Still waiting...

For the "massive movement" to happen.  We've dealt with some, but not nearly enough.  C'mon Bubs, Momma has stuff to do before leaving for Florida on Wednesday! 

Poor Bubs...TMI for some.

I don't usually find myself wanting to discuss these topics on a public forum, BUT it very well be an issue that another family is facing and that is why I am going to put it out there.

For the past 2-3 months, Bubs has been having some poop issues.  I'm talking blow out, have to change the sheets and clean the carpet blow outs.  They were only happening in the morning, for the most part, so we were puzzled.  Pediatrician sent a stool sample to the lab and it was negative for any bacteria/viruses.  Hmmm...

I got Ethan back in with his GI doc this past Thursday.  He had an x-ray taken of his tummy and we discovered what is happening...


Did you read that caption? 

Yeah, that's a whole lotta poo.  A whole LOTTA poo.  Oh.My.Word.  That's a lot of poo.  *sigh*

So, this could be a low motility issue, or a slow motility issue, or a tethered cord issue, or all of the above.  All I know is that Bub's will now, likely, have to be followed regularly to make sure he is emptying enough.

Bowel cleanout here we come!  Ugh.  32 ounces of gatorade with 7 capful's of Miralax over 24 hours and wait for the poo to start coming.  I can imagine this being a headache with a child that IS potty trained, let alone a child that is NOT potty trained! 

This is not my idea of a fun time, but it has to be done and with me leaving for Florida on Wednesday, it needed to be done on Sunday. 

We gave him his concoction and waited...and, waited...and, waited...and, waited some more.  Nothing.  This is about to get ugly...

Happy 10th Birthday, Madison Jean!!!

Ten years ago, on 10-10-2000, Madison Jean Potts made her debut.  I will never forget the phone call in the wee hours of the morning from Chris (her dad) to let me know that she was here. 

C:  "She's here!"

K:  "YAY!  What are the stats?  Oh, wait- let me get up so I can write this down."

C:  "She's 4 pounds, 10 ounces."

K:  "Whoa, wait- WHAT?"

C:  "Yeah, she's a little thing."

It was quite the surprise that Madison was so little because she was full term and well, Theresa looked full term (Love you, T*Potts!).  It wouldn't be until months later that we actually had an answer to her low birth weight.

Later, I was anxious to find this picture in my inbox.  My very first picture of Madison.  Auntie loves. ♥

I thought from day one that she was a mini-Chris, and I couldn't wait to meet her in person!  I made the trip up to visit Theresa many times during her pregancy and talked with Madison all the time, so I knew that she was waiting to meet her Auntie Boo, too.  :)

I was about six weeks pregnant when Madison was born.  I remember holding all-barely 5 pounds of her and thinking about how Scott and I would be having our very own swaddled burrito.  It was love at first sight.  She did give us minor heart attacks after her two week checkup when the pediatrician discovered her heart murmur.

I was so sad when the news came that Madison and family would be moving from California to North Carolina.  Right after moving to North Carolina, doctors discovered that Madison's heart defect was worse than they thought.  She would need open heart surgery.  Madison was 10 months old when she had her surgery and that it was discovered that she has Williams Syndrome. 

Madison may have Williams Syndrome, which causes some developmental delays, but it doesn't define her just as Ethan is not defined by Down syndrome.  She has happy days, sad days, frustrating days, comedic days, lazy days, and goofy days.  Just.Like.Everyone.Else.

Yesterday, Madison had the birthday bash of a lifetime.  It made this Auntie's heart smile as she yelled to me, "Auntie Boo, this is my bestest birthday EVER!". 

"I'm so glad, Madison.  It's your day, honey."

I love you, Madison!  So does Scotty, Ethan Boy, and Sheppers, too! 

Happy 10th birthday today, on 10-10-10!!!



Buddy Walk!

