Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Million Memories in a month {or three}

I don't know how it happens...months pass like days in our home.  Some days I feel as if I wake up, haven't taken a full breath and the day is over.  Being pregnant and exhausted is part of the reason, I suppose...but I also think this baby is sucking every creative bone out of my body.  That's my excuse, anyway....

There is so much to catch you up on...these are just the highlights...you may need to grab yourself a tall glass of lemonade to make it through...

Onto our biggest news first...

It's a...BOY...Oh BOY!
What?  A boy?  How ever will I accessorize a boy?  Hats?  Bow ties?  I have to say finding out we are having a boy was a bit of a shock.  The 6,347 bins of girl clothes we saved may have something to do with it...that and the fact that having a baby after six years is a bit overwhelming.  

I gotta figure this one out...stay tuned!

During our ultrasound I was looking at Rick when "it" appeared on the screen.

Rick smiled and pointed for me to direct my attention to the ultrasound.  There was no mistaking we were having a boy. As I lay there in the dark with ultrasound goo on my belly and tears in my eyes, Rick reached into his pocket and pulled out a little Pandora bag.  A gift in celebration of finding out the sex of our baby...how sweet is that?  The perfect little baby carriage charm for my bracelet...

We are extremely thrilled to be welcoming a boy into our lives and Kayla is beyond thrilled to be a big sister.  First on her agenda?  Teaching him how to do the monkey bars...she might have to wait a bit on that one...just sayin'.

She really wanted to have a brother.  Being such a girly-girl, I would have sworn that she would have wanted to have a baby sister.  I guess another way of looking at it is she wants to be the only diva in the family.

One thing is certain, this baby is sure to wonder why I haven't journaled weekly for him like I did for Kayla.  I have no excuse.  I can tell you that while I am beyond excited to welcome him into our family and hold him in my arms, this pregnancy has been much harder on my body.  My sciatica feels as if someone is holding a lighter to my leg...constantly.  My hoo-ha feels like a watermelon is sitting on it and the heartburn is outta control...oh and did I mention he is sure to get a scholarship to college for soccer?  This kid is a kicker...and he even has the skill to be a boxer at the same time...ouch.  And I'm not quite sure but I think it is possible that I will be delivering a moose.  During our last ultrasound, he was 3.3 pounds (2.5 pounds is average).  Falling in the 70th percentile, I am second guessing my VBAC decision...stay tuned...September 26 could be here before my next blog post...just kidding...sorta!

Governor Markell
I say it all the time...Kayla's social calendar is more amazing than most adults.  She has done more in her six years than most do in a lifetime.  One of Kayla's responsibilities as the Blue All-Star Buddy of the Year was to sell the Governor his ticket to the Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game.

Kayla gave the Governor a card and a Princess Kayla's Court t-shirt.  He read our motto on the back of our shirt "the right shoes will take you where you need to go...the right buddy can make it worth the trip" and seemed genuinely touched by the message...
The Governor signed Kayla's ticket...

And Kayla signed his poster in return...

We were joined by Kayla's buddies, the Gold Buddy of the Year and DFRC staff/volunteers.
Some would say he was being a politician but during our visit he told me at least five times how beautiful and amazing he thought Kayla was.  He repeated over and over "I mean it, she is really something special.  She is one of the most beautiful little girls I have ever seen".  As her mom, that is obviously my opinion...hearing it from others is just the cherry on the top of the hot fudge sundae.  Thank you, Governor, for being so warm, inviting and wonderful.

We left with the most amazing memories and smiles permanently affixed to our faces.


Kayla's 6th Birthday Party
So this year Kayla chose her theme...Mary Poppins.  Really?  Mary Poppins.  Look...I love MP.  She is awesome.  The movie is awesome.  The broadway show is awesome.  The music is awesome.  But a party theme?  There is not one thing you can buy with Mary Poppins.  I was hoping for Justin Bieber.  Easy.  Go online and place items in my shopping cart from Celebrate Express, pull out the American Express and order.  Done.  So not like me, I know.  Perhaps it's the pregnancy but I have had zero energy for creativity.  But...once again....I delivered the theme that my girl chose.  It ended up being an amazing day...filled with lots of friends and smiles...it was quite the Jolly Holiday...
To enter Kayla's party, guests had to jump into Bert's chalk drawing...






