Busy Summer and Big News!

We have had a very busy summer- it's hard to believe that school starts again in 3 weeks!  Our summer has been filled with playdates, music classes, picnics, barbecues and lots of time outside, which makes this mama very happy. 

Lila has had some big changes this summer!  She got a pair of glasses, which she definitely has a love/hate relationship with.  She also had a swallow study which showed absolutely no aspiration, which means no more thickened liquids for her!  After almost 5 years, she can safely drink liquids without thickener.  I cried.  So happy!  Now we have to teach her how to drink thin liquids.   We are experimenting with different cups, trying to figure out how to control the flow of the liquid.  Like everything, it will be a process.  We are thrilled. 

We skipped the National Down Syndrome Conference this past weekend  for a trip to New York to attend a surprise 25th wedding anniversary celebration for Nick's brother and sister-in-law.  We had a great time.  It rained for the duration of the outdoor party but that definitely didn't stop the fun! 

There were a lot of  people huddled under the main tent which made it a very noisy place to be. Thanks to Lila's new headphones from our friends Kevin & Nancy, she was good to go and had a great time.

With stickers and a sweet friend, life is good.


We spent the rest of our time in New York at Mimi and Poppy's house. The weather cooperated very nicely so we were able to spend a lot of time in the pool, where Lila was happy to be the recipient of some impromptu swim lessons from her daddy.



AND- Miss Lila accomplished something huge- when I was at the store, of course. She figured out how to pedal!  (We have been working on this for a very long time.)   So awesome!!  She was happy to show off for me later in the day so I could get some pictures.  We are still working on the steering component with her but are so excited about this major accomplishment!



Last, but definitely not least- some huge news!   We will be adding another member to our family soon.  A beautiful baby girl who just happens to be blessed with an extra chromosome.  We are over the moon! 

The adoption will be open and we are so fortunate to be going through this process with the birth parents and their loving families.   We are at the tail end of our home study process and will be able to share part of the beautiful story and some pictures of the little princess very soon.  We can't wait!

One blessed mama~



Linda

11 comments:

  1. What wonderful news! Great pictures too :)

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  2. So excited about the new little one and that's probably the biggest change for Lila this summer. Wow. Too bad she doesn't have a blog cuz I'd love to hear all of this from her point of view! Can't wait for 'the rest of the story'!

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  3. WOW, Lila has done some amazing things lately...can't wait to see the newest member of your family!

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  4. holy moly! lots of good things going on in your life. :) congrats on the new baby girl!

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  5. SO HAPPY for you! So glad to see it is public news now!!!!! Where did you get those headphones? ANd are you still coming to Utah? If so let me know...message me on FB so we can see you! CONGRATS! Can't wait to see pics!!

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  6. Wow! You have had a jam-packed summer! Congratulations on the adoption. I cannot wait until you get to meet the little girl and I cannot wait to see photos!

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  7. Sounds like a great summer! YAY for pedaling! We are still working on that one, for sure...

    CONGRATS on the new little one soon to arrive! How wonderful! Can't wait to meet the new little princess!

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  8. Wow!! What an amazing summer so far!! Very cool to hear about all of Lila's newest accomplishments and even more excited to hear that the adoption process is continuing to move forward. Tears of happiness pretty much *spring* from my eyes every time you mention it. oxox

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  9. Sweet pictures and an even sweeter news on your addition to your family. Congrats!

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  10. I love it when I come to your blog and see a new post! I love being able to see pics of everyone(one of you everyone once in a while would be nice too!!), and I can't wait until you can put up pictures of my new precious, and beautiful sister.

    We are so blessed to have such an amazing family, and I'm so glad that we are adding another sweet girl.

    Love you momma!

    ~From the blessed daughter and sissy~

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  11. Wow - great news! It's just so amazing where life can take you :) I'm sure Lila's very excited to be getting a little sister!!

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