Our annual Buddy Walk was today, and I missed it.  :(  It was the first time since moving here that we have missed it.  We were right down the road from it, but I had an obligation to help with Madison's birthday party, so unfortunately, no Buddy Walk for us this year.  But, I am told that it was a great success!  WOOT! 

Thank you to everyone that supports the Buddy Walk, whether here locally with us, or local to you.  It is the most amazing day surrounded by our other "family". 

Great job, Lisa Kennedy!  You rocked it, once again!!!  

Missing Africa

Two years ago, I boarded a plane to start my journey across the world.  Almost 24 hours later, I landed safely in Nairobi, Kenya.  I was in three countries on three different continents in a matter of a day.  I never in my wildest of imagination would have ever found myself in Africa.  It was a total God thing- truly.  And, I am forever grateful for that calling.  Because, I got to meet some of the most wonderful people, make some new lifetime friends, see the most amazing view of the Alps, cross the equator, see monkey's and giraffe's and antelope and flamingo's, and many other wild creatures in their natural environment, see for my own eyes the poverty and destitution of a third-world country, ride on a piki-piki, and most of all- love on some amazing kids. 





















Some day, I know I will return to the beautiful Kenyan country and love on these kids again.

Sweetness.

Seeing a friend from last year!  {So sweet}


All done swinging!

Continues to amaze

Last night, we went to dinner with Mary and her friend, Andy.  Ethan had such a full day at the fair and he didn't nap like he was supposed to, but he was still a really good boy at the restaurant.  At the end of the meal, Ethan kept making a gesture toward his mouth and it was different than anything else he has ever done.  At first, I thought it was his way of showing us his nose (we are really working hard on body parts), but then Mary suggested that he may be signing for ice cream.  After a few questions, sure enough, that boy wanted some dessert!  He continues to amaze me.  He is so smart and he never gets the credit for what he knows.  That is so frustrating for me as him Momma. 
Anywho, Ethan will likely be signing "ice cream" all the time now, but since he was just under 45 pounds at his doctor appointment the other day, I am guessing we will have to switch him to sherbert.  LOL.

Grab This Button

Dixie Classic Fair 2010

Every year, the Wednesday during the week of the fair is "Special Education Day".  This has been a field trip that I have taken with Ethan and his classmates since we moved here.  Even though we have been doing this field trip for a few years, today was different.  Today, Ethan was honestly engaged in the activities. 
First up was watching the Pets Overboard show.  We had a good place for viewing and he watched the entire show!  Usually, he will be fiddling with things in his lap or looking around instead of the actual show, so this was a BIG deal for me. 

We saw Ethan's classmates from previous years and previous teachers, too.  One student, in particular, came running up to me and Ethan in an exhibit hall.  She was so excited to see us, and Ethan was excited to see her!  You can really tell in the picture I got of him giving her a hug (I will add later).  I love those bonds that have been made with Ethan!

We had lunch and then the rest of the class had to get back to the bus, but I just kept Ethan with me.  I met up with The Bucknall's (DP's parents and DP herself) and we went on the search for the Krispy Kreme Burger.  Yes, I just said burger.  Two KK Original glazed donuts with a burger and full fixin's in between.  Now, Karen gave a review of "KK burger is DA BOMB!" so I was curious.  I was not curious enough to buy my own, but I would agree to taste it if someone else bought it.  Richard bought it, full with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion.  I took the first bite (very messy, btw) and have to say that I was not as impressed as my dear Karen.  Blech is more my reaction and Jamie's too, but Richard thought it was pretty good.  To each his own, I guess.  Where else can you get away with eating such heart stopping foods than the fair?

Anywho, I put Ethan on the swings and another little ride and he did GREAT!  I took him down the Super Slide while racing Jamie and DP.  I had a blast with it, LOL. 

Overall, it was a great day with my boy! 