Kayla Poppins, Practically Perfect in Every Way...


Preparing for this party was full of arts and crafts...we painted a 2x4 that we had in the garage yellow and turned it into a "tape measure".  Each guest measured up...some were rather inclined to giggle, others were extremely stubborn and suspicious...

Our other rather huge project was this carousel.  Sometimes I wonder why I dream up ideas.  Truly...they always lead to work.  So one night while lying in bed {that's always my downfall...I can never fall asleep easily so I dream up big ideas while tossing and turning}...I was thinking of everything Mary Poppins.  I wanted to keep the party them bright and cheery. What best way to do that than to incorporate a carousel.  I originally thought of making small carousels to place in flower arrangements using small plastic horses and wooden dowels.  Then, of course, as usual...my brain went haywire.  Think bigger...

Take one jumping horse {you know the old dangerous 1970's kind on a frame with springs that probably damaged a few thousand kiddie fingers and toes}...one curtain rod...one patio umbrella stand...lots of paint and voila...a carousel...
The amazing cake...I sketched it and {as usual}, Chef Michelle at the Hotel duPont came through big!

It's been an annual tradition to sit her on our buffet server next to her cake each year while we serenade her with the traditional Happy Birthday song...
I wonder how she will take to this idea when she's 10?

As you can tell, she kinda loves this ritual...for now.  Being the center of attention is kinda her forte...



A picture of the girls...don't laugh...I'd love to see you try to get nine girls ranging from 1-6 years old to all look at the camera at the same time and smile...just sayin'...


BFFs...Kayla and Kendall...

I can't get enough of this kid...JJ, you rock my world!

And Natalie...ugh...the cheeks...

And how cute is this...Kayla's great-grandmother's enjoying cake and each other's company...Rick's grandmother {left} is 90 and my grandmother is 93.

The evening ended with a cousin makeover...Kayla and Delaney took their jobs very serious.  Applying layers of purple over pink and blue.  I think these girls have a future as makeup artists...
I can't wait to see what she dreams up for birthday #7...


Mother's Day Birthday
I was blessed with the greatest gift one day before Mother's Day just six years ago.  On May 13, 2006 at 3:32 PM Kayla came into the world and forever changed my life.  I remember sharing Mother's Day with her in the hospital and realizing how truly special that day would be for the rest of my life.  I have always given thanks for the amazing Mom I was blessed with but now sharing that day with my girl is just beyond words.

Growing up I always thought of the type of Mom I would want to be.  One that was loving and caring and nurturing.  All of these qualities I learned from my Mom...and I continue to learn every day.  I am blessed with the most amazing family.

This year with Mother's Day falling on Kayla's birthday was an amazing gift.  We spent the day together as a family at the park...

These two make every single moment special...how did I get so lucky?

We watched our girl gain confidence while she twisted and turned through the slides, squealing with joy the entire time...

And we ended the day with blowing out candles...

Seeing that smile just never gets old.  Happy 6th birthday to my beautiful princess.  I look forward to every single day that I get to spend with you by my side.  You are and always will be my pride and joy...

Doodlebops Concert
Kayla has always had a love of music.  It is a passion that is deep within her.  At age two she became addicted to The Doodlebops.  That addiction is still alive and well.  As her birthday present, Rick and I took her to see them at Sesame Place.  The day started with breakfast and ended with time on the water rides...the perfect day fit for our perfect princess...

My little VIP and her Daddy...
I am pretty sure buying those tickets sealed our title of best parents ever {at least in her eyes...and smile}...

Buddy Walk
This year marked our 6th Buddy Walk.  The love and support that embrace our girl is truly unbelievable.  I never could have imagined the amount of people that would continue to surround us each year.  By just showing up on that day they are telling us that they love Kayla, support her and want nothing but great things for her future.  I can tell you that the amount of lives Kayla has touched is immeasurable...

