Some sense of normalcy...

Today's post comes directly after a visit to my local grocery store for a gallon of milk....


You know you are overly emotional when: 


You are standing in the produce aisle and you spy across the way, standing at the deli counter, a man and his girlfriend. From far off, you can tell from behind, that the girlfriend has Down syndrome. He was hugging her around the waist and bossing her around. Ha! The man, having some sort of disability of his own, was also giving the deli guy a hard time - laughing and joking that he was slicing meat to slow and he was gonna tell his boss, etc etc. You are frozen watching this everyday 'normal' life style for them. 

You look like a stalker so you pretend to look at the lettuce.

You gather that the man works at this store and he is there shopping and joking around with the deli guy who appears to be his friend and coworker. His girlfriend pats the man on the butt and you giggle slightly embarrassed that you are still staring. 

You pick up a tomato to still not look like a stalker. 

You see the deli manager come over and the mans girlfriend runs full steam ahead to the manager and embraces her, with what may seem like the biggest hug this side of the planet. 

You feel your eyes well up. 

You hear the man say, 'Hey that's my lady there, easy!' 

The tears get worse and I know I have to move on to another aisle or I may just have picked up every piece of produce in the store. I couldn't help but look back one more time as I wiped a tear away from my eye. A very happy tear.

This is what I wish for my son. Normalcy. 

Two grown adults - shopping, caressing, joking with coworkers.
Yes. That is what I want him to have.
And I will do ALL in my power to make sure he succeeds in this. Because everyone deserves, love, friendship and a sense of pride.

And on a side note, we will now be having salad with our dinner.

All the cool kids have it...

So we volunteered at church today.

I packed our lunch as per usual.
We sat in the restaurant area to eat.

There is a sweet older woman cleaning tables who clearly has a disability. She came up to us last friday and asked if Dakota was 7. I said why yes he is. And then she walked away.

 Today she came up and started talking about random stuff. Telling us she found a toe nail in her McDonalds ( while we were eating ew) and how she works very hard at this job and how her mom got it for her by stopping in to see if the church needed help.

She then was watching Dakota very carefully.
She asked me, "Is he retarded too?"
I stopped chewing and froze. I looked at her.
She said, "I'm retarded, disabled. Is he too?"
I was speechless. I froze. I sat there.
She asked again. "Is he?"
I said, Oh Dakota? Oh he has Down syndrome."
She said " Oh thats what I have too"

I honestly couldnt tell she had Ds. I knew it was something, but my Ds radar didnt pick up on it.

I said, "Oh cool! All the cool kids have it."

She snorted, washed the table next to us and walked away. I was sad for her. She thought she was retarded. But how could I argue. How could I explain. I didnt know what to do, I froze.

I waved to her as we left for the day and she waved back and continued cleaning her tables.

Happy Mothers Day to my MOM!

Have you met my mom?

She is pretty incredible. She is my rock in a hard, difficult, sometimes overwhelming world.
My mom was a single mother for a long time.
Did I mention all the times she struggled just to feed me when I was little? But she never gave up. She went without so I could thrive.
She taught me so many lessons in life. Things to do and things not to do.
Did I mention she was a teenager when she had me? No not like 16 and pregnant or anything, but too young to understand what being a mom was.
 Did I mention her mom passed away when she was little? She didnt have a mom to show her how to be the woman she is. She just is. And that is incredible!
Did I mention she asked me what I thought when she became pregnant when I was 13? She genuinely wanted to know what I thought about being an older sister. Clearly, I was SUPER excited! I was so excited, she had two more after that! ;)
Did I mention she raised me to go against the grain? I feel like I have said this a lot lately. Because it is who I am. I am a rule-breaker. But not for the bad. I like to be the "exception" to the rule. Often.
Did I mention she fought for me and my rights? Like all the time. Even the smallest issue at school, she was there, on my behalf, on my side. No questions asked. And she still is. Forever. And a day.
Did I mention the time I moved to California? She didnt believe I would actually do it, until she saw my ticket. I think I heard her heart break. But she supported me. Even when I came running back home with a newborn a year later. She supported me.
Did I mention my "messy divorce" years? She supported me for the most part then too. When I was a mess and my life was a mess and I didnt know which way was up, she threw me a life-vest and said hold on tight. And I did. And she was there. Telling me I was going to survive. I was going to come to the top eventually and she would be there. And she was.
Did I mention the time I gave birth to the most perfect boy and he just happened to have Down syndrome? She was there, in the room watching stoic and secure. Never wavering. At least not in front of me. She was my calm in a crazy day. And she knew. She knew I was going to rock at being a special needs mom. Because she raised me that way. She just held my hand and said - we are in this together. And we are.
Did I mention that time I got married? No not that time, but the second time. She set it up so I could have the wedding at my step-dad's restaurant. A place that meant so much to me. She made my brothers, who were my bridesmen, dress nicely and had my step dad walk me down the "aisle". She made me the most beautiful wedding cake because we couldnt afford one. She made my day special.
Did I mention that time I got pregnant? Again. She held the most beautiful baby shower. Again. She always has a way of making me feel so special. She is special.
Did I mention that my mom made a huge life change for herself? She is now sober. SOBER! I never thought I would see the day! She thought she did it for her. But I know she did it for me, and my brothers and my children. She just doesnt know it. I am so proud of her. In fact I couldnt be more proud.
Did I mention she did so awesome in this life change that my step-dad made the same change? Yeah thats right... both SOBER!
Oh - and did I mention that my mom is my BESTEST friend, like, EVER. Like ever ever...
And I cant imagine my life without her. And she did an awesome job at being a mom even if she had no one to show her the ropes.
See, I have her. To show me how to be awesome. But she had, like, no one...
And she is amazing. And continues to be amazing. And now she is a grandma and she is amazing at that too!! There is no stopping this woman!

