It's the most wonderful time of the year!

It's been too long since my last post. A LOT has been going on within our family. Especially with our precious boy Michael. He will be TEN months on Christmas Eve, can you believe that?! We are happy to tell you how well he is doing. This baby boy never ceases to amaze us. He had a check up two weeks ago and came in at 17 lbs 8.5 oz & 28 1/2 inches long. Tall and skinny, just like his Daddy.   He has begun crawling and is all over the place. Currently, Michael is still reaching all the appropriate milestones and then some! We are so proud of him.

This post is to merely reflect on the past year. Michael came into our lives and we are forever changed. He has made us become stronger, wiser and happier then we ever thought we could be. He has been a huge part of the National Down Syndrome Society with being their cover baby and helping spread awareness, he is very involved with his local DS support group, therapy four days a week (whoa) and just landed a place with a modeling agency based out of NYC & LA. With only a short time of his life he has accomplished to surpass all things that could have been against him with his little *extras*. Like Katy Perry says, "baby you're a firework, come on show them what your worth, make them go "oh oh oh" as you shoot across the sky"... That is exactly what Michael Vincent is doing to everyone that knows him.  He's our little firework.

I constantly am questioned, "is he always this happy?!", well not exactly- but I enjoy telling everyone 98% of the time! Just like any other baby he can be stubborn and cry when things don't go his way, but overall he is one happy, smiley & giggly baby.  His favorite word the past few weeks is "Da Da". Mike is VERY thrilled to say the least. We all are.

The past few months have been hectic; heading back to grad school, Mike working 6 days a week, running into the City to see Michael's specialists, therapy sessions AND wedding planning- it sure is all very time consuming. I am happy to announce I am taking a brief hiatus from school until next fall. I want to take time to spend with Michael while he is young and help him reach his milestones (and plan our wedding, too). Thankfully I am fortunate enough to have a loving man who provides for us so I am able to focus on our family.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. I look forward to being able to update more often after the holidays.

Love,
The Delaney Family

Our *1st* Buddy Walk

Hi everyone! Those of you who are a part of our sons life or know someone with DS knows October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This will also be the month that the Down Syndrome Organization we belong to will hold their annual Buddy Walk (our first walk).

I have designed "Team Michael's" shirts for our buddy walk and would like whoever is interested in joining in on our buddy walk or to maybe just buy a shirt to support our son to let me know. I will need to know how many you will be coming with and what size tee shirt you will need. We will have youth sizes XS, S, M, L and adult sizes in S, M, L, XL & 2XL.

All the information you will need can be found on www.dsahv.org. (Directions, Early registration, etc). !BY THE WAY! We are looking for some more sponsors- so if you or anyone you know would be interested in sponsoring our group, please let us know!

For any of you interested in also walking with us in the NYC Buddy Walk, that will be held on September 21 and is run by the NDSS. You can find further information on this walk at www.ndss.org.

I want to stress that all the money raised in these walks all go to proceeds for the NDSS or the local support group in which we are apart of. It helps our community have these great resources and also to raise money in research for Down Syndrome. The reason I am so educated today on DS is because of all the supporters we have throughout the world. Without all of you and your support, we wouldn't have such a great community.

I want to personally thank each and every one of you ahead of time for helping our family and for always supporting us. Michael does know how much he is loved and you can simply tell by the pure and effortless smile he shares with us each and everyday!

Looking forward to spending this special moment with all of you. Much love.

Believe

For those of you who are close friends and family- you all know about my obsession with turtles. Turtle newborn photography, turtle stuffed animals, turtle clothing, turtle bedroom, turtle toys, turtle books... it goes on.

A few of my family members make jokes about my turtle obsession; but tonight-through this post which is WAY overdue- I promise to prove that it is so much more than that. To some it may seem silly, but to me- the meaning behind the turtle in my life means more than you could imagine.

A month after I found out I was pregnant I asked Mike to take me to the NJ State Aquarium. While visiting I envisioned my life with my future baby. Someday taking them back to this very place. The very place that little did I know at the time, would have so much impact on my life. 

