tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82401041814840245152024-02-08T14:31:19.106-05:00Particularly PerfectAmy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-18523941626366233552013-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-10-01T00:04:57.816-04:00This I know...{Down syndrome}<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>35</o:Words>
<o:Characters>203</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Pink Pickle</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>249</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1282</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This I know…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My sweet Kayla…There is no greater love than your love…this
I know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are kind, sweet, loving, thoughtful, determined,
intelligent, fun, happy, sassy, spunky, amazing, caring, wonderful…you are
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I would never change you.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2013/AMK_3618_zps08f1e2b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2013/AMK_3618_zps08f1e2b8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>327</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1866</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Pink Pickle</o:Company>
<o:Lines>15</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2291</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1282</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been asked numerous
times…if I could take the Down syndrome away, would I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a controversial “hot topic”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I take the Down syndrome out of you if I could?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
me explain…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes…life would be “easier” for you in some respects if you
didn’t have Down syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
easier for me in some respects, as well, if you didn’t have Down syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then you wouldn’t be you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You wouldn’t be the you I know you to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that lights up a room with her
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that encourages
others to be accepting of differences simply by being who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that tries harder than anyone
I know to learn new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
girl that gets more joy from making others happy than being happy herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that captured the heart of our
Governor {who even keeps your picture on his desk}.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that is memorable to those who have met you only once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The girl that is just as sassy and spunky as any other seven year old on this earth. The girl that just by being you, encourages others to live better. </span>The girl that has shown
countless people that living with Down syndrome does not mean you are
suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl that applies
herself with every ounce of her being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The girl that hugs, loves and accepts every single person she meets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would I love more than anything for things to come a little
easier for you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you to be able to keep up
with your peers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then…then you wouldn’t be you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The you that you were born to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amazing and wonderful you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I ask myself…If not you…then who?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would be able to accept this
amazing challenge to change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A <s>big</s>
ridiculously huge task that you are taking on like only you can…with the most
beautiful smile on your face and sparkle in your eyes. And believe me, baby girl...you are making a change. One that I can't wait to see. To be a part of. Acceptance. It will happen...and you will be the face of change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…on this the 1<sup>st</sup> day of October 2013 (the first
day of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month), I am telling you this…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You, Kayla Grace Kosmalski, were perfectly
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This I know. </span>Extra chromosome and
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, while you may face
obstacles and challenges in life, I know that no one on this earth will handle
it with more grace than you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one will smile more brightly than you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one can change the world like you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the beautiful face of Down syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the amazingly wonderful one and only you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am one proud Mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One very proud Mommy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2013/AMK_3702_zpseeeae59a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2013/AMK_3702_zpseeeae59a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
xoxo<br />
MommyAmy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-31888509528434608862013-08-16T18:31:00.002-04:002013-08-16T18:31:23.774-04:00All About Me: Kayla's Book for TeachersWell hello there my friends. I am sorry to have left you hanging for a blog post since November. Has it really been that long? Eight months. Really? Wow. Where has this year gone? Right now I am I am making invitations for Logan's first birthday party {it is gonna be little man theme...think mustaches and bow ties and such...and a ridiculously cute one year old...but I will have to fill you in on Kayla's Beiber party first or I might get in trouble}. I am also getting my big girl ready for second grade. How is that possible? A one year old and a second grader...I swear I never even had a chance to blink this year...<br />
<br />
There is so much to catch you up on but that will have to wait for another day. Today I am focused {and that never happens}. Today I want to share Kayla's book with you. This is something I have created every single year at this time to give to her new teachers. I have created a book for Kayla since she crawled/cruised her way into Ms. Debbie's preschool class at the baby age of two. Filled with fear and worry I wanted to ensure that everyone that came into contact with Kayla would get a small glimpse of her history but more importantly our expectations and hopes for that school year and her future.<br />