Kayla was surrounded by old teachers and current teachers, old Blue-Gold buddies and present buddies, friends and family.  The friendships we have formed just by having Kayla in our life is amazing.  We are so incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives.

This journey of accepting Down syndrome would not have been the same without all of the love and support that surrounds us.  The walk is all about acceptance, inclusion and love.  Each person that walks by our side, wears a silly crown, sports a Princess Kayla shirt or chants her name walking around the track every year in May is showing the world that counting chromosomes isn't what life is all about.  Differences only divide us...but coming together one day a year to celebrate Down syndrome sets an example to others that people with Down syndrome are More Alike Than Different...

People with Down syndrome are amazing and beautiful and kind.


So once again, Princess Kayla rocked it on her fit for a princess float...with her court following behind...


Princess Kayla's Court 2012...

Each year we get bigger and better.  And each year we are in awe of the love and support.

After the walk it's was Rick's turn in the D.A.D.S. dunk tank.  As a fundraiser, people could purchase chances to dunk dads throughout the day.  Rick's line was probably the longest...not sure what that means.  Either he has a lot of enemies or a lot of supporters...we'll go with supporters.

This is the list of dads that were slated to be dunked.  I somehow captured the coolest shot of a ball in motion on its way to the target while snapping this image.  I'll go with it happened because I am an extremely skilled photographer.  Truth be told, it was a fluke.  Didn't even notice it until I downloaded the image.

Kayla wasn't sure about her Daddy being dunked...until they shared this moment together...then she was all smiles!

Oh...and did I mention that my mom was an all-star softball player as a child?  Well...she was first up.  First ball thrown.  First dunk of the day.  Well played, Mom, well played!

We couldn't end the day without our annual Kayla and Nitasha picture...looking at the clouds in the sky...

To those of you that donated or walked...a simple thank you could never convey what we truly feel in our hearts.  What an amazing day!


Three Billy Goats Gruff

Kayla's spring musical was a production to say the least!
There were very few speaking roles and guess what...Kayla had one of them!  I know Kayla's music teacher trusted Kayla but was nervous that she would pull it off.  Little did she know, Kayla had her line memorized in less than five minutes.  Her line, you ask?  "I'm still hungry, what shall we do?"

She filled her line with lots of emotion and a little rubbing of her tummy.  She was the perfect little bunny...right alongside her BFF, Kendall, of course.  Rick's reaction to her line?  "Of course a Kosmalski would have to talk about being hungry and food"...oh, Rick...priceless...
So very proud of my little bunny.


Prom
Kayla's buddies invited Kayla over for prom pictures.  Kayla decided she wanted to dress up.  She knows all about prom.  She is an expert on High School Musical...having watched it at least 100 times and can even recite most of the lines and songs.  So she knew prom is a really big deal.

The best part?  Lance made it a really big deal for her...he bought her a corsage!



And tell me this isn't amazing...while taking pictures with all of the guys, Lance asked Kayla to be in the picture.  What the picture doesn't tell you is how much she hammed up this moment.  Posing and modeling while at least 30-40 parents stood watching and clicking their shutter buttons.  That girl makes me smile so big it hurts my cheeks...


I love how much Kayla's buddies think about and care about her.

ABLE Act meeting with Carper
My husband is doing some amazing things for people with disabilities.  Seeing the love he has for Kayla is truly one of the greatest joys I could ever experience.  Knowing that he is the type of man that stands up for what he believes in, loves with all of his heart and sees past disabilities is more than I could have ever dreamed of in a husband.  And he is far more than even that...
As an advocate he strives to ensure all people, especially people with disabilities have the most promising future...and at the very least, will be entitled to living the same quality of life that we have.  I can say that he found his niche.  Rick setup a meeting with Senator Carper to discuss the ABLE Act.  Instead of thinking only about people with Down syndrome, he thinks globally.  Rick contacted each organization throughout the state of Delaware that advocates for people with disabilities.  The result?  A meeting filled with individuals from Autism DE, United CP, Easter Seals, DE Family Voices, Parent Information Center, Partners in Policymaking, Governors Advisory Council on the Blind, DSA of DE and DE D.A.D.S.
Together representatives from each organization were able to voice their desires for the Senator to co-sponsor the ABLE Act.  While the Senator hasn't yet agreed, he was very gracious, kind and expressed his support for our mission.