Before we left, I had to visit the souvenir shop and pick something out for my future little one. That is when I looked at a huge pile of stuffed animals and there it was- the sea turtle. The turtle that I fell in love with while walking through the exhibit. "Here Mike! There it is! This will be our baby's first stuffed animal!" 

So, you're probably wondering why this turtle has so much significance in my life. Well, the day I found out the odds of Michael having Down Syndrome, I went into his room and opened up the souvenir bag and grabbed the sea turtle. I wept all night long holding the turtle so tight. Praying and hoping that our baby would be okay and that God would keep him safe. 

From that night on the sea turtle slept with me each and every night. I named him peanut, which is how we started calling Michael "Pea". This turtle helped me through some of the darkest days by reminding me that I had such a beautiful future ahead of me.

When I was stuck trying to figure out what I could do for Michael's nursery theme I picked "turtles". It made perfect sense and I was so very excited because I had not known anyone who had done turtles. 

So, the reason for my blog tonight is to prove that this turtle fever has so much meaning in my life then just some silly obsession that everyone thinks I have.

When Michael was in the hospital getting testing done to evaluate if he was having seizures we ended up in a room with a distinct picture over Michael's crib. This picture was drawn and framed by a small child who was once on the floor. Of all the rooms that we could have been placed in, I know that God made sure that we ended up in this room. 

So please, take a close look at the framed picture from Michael's hospital room and tell me that this was not coincidence and that my baby definitely has someone special watching over him. That this turtle obsession I have truly has meaning to me and my son's lives. It is a pure act of God and brings so many happy tears to my eyes every time I am reminded of this picture. (FYI- Michael is currently seizure free!)

6 months already? Where does time go..

During the last two months a lot has changed for Michael. He has started physical therapy and doing quite incredible. He has mastered rolling over on both sides (front to back) and is beginning to bear a lot of weight on his arms and able to push up off of them. He is such a strong little boy. I always knew he would be. 

Although I knew he would be strong, there are few things that he is needing to work extra on- which are mostly all physical aspects. He tends to favor one side of his body (the right side). The therapist has him working on strengthening the left side of his body by simply bearing weight on his left shoulder by putting his arm on the ground and bearing his weight. Each week she is seeing a significant change and saying he is improving so quickly.

Michael is doing so well in all other aspects. Social, motor skills, etc- are all excellent. He is reaching every milestone, and then some! Our baby really is a go getter who has actually started the beginning phase of crawling! Can you believe that?!

Recently, he has found his inner voice. And no, it is not the sweet cute baby voice. He is finding it very funny to scream and yell at the top of his lungs. No, he isn't crying, upset or aggravated- he is simply just enjoying screaming at the top of his lungs. We are really hoping this is phase! But are finding it quite entertaining to say the least.


We spent a nice week with family from Florida that had not yet met Michael. It was such a nice time, and we were very sad to see them go back home! We recently spent a weekend down the shore with my parents and Michael loved spending time in the ocean and with his uncles and grandparents. He's had a few sleepover at Grandma's within the past couple of weeks, getting in lots of loving. I'm telling you that our son really lives the life. 

At his 6 month check up he weighed in at 15 lbs 8.5 oz. He had one oral shot and three injection shots. Additional to that he had blood taken. Results have shown that Michael's thyroid levels are just a little bit higher than a normal level. Instead of waiting until he turns one year old, they will test his thyroid again at 9 months. He will also be going to an eye specialist within the next month to make sure his vision is okay and to make sure he does not have any cataracts (Babies with DS are more likely to have this). Overall, our boy is very healthy and doing great.

Each and every day I am always working with Michael to make sure he is thriving in every way possible. It is very important to always challenge him and keep him working. It sure sounds like a lot and I'm sure there are people out there who wonder if this baby catches a break- yes he does, he naps four times a day and gets plenty of down time.

We are still waiting to hear back from the NDSS. I spoke to Vanessa last week and asked how everything was coming together for the magazine and brochure . I was told that they are still putting everything together and as soon as it was done I would hear from her. We wait every week to hear and can't wait to see our "famous" boy on the cover! 

Model life

Yesterday Michael had his first photo-shoot for the National Down Syndrome Society. He will be the cover baby for the New and Expectant Parent Magazine that is issued by the NDSS. We are beyond proud and excited and cannot wait to get some sneak peaks to share with all of you. He did absolutely wonderful at the shoot and was full of smiles and model poses for the wonderful Victoria Will.