If I can only be HALF the woman my mother is, then I have accomplished something.
And you know what? She isnt done being spectacular. There are many things ahead of us that she will be there for me and my kids. I will need her again in some way shape or form and she will be there. No questions asked. Again. Like she always is. Because thats her. Thats how she rolls.
Did I ever tell you, my mom is my rock? Yeah, I think I might have. But ts worthy of saying again.

Happy Mothers Day, mom.  I know it is never said enough but you are appreciated more then I could ever express in this lifetime.

And if I got to do it over and pick another mom, 
I would still choose you. Forever. And a day.

Birthdays!!! My littlest bro and my step-dad!

So theres this boy - he was born like super early - and the doctors told us he might not survive and if he did, he would be like weird and stuff... We worked with sleep apnea machines, we worked with tube feedings, we worked with therapists... He lived. He thrived. He is TOTALLY weird!! But thats what big sisters say about their bros, right?? Happy Happy Birthday to the most amazing young man! I can not believe how old we are all getting! My final brother to graduate high school!! Jesse Pierson you are amazingly talented and amazingly loved! Happy Birthday, babycakes!!!!! XOXOOXXOXOXOXOXO Love - Your feeling very old - Big Sister!

So theres this guy - He came into my life when I was ohhh 13 maybe? A built in family pre-made. That was me and my mom. Headstrong teenager full of angst. Hatred for men for other personal reasons. And he jumped in ... with both feet. He accepted me as his own. He loved me and stood up for me - which is saying a lot cuz no one really stands up to Momma bear!! Ha! He has always been calm and patient. He loves me as his very own daughter. He has been a huge influence in my life. And I love him like a father. He has overcome some pretty huge demons on his back and he never fails to make me laugh. He loves my kids and showers them with attention. He is amazing and kind hearted. I could sit here and go on and on about what a rock star my step dad is - but those who know him - already know that. Those who dont - are missing out. 
Jon - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for just being you. For being a strong father figure and teaching me life lessons. Happy Happy birthday! I hope your day is filled with blessings and love!!! 
Love always, 
Your daughter, 
Melanie ♥

Love you baby cakes!!

A lazy Saturday...

Today has been one of those days. A lazy Saturday.
While everyone else is outside being active - going to the beach, mowing their lawn, playing baseball, going for a jog - we are home playing.
I got no chores done, other then the menial homeschooling and meal making.
We played. All day.  Inside. and Outside.
And it was glorious.

I even got my Aspie to join in on the wrestling fun. As I blew raspberries in my sons ear, she was tickling his arm. When I ran around the couch pretending to chase my other son, she sat back and laughed, a gut chortling laugh, one that makes you throw your head back and laugh yourself. As we sat and ate lunch together, my daughter explained to me how her week has been great at school and how much she loves to play kick ball, while my boys hungrily munched on their boxed pizza and fruit snacks. My son showed me how he could fit a million toys into his knapsack, and my other son showed me how his truck made honking sounds. We all discovered together just how many times we could throw a ball into a bucket, and we cheered each other on when one of us made it in. We made popcorn and made a mess eating it. We ran outside to check on the growth of our newly sprouted seedlings and we brought them into the sun....

