Calling our Peeps!

We're one month away from CHOP Buddy Walk. We'd love for you to join our team!

Visit Porter's Buddy Walk Page for more information!

These two hope to see you there!

Thank you so much to everyone who has and continues to support Porter's Peeps in the CHOP Buddy Walk!

The Down Syndrome Diary

I finished my entry for the Down Syndrome Diary in July. It's a project started by a mom from the Detroit area who has a goal of providing more than just medical information to those who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis. By sharing our stories, the hope is that others will gain knowledge and find support through our community. The original diary has been to ten countries and is close to complete. There are six new diaries making the rounds and I had the opportunity to share our story in one of those!

 

  

Here is what I wrote:

Thanks always for following our story and supporting Porter! We are so thankful for our village!

August

Where did you go August? I can't believe today's September 1st! Here are some quick highlights and random thoughts from our past month...

We enjoyed a month off from swim season, but still tried to enjoy the pool when we had time. 

We used our time to refocus and unpack. 

Porter started a 12 week course of outpatient OT at CHOP. 

Penny ditched the training wheels on her bike.

Pax slept through the night a few times.

We got to know our neighbors a bit better thanks to our neighborhood block party.

The kids loved playing basketball in the driveway.

We made it to the Schuylkill County Fair for the first time in years...so glad we made it!

My HS girlfriends still make my world a better place.

I don't know what I'd do without our support system of our parents, sisters and brother-in-laws, daycare family, friends and village!

WE MISS THE CARTYS DAILY! AND THE KIMS too!

Putting the water table on the back deck was one of the best decisions we've made here.

We went crazy for the Olympics!
Pax started singing along to songs in the car. His current favorites are Crocodile and Dino Dig from our Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band CD. 

We did a 5K to support Sebastian Riding Association...we hope Porter will start riding soon.

Pax's ear checked out great post-tubes!

Porter jumped in muddy puddles and made my co-workers smile. 

We went to a Phillies game with Papa and our friend Evan's family...so fun!

Penny had her first sleepover, had a great Nana-day and started cheer-leading.

We love LuLaRoe.

Everyone was happy to have Uncle Chris in town for a few days...it was so nice to get the Villanova crew together!

There's never a dull moment here with this crew. They keep my hands and heart full. 

On the verge of one

In six days, my baby will be one! I remember this point last summer. I was HUGE...my doctor sent me for another ultrasound to check on the baby's size. I thought I was ready, but I really had no idea what life with three kids was going to be like. This past year has been wonderful and difficult, crazy and amazing. It's been hard. But, we did it!

This kid here is an absolute joy during the day time! He is curious and happy and funny. But, for the past year, night time has been rough. He eats all night long. And our pediatrician has said, he should be capable of sleeping through the night. That we can stop night time nursing when either one of us is ready to stop. But I couldn't bring myself to stop. 

Paxton has had fluid in his ears since Christmas, when he had his first ear infection. We tried four different antibiotics. We kept returning for re-checks, only to find fluid. After the fifth official ear infection in May, we decided to go for tubes. 

Nursing at night seemed to be the only thing that offered him comfort. While it was hard for me, it made a difference for him. If I could go back and do it over, I would have pushed for tubes sooner. But, we all hoped the spring/summer would bring healthier ears. When it didn't, we knew it was time. On July 5th, Pax had his tube surgery. We're in recovery mode. And, last night, one week before his 1st birthday, Pax slept through the night for about the fifth time in his little life.

This boy is going to keep me on my toes! His hugs and kisses are extra sweet. He loves to play ball and eat. He loves his "dada" and refuses to say "mama". He waves hi and bye! He says all done when he's had enough. He loves to be outside, but hates the grass. He loves the pool! He likes to dance, especially in the grocery store.

We can't wait for his birthday! We're fully expecting the best cake smash this little family has seen! 

Mr. Pax...I love you so much! I can't believe you're almost one!