NDSS Lunch with Jane Lynch

Kayla has an amazing life.  There have been people that have said they are sorry because Kayla has Down syndrome.  There are some that have stared and looked away.  There are some that judge and question what she will be able to offer to this world.  Those people don't know Kayla personally and to those people I say this...have you had lunch with Jane Lynch?

Have you had her look you in the eyes say "come here, Baby" and pick you up with the warmest embrace?  Have you heard her explain what it is like to live your life just as you were meant to be?  Because Kayla has.  And that is something that is beyond special.  It is beyond amazing to be in the presence of someone that gets it.  Starring with someone with Down syndrome and growing up gay, she understands first hand how people can stare and judge and disregard your value in this world.

But together these self advocates are proving people wrong...

Kayla is amazing and will continue to be amazing.  And yes, she has Down syndrome.  It's a fact.  As I have always said, that extra chromosome will never define her greatness in the world.  Her intelligence, magnetic personality, character, kindness and beauty will.

Kayla loves spending time with her friends from the NDSS....Pam


and Sara...
Thank you, Jane Lynch, for being an inspiration...

We spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up some NYC highlights...like frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity...

mmmmm....sweet memories...



Last Day of Kindergarten

I know I witnessed my mom drop tears every year at the first and last day of school and I admit, I thought it was a bit corny back then.  Why cry?  It was only school...right?  Wrong.  As a Mommy, the start and end of each school year marks much more than that.  My baby is growing up.  She is growing and learning and becoming a little lady.  A perfect little lady.  And as the mommy of a child with special needs there are always going to be concerns...will she keep up with her peers, achieve what is expected of her, have friends, etc, etc, etc...

This year has proven that I didn't need to worry.  She struts through the halls of school, waves and says hello to everyone she passes...and I am fairly certain she knew almost every person in the entire school by name...all 250.  I guess I know her forte...social butterfly.  This year she certainly sprouted those wings and showed me that she is going to be just fine.  Will there be years that she struggles to keep up?  I am sure there will be...but as long as she meets every challenge with a positive attitude and a smile on her face, I am convinced there is nothing she can't do.  Her determination and will is enviable. Those are the skills that will take her wherever she needs to go.  So while I am like any other Mommy, I worry...but my girl has been proving to me every single day that's she's got this.  She's rockin' her designer genes...and then some...

What a difference a year makes...


She started the year a little girl and left a grown up diva...full of sass and drama and the cutest smiles that could melt any heart...and I wouldn't want it any other way!
Her teachers...Miss Poultney, Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Luff...together they were an amazing team and Kayla just adored them {and so did I}!  Everyone says that teachers make all of the difference and I couldn't agree more.  While I am nervous about the future, I can hope that each teacher Kayla encounters will be just as kind, caring, compassionate and demanding as the team this year.  They showered her with love while expecting nothing short of her best.  The result was the most amazing year of growth and development for Kayla.  Here's hoping the next 12 years go just as smooth...

Trying to cling to the last day of school with all of my might, I stayed to help throughout the day.  Joining my girl and her friends for lunch allowed for the sweetest moment to unfold.  As I sat eating my nachos, cheese and peaches from a styrofoam tray (yes, a very healthy school-issued lunch), I listened to all of their stories of summer memories yet to unfold.  After each girl shared their story, I told them that was awesome.  You know, they are kindergarteners...by saying one is great or good or amazing...they would wonder why their story wasn't awesome.  Kayla's best friend, Kendall, went last.

She looked at me and said "know what I think is awesome?"...then pointed her finger over Kayla's head and said "Kayla is awesome".  Seriously.  I couldn't make this stuff up and I also couldn't hold back the tears.  It was the last day of kindergarten {and I am pregnant and hormonal} and I was already an emotional mess...and then that.  Don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic...thrilled that a six year old gets it.  She gets how to be accepting and kind and loving and compassionate.  She knows how to see past differences and find similarities.  She knows how to be a friend.  What more could I want?  I could tell you but it would sound greedy.  I want for Kayla to have a friend like Kendall throughout all of her years of school...and beyond...