This is "that time".
You know that time that you want to go back to when your child has drawn on the wall. Or that time when you are so depressed you feel like you cant go on. Or that time you are so angry, you feel like your head could spin round.  This is that time that you go back to. And you smile.

Because you know...

You have done something RIGHT as a parent.

You created a memory. One that will hopefully last until your children are parents. And they sit back and tell their children about a time when Mom took an entire day and played with them. On their level. And there was laughter. And there was happiness.

Isn't that what life is all about? Those small seemingly meaningless moments that actually mean so very much?

Well I know it didn't mean much to them now. It was just mom playing and having a stuffed animal pillow fight or listening to their day or just trying to keep them busy. But it meant the world to me. As I sit here blogging, staring at the aftermath of my torn apart living room, I smile.

A warmth fills me up and a small giggle escapes my lip. (Because for one, I know my husband would have a heart attack if he saw this room). But you know what I see? I see one boy sitting on the couch with his "night night" blankie relaxing after a hard days play, I see another boy sitting quietly on the couch with his toy animal watching television, and I see a daughter snacking on a granola bar, satisfied with her life.

Thats it folks. That is my idea of what my heaven will be. Because it really cant be better then this can it?

This is me and this is my life and this is where I am. And you know what? I am still smiling.

Happy Saturday folks!

WDSD

Today celebrates World Down Syndrome Day! March 21st - 3/21...
We celebrate on this day because Down syndrome is also known as Trisomy 21 - or 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.
3:21

We hope somehow someway you create awareness today for us, for those with Down syndrome and for those who love someone with Down syndrome. We hope that we have made a positive impact in your life. We hope that we made a difference in just one person.

Spread the word! Down syndrome is AWESOME!!

Valentines Day Shirts

I have been feeling crafty this week. And a woman from one of my facebook groups decided to post a photo of a cute couple of V~Day shirts.

"I could do that", I shouted with glee. Ok well maybe not glee and maybe I didnt even shout, Oh heck I never even said it out loud. But in my head it was with glee and shouted, alright?!?! Dont judge me!

WHATEVER!

Anyways, i decided to go ahead and try with the boys shirts, okay they came out kinda crappy. But hey, they are going on my kids and my kids dont care. So then I finished those and thought I would step up my game for my daughters. I found a picture online and outlined it. An TA~DA her shirt was designed.

They love them by the way!
My husband on the other hand, sighed. And then went on about something along the lines of our kids being teenagers with christmas tree shirts or something, I dont know I stopped listening. Let my babies be babies. They will never grow, NEVER I tell you!

So here is the pics I took, of cell phone quality, at night, in my poorly lit bedroom.

Dakota Dont Dig Crust

Dakota is going through this "thing" right now.

This thing where he doesnt like to eat crusts.

Whats funny about it is, its even crusts on donuts and crackers... 

What is that you say? Donuts and crackers dont have crusts??

Right you are.

But he apparently thinks they do - so he eats around the edges... of everything.

I have no idea where he picked this up. Everyone in this house eats the crusts... well most of the time...

But it is hilarious to watch!

So here is his breakfast this morning....

French Toast - on whole wheat - with the syrup on the side for dipping.... With the crusts left to fend for themselves....

What did you have for breakfast today?

We hope you like Jammin too!

My son Dakota is pretty amazing. He has some awesome talents.

He can contort his body in ways no man ever should. He is super flexible and can fold himself in half. I mean, THAT is talent my friends!

He can stick his tongue out further then any human I have ever seen! Gene Simmons has nothing on him!

His voice can penetrate many decibels inaudible to human ears! I mean he is LOUD!

He has this uncanny ability to make friends where ever he goes. I mean people are just drawn to him!

But of all his talents I must admit his ear for music is astounding.
He LOVES to sing... ( at the top of his lungs.)
And he loves to dance... ( shake it!)
But most of all he loves to make music... ( NOISE).

For Christmas we were able to score him a bunch of musical stuff. Which included a cool roll up Key Board, a harmonica and a musical guitar. He has been tooting his harmonica for a few days and busts out the key board on occasion. But on this particular day he had his guitar out. And was singing.