<br />
I must confess...this idea is not my own. I first learned about creating a book or notebook to give to teachers at a NDSC Convention back in 2008. Since that time many friends have asked me to share my template which I would if I could but I don't have one because I lazily click and drag pictures from my iPhoto into an iBook add a little story and click order. It is a very simple process that I imagine can be done using any book creator (and if I say it is simple...I promise it is simple...remember I haven't blogged in 8 months...yeah...). Kayla's book is a $15 softcover book but packs an immeasurable value.<br />
<br />
Below I have added each page picture by picture so you can read through it (no don't scroll down yet...wait...there is more that I have to say). This book can be done in a number of ways. It could even be just a few printed pages stapled together. You don't have to include pictures but I have always believed that pictures help convey the story. I just don't do pages stapled together so I choose to have mine made into a real book. I know...I am always over the top...I need help for that....maybe some day...Besides...what is likely to sit out on a teachers desk and be shared? And I promise you...if you create it, it will be shared!<br />
<br />
Here are the things that are important for me to tell every year...<br />
......Kayla is loved and supported and we are involved...in a lot of stuff (which should help show how involved we plan to be with her education). This may come off as bragging a bit but isn't that a good thing? She is my kid for goodness sake. I should want to brag and shout from the mountaintops all of the amazing things she has done/achieved!<br />
......We expect the teachers to have the same expectations of Kayla that they do of her peers (she just may need a few accommodations or a helping hand).<br />
......Kayla's strengths and weaknesses (including areas that she needs help with in therapies).<br />
......Any and all of Kayla's personality quirks and idiosyncrasies.<br />
<br />
I throw all of this together in a cute story telling way and voila...Kayla's book is created. It's important for me to tell it from Kayla's point of view. She's the student. She is the one they need to get to know...not me the overbearing mama bear. I know it's a bit over the top but I promise you the teachers will love it...and keep it.<br />
<br />
So I know your last question...why bother? Why create this? Kayla has an IEP, right? Isn't that enough? No. It's not enough. Yes...Kayla has an IEP. It is personalized to her needs but it certainly isn't personal. This is my opportunity to share how amazingly wonderful Kayla is...<br />
<br />
Enjoy...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookfront_zps4be07745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookfront_zps4be07745.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookfront_zps4be07745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookfront_zps4be07745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg2_zpsa2ea83ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg2_zpsa2ea83ee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg3_zps4d22002d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg3_zps4d22002d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg4_zps1d198ffd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg4_zps1d198ffd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg5_zps94447193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg5_zps94447193.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg6_zpsa0b94ce9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg6_zpsa0b94ce9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg7_zps26cf1863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg7_zps26cf1863.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg8_zpsa477dffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg8_zpsa477dffe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg9_zps1b2290dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg9_zps1b2290dc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg10_zps82626f54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg10_zps82626f54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg11_zps0d6b0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg11_zps0d6b0513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg12_zpsd158c6cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg12_zpsd158c6cb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg13_zpsbbcd7cd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg13_zpsbbcd7cd3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg14_zps22a2f9bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg14_zps22a2f9bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg15_zps1c04aa77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg15_zps1c04aa77.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg16_zpsc8ec15a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg16_zpsc8ec15a9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg17_zps5b89b02d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg17_zps5b89b02d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg18_zps48ce84b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg18_zps48ce84b3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg19_zps0bf5b5f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg19_zps0bf5b5f2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg20_zps1432db17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg20_zps1432db17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg21_zps79b7df9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg21_zps79b7df9f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg22_zps3efeb427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg22_zps3efeb427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg23_zps0e492ef6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg23_zps0e492ef6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg24_zpsab41e757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg24_zpsab41e757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg25_zpsf4b20aef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg25_zpsf4b20aef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg26_zps316cc1cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg26_zps316cc1cb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg27_zpsbf64f4f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg27_zpsbf64f4f7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg28_zps99719793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg28_zps99719793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg29_zpsa845831c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookpg29_zpsa845831c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookbackcover_zpsaecfc8c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/Kaylas2ndGradeBookbackcover_zpsaecfc8c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's to hoping you and your child(ren) have an amazing school year!<br />
