Holiday Spirit

{Porter's First Santa Encounter}

We went to a party that Porter's Early Intervention Service Provider invited us to. The theme was the polar express and it was a lot of fun. It will be even funner when Porter can actually appreciate it. The invite said to wear PJs so I did, but I think I was the only adult wearing them...I tend to get overly excited about pajamas. Santa gave Porter a book and put it right in his lap. Porter grinned and started slapping it because he wanted to read! Santa was very impressed and gave him a check for the "Nice" list.

{I cropped the photo so you can see P's face. He really was very excited.}

{It sparkles, it shines, it means it Christmas Time!}

Our tree has been up for a few weeks now but I can't stop looking at it. It turned out lovely this year. We used all of our glass icicles because we know next year it will be too dangerous to use them.

I had to put this one in because it's 75% of my day lately. Porter's new favorite past-time is blowing raspberries! I love the way he does them he sticks his tongue out, starts to blow, and pushes his chin down into his chest. When he does this his chubby cheeks push up and he gets these dimples by his nose also making creases that go up under his eyes. It's so cute in person.

REJOICE

Porter's results came back today as "normal brain activity." The doctor did tell me we need to watch for occasional seizures, but that Porter doesn't appear to be epileptic!We're so relieved! I heard our home phone ring and I knew they were calling with the results. I thought I'd be tricky and let voice mail get it so Aaron could call in from work to get the message. Well, they just called my cell phone so I had to talk to them. My heart was pounding and I was a little sick to my tummy from my nerves. It took about 10 minutes for my heart to go back to normal. I have been filled with gratitude all morning long! I have been singing and dancing around with Joy all day. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU PRAYERS!!! You must be one faithful bunch of people. :)
I feel a little guilty because all is well. During this scare there were some who had the attitude of, "Your child has Down Syndrome so it's inevitable he'll be sick." I really didn't like people trying to take away my right to hope as a Mother. But, at the same time Porter may not be as healthy as a typical child (I mean he's had the same cold since October) but he is extremely healthy for a child with Down Syndrome. We go to the children's hospital and are ever aware of how strong P is. My heart goes out to those who's little ones are fighting for life and those who watch their children face terrifying things often. Aaron's cousin just lost a little one only 15 days old. Oh, how my heart weeps for them. We found out and I just couldn't hold back the tears. I can't even imagine that kind of pain. I guess what I'm trying to share is my grateful heart. This was a small thing, but it was enough to give me empathy for those who's sweet angels sometimes bravely face the diagnosis. We pray for you and we can't help but love you!

Porter's EEG

Porter didn't like it much and I honestly can't balm him I'd be upset if they did this test to me.


{Stay awake baby, please!}

{He fell asleep on Dad's hip}

{The beginning of the electrodes, and this super cool toy they had. Does anyone know where I can get one of these light globes?}

{Trying to distract him}

{He hated the gaze wrapped around his head! Can you see the tears?}

{Our handsome boy!}

{Our not so handsome post EEG hair due.}

It was rough on Porter, but he's been through worse. :)
Now we wait for the results...
I hate waiting!

Just So You Know

Most of our family reads this so it's a good way to get the word out and let you all know that there's some stuff going on with P right now. I don't want anyone mad at me for not letting them know, but we haven't really talked about it much besides with our parents. Porter possibly (pretty likely) had a seizure on Sunday. The doctor thinks there is a chance he just got scared really badly and reacted physically to his surroundings. We're going to have a EEG brainwave study done tomorrow morning. The doctor told me today that it will be conclusive and show if Porter's having smaller seizures that don't manifest themselves physically.

On top of my worry about the seizure, Porter has a terrible cold that kept him up last night. He was coughing, vomiting, and so uncomfortable. I keep watching him wondering if something in the environment might trigger him. I feel like I did 6 months ago waiting to hear back about the likely diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I'm trying to be optimistic but there's a reality there as well. I know that I need to be prepared for bad results while hoping for the best. There is part of me that keeps compromising, "I can deal with this if it doesn't cause Porter to suffer. I can handle it if it doesn't cause him too much pain." Then I get angry at myself for trying to shake the will of the Lord. How can I not submit to his will for my little Porter? God's purpose is in all things. He gave his son for me so I need to humbly except whatever might be in store for my son. I've been thinking a lot about Mary this week. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for her, but being a Mom is making me realize just how much pain she had to submit to as well.