We want to give a big shout out to Vanessa Quick at the National Down Syndrome Society who is the Director of Educational Planning for giving us such a wonderful opportunity and for choosing our family to be a part of something so big in the Down Syndrome Community. Mike and I have never felt so honored and proud. 

We look forward in always being the number one advocates for our son and helping as much as we can within the Down Syndrome community to help spread awareness. We love sharing how wonderful our lives really are with the beautiful *extra's*.

This is one "behind the scene" photo that Vanessa had taken during the shoot. 

Love life

Tonight has reminded me how much I love and appreciate everything I have in my life.

I came over a friends picture on Instagram of her 10 children on the beach for summer vacation. It brought back memories of when I was young. The joy I experienced then is the joy I experience now. My family would go to the beach every summer and spend a full week together. No interruptions. A time where we could bond and forget the world.

And that is what life is about. The no interruptions; the small moments that really mean so much. I cannot thank my family and friends enough for blessing me with such a beautiful life and for embracing my son and loving him to no end.

He is pure joy. He is beauty. He is everything I saw when I was young. He has come into my life without interruption and has shown me that I need to constantly remember that life has a mysterious way of always working things out. 

Tonight I am grateful. I am grateful for all of the beauty that life gives. I am grateful for the people I get to share my beautiful life with. I am grateful that my life is entirely full and that I'm not even sure how it gets any better from here (but it will). That gives me more joy and makes me so hopeful.

I wish for everyone to feel the joy that I feel in my life. To experience hardships, but to accept them with grace and patience. To know that in order to appreciate the good, you will always have to put up with "the bad". That in the end, everything has its meaning and your life will always be beautiful.

Time flies

Guess who's laptop finally got fixed? Oh yeah, that's right... MINE! I have every intention of updating daily/weekly. WOOHOO!


Our sweet, sweet boy is now four months old and living life like a king. He has been enjoying the beach, parties almost every weekend, Grandma & Grandpa's pool, day trips with Mommy & Daddy, Gymboree class, therapy sessions weekly and much more! Michael barely has time to "relax". He is always on the go!

In his down time, we love working on reaching milestones. Michael is able to hold his head all on his own and is beginning to tolerate more time on his tummy. He has been rolling over the past few weeks from his back to his side, and a few times all the way over onto his belly. We don't think that he is aware of just what he is doing yet, but I am sure within no time he will be rolling over onto his belly purposefully.

He responds very well to faces and enjoys having a "babble" conversation with "ooo's" & "gahhhs" with just about anyone he meets. He is an exceptionally happy baby who just loves being loved. Michael sleeps through the night (YAY!) and has been doing so since about two months of age. He has not mastered having bigger bottles at one time, so he is still eating about every two hours- but that's just fine. It is what works for Michael.

On Saturday June 29 he tried Rice cereal for his first time. It was very unsuccessful. Let's just say that I guess he thought it would make a very nice decoration for his onesie & bib. Day #2 of rice cereal was a little more successful, but it was very short lived.

Grad school is starting up again next week for me. It reminds me of how quickly these last four months have gone. I wish I could go back and replay all these memories that our family holds and relive them once more. It reminds me of how soon I will be going back full-time to school and I won't be able to spend all this precious time with Michael everyday. As much as I know this will help Michael and ultimately will make me very happy to teach and have my own career- it makes me sad in knowing I won't get to spend 24/7 with my sweet angel. It is important for me to count my blessings each and everyday and to always remember to treasure all these special moments we share. A baby has a special way of adding joy into each and every day and that is just what Michael does.

Our fella is getting so big!

It's been a few weeks since I have posted. We have been very busy between parties, therapy, mommy and me class, visits from friends and family and our getaways on the weekends. Michael is getting so big. Last week he had his three month check up and he weighed in at 11 lbs 15 oz and 23 inches. He is full of smiles all day long and loves to interact with others. I will update some more later, but for now enjoy the video! Much love!

