21 Months

Missing you extra today on your 21 month birthday. 

Sending you so many hugs and kisses.  

Love you so much, Julia.

Week 14

Cohen is getting old enough now for more outings, so this week we enjoyed a couple of days at the pool with Sydney and Isaac and friends. Cohen is growing more and more interactive everyday and it's so much fun to see him respond to each of us. He brings so much joy!

August 19

In My Heart...Always

Missing Julia. 

Eight months. 

Some days are easier. 

Some are not. 

But she was and is worth it all.

We love you, Julia.

At Three Months...

At 3 months I can...

- smile

- laugh

- coo

- roll...still just sometimes though

- grow so fast -- 13 lbs 12 oz!

- play with my hands

- reach for and grab onto toys 

Likes

- eating

- bouncy seat

- play mat

- baths

- laughing at Daddy

- listening to Sydney sing to me

- watching Isaac play

- being held by Mommy

Dislikes

- long car rides

- car seats

- sleeping or napping by myself

- airports!

Trisomy Family

While in Alabama, we were so lucky to get to meet two superstar girls who just happen to have Trisomy 18. Emaleerose (pictured with Sydney in the top photos) celebrated her FIFTH birthday this week and Miss Chloe (pictured with Sydney and Isaac) celebrated her THIRD birthday this week!!!!!!!! I have wanted to meet these girls since I first heard about them.  Both live within a half hour of the town where I grew up in Alabama.  I contacted their moms months ago to let them know I would be visiting and wanted so much to meet them.  Seeing these girls was so inspiring to me. It helped me think of Julia and what she would be like, and it was heartwarming. Both girls were very sweet and smiley and obviously so very loved. They each have adoring siblings and I met some of them, too. I had an instant connection with moms Beth and Sara. We talked and visited like we were old friends.  I know that is because we are more than that. We are members of a small community, bonded by our love for these special children. 

Sydney and Isaac were very curious to meet these sweet girls, too, and they were just drawn to them. I know they felt a special connection, too, knowing that these girls are so like Julia. It was a special privilege for all of us. Happy birthday, Emaleerose and Chloe! You are both amazing!

Weeks 11 and 12

Cohen's weeks number 11 and 12 were spent visiting family in Alabama. Cohen visited his second beach, this time at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Florida. He even took his first boat ride at the beach on his Poppa's boat. We also visited the lake for a weekend. Cohen enjoyed relaxing at Nana's lake house while the big kids tried out the jet ski, tube, and knee board with Uncle Press. We attended the wedding of my cousin, Mollie, and Cohen was able to meet lots of new old friends.
We spent many days playing with the cousins and visiting grandparents and great-grandparents. We had lots of fun and are now glad to be home!

Week 13

We flew home this week and spent the test of the week relaxing and settling back into our regular routine.  Cohen was great on the flight home. He has been glad to be home and see his mobile again! I can tell he has really grown over these last few weeks.  I will attempt to measure him on his three month birthday!