I hope that you'll hope for the best along with us tomorrow. We'd appreciate your prayers. We'll report as soon as we know. Lots of Love ~Megs

A Snap Shot Of Porter @ 6 Months

A slight delay turned into a long delay. We've been very busy this last week and things ended up taking more time with my poor gimpy husband. With my excuses out of the way let's talk about our Favorite Little Red Head--Porter:

{That's right little one, we're talking all about you!}
Stats:
Weight: 15 lbs 14 oz
typical: 23rd percentile DS: 75th percentile
Length: 24 7/8 in
typical: 10th percentile DS: 50th percentile
Head Circumference: 42 1/4 cm

At 6 Months Porter:

• Knows His Name
• Is the peek-a-boo boss. He only like to play if he gets to move the blanket over his face and find you. It's really a game of "peek-a-boo/Where's Porter?". He thinks it's the funniest thing.

{You may not recognize it but this is peek-a-boo. There is a Porter hiding in there.}

• Rolls from back to tummy often. Can roll tummy to back, but we don't see it much because he likes being on his tummy.
• Enjoys his fleece PJs with animal feet because he likes talking to them and pulling their ears.
• Gets lots of comments about the length of his eyelashes, his red hair, chubby legs, and just his general cuteness.

{Long Lovely Lashes}

• Attracts people. Strangers are drawn to him and he steals their hearts quickly. Anyone who gets to see him frequently (like our ward members) ends up falling in love with him. A good friend of ours takes him every chance she gets and is upset when he's home sick or cuddles with other friends instead.

{Grandpa is no stranger, but P sure does have a hold on his heart!}

• Is a Flirt--just yesterday he wooed a woman over lunch.
• Is motivated. His little body is always in motion. He doesn't give up and always keeps trying.

{Playing with Aunt Karli, moving so much he's a blur}

• Has a TEMPER. He'll scream until he's purple if things don't go his way...too bad hiss Mom is making him learn he can't always get his way because that means angry baby. He's getting better every day.
  
• Is a really good eater. He now eats: sweet potatoes, squash, and rice cereal with pear juice.
  
• Is easily amused by a Daddy/Mommy duet.
• Will laugh when he thinks something is funny (sometimes he even laughs at himself). It's so sweet.
• Sits unsupported. This is brand new; he almost had it a month ago but had to start over after his growth spurt. It's hard for me to reach this point because it means more crashes. I hope he can handle a spill every now and then.

{I put him on the bed to hang out with Dad and he decided he couldn't see enough so he pulled himself up. It surprised us both.}

• Will wave to you if you say "Hi, Porter." Well, we're going to say you've got a 50/50 chance of a wave back.
• Is learning the signs for: more, eat, milk, and water. He seems to understand more the best and will bring his hands together during feeding time if he wants more.
• Is a peacemaker. Aaron and I had a light hearted debate the other day, but Porter would not stand for it. I think Porter will not tolerate any discord in our home and I'm very pleased with that.
• Knows who Sydney is and enjoys pulling his hair. Thank Heavens for patient puppies. :)
  
• Is still close to Heaven. I took him to visit my friend Hillary who's expecting any day. We put Porter's hand on her belly and he just grinned and giggled. We took his hand away and he leaned over until he could feel baby Olivia again. (tears) I can't even imagine all that he knows and understands.
• Gets all his milestones for the first time during Baby Massage. I think it has something to do with not being inhibited by clothing.
  
• Likes the toys with crinkly paper inside best.
• Eats better for Dad.

{Yummy}

• Slept 12 hours last night... let's hope he keeps it up.
  

Things we love about you at 6 months Porter:

Daddy Loves:{This is Thanksgiving Day--thanks for the help boys ;) }

• when you smile.
• how excited you get when you see me after I get home from work.
• how you love to learn and that you don't give up easily.
• when you talk to me.
• when you laugh.
• how big your eyes get when you know you're going to get tickled.

{Tickle Giggle}

• I LOVE it when you cuddle!
  

Mommy Loves:{Porter's first snow experience!}

• everything daddy loves.
• how we share a love of snow.
  
• how you are the perfect fit for us.
• learning new things with you and how you help me understand life better.
  