Megan Thompson Fundraising Page - Megan Thompson's Personal Page for NDSS Your Way Celebrate

This is a fundraising page dedicated to our son to help raise money for Down Syndrome Awareness. Let's celebrate his life and all those diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Every little bit adds up and helps! Thank you so much!

Megan Thompson Fundraising Page - Megan Thompson's Personal Page for NDSS Your Way Celebrate

Anything is possible.

This article right here proves that the diagnosis of Down Syndrome does not define who they are as individuals!

My son will accomplish anything and everything he wishes to; and I will make damn sure of that. There is no statistic or person that will tell me what my baby is capable of.

You go girl! Thank you for the inspiration. And once again thank you for showing us how anything is possible. God Bless.

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2054953

You learn something new everyday.

Our boy is beginning to challenge us. For the past 8 weeks I thought I had him topped and figured out, but tonight I was played by a two month old.

After his 7:30 feeding at my parents house, he fell fast asleep in his carseat all the way home. I took him out quietly, walked upstairs to his bedroom and changed his diaper with only the night light on. I got all the way to zipping up his pajamas and then BAM, those beautiful blues opened up and smiled at me.

Well, at that point I proceeded to pick him up and kiss his chubby cheeks and told him how much I loved him. I figured it was the perfect moment to read a book and get my munchkin back to sleep. Throughout our book reading all Michael wanted to do was coo all over his very tired Mommy and babble babble babble. As much as I treasure these moments, I knew it was going to be a long evening. So I said why not give him a bottle, this will surely put him to sleep. Nope! He drank the bottle right down, burped and continued to look me in the face with those beautiful darling eyes. Of course I just couldn't help but hold him, rock him, and fill his face up with millions of kisses. He has learned to push past his bedtime and now is overtired at this point- doing anything and everything to stay awake. He does not want to miss a trick. By 10:45, our little fella finally turned in and decided he could not put up the fight any longer.

Now I know that he needs to be home each night at 7:00 pm to have his last nightly feeding and go right to bed afterwards. Or at least if we are out I need to make sure I carry a set of pajamas for him so I can put him right to bed when we get home. My not so little baby is not sleeping through his nightly changes anymore--- as much as this makes me happy to have him sleeping from 8pm-6:30am, I sure am going to miss holding him all night long (but I am sure there will still be plenty of nights where he will need Mommy to rock him or take care of him... I hope!).

Michael is still on top and thriving in every aspect of his life. He has learned to smile in response to me. It is such an amazing feeling when he looks at me and gives me the biggest smiles and coo's. Now we are just working on Daddy.

Last week at his 2 month check up he was 10 lbs 9.5oz and he was 21 1/2 inches long. The doctor is very happy with how well Michael is doing. He also did so wonderful with his first set of shots. The last one did hurt a bit, I could tell by the big cry he let out and the sad face he made; but he only whimpered for a few seconds, took his pacifier and went to sleep shortly after.

This week we are working on him with tracking his toys, strengthening the muscle tone in his mouth and are awaiting our first infant massage which will help his digestive system, his muscles and dismiss any constipation he may be having. Infant massage was highly recommended by early intervention as it is very good for strengthening his overall muscles. I will be meeting with his new service coordinator who will ultimately be working with Mike and I every step of the way in EI. She will be coming to the house this week and will set up days for therapy to start coming in and work with our boy. Mike and I are very excited to get started and help Michael progress in every aspect.

This weekend we will be going back down the shore to see my parents and then Sunday we are celebrating a very special birthday! Yay, Patrick!!! We can't wait to see you and celebrate the big "1"!!!

And I thank you all for keeping up with my posts. I am sorry that it takes me a while, but my computer will be fixed next week and I will then have no excuse to not come in daily and update! I can't wait :)

(Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to get updates right to your email).


Yay, my munchkin is finally asleep!

Moving along

Michael is doing exceptionally well. His evaluation went wonderful and he passed with flying colors. Due to his diagnosis he will receive another physical therapy evaluation to make sure he does not require further therapy at this time. After his evaluation it was noted that Michael will be working with a social therapist to work on his feedings; as he does have low muscle tone in and around his mouth and tends to drip milk out. We will be working on increasing his fluid intake and strengthening the muscles in his mouth to put an end to the dripping. (Don't worry, he seems to be gaining a LOT of weight. As we think he is around 11 lbs. Up 3 lbs from his last weigh in on March 26.)