What is greater on this earth then a man and his guitar? When he gets a little older I am going to put him in some sort of musical instrument lessons. I am praying it is guitar! :)

I have ZERO musical ability. None. Zilch. I can only hope at least one of my children will be able to woo me with their song of their soul!

Eh, heres to hoping :)

Merry Christmas from Melanie's Mania

We wish you a merry Christmas!

Here is a quick view of how we spent our day!
We hope you enjoyed your friends and family as much as we have!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!


Christmas Eve night....

And the children were nestled all snug in their beds...

My family at my moms...

My Family at my moms for Christmas Day

Our awesome moustache gifts!!

We moustache you a question!

Homeschooling!

I have decided to homeschool Dakota. There were recent events which led m to this decision, which I will go into detail about another day. Right now investigation is pending on his school so I will not disclose details.

We had the option to put back in public school ( not going to happen) or into another private school ( because that worked oh so well) or homeschool.  I decided after MUCH thought that I would try. I mean I know it will be hard and I know that he and I will get frustrated. But who is better fit to teach him and love him then .... well, ME!

So we transformed our living room into half homeschool room half living room.... photos pending, its a work in progress!

This is a new exciting journey for us! I am nervous, but I know I can do it!! Dakota and Eli love the new set up! They have already colored and painted and done puzzles at their table! I am happy they accepted t so easily!!

Look forward to more posts on how the heck this is working for us!!

My children - 31 Days of Joyful Blessings

My children.

Skylar, Dakota and Eli.

Oh man. I have been not looking forward to this post. How can I possibly convey how I feel about my children. How can I possibly explain to cyber world, just how much they mean to me???

I moved to California in May 1999. My ex was in the Marine Corp and was stationed on Camp Pendleton. I was scared, excited, nervous, and in love. It was hard out there with out my family and I was so far from home. I found work as a manager at a local Sub Shop and quickly made a mini family. I got pregnant in August 1999 ( on my 21st birthday). Again I was excited, nervous, scared and in love... We were so young and knew each other, but didnt really know each other, if that makes sense... I had known him since high school but never really got to know him as a boyfriend...  But regardless we were about to bring a child into the world and so we decided to get married.  Our wedding happened on March 11, 2000. Skylar came flying into the world on May 19th, two days before her due date.  I have never experienced such love for someone I had never met! She was an angel sent from heaven.... then we got discharged and the colic began... I was so lonely and wanted my family so bad.  My ex husband sent back to Florida to help me in June. Skylar was 6 weeks old. I moved in with my mom for a few months and got the help and love I needed. Then I moved into an apartment that my ex mother in law owned so she could help out too. My ex moved back to Florida in October 2000. And we tried to have a healthy relationship for Skylar and it just didnt work. We split in June of 2002.

L.J. and I were together for 3 years before we tried for Dakota. We tried for a few months and got pregnant. There was nothing abnormal about my pregnancy. All the testing looked good. I did fail the AFP at a 1:174 chance of Down Syndrome and at the time that seemed like such a far off number but looking back, it is still a pretty good chance. I wasnt given the abortion talk, but it was lingering there waiting for my reply...  I said no to the amnio - it didnt matter to me. My baby is my baby no matter what... I went into labor at my oldest brothers birthday party.. The contractions began in the pool... I thought they were fake, but they hurt enough for us to leave the party.  I drove home tensing up every ten minutes or so.  I put Sky to bed and laid down.  About 3am, it was time. Dakota came flying into this world on August 14, 2005. His Down Syndrome scared a lot of people, but not me. I was ready. He was wanted. And loved.

L.J. and I tried for Eli for a year. We had just about given up and decided two kids is enough. When suddenly one week, I just knew I was pregnant. I took 5 cheap tests that all came back negative.  I told LJ that I swear I am pregnant and decided to fork over the cash for the expensive test. LJ didnt think I was right so he laid out on the recliner waiting for me to take it. I went to the bath room. And there it was. The second line I KNEW would be there. I came running out - pants around my ankles in tears!!  He jumped up, nearly collapsing the recliner. Ahhhh memories! Eli was my trouble pregnancy, I had lots of bleeding and pain with him. But I survived and he joined us in this crazy world on March 9, 2011....

These kids, these very different experiences  their very different personalities. They are forever in my heart. I cant imagine my life without them, honestly! They mean the world to me and I feel so blessed that God chose me to be their mom! I know they have so much more to teach me and I cant wait to learn! I adore watching them grow and seeing how they are becoming who they are!