• holding you close, singing softly in your ear, and hoping you can feel how much I love you!
• your baby rolls.

{Love this picture, if only he had looked at me}

• The way your reach out to touch my face and pull it to yours until our checks touch.
  
• the way you put your feet straight up for every diaper change.
  
• the smiles when you clasp your hands together and just gush with happiness.
  
• knowing that you're my child for all eternity.

Slight Delay

I promised a post all about P, but there is going to be a little delay. He's doctors appointment was at 11:15 and we just got home now at 7. Everything is fine and P had a great appointment. We just needed to have some lab work done and ended up going to 3 hospitals and finally ended up at the children's hospital because P has such small veins it took their IV Team to get him to bleed. Tomorrow is my cousin Jaden's wedding but Friday I should have time. See ya soon, Love Meg

Aaron Is My HERO!!!

Aaron fell down the stairs tonight with the baby in his arms! Aaron totally thrashed his ankle and went into shock after the fall, BUT he amazingly kept Porter safe! Porter didn't even cry until I came running down and took him from Aaron. It shook us all up a bit, even the dog was freaking out. I'm so glad we have good parents to call when things like this happen. Randy and my Mom walked me through how to get Aaron's body to come out of shock and how to treat his sprained ankle. We have great neighbors who came and took Porter because with Aaron in shock I couldn't comfort him. I couldn't have kept it together without everyones help. Aaron is such a stud, I've never seen him in so much pain and he handled it very well. He didn't even use a curse word. I'm so glad my boys are alright!

Aaron you really are my hero!

Not Our Baby?

{Is there something on my face?}

No way our baby is 6 months old! *sigh* But, as of today P is 6 months old. Wednesday Porter has his 6 months check up so I'll be posting his stats and a post all about P, so that will be coming up. This is what Porter looks like when dad feeds him...boys will be boys!

Thank You Gelter Boys

These 3 men did me a great service Saturday...they built those beautiful shelves in our garage! Giving service is a great feeling, but giving others the chance to help can be a great feeling, too. We felt so lucky to have their help!

IT'S OFFICIAL: Porter is teething! Those fingers are being chewed on 24/7.
ANOTHER OFFICIAL BIT: Porter has a nickname... if you haven't picked up on it yet it's
P
Everyone thought we'd call him Port, but I hate that so P has come about and I quite like it.

He is tolerating the teething pretty well, but sometimes it's obvious they're bugging him. The worst is that it's been waking him from his good sleep.
He's so cute and growing again! He's getting SOOO Big!!!

{This video is of Daddy and P playing a new favorite game. Watch P push up on fully extended arms (YAY!) and talk with his Pappa. Every time he gets up he gets so excited, I'm bummed I couldn't really get his face, but listening to him talk just melts my mommy heart.}

This weekend I went to a conference for parents of infants and toddlers with down syndrome. I was asked to talk about my experience. It was the first time I've ever been asked to talk about it outside of a very intimate setting. I tried, but got choked up. I've decided it's time to write some of it out. There our parts of our experience that almost feel sacred so those I won't be sharing. I've decided that I'll be writing our experience to Porter, because one day I'll listen to him read it from our blog book. I also think there is a chance he'll want to know. My goal is to write a part or chapter each week. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. I'm not sure I can express such big emotions accurately. But I want Porter to have his story, so I'll try for him.

Spilling Over

{This picture is a little old, but needed to be posted. He was so excited about these super long chains and as soon as I went to take his picture he just cried. It's cute in a sad kind of way.}

These are all the random things I've thought about posting, but never do. I guess you could call them my leftovers.

• FHE TEAM: We struggle with family home evenings and have a goal to become more consistent after hearing Elder Bednar's talk about FHE. I was thinking it would be awesome to get 4 families together to collaborate. A theme could be selected for the month along with 4 sub topics. Each family could prepare one amazing lesson on a sub topic using a simple lesson plan template. Then those amazing lesson could be rotated through out the month between each family. Making Monday night that much easier.
• I'm homesick for the classroom: After my Halloween visit, I can't stop thinking about teaching. I miss it. But, I can no longer imagine letting someone else take care of my baby. I'm thinking I'll volunteer so I can go for a short time get my teaching fix and still take care of Porter.
  