<br />
We have a little over a week until I have to fill the backpack with pencils, notebooks and folders and send my girl onto second grade. Until then, I am soaking up each sun filled day...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect002/summer2013_zps6a63977c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect002/summer2013_zps6a63977c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/AMK_3281_zps17286a3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ParticularlyPerfect001/AMK_3281_zps17286a3f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hope you are too, friends...<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-72195369591502847102012-11-29T23:24:00.000-05:002012-11-29T23:24:05.971-05:00Welcoming Our Baby Boy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A bit distracted. I type with my right hand as I cradle my sweet baby boy in my left. At just two months old he is wearing a 6 month super soft fleece sleeper, smelling like a new baby, breathing deeply. The rhythm of his breath catches me in a trance. How can life be this perfect? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Back to September 26...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Rick, Kayla and I left the house a little after seven in the morning.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We were on our way to welcome our baby boy into the world. As we arrived at the hospital, my Mom was standing in the parking lot in a parking space that she was reserving with her body...in the front row, nonetheless. That's the kind of person my mom is...selfless and a bit crazy...and I couldn't appreciate her more after my 40 weeks of pregnancy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The emotions were overwhelming as I kissed Kayla goodbye for the last time...it would be the last time I would see her as an only child and I couldn't hold back the tears. Guilt has been weighing heavy on my heart and this was the moment that all of those emotions drained from my body. As Rick and I walked away from Kayla and toward the front doors, Rick and I held hands nervously expressing our love towards each other.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As we entered the hospital, we stopped at registration and as I answered the dozens of questions needed to be admitted, my anxiety was building. I have always had the amazing skill of using humor when I am nervous...most of the time those jokes are ridiculous...and this day was no different. As the receptionist took my information, she asked if my husband spoke English...my response was yes but I don't think he understands it. Ridiculous joke, but she at least thought I was funny and even encouraged my humor by saying most men don't...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Moments later we were walking toward our future as the parents of two. Through the double doors, up the elevator, down the hallway to the left, then right, then through the double doors on the left into preop room #4. </span>We opened the curtain, I stepped inside and I was immediately transported to May 13, 2006...the day we were blessed with Kayla but encountered more pain and fear than any other day of my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
As I looked around the room I envisioned being there on that day, with Kayla. I envisioned myself lying in bed, holding my daughter, wondering if I could ever truly love her. Wondering what my life and my future would be like. At that moment I was paralyzed with fear. Tears streaming down my face, I turned to Rick and I knew. I knew by the look on his face that he was there with me, too. We were both at that place of fear six years ago. He held me as I cried. I cried for Kayla, for myself and for the fear of the unknown...the birth of my baby boy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-143.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-31.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-34.jpg" width="640" /></a></span>Seriously...he is good for a laugh...even in tough situations. And my doctor...best ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At 9:30am I was as ready as I would ever be to go to the operating room. As I was wheeled down the hall and into the sterile white room, my heart sank. I looked around, taking everything in...but the first thing that caught my eye was over my left shoulder...the bassinet. The place where my future changed forever. The place where I saw the air taken from Rick, as if being punched in the gut. The place where those two words were whispered just 2,328 days earlier...Down syndrome. Those two little words that would change my life forever...but in a way I couldn't comprehend on that day. On that day I was overwhelmed by fear and there was no room for anything else in my body.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Again, back to the humor...as I was leaning forward to get my spinal, my OB reached out his hand for me to squeeze. As I squeezed, I realized I was squeezing the hell out of the hand of the man that was about to perform surgery on me. The man that was going to have to hold sharp utensils that were going to cut into my body with the hand I was squeezing...genius. As I expressed my concern in a light hearted joke, the room broke in laughter. While I was trying to be humorous, I remained concerned. I was trying to cut my own tension...epic fail.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Within a minute of getting the spinal, I was vomiting. Yay. Oh how I recall that from my c-section with Kayla. I swear it was the grape flavored fizzy cocktail they gave me to "settle my stomach"...um...not so much. I would rather do shots of tequila...and I hate tequila. After the vomiting stopped, the anesthesiologist explained that I was getting sick because my blood pressure dropped. Once everything was under control, Rick was brought into the operating room and the procedure was underway. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As the doctor began the procedure my mind raced. The what ifs and worries overcame my body. I tried to go to my happy place (on a hammock swaying beneath two palm trees in Hawaii, if you must know). It was no use. There was no escaping my reality. That old saying came to mind...pray for the best but expect the worst. That is truly what I was doing. My doctor asked Rick if he wanted to stand to watch...and he did. I felt an extreme amount of pressure, heard the doctor say "he's a big boy" and within seconds I heard his amazing cry. "He is beautiful, Amy" were the first words out of Rick's mouth. He then nervously followed the doctors to the bassinet area where they examined the baby. As I lay strapped to the table...I just watched over my left shoulder. Seconds passed like minutes and minutes like hours. I watched him kick his chubby feet and clench his tiny fists.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Logan Ryan...born September 26, 2012 at 9:53 am...weighing 9 pounds, 6 ounces...and measuring 20.5 inches long...and yes...in case you were wondering...I am very glad I didn't have to push him out! Have you seen the size of his head?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-36.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