Stay tuned for more of our antics!

My Husband - 31 days of Joyful Blessings

My Husband.

Ever wonder where I met my husband?
On the Internet.
Yep, we are one of those couples.

I had just started working for a new Internet company. Where we scoured the Internet for hours, built websites and did some online shopping. It just seemed natural to look for dates as well.

Whats funny is that my husband was so annoying on the Internet, I actually had deleted him from my friends list a few times because he was weird. I am completely serious! He lived with his step mom and two step sisters and they would change their font to a rainbow color and when he popped up it would be in rainbow lettering. I was like, what is up with this dude.. What guy writes in rainbow? HAHA
Then he tells me, he thinks he is good looking because his sisters told him so... Ummm, wait, what??
Delete. Delete. Delete.
Then he pops up and tells me he is moving back to New York. Umm, ok. Bye. Delete.
Then he pops up and tells me he stayed. OY!!

So, I was headed to a birthday party at some club for a friend on a particular night in December, and he popped up and asked if I wanted to meet. I figured, well if I don't like him, I can use the excuse of the party to leave. No problem!! So I said, lets do it! Lets meet up!

I drove to his house around 8pm. I wasn't nervous, because honestly, I figured I would be leaving in a few minutes. I had no high hopes with this one.

I stayed 4 hours. I missed the party.

The second he walked out the door, something in me stirred. I felt like a school girl. He wasn't perfect, but I loved that. He was funny and charming. I felt like I knew him forever and I felt like we never stopped talking. There was no awkwardness and it just felt so natural. We sat outside under the stars on a porch swing and chatted the night away...

I left wondering if he felt the spark, the connection that I felt. I wondered if I would ever see him again...

He called the very next day.

And the rest is history.... Noooooo just kidding, there is more...

He moved in with me about a month later. But I was living in an apartment owned by my ex husbands mother. So my ex was always around. It was hard on LJ to have that lingering baggage nearby, but instead of talking about it, LJ up and left. He wrote me a letter. A letter? I was infuriated.  He ended up moving back to New York. I thought I would never see him again.

That was in early February.

Some day in early April, a familiar name popped up on my computer at work.
It was LJ. My heart stopped.

He wanted to call me. And he did. I held back tears as he told me he was glad he left, but he did miss my daughter and I. He told me how well things were going and how he still wanted to be friends. I just agreed and let him go...

Later that night he called me at home, in tears. He wanted to come back, he missed us so bad, he made a huge mistake - yadda yadda....

Both of us in tears opted to try again.

He moved back a few weeks later, and we got our own apartment. Away from the ex's.

And the rest is history -  for real this time.

I knew from the moment I met him, that there was something. Something I cant put my finger on. But that spark, that flame, the thing they always talk about in movies, I had that! We have that! I love him as much today as the first moment I met him. And its exciting!!

Yes he irritates me, yes he makes stupid decisions, yes he is weird. But he is perfectly imperfect, and that's what I love.

I am so blessed to have found him. And I love him to the moon and back!

A glimpse of a Sunday Morning...

My Morning:

Making my boys breakfast (waffles) I was singing away in my kitchen... I gave them some strawberry milk while they waited for the waffles. They sat and watched me as I sang and danced my heart away ... Between lyrics I would kiss one boy and then the other...

After The waffles were done and the boys were eating, I made my cup of coffee and sat down to enjoy thier company... here is how it went.

D - Mom 
Me - What honey

D - Mom
Me - What babe
D - Mom
Me - Yes, dakota, what is it.
D - boo boo boo boo ( this means potty)
Me - do you need to go potty?
D - no
Me - ok
E - Mom
Me - What Eli
E - blah blah inaudible blah
Me - Wow really that is awesome!
E - Mom
Me - What baby
E - done
Me - you are done already? I just sat down
E - Fusses and cries
Me - Ok I will let you down
D - ( pushes his plate) All done
Me - Sigh, ok boys nice having breakfast with you

Then - They both got down and cuddled on the bench I was sitting on grabbed their breakfasts and started eating, one boy under each of my arms. Oh man, this is heaven! I love them!!

~Blessings to all on this day! Thank you Jesus for my babies...

Sky and LJ are still snoozing by the way so they missed out - especially on my awesome singing!! ;)

Happy 7th Birthday Dakota!

