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Post by donnita on Sept 20, 2004 9:22:35 GMT -5
Cassie slept well as a baby, like everyone else. Now, as a 3 year old, she does NOT like to sleep! She stays up late, and gets up in the middle of the night. But she still wakes up so happy and "ready to go" every morning! She is usually smiling even before her eyes open. She is so chatty and smiley, and just so happy to see me that it is like the sun comes up, right there in her bedroom! My 6 year old and I stay up late too, and no one would compare either of us to the rising sun LOL! We are grumpy and just crawl back under the covers.
Donnita
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Post by Connie on Sept 20, 2004 9:47:13 GMT -5
I don't know who you all think you are but, Collin was the best baby ever!!! ;D Collin slept very well as an infant. I was like watching an angel sleep...always so peaceful and angelic. Out of all my children, I enjoyed nursing him the most. We worked so hard at teaching him how to nurse but, when he got it...he never looked back. With every little thing Collin did and accomplished it was a big celebration. I never would have realized how excited I could get over him reaching for a toy or rolling over. I know it said as a baby but...now that he's 4. I can say he gives the best cheek to cheek hugs. He never hesitates to wrap his little short arms around your neck or grab your cheeks with his little hand and give you a big kiss. I would have never beleived in a million years I could be a parent of a child w/ DS and actually enjoy it. I can honestly say (not including the medical issues) that I would not change him for anything. God made him perfect. Connie
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Post by Mary_L. on Sept 20, 2004 10:50:01 GMT -5
Patrick, like many of the other babies was an excellent sleeper~and being child #4 that was certainly a blessing! It was so exciting when he would reach a milestone~we would all be cheering when he would roll or sit up or crawl. Now we are just waiting to cheer about going on the potty!LOL!
Now, as an almost 5 year old(where does the time go!?!?) he melts my heart everyday. He gets so much joy out of the little things in life, like having Cocoa Krispies for breakfast or seeing that Spongebob is starting~he gives out a little cheer and jumps up and down. He reminds me everyday that there is so much to be happy about in like and not to let the little things get in the way.
C-bean~I'm so glad you found this site~I know there are tough times raising a child with Ds but I truly feel the positives outweigh the negatives and I thank God everyday for giving me Patrick. Mary L.
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Post by laurasnowbird on Sept 20, 2004 11:00:39 GMT -5
Oh boy, don't get me started! First of all Christine, if I can give you ANY advice, it would be to just enjoy that little one. I had no idea Ethan would have DS, so unfortunatley we spent his first couple of months stressing about it, and worrying about it. I would give anything to have back that WASTED time. If only I could have known then how much we would adore our little boy.
Hmmm, of course he slept like an angel, and he was BEAUTIFUL, the most perfect tiny little nose and ears I've ever seen, and honestly the bluest eyes on the planet. We get stopped at least a couple of times a week by people exclaiming over his gorgeous eyes.
And seriously, he is the cuddliest little boy it has ever been my pleasure to hold. The fact that he walked later meant that I got lots more cuddle time, many, many wonderful mornings in the rocking chair reading, and evenings by the fire with him snuggled up on my lap. I was a little sad when he started walking, thinking those days would be over, but he must have known how I was feeling because I got EXTRA cuddles, LOL!
I enjoy every milestone so much more, and my friends and family celebrate with us. He has brought us closer to our family, and they have pitched in to help in ways I would never have imagined they would. We are blessed.
My husband is awesome, and adores kids. When you marry someone, of course you love them, and then when you have children with them, it grows even more as you watch them caring for the child your love produced. But I can honestly say that my love, respect and admiration for my husband increased a hundred-fold when I saw his devotion to our little guy - he is truly a heaven-sent dad for our Ethan.
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Post by Alice on Sept 20, 2004 14:21:11 GMT -5
"What's good about having a baby with Ds?" My first reaction was: NOTHING, just fear and big stress. Then after reading all of your posts, I came with this: I really regret that I spent so much time for my stress and fear for the Luke's future and did not enjoy his baby time (which was so short...). He was the sweetest and wonderful baby as my two oldest sons, but Luke had very different look. I mean when he looked at me it was very wise look and it seemed to me that he can see thru me and understands everything what I was thinking. Also, I know for sure that he can recognize good and bad people. He is our tester on this matter and he is always right.