• Maybe it's a flaw but I'm not changing anytime soon: I am a little obsessive about Porter's therapy. Every spare moment I have goes to him and hopefully his progress. There was a two week period where I decide I wasn't balanced enough so I change things up and let Porter be on his own for a few hours each day while I cleaned, organized, ect. Well, he didn't meet his goals and didn't improve much. After that I decided I was being selfish and that he really is more important. The sacrifice is worth it if he keeps moving forward. Here's the thing though...somethings got to give because I still want a clean house and there are only so many hours in the night after Porter goes to sleep before I crash. *sigh* Wonder Woman...not so much, but I'm trying.
• Some see it, some don't:We're beginning to experience peoples reaction to Porter's down syndrome. Some people really have NO idea and then some pick up on it at first glance. These people have normally had some experience with people who have down syndrome. It's weird because to us he's our baby and perfect. It's hard to think of people not seeing his as the perfect little angel he is.
• Pilates for Dummies: I need to start exercising so this is what I'll be doing. Hopefully, I can find time for it. The gym is to expensive, it's to cold to take Porter outside now, and I've never done pilates before, thus I made my decision.

{Much To Cold}

• Changing Advisors: We're looking for a new financial advisor. The drop in the economy seems to have really hurt our old one, making him too desperate. Luckily for us we picked up on it and haven't taken his advise. However, we're to a point where we'd like to have someone to help educate us before we move forward. We've been meeting with several different advisors and it's not an easy decision to make. I want my old advisor back, he was so great...to bad!
  
• Infant tubs are dumb: I tried bathing Porter in his infant tub instead of the sink the other night. You can guess how I felt about it. I have so much more control when I bath him in the sink. Crawling over the edge of the tub to keep his head above water wasn't easy, but we got some cute pics.

Sorry, it's been over a week since my last post. I'll try to be better!

Bed Head

Porter's hair is long enough now that every morning he's got a disheveled hair due going on.
Now a good mother would get out the comb and tidy up that red mess, but I'm not that momma. I love his misbehaved hair so I leave it so I can enjoy it all day long.

{thanks aunt Ann & uncle Randy for the best PJs ever!}

{he had just opened his eyes in this one}

{Oh, how I love the curly silliness!}

Let's Have Lunch

Here's a peek at a sunny family moment we stole Tuesday afternoon. Aaron's alarm didn't go off that morning and he forgot to make lunch so we decided to meet up here:

We enjoyed some Village Baker sandwiches; best bread ever! We also shared a cookie the size of Porter's head, a guilty pleasure.This little outing made my week. It was a pleasant surprise to get to have lunch with Aaron. Having my boys together, on the temple grounds, on such a lovely afternoon felt a lot like Heaven to me. Watching the Daddy-Son moments reminded me how lucky a lady I am! Just visiting the temple grounds lifted my spirits, knowing that this joy I have in my heart will always be mine if I live up to the covenants I've made in the temple I can have happy family moments in the next life as well. Ever since Porter was born visiting spiritual places (even our ward chapel) can be overwhelming because the Lord can reach me better. I've learned some really neat things about our baby boy. The most important of which is: Porter is God's son but our Heavenly Father always intended for us to be Porter's parents on this earth. We were all a family before we left our Heavenly home and being together on earth is a merely a glimpse of that existence.

Porter had a fantastic time and soaked it all up! This is right before we put him in his car seat, which he wasn't very happy about. Below is a video and Porter giggles just a little in it. I was trying to get his belly laugh on video but as soon as I'd stop filming is when he'd do it. But, I don't think Grandma's have heard this little giggle yet and it's a sweet sound too.

a few more

{the ugly tie companionship}

Here are some extra Halloween pics we got so excited for our Fondue dinner with our friends we forgot to take pictures on Halloween! But, I have a few from our phones.

We had a great Halloween! Good food+ good company= good times! Now if only the Phillies would win a game life would seem pretty perfect!

Happy Halloween!

We dressed up for the Ward Chili Cook Off so until we have some really Halloween pictures these can hold you over. In case you're wondering I'm a 6 year old. Aaron dressed up as a missionary, I still need to get that picture from our neighbor who was his companion. It was funny when the real missionaries showed up and told Aaron he needed a hair cut to really pull off the costume. Porter is a monkey even if it looks more like a teddy bear. He is an accessory to my costume because he doubles as a stuffed animal.