Sunday, January 1, 2012

The Short Version

There isn't one.  We had a different life a while back.  You can read about it here if you are interested.  For those who want to just jump into the present here is the run down. 

Our zoo consists of my hubby Mr. Amazing, who not only gets more handsome with the years, he makes me really fabulous coffee every. single. morning..  *Just for the record - we are coffee snobs.  You'll read about that I'm sure because it does come up in every day conversation.*  Then there's yours truly who does lots of little things to stay sane and is really a minimalist at heart.  Our knight in shining camo, Riley, is 14 and a half and will skin and disect anything he finds dead, but to keep balance in his life, is a fabulous ballroom dancer.  Janelle is 11 and a vorocious reader.  The girlie just read Jane Eyre, for goodness sakes.  Natalie is our 'Ramona' and keeps us in stitches.  She's turning 10 this year and I can hardly believe it.  Charlotte is our newest zoolet at 12 weeks 'ish' and wonderful.  We're all enjoying the baby party in the house. 

Now, we also have a little thing in our laps these days called Down Syndrome.  We didn't know Charlotte had Down Syndrome until a very quiet pediatric examination about an hour or two after she was born.  I think my heart stopped at the words, "Has anyone mentioned that Charlotte may have Down Syndrome?".  Almost 13 weeks later it's still trying to find a rhythm.  Along with that has come a heart defect that will be getting Charlotte the 'door number 1' prize of open heart surgery next week.  Honestly, heart defect has been much more on my radar than Trisomy 21, but it's there. 

And that is why I'm blogging here now.  Finding a life pattern has been challenging after 5 years of living internationally and then we were blessed to add a new baby which will throw a wonderful wrench into any pattern you might have.  With the added facet of Down Syndrome, this pattern is looking more like a stained glass window every day.  I used to think stained glass windows too chaotic and choppy.  Now I'm realizing even in that, they have great beauty. 

So will we. 

I hope.

8 comments:

  1. Loved this, Faith. You are in our prayers.

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  2. I'm glad to find you and that you have a place to unload and process. Hardly an hour goes by that I don't think of you and send a prayer for you. I will continue to pray for His peace to flood your soul for the next minute, the next hour, the next day. ((hug))

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  3. Generally-speaking, it really sucks to go through life's challenges - especially when they don't wrap up neatly or have a convenient end in sight. People usually act in one of two ways - with greater grace or a waxing "Why Me?" complex. It is nice to see you and yours growing in grace - even if you struggle to do so. I will be praying for you and the rest of the zoo.

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  4. Sorry, last comment was from me. Still, like you, fighting with this application! haha.

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  5. Thank you for giving us a precise update on Charlotte's surgery. Your dad and I are praying for Charlotte's full recovery, total healing, guidance for the surgeon's hands; and peace for you, Alan, Riley, Janelle and Natalie. God was not surprised by this disease, and he will faithfully walk with you guys through it. Charlotte is adorable, and I can't wait to hug her - and the other kids, too. Has Riley outgrown hugs??? He is getting so tall! And looks like his dad. And the girls are getting more beautiful every day! Love your pics on the blog! And I love the way you write. When you share your heart you become transparent with the readers, and it really speaks to us. Thank you for that! Love you, sweetie. I am praying for you.

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  6. Thanks for your comments. It is interesting getting into your mind. I now see a women who is so much more mature than I thought; and spiritual. I think Charlotte could not have better parents than you and Alan. Praying for you and your family daily.

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