He will also have a special instruction therapist working with him on following objects, responding to faces, tolerating longer periods of tummy time, supporting his head up on his own, reaching and grabbing objects and playing with them.

These will be Michaels goals by 6 months; where he then will have another evaluation and more goals for the next 6 months and so forth. At any time that we feel he needs work in another area, we are allowed to add to his list of goals. As the parents, we control what we want him to work on. EI will always suggest where he needs help, but ultimately we decide exactly what we want to work on- and we will of course always take the therapists and coordinators suggestions.

This week has been very busy for my little sweetheart. Monday we spent the early afternoon with our close friends and attended our second Gymboree class. Then in the early evening we visited Grandma & Grandpa Delaney's. Tuesday I had Michaels meeting with EI and set up his IFSP (individualized family service plan). Wednesday I am taking Michael to a New Mom's Support Group, Thursday he will spend time with his Grandma Dee while I attend a teachers workshop and Friday is his two month check-up. Busy busy busy!!!!

Mike and I are just so excited to start working on Michaels goals and meeting his new therapists. All we want is to help our little boy reach for the stars and excel to the best of his ability.

Everyday, every week, Michael is teaching me something new. This week I am finding that I am becoming much more laid back and beginning to take each day as it comes. With our busy lives, it would be very easy for me to become overwhelmed, but I have been learning to just go with the flow. I am waking up with a happy heart every morning and always remember to remind myself "today will be a good day".

I am so grateful for my wonderful boyfriend, my beautiful son and the best family anyone could ask for (The Thompson's, Delaney's, Davis' & Malones'). Without all of you, I don't know where I would be. So tonight when I go upstairs to sleep- I'll kiss both my boys on their foreheads as I do every night and pray for all my family and thank you all for helping me to have such a blessed life.

Justice for Ethan Saylor

Just wanted to share this with all of you. Each and every time I read this I can't help but lose it and cry hysterical. Obviously this hits home and my heart aches for all individuals with DS to be treated just like everyone else. My heart aches especially for Ethan Saylor who was taken way too soon from his family. Not a day has gone by where I don't think of him and his family. Justice must be served for Ethan.

Please read the creed that I have come across and feel free to pass it along if you'd like. We need to spread this awareness each and everyday. May God Bless my Michael Vincent and all the beautiful people who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Growing with Michael Vincent

I have been meaning to post for the past few weeks, but unfortunately my laptop is currently not working. I really need to get on that and fix it so I can start sharing some of my wonderful pictures I have of Michael.

A little over two weeks ago Michael had his cardiologist appointment to check on his PDA and the leakage in his heart. As they said the first time he had his echo cardiogram, that his PDA should close, it has! We are thrilled, yay Michael! The leak in his heart has also stopped. The only thing we discovered was that he does have a flow murmur. This is nothing to worry about because it has nothing to do with the physical aspect of his heart. It is the blood flow through his heart and it has a murmur, which is perfectly normal. We found out about 24% of the population have this.

His cardiologist is such a wonderful doctor and very personable. She made us feel very comfortable at our visit and treated our baby as if he was one of hers. I was told that he would not require a follow up because our little boy has a PERFECT heart. I was feeling very blessed after this visit. God had answered my prayers with beautiful news that our boy is in perfect physical shape thus far.

While we were at this visit we found out Michael was up to 8 lbs 14 oz. Our baby is thriving! He is finally able to fit into his 0-3 & 3 month clothing. As happy as I am about this, it also makes me sad that he no longer is the tiny peanut that was put in my arms on 2/24/13. But of course, Mike and I look very forward to watching him grow each and everyday.

Today April 8th, Michael has his evaluation with Early Intervention. It is a very important day for him and us as his parents. We look forward to learning more about our baby and how we can help him grow and reach his milestones.

As always we are constantly pushing our sweet boy to work on all of his skills. Hoping you all have a wonderful Monday and I will be in touch soon after Michaels evaluation.