While I heard some talk back and forth, I wasn't sure how my baby was...was he perfect?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />At that moment all I could think of was Kayla and the moments and days and months that I had robbed her of my unconditional love...and I cried. I wept in the operating room tears of overwhelming joy for my perfect baby and tears of regret for Kayla.</span><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-46.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-47.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-49.jpg" width="640" /></a>Holding Logan in my arms for the very first time I told him how beautiful and how perfect he was...just like his big sister. And I truly meant that...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-140.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-50.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I wish I had gone back to that "sacred ground" before giving birth. To leave it all in the past...but in that moment I gave it all back to that operating room...all of the pain...all of the sorrow...all of the regret...I left it behind. I continued to shed tears of joy as I realized the amazing place that my life has brought me to. While I never would have wished or dreamed for Kayla to have Down syndrome, I have come to realize that she is more than I could've ever dreamed of...and I know Logan will be the same.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Once we were in the recovery room, Kayla was the first to visit. She came into the room with a shy, nervous, yet excited smile on her beautiful face.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-51.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She was excited to meet her baby brother but wasn't quite sure what being a big sister would entail. In that moment it was just us...our family of four. Kayla was more concerned about her mommy than anything else. I read the worry in her beautiful blue-green almond shaped eyes as she nervously scanned the room...from the wires to the IV to the machines, the concern grew even greater. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Holding her brother in her arms, she was nervous but proud.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That moment made my world complete. As I held back tears I thought of how much I always wanted a sibling and how amazing their bond will be. A million things raced through my mind but the one thing I kept coming back to was the everlasting friendship and love that these two will share.<br />
<br />
After holding Logan for a few minutes, Kayla went into the hallway to get her grandparents. It was their turn to meet Logan. From beyond the 1980's inspired pastel curtain, I heard her sweet voice saying "Hey guys, come on. I have a new baby brother. His name is Logan. You wanna meet him?". That girl can always put a smile on my face...and in came the crew...my mom and Rick's parents. All with tears in their eyes. They didn't have to say it, I just knew. I could sense their relief. They were glad that this time was different. That all was ok. And while none of them would trade Kayla for the world, each of them know what those hours and days after her birth were like. And we cried.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-52.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-142.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-55.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
This girl has been my world and I hers. My biggest worry since the day I found out I was pregnant was how was I going to be able to keep her world "normal". While it was just an hour post-surgery, I knew it was important for her to be in my lap...sharing that place with her baby brother...that spot that was solely hers for over six years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was important to me to show her that she wasn't being replaced, she would simply have to share.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Onto our room...4B20<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am so in love with my husband for realizing that I needed a celebration this time. I needed everyone to be happy for us...to celebrate this new precious life. Going Kelly Hampton style, Rick surprised me with my favorite champagne, toasting flutes and lots of decorations to celebrate this baby boy in style. Every baby deserves to be celebrated the way we celebrated Logan. It was amazing!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-65.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It just felt right. Surrounded by those closest to us, we toasted Logan and handed out favors. My heart was happy. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Logan's godparents brought us the most amazing gifts...SNACKS! Lots and lots and lots of snacks. Note to self: Next time I visit anyone in the hospital take food. For all of those meals that are simply inedible, cheese crackers to the rescue!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Honestly...my life has never felt more complete...my heart this full...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-61.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
I mean seriously...how can life be this perfect?<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-59.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-70.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-86.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-76.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-77.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-75.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-74.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
How did you guess I didn't do her hair? Just kidding, Mom...<br />
