Answering Questions about David

Wow!! You guys asked such great questions. I'll start with a few, then finish up next week.

1. Which of David's acheivments has been most surprising?

I think I have been most suprised to see his personality and to see him communicate. Each acheivement is a celebration, but in general, I just didn't expect to "know" him so through and through.

2. What is David's life expectancy?

People with CdLS usually live into late adulthood. It is not a degenerative disease, but there can be complications as a result of the syndrome. We hope David will live a long, full life.

3. What is most difficult about having a son with a disability?

Probably my pride. I kinda thought I had my life planned out and that I somehow deserved a pain-free existence. I've really had to let go of wanting that perfect "image". When you have a kiddo with two fingers, there is no hiding the reality that life is painful and we are imperfect people. I have also felt really freed from trying to put forth some false reality that I think other people want to see. Pride is an ongoing struggle--for all of us, I think!

4. What is the greatest blessing?

Honestly, there are SO MANY blessings it is hard to name one. But I would have to say the pure JOY that David has brought to our lives. He is precious and approaches the world with a silly, carefree attitude. I love that.

5. What broke your heart when you realized David wouldn't be healthy?

I cried and cried when they told me David would probably never speak. I couldn't image my child never saying "I love you, mommy". Truth is though, he tells me that he loves me all the time when he smiles when I walk into a room or when he nuzzles his head into my neck. I have no doubt that he loves me and that he knows how loved he is!!

something sweet...

I just made this piece today. It's two sterling hearts. One says 'true love' the other '7.24.99' (our wedding date). Wouldn't this make an awesome gift at a bridal shower?? Carrie, I think we should make one of these for you!!
click here to see more custom stamped jewelry My definition of true love--Steve rubbing my feet. it's purely sacrifical as he hates to touch people's feet!! What is your definition of true love??

deep breath

So glad to be home from the hospital,,,but the stuff of life has hit me like a ton of bricks! I am a total planner, so I feel like everything is turned upside down and chaotic. There is tons of laundry to do and the the house needs to be straightened up, and most of all David wants LOTS of cuddling and Matty needs some quality time, too! I know it will come together, just need to let it be crazy for a bit. By the way, has anyone seen Matty? :)

we are home...

yeah!! we are home. overall, it was a very positive (and pretty short!) stay. the staff was great. i watched a lot of TV while we snuggled. i even made a little bit of jewelry while david slept. i cheated on the south beach diet. here are a couple photos. david is still on the mend, but much better. thanks for all your prayers. we feel so loved!!

update on david...

Hi friends in the blog world! Wanted to let you know that David was admitted to the hospital yesterday. He was very lethargic and wouldn't eat. He was throwing up pretty regularly and we were getting really concerned about his hydration. We took him to see our pediatrcian and they decided to admit him. I was REALLY bummed and emotional. Hospital stays just feel like a prison sentence to me. He has been sleepy and cuddly and this morning he was a bit more responsive and even smiled a lttle. The staff has been great and there is a twin bed in his room for me to sleep on. I have been vegging out at the hospital watching way too much HGTV. I also decided to give my self a break from the south beach diet for a couple days :) matty has been fussy and frustrated. He keeps saying "I want David! and he was giving him kisses in the car on the way to the hospital. please pray that david bounces back quickly. we can't wait to get DAvid back home!! thanks SO, SO much for your prayers. xxxx

poor david

So when I went to get David up this morning, I realized he had thrown up during the night. And when I reached in to pick him up he felt really hot. Thankfully we were able to get into the doctor's office this morning. Looks like pneumonia. Bummer! We got some stronger antibiotics and started up the breathing treatments again. His pediatrician said if he gets any worse he's going to put him in the hospital. Please pray that we see quick improvement! Lots of snuggling today...

I think I'll take a break from David's story and address some frequently asked questions. If you'd like to ask a question, leave a comment. I am pretty darn open!!

the latest on the leonards

Every morning I bathe the boys. It is a fun silly, time (usually). After I pull Matty out of the bath tub, I wrap him up with the towel, like a teepee and we play where's Matty?! You'd think it would get old, but he loves it! From under the towel he says, "I haven't seen him!" Cracks me up.

Saturday we went to a picnic for Matty's school and chatted with friends. It was super windy. I got a picture of Matthias and myself, but with the wind my hair is literally like a clown's wig, Nice! David's has a double ear infection and just hasn't been himself. He's been really mellow and cuddly. Not wanting to walk much and not super silly like usual. I'm hoping he's bounce back today or tomorrow! I do love thsoe cuddle though...

A few people have asked about stuff for Dad's...so here's my first creation. A keychain! I also think it would be cute to say, BEST DAD with the kiddos names. Any of the different pieces could be put on a keychain. These are $32