors that it is Down Syndrome. We knew deep down but still held out hope that they were wrong. His heart is healthy & so far no other health issues, which was our main concern. He is perfect & has fit into our family as though he has always been here. We know that we were chosen for this special gift for a reason. We believe that he has so much to teach us. He definitely completes our family.

2 Weeks

What a difference a few weeks makes. Ben is doing great..gaining weight & eating well. These pics are from last week. He already looks a lot bigger! He loves to be held & I have been holding him constantly :) Trying to take in all of his smallness, because I know it is going to fly by!


Ben letting everyone know he is 2 weeks old!

Last Belly Pic

I have been a little behind on blogging, but wanted to share my last belly pic I took the week before I had Ben. I was 37 weeks along. I did pretty good on my weight gain this time. I gained 7 pounds total & so far have lost about 18-20. Hopefully it will keep coming off!

It's a BOY!!

Benjamin Michael..Ben :o)
Born on 10/6 @ 5:20pm
He weighed 6lbs 14ozs
After a bout with some jaundice we are home & he is doing very well. He decided to arrive a little early & he was in a hurry! I got to the hospital at 5:00 & he was born at 5:20! So far he is easy going & hardly fusses. Here are a couple of pics of our new little man!

35 Week Belly Pic

 

I can't believe it's almost over. In some ways I am excited to have the baby here & feel "normal" again & in other ways I am a bit sad knowing this is our last one. So I am trying to enjoy every minute of it. We had a practice run a couple weeks ago. I was having bad back pain & hard contractions. They sent me to the hospital & gave me medicine to stop the contractions & percaset for my back pain. So far so good. I feel somewhat ready, other than the fact we are having a hard time with names :o)

My Baby Shower

Just wanted to Thank Pam, Jenn & Sarah for a really nice & fun baby shower. You guys put so much work into this for me & I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it!

Update on Baby Leonard

We had another ultrasound today. Baby looks good & is measuring on track, however I am measuring 4 weeks ahead due to too much amniotic fluid. I go on Monday to have a non-stress test done, so will know more then. Only about 6 more weeks to go!!

First Day of School!

The girls started a new school this year & so far they love it! Kaylea has friends in her class from our neighborhood & Emma has Kaylea's 1st grade teacher.

 

 

 

 

Florida Vacation Pics

Our "Tropical" Vacation

We are having a good time, but this tropical storm is really putting a damper on things. This is the radar as of 11:30 on Tuesday morning. We are in Port St. Lucie. Stores are closed..but we still have power..so far! Good times in FL, now I remember one of the reasons we moved to NC!