The joys of Labor & Delivery with Michael Vincent

Hi all, today marks Michael's 25th day of life which also happens to be World Down Syndome Day! This year marks it's 8th anniversary in raising Global Awareness for Individuals with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome International invites everyone across the world to wear LOTS OF SOCKS on March 21, 2013 to help raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day. So come on family, friends and all other advocates... dig those funky socks out of your drawers and wear them today to help raise awareness; And not only for Michael Vincent, but for all Individuals with Down Syndrome!

(Labor and Delivery story.....)

The last time I blogged I was impatiently waiting for my precious boys arrival. Little did I know that he planned to bless us with his presence three days later. It was an unexpected, but very exciting and thrilling moment of my life when I woke up to contractions at 2:30 AM on February 24, 2013.

On that Saturday I took it very easy. For those who know me, I am NOT one to sit back and put my feet up. I am constantly on the run, but on this day it just felt right to take it easy and put my nesting brain to rest. I spent a few hours in Michael's nursey that night; I took my pillow, blanket and turtle into his nursery, planted myself on the floor and sang along to lullabys, read bedtime stories to my then bump and cried every so often at the mere thought of holding my beautiful baby for the first time. Mike probably asked me about five times to get off the baby's floor and to come to bed, but I ignored him. I was so content in those moments. I somehow knew that my world was about to change within the next few hours. 

2:30 AM I was abruptly woken up by a little discomfort in my abdomen. This had been happening for a few weeks and I figured it was braxton hicks contractions. I got up to use the bathroom and then came back to bed. I started having the pain in my abdomen again and said to myself, "Thats weird, why did the pain subside and come back so soon?". I monitored the pain for a good twenty minutes and the contractions I was having were about 4-5 minutes apart. At this point, I knew that this could be early labor. I woke up Mike and told him I was having contractions. We then timed the contractions together and decided that I was definitely in early labor. I called my mom and she agreed that I could be in early labor and to call my doctor. I waited until 5:30 AM to call my doctor. After speaking with her, she explained that it sounded like early labor and that I could take my time to get ready and go to the hospital. So, I did just that. I took a nice hot shower and made sure I had everything together and ready to go for the hospital. My mom picked us up around 8:30 AM and we were off.

On the way to the hospital the contractions were 2-3 minute apart and VERY painful. I honestly don't think I have ever felt anything more painful in my entire life. I did not think that the pain would be that bad. Well ladies and gentlemen, it WAS that bad. I was looking very forward to getting an epidural and not feeling anymore pain. After getting to the hospital, they could not check me in to labor and delivery until I was dilated more than 3 CM. When I was first checked I was only 1 CM dilated and this really upset me. After that news, I got up out of bed and walked the entire maternity ward for a good hour so I could help speed up the dilation process. The next time I was checked I was 4 CM dilated and one very happy mommy to be. I was finally admitted and put into my labor and delivery room. I shortly after recieved my epidural and was starting to feel like myself again. The doctor checked me about every two hours and broke my water for me to speed up the process even more.

At this point it was about 9:00 PM and I have now been in labor for about 18 hours all together. All of my immediate family was there at the hospital to see me along with Mike's mother. They all made me feel very comfortable and helped me relax while we patiently waited for the doctor to come and say it was time to push. Around 10:15 PM the doctor finally came back in to check me and I  was told that I was ready to push and deliver my baby. Finally, I was going to meet the little love of my life.

Mike and I were more than excited. I don't really think you can put a time like this into words. I did four sets of pushes, the last set I pushed about six times. The doctor said to me, "Okay, keep pushing and don't stop, focus focus focus! You can do this!". I then thought to myself, "This is it, in about 10 seconds my entire life is going to change..." with that, that the next thing I knew my son was being lifted up and I heard his first beautiful cry. I honestly cannot put into words how I felt. It was the most indescribable feeling. My pregnancy was finally put behind us and here he was; the little angel that was sent from above, he was finally here and is absolutely beautiful. He was everything I knew he would be and more.

After being delivered at 10:38 PM at 7 lbs 13 oz and 21 1/4 inches, he came straight to his Mommy and we had our skin to skin contact and he immediately breastfed. Already my sweet boy was showing the world just how strong he is. I don't think I will ever have a happier moment in my entire life. It is a moment that I will treasure forever. My Michael Vincent, my pride and joy, my absolute everything. I never knew it was possible to love someone this much. It is a love I never felt before. A love I never knew existed. It is so pure, so real, and came so natural. My heart is full.