"The" Meeting

Today was "the" meeting- the meeting that I have been gearing up for over the past couple of weeks; the meeting that positively made my blood pressure rise; the meeting that had me in tears for days;  the meeting that had me on the phone for hours to different advocacy people;  the meeting that had my Mama Bear claws on high alert; the meeting that I, jokingly, told friends to have bail money ready for.
Well, the good news is that bail money is not necessary.  I went out and bought a digital voice recorder to record the meeting.  The GREAT news is that I have it recorded that Ethan is making PROGRESS and is IMPROVING! 

The recommendation by school administration was to move Ethan into a different classroom at the same school.  I was led to believe, previously, that this specific classroom would not be an option for Ethan, so I am willing to pursue the idea and observe the classroom along with our case manager on Monday.  We will see how we feel about moving him at that point. 

Thank you to all who prayed that you wouldn't get the bail money call and kept me in your thoughts during this meeting. I could feel it, as I didn't even cry!  Update on Monday...

Adoption Tax Credit

Today, our good friend Bethany, along with her husband Kyle, and daughter Addison (Nika) joined a panel at the White House to discuss the Adoption Tax Credit.  Bethany did a great job speaking about adoption, but also was a great advocate voice for Down syndrome!  Nika playing and interacting with her Daddy was so sweet!  Take look!  :)



Love is stronger than a diagnosis

Today, I finished installing a custom Uppercase Living expression over some kitchen cabinets.  It is a project that I have been working on with the customer for a couple of months now, and today I finished it. 

Always remember wherever you are, whatever you do, to the world you are one, but to me you are the world.

After the install was complete, I had the chance to have a lovely heart to heart talk with my customer.  Long story short, she asked me about Ethan's birth and how we found out he has Down syndrome.  It's a day that I will never forget, and I remember pretty much all of it like it was yesterday, but it's a day that I can look back on and know that my love for my son never waivered after being given the diagnosis that rocked our world.  Love is stronger than any diagnosis.

Speaking for myself only, I can say that it was never a question of whether or not we would or could  take care of or love a child with Down syndrome.  Down syndrome or not, he was my son and I loved him more than anything in this world.  I remember his NICU isolette had "BB Faulkner" for his name.  When I asked what that was, the nurse said, "Baby Boy Faulkner".  She continued to say that they had to do that since he didn't have a name.  I immediately said, "Oh yes he does!  His name is Ethan, please fix it".  The nurse happily changed his isolette name badge from "BB Faulkner" to "Ethan Faulkner".  He was ours, he had a name that we gave him before he had Ds, and it would be his name after we found out he had Ds. 

EMHE - Lutz Family

The team rebuilds a house for a man and a woman who returned home after the death of their parents to care for six siblings with Down syndrome.

I hope you can join me in watching the episode tonight!

New Friends

Today, we had the great pleasure of being invited to a luncheon with some other families that have children with special needs.  We were the only ones with a child with Down syndrome, but it was the most connected that I think I have ever felt within a group of people! 

I have always wanted to get Scott connected with other Dads out there who have a child with special needs, but also share his interests.  Since Scott's main interest is soccer, it has not been an easy task!  I am optimistic that some of the men from this group of people today will be what Scott needs...yes, many love soccer!  ☺

We had the best time, and it was so nice to be surrounded by others that "get it".

Down Syndrome Awareness Month!!!

Welcome to October! 

Many know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but did you also know that it is Down Syndrome Awareness Month?  Wellllllll...it IS!  ☺

Once again, I am participating in Unringing the Bell's annual 31 for 21, which is a bunch of bloggers that have made the committment to blog everyday of October for Down syndrome awareness.  All of the posts do not have to be about Down syndrome (Ds).  Our life does not revolve around Ds, but there are definitely some different challenges that we face because of it.  I will try to write about the mix of both and in between. 

So, today I challenge you to smile because you have someone with Ds in your life!  If you don't, just look at this precious face- I guarantee you will smile! 

She's awake...BEWARE.

Everyone has been warned. 

Mmmmmm, Chili's!

Join Chili's in the fight against childhood cancer.

Create a Pepper.

 
I created this pepper for Ethan.  You can create your own pepper here.  If you are able, please eat out at Chili's today!  100% of the profits will be turned over to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! 