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Post by Jackie on Sept 20, 2004 16:20:52 GMT -5
I LOVE this thread...LOL....but...since Emily is 24 years old ...trying to think back this far is hard on OLD mom... . She too was a very quiet baby...which I think is good for someone expecting a baby with DS to know...especially a mom like Christine who has been thru all this once before so she doesnt worry. Emily of course had to spend the first 10 days in NICU cuz of her abdominal surgery ....and the first night we had her home...and I was finally in my own bed (they let me stay with her all those yrs ago!!!) and sleeping like a log. I remember waking up the next morning in a panic...none of my others slept thru the nite that early...and thinking...."omg...she must have died!!!" In her little nursery we had a sleeper couch...and there it was..... made into a bed.... and in it were....Katie, Marnie, David....and ...yes....Miss Emily....LOL....all sound asleep. I knew at that moment....all would be well and how right I was! And now I have to get back to helping Emily via phone in Houston....balance her checkbook. Her credit card got hung up in transfer so she has had to use checks...and its not her best way to make purchases...but now her job coach has decided its a good time to improve skills in this...so....(so ...Christine...enjoy the next 20 or so years........ ) Jackie
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Post by sarahuk on Sept 20, 2004 17:02:35 GMT -5
THe best thing about Imogen is her smile - definitely - it lights up her little face. And her pride when she does something really clever - like standing up - she turns to her audience for a round of applause.....
Sleep is OK but could be better - the little darling wakes around 5 am for a feed! and she is the wriggliest baby ever when it comes to nappy change time and she never ever sits still.....
She's a little tiny bundle of joy and fun and delight and wonder...and not growing up too fast is great when she's number 3 and the others are moving a little too fast!
Sarah, mum to Charlie 8, Tom 2 and Imogen Lily (ds) 14 months
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Post by iamamom on Sept 20, 2004 18:14:21 GMT -5
Darcie was the best baby. She spent the first 13 days in the NICU because she would reflux and stop breathing. She was sooo much smaller than my other babies. (5 lbs. 4 oz) She was born drug exposed to cocaine and alcohol and yet she had such a presence about her, as if, she was above anything that had been done to her. That she was strong enough to make it, no matter what life threw at her. (Darcie is adopted.)
She was born in January so I brought one of those buntings and it was so big that the NICU nurse laughed and so did I. We ended up putting it in the diaper bag and using blankets to keep her warm. She was so content.
Everyone at church thought she looked like the sweetest little Cabbage Patch Doll. All round head and tiny little features. Absolutely beautiful!
Darcie has changed our lives and I am so thankful for it. I am more patient with my other children and my husband. I have learned to be more accepting of other people and their differences, to concentrate on how much ALL of us have in common and to see how truly blessed I am. I never thought God would choose me to be the Mom of a baby with special needs, but he has. Because of it I am a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and overall better person because of what my 3 year old little girl has taught me about life and most importantly, what she has taught me about love.
I would encourage you to cherish every moment and celebrate everything - big and little.
Diane
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Post by shellk on Sept 20, 2004 19:04:59 GMT -5
I will say that when Kourtney came along, we had no clue of the DS..But, I really had some strange dreams that deep within told me that something ws going to be very different about this little girl...And boy were they right.
Kourtney spent her 1st 9 days in the hospital and I only left her side to go and take care of my oldest..She was the calmest newborn in the NICU and the nurses ate her up..They were always telling me that she seemed like an old soul and that she was so calm. Well, once we got her home and werew awaitng her heart surgery I can honestly say that the bond I have with her is so different from my other kids, and my littest just turned 1. The connections between Kourtney and I is soooo deep I mean evertime I hug her or held her as a baby I truly felt it tugging at my soul. She was just AWESOME, my Unlce who never put his 2 cents in anywhere told me 2 days after she was born he was holding her and he looked at me and said"Never have I held a child that just radiates pure love." And that is the best that I have heard it described..She was a great baby with tons of coos and smiles and just love..She loved to be held and loved to cuddle, she wieghs 42 pounds now and still stis with me and let's me rock her and loves for mommy to pack her around, and some may say that is babying her but..Hey she is my baby right LOL...I have rally enjoyed reading everyone's posts and even though she is having behavior troubles right now..What a FABULOUSLY loving child I have and I would not trade her for the world..