Our hospital stay was not exactly how I expected it to be. Because I delivered on Sunday evening, I was planned to be discharged Tuesday. On that Monday, February 25, there was a lot going on. Between visitors coming, doctors evaluating me, doctors evaluating the baby and trying to get some rest in between all of this- it was very over whelming. In the midst of all of this, the pediatric cardiologist came in my room to take Michael to get his heart looked at for any minor heart defects. I was so exhausted that I told Mike to go with the baby and I would stay in our room with our visitors. After an hour and a half went by and Mike was still not back I began to get worried because the baby was due to eat. I called Mike a few times and he was not answering. Not only did this upset me but I became very angry that he was ignoring my call. I knew that something was wrong. When he finally answered my call I could sense that something was wrong. "What is it?! Whats wrong with the baby? Did they find something on the sonagram?" Mike then said to me, "Yes, they did but it isn't something we really need to worry about just yet; the baby had an episode during the sonagram and has been put on oxygen. When we get to the maternity floor I will come get you so the doctor can explain everything to you".

"This seriously cannot be happening", I thought to myself. Everything was so perfect, what happened? I couldn't process anything that was going on, all I knew was that I wanted to see my baby and not let him out of my sight ever again. When I finally was brought to the nursery to see him, I immediately lost it and began to cry. There he was struggling in his crib, attached to oxygen and breathing so heavily. I didn't want him to hurt. It made me so sad to see him in this state. I could barely listen to the doctors as they spoke to me. I tried to listen to what they were saying and nodded my head at them, but I really don't think I processed anything they were saying until they told me he would be admitted into the NICU. I was scared, I didn't know what to expect with my sweetie being entered into the NICU.

To try and make the rest of my story a little short I will give you a brief overview of how things went for his week in the NICU. Upon being entered, Michael was given an x-ray. The left side of his lungs came back grey, so they put him on antibiotics. While in the NICU he was hooked up to an IV to make sure he was getting enough fluids, he was on oxygen until day two, and also on the heart rate monitors and PulseOx monitor. Thankfully, after the 48 hour antibiotics were done- everything came back clear. The baby also was being monitored for his moderate PDA that was found on the sonagram and his aortic valve leak. The PDA came back that it was closing and there was no more concern for his aorta being pinched; but Michael will be going back to have another sonagram next week to check on the aortic valve leak. Through the week he was slowly taken off the IV fluids and was monitored on his feedings to make sure he was eating enough before they released him to come home.

I was discharged from the hospital Tuesday, but I did not leave Michaels side while he was in the NICU. It was so hard for me to see my baby in this state. I cried almost everytime I held him.  My heart ached, I just wanted everything to be okay so we could go home. I didn't want him to hurt or be there; but ultimately I knew he ended up where he was for a reason and that he was in the BEST hands. Next to his crib there was a couch that I slept on every night. Well, sort of slept- when I wasn't changing diapers, feeding Michael and cherishing every single moment with him. Unfortunately with him being all hooked up, it was a little difficult to breast feed him, but I was able to pump my breast milk while he was there. The nurses, residents, and doctors were absolutely wonderful at Morristown Memorial. I can not express how helpful and wonderful they were to me and our beautiful boy. We were finally told we could go home on Friday March 1st. I was absolutely thrilled to finally take our baby home and start our life together.

We have now been home for almost three weeks and it has been the best time of our lives. Even though the staff in the NICU were wonderful, nothing is better than having him home with us. We have all adjusted very well and Michael is thriving. He has been to the pediatrician twice already and will be going back tomorrow, March 22 to check on his weight. The doctor is impressed at how well his muscle tone is, because majority of infants with DS have low muscle tone. He responds to our voices already and knows how to keep his mommy on her toes all day. I know everyone says their baby is perfect- but I absolutely mean it when I say our son is perfection. He is eating like a champ, sleeps through the night and loves his tummy time. Mike and I really stress to have the baby on his stomach so he works on using all of his muscles. It is important for babies with DS to focus on tummy time exercises to strengthen their muscle tone so they can reach milestones as quickly as possible. He loves being read to, loves listening to mommy singing to him and loves his massages after bathtime. He also loves his visits from his Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins and friends.