This I Believe {Seriously, a MUST read}

My friend, Michelle, called me early the other morning.  She proceeds to tell me that her daughter, Kayleigh (she took the Reflections pictures of Ethan), wanted to do her AP English paper on the "R" word.  The topic had to be controversial and she would have to persuade the reader that her opinion was the right one.  The "R" word topic seemed perfect!  Until, her lovely older brother chimed in.  "You can't do that."  Um, ok...why not, Devin?  Because that is what I wrote my paper on last year for the same teacher, and I got an "A". 

Needless to say, I was in tears.  Good tears, of course.  Michelle said the sweetest thing to me that morning:  "You have no idea how much of an impact you and Ethan have had on my kids". 

What is so amazing to me is that Devin wrote this paper without telling anyone.  He didn't look for recognition or praise.  He did this from his heart.  He had enough conviction to go against the norm of society, especially teenage society to stick up for what's right.  Ethan- my darling, wonderful, loving, son- taught him. 

I offer to you, with permission and great pride, Devin's paper. 


This I Believe
By:  Devin Lyons
13 December 2009

To many, a word is just a word, used to communicate one’s thoughts, ideas, and knowledge to another, nothing more. Hardly ever does one stop and think of the true power of words. Everlasting encouragement in times of need, the passing on of crucial information, saying a first hello and final good-bye to a loved one, all given such powerful influence based upon the words used. The choice of one’s words can sway mass amounts of people in their thoughts and can even move some to tears. Words can also discriminate and cause anger and hatred among people. They can be used as slander, cut our enemies down, and ruin a lifelong reputation. I believe that many people in this age have become too comfortable with some words which offend many others, which deliberately disrespects others by refusing to try to comprehend why they are offended by these words and instead conforming to a single-minded state of being. These words used by many very causally as a joking term can be a figurative slap in the face to others who have dealt with the literal subject. I believe that in a world with an endless amount of words and phrases that we should be obligated as descent human beings to take the route we know will not offend or spark conflict.


I used to be one of those kids who would always speak without thinking, not caring what words I used and how they truly affected those around me, whether I was speaking or referring to them or not. The term “retard” itself was probably one of the most common words in my vocabulary, which makes sense considering the stupid things I see on a daily basis because of some of my friends’ actions. This specific word is what changed my views on speaking due to a courageous little boy and his mother.


“Haha, yeah we always do retarded things like that.” That sentence still sticks out in my mind like a sore thumb. To many people, it seems like a simple enough sentence, seemingly harmless, used only to describe a healthy friendship; or at least that’s what my single-minded brain thought at the time. But this time, a mother put her two cents in. In a very frank message, she explained her story concerning her son. He has suffered and survived a three-year bout of leukemia, back surgery, almost debilitating ligaments, and also has autism and Down syndrome. Oh, and he’s also only eight years old.


In this message she explained, quite frankly I must add once again, how the term “retard” is not only an insult to her and all others who are medically diagnosed as “mentally retarded” but her son as well. When we use this word, she explained to me, we not only infer that these mentally handicapped kids are stupid but present the idea that they are incapable of doing anything smart or praiseworthy in their lives. Her last statement to me on the subject was “Hasn’t my son been through enough in his life to not have to worry about people making fun of him for something he has absolutely no control over?”


One single word caused this. One single word, spoken one time. I hadn’t meant it in this meaning, but that could never control the outcome. How many times had she heard this hated word in this context? Five? Ten? One hundred? More? Her son, who had been through more in eight years than most people will ever encounter their entire lives, had made it through the physical trials of life, but now was being subjected to a stereotype in which he was better than. His mother saw him struggle through one of the most deadly forms of cancer, back and ligament problems, and watches him grow up apart from normal kids because he cannot speak and communicate due to his mental conditions, and they are strong enough to push through. However, the words we use to speak of extreme stupidity which are the same words which characterize her son’s condition have enough power to draw her to tears.