Dear Dakota,

I wanted you to know that before I had you, I had a different outlook on life. Before you, I didnt really understand life in general.

Sure, I was a mom, a wife, I worked full time, I went through daily living. But I didnt know. I didnt know what I know now. And it isnt something I can explain. Every other mother or father of a child with special needs, understands. But explaining it to someone else is  impossible.

See, as you were growing in my womb, you were growing into something so totally special! And I didnt know. I rubbed my tummy, I sang you to, Skylar and I told jokes to you, and daddy even whispered softly to you. I often wonder if you remember these moments.

And then the day you presented yourself to the world. I was not afraid. I was so strong and stoic. I was so happy! I watched the tears and fears of others and wondered if they saw the same boy as me? I was proud of you already! I knew you were chosen for me, and me for you. I knew at that moment, we were both chosen for greater things. I knew - you were going to change my world.

When I first heard the words Down syndrome enter my life,I wasnt afraid, but I did avoid it. I wasnt sure what to do with it, it sounded weird passing my lips. Today, its as common as any other word for me. And I still dont fear the future. And that is all because of you! My precious son! You have a way of taking my heart out of my chest, hugging it and laughing with that infectious laugh and putting it back whole. My heart that jumps out of my chest when you are trying to be brave, doing something new. My heart that breaks when someone stares or whispers. My heart that skips a beat when you reach for me to hug me or kiss me.

I am not sure if you know this, Dakota, but baby you are amazing. Everyone who meets you and knows you, LOVES you! You sure dont say much, but you dont have too! One look at those beautiful blue eyes, the sparkle that radiates from them... well we are fallen hook, line and sinker for you!

I hope one day, I can be the mom you think I am. I know I am not perfect, but do know I am always trying my best and I will protect you til the very very end! You are my best friend. And I will always be yours.

Today marks the day 7 years ago, when I got one of the most precious gifts in my life. How can I possibly thank God enough for you? I know that I cant. But I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are taken care of and loved more then you could ever fathom.

Happy Birthday, Handsome!

Love Mommy

Independence Day! No injuries!

We survived Fireworks, with no injuries!
Sky was at her Dad's for the night, so we just had the boys.
I was feeling hungry festive, so I ran to the store to grab some stuff for cheese cake with berries...

And while we were eating, I felt bad that we hadnt purchased fireworks for the boys. But I knew the noise bothered Dakota and I wasnt sure how Eli would do. I did recall having sparklers somewhere...

So I searched under my kitchen sink, where all Sparklers should be stored properly.

I found a few packs. Wahoo.

After the boys had baths we brought them out to the porch barefoot, because every boy should go to bed with dirty feet.

I lit one over the gate to make sure it wouldnt explode from age.

I lived.

So I asked Dakota if he wanted to hold it. I saw the fire burning in his eyes! I handed it to him, explained it was hot. He grabbed it in one hand and went to grab it with the other, Dear Heavens!  So I had to help him hold it and hold his other hand away. Then he tried to lick the sparks. Dear Heavens, whose idea was this?

Then it was Eli's turn.

I handed one to him. He wanted it BAD! But he is too quick, so he had to make due with me helping him. He, too wanted to hold it with both hands... Sigh!

All in all, they loved the sparklers. No one got hurt. Everyone had fun.

And everyone was also in bed by 9pm.

I hope you all had a safe and fun Independence day!

I leave you with our photos of the night!

Blog Hop - Tell me more about your connection with disability

My connection with a disability, you ask?

I have three kids - those of you who know me, know how amazing they are. Those of you who don't, well, you are missing out!!

Skylar - Age 12 ( Oh MY gosh! I can not believe she is 12!!) ASPERGER SYNDROME

When Skylar was a baby, her father and I always knew something was "off". She always had these odd tendencies and strange way of dealing with things. We called them "quirks". After she got kicked out of her 3rd Preschool, I took action. I knew something was going on. I just didn't know what. I was 22 and a first time mom. My daughter was supposed to be perfect! We brought her to a few doctors who kept telling us it was ADHD. But I refused to think that was all that it was. I knew there had to be more. Her father and I separated and I still went to more doctors. They then blamed it on our separation. I was less then thrilled. More and more docs, more and more opinions, which all boiled down to ADHD. They tried to shove meds at me and I said no. Fast forward to age 7. First Grade. HUGE issues in school. Getting referrals and more. I jumped back on track and went to more doctors. I finally was sent to a developmental pediatrician. Where FINALLY, I got some answers. 2 years pass by... more testing, more paperwork. 