MB- Thanks for starting this and C-Bean I hope you enjoy, and how about the name ----KAYLYN CIANN soundd very pretty don't ya think LOL
I wish you the best of luck with your little girl , and hope that you will enjoy every moment..They all go by so quickly.
Michele
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Post by matthew'smom on Sept 20, 2004 20:25:11 GMT -5
Excellent idea!!! Matthew is yet another great sleeper to add to the bunch! What a relief for the new parents to be able to sleep...although the apnea monitor he came home with is another story! People are always asking me "Is your baby always that happy?" And I always answer yes! He has a smile like no other. ;D Matthew is only a year old but he has already taught his family & friends alot about love and not taking things for granted.
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Post by MaggiesMom on Sept 20, 2004 20:51:34 GMT -5
Maggie has always been great at keeping herself entertained and not being fussy. From the start, she would lay on the floor and play with toys etc. My son Matthew would NEVER play by himself. He's 10 and still has to be entertained by the tv or games etc. She was a great nurser and slept well. Unfortunately, she still wakes up at night. But, she always goes right back to sleep. Just gotta find that paci! Her personality is to die for. Sweet and loving. Adventurous and energetic. Never a dull moment. Well I could go on. I love that kid! Can you tell? I wouldn't trade her for any typical kid. See ya, Robin M - Maggie's mom
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Post by christie on Sept 20, 2004 21:12:46 GMT -5
"What's good about having a baby with Ds?" For me in ALL honesty nothing was more special bout haveing a baby with DS and one with out BOTH my babies (now no longer babies ) were and still are the BEST of the BEST ;D Colin and I were truly blessed with each, all I can say is God did us well. CHRISTINE, I know this post was for you girl and all I can add is enjoy every moment girl, it goes way tooooooooo fast CC ~
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Post by NoahsMommy on Sept 20, 2004 23:03:43 GMT -5
Wow! I love this thread!!
I think the best thing about having a son with DS is the things he has taught me...I never take things for granted anymore. We have had MANY, MANY medical problems and he's still here fighting through all of it with more determination than I've ever seen anyone have. To me he's an angel sent straight from God. Somedays I just watch him and think he's like a little piece of heaven right here on Earth. I feel humbled at times that God has sent him to me...this precious yet complicated (medically speaking at least) little person...to care for and protect and love. My husband and I both at times can't believe we have been entrusted to take care of him.
He is the most patient and loving little guy I've ever been around. He's learned to give kisses and hugs on command and is so willing to do so. The other day in line at Home Depot I literally had to pull him off of my face. I love his chubby little hands with what I believe are the shortest fingers in the whole world. I love watching him as he learns new things. As other people have said about their child, he does not cry unless he's hurt and it stops as soon as he gets scooped up and soothed. He sleeps all night for about 10-12 hours straight. He loves attention and draws a crowd of admirers wherever we go. For example I had to take him to a Optometrist plastic surgeon doctor today. In the waiting room were about 6-8 older people and he commanded all of their attention and was having the time of his life...laughing, clapping, smiling, just showing off. The more people around him, the happier he gets.
He is absolutely amazing to me!!
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Post by updowns on Sept 21, 2004 15:27:38 GMT -5
I can only echo what everyone else has said - Sarah was the bestest baby ;D She was placid, happy, smiley and a GREAT sleeper; started going thru the night every second night at 2 weeks then at 4 weeks slept thru every night. Craig came as a bit of a shock after that - didn't sleep thru until he was about 16 months!
Stella
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Post by rickismom on Sept 21, 2004 17:09:25 GMT -5
Ricki was really pretty much like my other kids (except that she didn't nurse, which was NOT an advantage).
The best thing is that her siblings all learned that you are not quarenteed a silver plater in life; that their parents cope with major stresses and survive. This is a "good " thing worth its weight in GOLD!
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