I can hope, can't I?  Onto first grade...not sure my heart can handle it, but I know my girl can!





Game Day
It's hard to believe that the big game has come and gone.  The 57th Annual Blue Gold All-Star Football Game was held Saturday, June 23.  Yes, it's a football game of amazing athletes from across the state of Delaware...but it was so much more.

Our day started with a tailgate.  We were ready to celebrate our girl, the Blue All-Star Buddy of the Year!  Tents up, check.  Beverages on ice, check.  Food on the grill, check.  Prepared for the huge gust of wind that would lift up all three of our pop up tents, sending them 10 feet in the air, twisting, turning, breaking, crashing...ummm...not so much.  We weren't really prepared for that.  The ironic thing is that we are pros with pop up tents.  I mean it, pros.  We take them to every tailgate.  First thing Rick does is tether them to a cooler or something heavy.  Well, not this time.  Perhaps it was my pregnancy hormones, perhaps it was my desire for this to be the perfect day for Kayla, perhaps it was realizing we just lost $600 worth of tents...whatever the case, rage came over my body.  It's rare that I don't take pictures and I can tell you over a five hour period I took maybe five pictures.  While I was sulking Rick was describing the scene to those that missed it as "fantastic" or "amazing" and while there were a few choice words I could reach for to describe the situation, those weren't two of them.

This is perhaps the only picture I took of the tents...duct tape {about two rolls of it} saved the day...or at least our shade!

Choosing to put a smile on my face, I moved on.  There were many festivities to enjoy...and we sucked the life out of every little moment.

So everyone gets shirts...{yawn}...actually we got those, too...but we took it one step cooler...we rocked matching Chucks!  Kayla rocks Chuck Taylor's on a daily so we decided to have custom ones made for the big game.  They are All-Star shoes, after all.  Fitting for our all star!

Daddy, Kayla and Mommy...even our shoes said so...

Our dedicated seat-savers headed into the stadium first and scored some great seats on the 40 yard line. Thanks, Mom, Kelly and Debbie!

Lining up to parade into the stadium we were joined by Congressman John Carney, Secretary Rita Landgraf and Governor Markell.  The Governor walked over to me and started talking to me just like we were old friends.  Asking how I was and telling me Kayla looked adorable with the ribbons in her hair.  Hugging her he looked at me and said "I know I told you this in my office but she really is amazing.  She is one of the prettiest little girls I have ever seen".  {Insert huge smile on my face}

We proceeded to the festivities and paraded into the stadium.  As we paraded Kayla strutted with her hands on her hips in her usual sassy fashion.  It was not overlooked by the governor and those following as they all laughed and stood in awe of her infectious personality.  As we entered Tubby Raymond Stadium Kayla lined up on the 50 yard line and paraded across after being introduced to the crowd.

Kayla's fans were ready...

With tears in my eyes I cheered and clapped and screamed a few "wooos".  I will never forget the smile of pride on my girls face as she walked across that field, waving to the crowd.

She took in every single clap and cheer.  She knew they were cheering for her.

Yes, that is a stroller fan attached to my camera bag...I'm pregnant.  Gotta problem with it?  This baby is boiling my insides...oh and it was about 110 degrees on the turf!

Kayla sharing a moment with Malori Hitchens, Gold Buddy of the Year...

The next event was quite possibly the most emotional.  Every year the "buddies" {individuals with intellectual disabilities} line up at the end zone and wait for cue to go find their senior participants that are lined up on the field.  The result?  Running, searching, hugging, and tears...lots and lots and lots of tears.  All set to the tune of Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand by Diana Ross.

As the lyrics "Reach out and touch somebody's hand.  Make this world a better place, if you can...." played through the speakers on the field, buddies were hoisted onto the shoulders of football players and hugged by cheerleaders, ambassadors and band members.  This moment is what the game is all about...