Here came the term, Asperger Syndrome.  What in the world is that?? 

More testing and finally a diagnosis. Asperger Syndrome with Semi Pragmatic Disorder, with a dose of ADHD for good measure.  So what does this mean? It means, my daughter is super smart, but socially lacking. She doesn't have a third eye, she doesn't go around beating other kids up, she doesn't even have bad grades. She does, however, have an inability to look people in the eye, the inability to have appropriate conversation and often talks about nothing pertaining to the topic at hand. She is an amazing artist and knows more about cats then the zoo! She is currently medicated, but only for the ADHD aspect of her disability. And it is such a low dose, that it is really only to help her pay attention better...

She is amazing, and I wouldn't have her any other way.

Dakota - Age 6 DOWN SYNDROME

When Dakota was in utero, I took the AFP test. This test gives you a ratio on your chances of having a child with Down Syndrome. Now, so you know, this test is optional. I only took it because it was paid for and why not? When my results came back as "failing", I still wasn't really concerned. Because they have to put the mark somewhere, results under 1:300 are considered failing. That's one in 300 chances of having a child with down syndrome.My results were 1:174, that's one in 174 chances of having a child with down syndrome. Less then one percent. I was given the abort question, which was never a thought or option. And we continued our pregnancy as usual. They did an ultrasound to check his heart and it was perfect. He measured perfect, nothing was abnormal. 

August 14th, 2005, Dakota came flying into the world. As he was being lifted out of me I saw it. The eyes of an angel. I knew. The first words out of my mouth, as if in slow motion..."He has Down Syndrome!" 

Suddenly everything was fast forwarding, tears, crying, shouting, consoling. As I sat there watching everyone buzz around me. 

6 years later, we are still learning, everyday. He never ceases to amaze us with what he can do! He may be a little slow at things, but he can do it! He is talking more and more. He can run, jump and dance. Oh boy, can he dance!! 

Eli - Age 1 

Eli doesn't have a disability, that we are aware of. But I cant mention two kids and not the third. I will say for Eli, that he is as spoiled as they come. He cries, a lot. Over stupid stuff. Ha Ha! But we adore him just the same. And its amazing to see his brother and sister interact with him. Skylar loves babying him and Dakota loves hugging him. Hmm, wonder where the spoiling comes from :) He is an amazing addition to our family and makes us complete.

I am thankful for all the friends I have made along the way of our journey, which is just beginning! It seems every day we meet more and more friends!

I am also thankful for the friends we lost along the way. They have made us stronger and more aware that we need to spread awareness across the world for these disabilities! 

For now, we are just gonna keep on, keeping on...

This is my first Blog Hop with thanks to With A Little Moxie! I hope you enjoyed it!

Love

I fell in love with my husband - AGAIN - today.

No particular reason. Nothing special happened. I just got that feeling. That butterfly in your stomach feeling. That phone is ringing and its him feeling. That spotting him in a crowded room feeling. That first kiss feeling.

I was just sitting here watching him. Not doing anything in particular. he was just sitting there. And I realized just how much I love him. No matter what. How lucky I have been to get him. The Lord shined his love upon me and sent me to him. What favor I have found in the Lord that he sent me an angel to be my husband.

Thank you.

I love you LJ. You are my heart and soul.

Love always!
Melanie Joy

Is that hyphenated?

Ok, So this is a question I didnt anticipate when I named Eli, so I will explain...

My Sons name is Eli Simpson Merritt.

NO - that is not hyphenated.

Simpson is his middle name.


LJ and I struggled for a boys name this time around. We really couldnt agree on anything. I really liked Malachi, but he didnt. We knew we wanted something biblical. But they are all pretty old school. I loved the name Jude, but that was our dogs name.
After going around and around we both liked Eli. NOT Elijah. There are SOOOOO many Elijahs. I dont like common stuff. So we went with Eli. Not only is it biblical, but my mothers name is Elizabeth. And hey we are all about honoring people we love around here.
Simpson is my maiden name. I was born, Melanie Joy Simpson. I lost that name when I got married the first and second time. My father has all girls. No boy to carry on the Simpson name. And it is not likely that my sisters would honor our Dad by naming their child Simpson. I am the only weird one who likes weird names. So there you have it.
Eli Simpson Merritt.
It is not a hyphen, it is his middle name.