There is no justification for us in choosing words we know will negatively affect others. In the world we live in, we have countless numbers of words to describe basically the exact same thing. So why do we choose to use a word over and over again that may hurt another when there are tens of other words or phrases that get across the exact same message? I believe that it’s one of the ultimate forms of disrespect to use words we know will lead to another feeling offended. Although some people view this as people being too sensitive to a simple word, words are what dictate the world. Each person in this world knows that there are some things that if they would hear, they would go off. This is the exact same situation that I am speaking of. That sentence, that phrase, that word, it just makes us lose control of our emotions for a split second, no matter if the speaker meant it to be offensive or not. It causes superfluous anger and hostility into an already volatile world. Choosing not to avoid this effect by simply changing a few words just because you don’t care what how other people may react or be affected is extremely disrespectful. If there’s such an easy way to avoid conflict or making another feel offended right in front of us, I believe that it’s only descent and respectful to everyone around us to take advantage of that.

Random observation {by Scott}

Scott was looking at the atlas the other day and noticed that Atwater, CA (where we moved from) looked like it was the same latitude as Winston-Salem, NC (where we live now).  So, I looked it up via trusty Google and sure enough, they are pretty darn close!

Atwater:  37° 20' 52" N
Winston-Salem:  36° 5' 59" N

So, basically we moved STRAIGHT across the country.

Random, yes, but that's how we roll... 

Coolness from Uppercase Living!

I have some exciting stuff to share! 

NEW! Exclusive Halloween Welcome Kits

Greet all your little ghosts and goblins this season with Uppercase Living's new—and exclusive—Halloween Welcome Kits! Available to customers beginning today, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT, through October 11 at 11:59 p.m. (midnight) MT or while supplies last, these kits are just $7.95 (an over $20 value) and are great for adding fun Halloween décor to any space. You can use them as a door hanger, wall hanging, or display them on an easel—at this price you can afford to buy one for yourself and one for a friend!

Each kit comes with a newly released black Mini Punched Metal Tile, black ribbon, and a Halloween welcome expression, which is available in three pre-selected colors: Valencia Orange; Electric Lime; Soft Silver.

The Halloween kit is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait.

Start your very own Uppercase Living business for FREE!!!

Beginning today, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT, through October 11 at 11:59 p.m. (midnight) MT, new Demonstrators who purchase our Essentials Starter Kit ($99) and achieve $400 in qualifying Open House sales during their first 65 days will be reimbursed their entire kit purchase price!

Don’t let this limited-time offer pass you by.  Join my team TODAY!


Hostess Bump-Ups ARE BACK!!!

From September 13 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT to October 11 at 11:59 p.m. (midnight) MT any Hostess who submits an Open House will automatically bump up a level on her Hostess Rewards! (This is in addition to any Double-Up amounts your Hostess may apply to her Open House.)

What does this promotion mean for you as a Hostess? More free products and additional half-off items, of course! Here is an example of what you can expect:

Typically, if an Open House sales total reaches $500, your Hostess would receive:

· $70 in free products

· two (2) half-off items

With the help of the Hostess Bump-Up promotion, however, Hostesses will receive the following for an Open House with the same total:


· $100 in free product

· three (3) half-off items

This is a fantastic way to kick off the new Holiday Mini!


Holiday Mini???  What is that? 

Holiday Mini Now Available!

The 2010 Idea Catalog: Holiday Edition is now live, you can purchase décor and gifts for all of your upcoming holiday celebrations! This catalog, available from September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT to December 31 at 11:59 p.m. (midnight) MT, features an exciting collection of seasonal expressions, including classic vinyl, new Decorative Prints, invitations, cards, and of course, our latest product, Iron-on Vinyl!

Contact me to take full advantage of all the possibilities this new catalog has to offer!

Kristen Faulkner

Independent Demonstrator, Uppercase Living

336.782.0580

faulknerkd@gmail.com

http://kris10z.uppercaseliving.net

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month