Friendships that have been forever formed and lives have been forever changed.  It is quite possibly one of the most amazing moments.  I don't believe there were many dry eyes in the stands.  There were lots of hugs, high fives, tons of pictures, more hugs and a few "good lucks".  Those five minutes seemed to pass like seconds.

It's a tradition for each football player to wear their own high school helmet.  Throughout camp week they trade stickers from each school.  Resulting in a well decorated helmed.  This year we decided Kayla needed to have a sticker to give her buddies...

As the music stopped, we made our way off the field.  In true Kosmalski form we were the last ones off the turf.  We just couldn't leave without sharing another moment with the Governor...

After a hug from Rita Landgraf {who, by the way, was wearing her Princess Kayla's Court t-shirt} and game chairperson, Missy Brady, we made our way into the stands.

The game had some great back and forth moments with Gold scoring...then Blue...then Blue again...

During half time the cheerleaders took to mid-field.  After some flips, cheers and spirit fingers, it was time for the band to take to the field.  Rick and I were waiting on the 50 yard line for Kayla.  The marching band swayed, moved and grooved...and then slowed it down.  As the band slowly opened like a ripple of a wave in the sea, there she was across the field waving and smiling.  She made her way up the 50 yard line to the tune of "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Ok.  That was the moment.  I couldn't even see through the lens of my camera.  I just kept taking pictures not knowing if they were in focus {most weren't}.  With tears streaming down my face all I could do was think of how extremely proud I was of my girl.  At just six years old she is teaching more life lessons to those around her than I could dream of teaching in a lifetime.  Her presence shouts don't underestimate me...just love me for who I am.  I have so many hopes and dreams for her and never walking alone is one of them.  Always being surrounded by love, happiness and friends.  That is my greatest wish.  Thanks to the mission of the DFRC and this amazing game, that will hopefully always be a possibility.

I am fairly certain that this smile says it all...

Kayla's buddy, Maura, sat by her side during the entire game.  They cheered on Lance and Chris.

During the 4th quarter, Kayla cheered on the sidelines next to Lizzy and Kate.  Not only was she convinced that she was a Blue cheerleader, she was treated like one.  The entire team embraced her as she tried to emulate their every move.
As the game clock wound down and the score board ended in a Blue loss of 37-19, none of that mattered.  It wasn't about which team won or lost, it was the spirit of the event that carried the Blue team to run down the field, drop their helmets and allow this moment to unfold...

The entire team doing the Cupid Shuffle together.  If this isn't proof that these kids get the bigger picture, I don't know what is.

Kayla's buddies escorted her onto the field where she was reunited with Chris and Lance and carried to mid-field...and included in the post-game activities.

Their final event of the night...a race amongst the buddies.  Kayla won, of course...the others dropped like flies.
The night ended with the most incredible memories and hopes of many more amazing memories with her buddies yet to unfold...

Gov. Love
So while it seems that Kayla really took to the Governor, it seems he also took to her.  The Governor tweeted Kayla a few times the weekend of and week after the Blue Gold game...
tweets like "Highlight of the weekend?  Sharing a special moment with Kayla"...
my girl does have an amazing affect on people...life is good.

As I have been writing this epic post the Governor has tweeted more...just today {July 17}, the Governor tweeted "@kaylascourt Kayla and others are great inspiration and motivation to continually do more, so thank you!"...Governor Markell was just named chair of the National Governors Association this past weekend.  He announced he will focus on job opportunities for people with disabilities.  Thank you, Governor Markell, for everything!

The Beach
We spent the 4th of July week at the beach.  It's an annual tradition.

Mommy and Daddy from Kayla's point of view...I think she might have a calling in photography...just sayin'...check her reflection in our sunglasses!

My little beach babe...check out those freckles.  They are scattered across her nose and under her eyes.
Speaking of her eyes...they are changing to green.  I had no idea it was humanly possible for eyes to change color.  They have been blue for the past six year and suddenly they are changing.  My eyes change with my outfits and mood from grey-blue to blue to greenish-blue...but hers are totally changing.  No more baby blues...

