My Holiday Miracle!

It seems that each year around this time Abbi gives me a new present for which to be thankful. Her first Thanksgiving she started clapping her hands. Last year around this time she began to walk. This year she gave me the best one yet!
As you may remember from my last post I was praying for her to look at me and say mama. Well yesterday I got my prayer of 2 and 1/2 years answered. When I came home yesterday she met me at the door and said "MAMA" and hasn't stopped saying it since! I only imagined in my wildest dreams what it would feel like to be called mama since she was born. There has been a new bond form between us that I can't explain. It's like she has always been my daughter but now it feels more real b/c she realizes that I'm her mom.
I have been getting her to say it as much as possible since yesterday so she won't forget!!! I just love to hear her say it! My heart soars each time she does.

More good news today from her kidney doctor. Her tests so far are okay. We don't have to go back for a few months. She even peed in the potty to give the urine sample. The doctor was impressed! So was I!!

Today I am thankful for my family's health and our jobs. It seems that so many people are losing both lately. God has been so good to us and I don't ever want to focus on what others may consider negative things such as Abbi having Down syndrome. She is healthy!! She is normal! Both of which I prayed for while carrying her. God has answered my prayers each and every day that I get to be with her is a day to be thankful! I have learned so much since she was born. I can't wait to see what else she will teach me about life!

A lady in Sam's Club came up to us last week and looked at Abbi and said "you're one of God's angels aren't you little one" . At first I wasn't sure what she meant, but the more I think about it the more I begin to realize that she just might be right about our kids with Down syndrome. Abbi is my little piece of heaven on earth! God has lent her to me to teach me about how life should be lived. Thank you Lord for my Valentine from heaven as our pastor called her since she was born on Valentine's day.

Mama!

We went to Nashville this past weekend for Abbi's oral motor therapy evaluation. at the beginning of the eval the therapist showed her my picture and asked "who is this?" Well what comes out of her mouth but "mama"!!!!! I was so excited I nearly cried. Ofcourse now she won't repeat it. Oh well it is a start!

Maybe that will be my Christmas gift this year!

I visited the Special Ed Inclusive Headstart today. It seems like a good program, but I am honestly looking for something that is more structured. Maybe I am just too picky. It is hard to be a teacher and put your child in the care of another teacher b/c you can pick out so many things that need to be changed. We'll see what happens. Her IEP meeting isn't until January and we don't have to make a decision about preschool for several months after that. I am just praying for direction!

Happy Halloween!

Reading to Mommy

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What's Your Name??

Today when I came home from school, Mom said ask her what her name is... So I said what's your name little girl and to my amazement she signed the letter "a" and said ahhh. Mom has been working with her for weeks now. She has always looked and known when you said her name but now knowing to sign "a" is great!! Now if she will only say "mama". What a great Christmas present that would be!

Here is Abbi as a ladybug last Halloween.

Halloween Party!

Mom took Abbi to a Halloween party at a friend's house today. Mom said the minute Abbi got there that her friend Karlee was right up in her face saying "Hi Abbi! Say Hi to me Abbi! and just insistent that Abbi talk to her. It was very cute. I wish Abbi could be around Karlee more often maybe she would learn to talk!! She did well. No biting at all. I was a little worried since church last week. We also had Halloween pics made yesterday. I will post them next week. I have a few to post today. Have a great weekend!

A weekend for Mommy & Daddy!

Junior and I got to spend the weekend in our primitive cabin on the mountain. Mom & Dad kept Abbi. It was great to get away for a while even if it was only a mile from our house! Abbi did well. Mom and Dad took her to church today and she put on a real show so we were told. Mom said she did all the motions to I'm in the Lord's Army and when she put her hands in the air, Mom said everyone laughed. I wish I could have been there to see it. On another note she bit another little girl on the arm. She goes up to hug them and ends up giving them a little more than a hug! I know it is b/c she is teething. She chews and knaws on everything! She doesn't seem to bite b/c she's mad. Any suggestions from anyone out there about how to help her understand that this is not the way to make friends!

FRIENDS Buddy Walk 2008