Our Early Intervention service coordinator has already been out to meet Michael and discuss the program with me. In a few weeks, Michael will be evaluated so we can see what areas he may need help in. We are very excited to help our baby in every aspect that he needs and to help him thrive and succeed in reaching his milestones.

For now, we are really embracing being parents and loving every minute. We have never been happier and our little family is complete. Michael is everything we ever wanted and we can't picture our lives without him. Every evening we hold him and look at each other and say, "Look at our beautiful baby, this is a product of us and he is absolutely perfect". I am getting better, but I still cry every so often when I hold him because I am so in love and I am so happy to finally have him here. I feel so blessed that he is healthy and doing so well. Being a mother is such a rewarding and amazing feeling. I have never felt more complete.

So, I know you all have been patiently waiting to meet our baby. I did not want to share him for a few weeks because I wanted our family to have our bonding time and to enjoy our little family before we shared him with "the world". Michael did have a newborn photoshoot, which he did absolutely wonderful at and his pictures are beyond beautiful.  I hope you enjoy the video I have made and be prepared to fall in love with our very lovable baby.

Also, please feel free to subscribe to my blog and follow me. This is where I will update on Michaels progress and our lives together as a family.

A quick update on how my pregnancy life has been going the last few weeks. I am finally sporting a nice sized baby bump (yay!). Although, sleeping at night has become a little less then what I am used to, I really don't mind the lack of sleep because that means baby Michael is almost here!

Each week I am seeing my obstetrician and I am also having sonograms done for bio physicals on the baby. Each week the ultrasound technician checks my amniotic fluid, the baby's heart rate and for his fetal breathing. The last two appointments have gone perfect and everything is looking wonderful. Baby's who carry trisomy 21 tend to always come early due to complications, but we have been so lucky to have no complications regarding baby Michael's health. I have a feeling he will stay inside as long as he can- we think he has become VERY comfortable inside his Momma. Then again, he could surprise us at anytime- as it is in his and Gods hands when he will make his big debut.

Tomorrow, Thursday February 21, I will be 37 weeks and my pregnancy and baby will be considered full-term. He will be considered perfectly fine to come at anytime after tomorrow. I cannot explain how happy I am to have come so far in my pregnancy and to be blessed with a stress-free last couple of months. I have absolutely no doubts that God and all of our loved ones who are no longer with us have been watching over me and my precious son.

So, the countdown is finally here! When will this beautiful baby decide to grace us with his presence? We will just have to wait and find out.... Love to all!!!!!

Hello everyone! I am proud to announce that Michael is growing consistently. We had our Growth Scan about two weeks ago and the doctor said he looks perfect. He is measuring on average just as any other typical baby. As of now, (31 weeks) he weighed approximately 4 lbs 3 oz. Maybe he will take after his Mommy and be a big fella who was a whopping 12 lbs 11 oz at birth!

Yesterday was my baby shower and I am still recovering! It was a very long but successful day. I can not express how thankful I am to have such wonderful family and friends. This little boy has no idea what is in store for him! His family already loves him so much. The shower was absolutely perfect. Special shout outs to my beautiful Mother, my best friend Kristen, Mike's mother Diane, Mike's sister Danielle and also to Jennifer for the beautiful turtle cupcakes. You are all so special to me and made my day perfect.

My family (Thompson's & Davis') and Mike's family are so very supportive and have spoiled us and baby Michael rotten. I can't even explain to all of you how thankful I am for all your generosity, love and support.

I can safely say that my baby will be the most stylish baby around. He has enough clothes to last him a lifetime. Mike and I received everything we need and more. I definitely missed the Delaney's, Davis' and friends that unfortunately could not be with us, and am very thankful for all the gifts they sent to us. Thank you all for your support and love!


Below is a 3D picture of Michael Vincent at my 31 week scan. He is so beautiful, I love him more than anything. I hope you enjoy your last few weeks in your warm little home baby, Mommy can't wait to meet you!