What better way than to spend the entire 4th of July on the beach?  From sunup to sundown...and beyond.  We were joined by our great friends, the Walker's...
I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to have the Walker's in my life...
For those of you that have been reading forever, you may recognize Sarah.  She was Kayla's first speech therapist.  She was so dedicated to and passionate about giving Kayla every opportunity possible.  I couldn't have asked for more at the time and now can't ask for a sweeter friend.  So glad our girls {and our boys} will be able to grow up together...

Baby Ian really got into the celebration...seriously...is there anything cute than a sleeping baby?
Nice look, Johnny Walker.

Yes, that's his name...sounds awesome coming out of my six-year-old's mouth, by the way!

Almost as awesome as Johnny Walker was this man...
Meet The Captain...

He serenaded us with sweet melodies from his keyboard...melodies that are patriotic like Roll Out the Barrel and Wind Beneath My Wings.  Yes, his musical repertoire was all over the place but it made for some great laughs and amazing memories.

Shortly after the sun set in the west, the moon rose over the ocean, a sign that our festivities were about to begin...

Happy Birthday, America...

As the fireworks lit up the night sky, my girl was quickly fading.  As we watched the sky glow with visions of freedom, I captured this sweet moment between Kayla and her cousin, Hailey...oh how she adores Hailey...


Kayla's Blue Gold buddies drove to the beach just to hang out with Kayla for the day.  All five of them drove together and arrived before Kayla was even out of bed.  I find this amazing considering I remember what it was like to have just graduated high school...wanting to sleep in...hang out with friends before going to college, etc., etc., etc...but they all truly care about and want to spend time with Kayla.  It is just an amazing sight to see...

Lots of things can make this girl smile...well...just about anything, really.  But smiles this genuine and big come from hanging out with her buddies...

and eating Gluten Free Pizza on the beach...

As if this day couldn't get any better, Kayla's teacher, Miss Poultney and her boyfriend, Mike, came to take Kayla out for ice cream just as her buddies were leaving for the day.



We are so grateful that Kayla has so many people surrounding her that care enough to want to hang out with her.  It is just amazing to me.

Just another day on the beach...
Drama...seriously...I don't know where she gets it from...

And a little more drama...because I know you didn't get enough the first time...


Check out my girl, the reader...



I have to tell you...life is good.  So much better than I could have ever expected.  I say it all the time...I'm not quite sure what I expected with her diagnosis the day she was born but my girl is amazing.  She rocks my world on a daily.  Her determination is incredible.  Her desire to learn is inspiring.  Her laughter, smile and joy for life is infectious.  Doesn't get much better than this...

So my belly is growing, our summer is in full swing and life is moving faster than I can keep track.

Trying to slow down and enjoy each moment.  Whether we are spending it with loved ones, celebrities, or just our little family, each moment has been amazing...soaking up each moment with my princess before baby makes four.  Lots of amazing memories unfolding here...and many more to come...

Hope you are enjoying your summer, friends!  I'm off to enjoy more moments like these...
You know I love hearing from you...let me know your favorite memories from this summer so far...






5 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your little boy! Wow you guys have had quite a busy summer so far! Looks like a ton of fun!!!

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  2. miss you, amy !! gorgeous photos as always ! oxox

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  3. Love all the photos! I was so glad I got to meet sweet Kayla in person, it makes the photos I see so much sweeter :-) Can't wait till you sweet little boy gets here and I get to see Kayla in action as a big sister, she's gonna do so great!

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  4. Amy, I was doing a google search last night at work for my daugher's Mary Poppins party and I came across your blog. I saw the picture of Kayla with Governor Markell and was drawn in cause I too am from Delaware. I loved reading your blog and you daughter is absolutely beautiful! I also love what you did for her Mary Poppins party. I go a little crazy with my party planning and loved your idea for making a carousel house. I was wondering do you still have the horse that you made? If you do would you be willing to sell it or rent it out to me? My Chloe's party in November. Thanks so much!

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    1. Thank you so much! You are the third or fourth person that has wanted to rent/purchase the carousel! Send me an email at particularlyperfect@gmail.com so we can chat about the details. :)

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