Kayla was excited to open her Big Sister gifts...a personalized Big Sister book...and a special night for just for Mommy and Kayla at the Justin Bieber concert...more on that another time {and yes...it was amazing}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-72.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-73.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A lot has changed in six years...Daddy's can now stay with the Mommy's. This entire hospital experience was so different than when we had Kayla. I could have used Rick then. I needed him throughout the night...when it was dark and I was alone. I needed his reassurance that all would be ok...and this time, I needed him as my support person to get up with Logan so he could bring him to me for feedings. Well...fail. I don't know if I have mentioned this before but Rick snores. Loud. Like a freight train. Ok...he is going to kill me. He hears nothing. Our beds were separated by four feet and the baby's bassinet...so I couldn't punch him like I wanted to...joking. In all seriousness, one evening I called his name. Over and over and over. I was afraid the nurses were going to come in I was saying his name so loud. I needed him to get the baby...our crying baby. He heard nothing. I couldn't get up because of my c-section but I needed to get the baby. I looked around, found a bottle lid and chucked it at him. It hit his face, bounced off and he never flinched. Not once. I don't know why I expected him to wake...he didn't even wake when some scary looking guy came to take my blood at 5:30 in the morning...but fast forward to the next day when Dr. McHottie came into my room at 6am and announced that he needed to check my uterus and I was thinking check away...Oh sure, you wake up then, honey...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally...time to go home...it was important to make Kayla a part of our departure from the hospital. I wanted to make sure that she knew we were leaving with Logan...and more importantly couldn't give him back. She helped get him dressed to go home...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-84.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-83.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-160.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-87.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-88.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-92.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-91.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-159.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
I knew Kayla would likely lose her mind when she saw me get into a wheelchair. Her main concern had been me and how I was feeling and if I could walk. I didn't want her to hate her brother for hurting her mommy so I of course sucked up all of the pain and did as much as I could to prove to her that I was just fine. Knowing I had to leave the hospital in a wheelchair, I thought fast. As we called for escort, I explained to Kayla that all mommies leave the hospital in a parade. They get escorted with their new baby in a wheelchair to their car. I told her she had the most important job...the job of the big sister was to lead the parade...and she did...holding my hand, staying right by my side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-93.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-94.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As we went through the halls we were singing "the going home parade" song that we made on the fly as she shook her box of peanut m&ms to add to our production. Seeing the excitement on her face reassured me that life will continue to be amazing and she will be ok as long as I continue to include her. Even though life gets busy and we often want to do things quickly, letting her help has been the best adjustment for all of us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-96.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
During our drive home, Rick nervously drove slow and Kayla sang "me and my family"...this site will never get old. Two car seats. Two kids. I still can't believe it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-98.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were welcomed home by signs and balloons...our parents couldn't be any more wonderful. My mom stocked our fridge with groceries and Rick's parents decorated with balloons, a sign and brought over a Honey Baked Ham...so good not to have to worry about cooking...quite possibly the best part of having a baby {well besides actually having a baby}...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is what I call getting the hand. It goes something like this...<br />
Rick: Kayla, come stand next to Mommy and Daddy.<br />
Kayla: {insert evil eye here}<br />
Rick: Kayla, come on, come stand over here so we can go inside.<br />
Kayla: {hand up} Daddy, Daddy...just...just chill<br />
<br />
And we lose...as she remains right where she was...oh...memories...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just three days old and we were home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Later that night as we were going to bed, Rick looked at me and said "what was your favorite part?" {Kayla asks us that after each thing we do}. I smiled and said "all of it". I then turned to Rick and asked him the same and with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face replied "driving home as a family of four".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nights have been sleepless, yes. But I have also broken the cardinal rule of sleep while he is sleeping. But honestly, how can I sleep when I can just stare at this most perfect being while he is sleeping...I don't want to miss even one second because I know how quickly the days pass. Soaking it all in, knowing tomorrow and next week and next year are coming faster than I can prepare for...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-107.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I think I slept a total of an hour our first night home. I woke with every whimper, cry, deep breath, and sigh...oh there is nothing sweeter than listening to a baby sleep.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Logan's first photo shoot...and I have to say...he was an amazing model...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-122.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-123.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-124.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-125.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And don't even get me started on how much I love this picture...I swear I tear up every time I look at it...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-121.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Logan will likely want to kill me over these pictures when he grows up...but how could I resist? Dressing babies up in crocheted animal hats and diaper covers is just far too fun. I think I was giddy when I was taking these pictures...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-144.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Trying to keep life fun for Kayla, we celebrated Kayla for weeks. In fact, we are still celebrating her. The Monday after we brought Logan home we had a movie night...because who normally has a movie night on a school night? We do...and we had a concession stand filled with her favorite things...and I let her eat anything she wanted...because Big Sisters deserve it {don't worry...she didn't eat all of that...I know I would have as a kid but she has control}. While we didn't watch the Lorax {she chose to watch episodes of Good Luck Charlie that we have probably seen at least three dozen times}, we had an amazing night. She squealed with delight as we had a popcorn party...throwing popcorn at each other {not even aiming for our mouths} because hey, we can vacuum up our mess later and because sometimes you just need to throw popcorn to have a good time...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-136.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
You might want to get the tissues ready...during the first week we were home Rick went to the grocery store. On the way out the door he asked Kayla if there was anything special he could bring her back from the store. Her answer? "Daddy, could you please get me some pretty pink flowers to give to Mommy?"...I swear this girl melts my heart. I mean seriously...I cry every time I think of that moment. That moment will stay with me forever. Her selflessness, her pure love. Nothing in this world is like it...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-113.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
These past eight weeks have been filled with sleepless nights and amazing moments. Kayla is adjusting to sharing our love and being a big sister. She hasn't suggested to give him away or place him on the curb with the trash so we consider that a win. She loves giving him his binky when he cries...even if that means leaning on his swing with all of her weight and forcing the binky into his mouth {insert me holding my breath...hoping that the swing, Logan and Kayla don't hit the floor...but how would I ever interrupt that moment by telling her to stop?}. She always hugs and kisses him goodbye before she leaves for school and before bedtime. My lap is now somehow always shared by two.<br />
<br />
So much has happened in these last eight weeks and I promise to fill you in soon. Until then, I will leave you with this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-155.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-156.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Life is better than good...it's perfect...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-46838586557482279902012-09-25T13:21:00.000-04:002012-09-25T16:44:07.101-04:00Ready for BabySo everyone says it...Baby #2 never gets all of the things Baby #1 gets. Well in my case, I regret to say that is true. It certainly isn't because I love this baby any less...it's just life is hectic and well, just making it through the day is difficult enough. <br />
<br />
The room is ready. The bassinet is in our room. Blankets, sleepers and outfits all washed...<br />
<br />
So surreal seeing a crib in our home again. I guess I was just never quite sure it would happen. We have wanted another baby for so long. Truth be told, if Kayla were a "typical" kid, we probably would have tried for number two right after her birth. Both Rick and I have always wanted a large family...but I just didn't think it would be fair to her. Just my opinion. I know lots of families that have kids with Down syndrome that go for another right after that child is born...and they rock it...I just didn't think I could. I felt the best thing for Kayla {and for us} was to wait until she was in school full day. Waiting and allowing her my undivided attention to work on therapies and such. I am glad we waited...it has made this time so much more special for all of us. Kayla gets it and is beyond excited to be a big sister...and Rick, well...he is just ecstatic...to say the least.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">The unveiling of the baby's room...a vintage surfing theme...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0000ee; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kayla and I made most of the decorations for the room...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The art above the crib started off as a pallet abandoned behind a grocery store...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The lamp was an Ikea lamp, spray painted and embellished with Old Navy flip flops that we painted...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The framed art was done in PhotoShop...</div>
<br />
<br />
I am super happy with how it turned out. Still a few things to do...but we are ready for baby!<br />
<br />
We also decided on a surfing theme maternity photo shoot...glad we took these a little while ago before my belly decided to quadruple in size!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-22.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Onto the fun stuff...<br />
Logan is wreaking havoc on my sciatica...creating mass amounts of pain and numbness. Oh...and walking up steps is a joy now...I feel as if I have run a marathon {let's be clear...not that I truly know what that feels like...or even a 5K for that matter...I can only imagine}...<br />
<br />
Contractions are fun but not consistent enough to be considered "labor"...yay. I asked my OB for an epidural that I can just tote around with me a few weeks ago and he laughed. I wasn't joking and didn't find it funny...<br />
<br />
At this point, I am fairly certain I would rather be woken by a baby every two hours than rolling over with extreme round ligament pain, attempting to hoist my gigantic body out of bed, hobbling to the bathroom trying not to pee myself, only to repeat the process in an hour all over again...oh the joys of pregnancy. I am convinced this stage comes so you are less afraid of labor and delivery and more welcoming that process.<br />
<br />
Each night Rick and I lay in awe of the show that Logan puts on for us...tossing and turning inside of my belly. It is quite amazing.<br />
<br />
Because I have not dilated further than one centimeter the last three times I have been checked, we will be going after Logan via c-section tomorrow...Wednesday, September 26...his actual due date. He apparently likes his due date and wants to arrive right on time. Last week we had an ultrasound and our big boy was measuring 8 pounds, 12 ounces...if he is that big, I am glad I won't have to push him out!<br />
<br />
I am beyond looking forward to welcoming baby Logan. Holding him in my arms, sucking on his cheeks and kissing him from head to toe. I can't wait to see what he looks like and study every little part of him. <br />
<br />
For now, I am enjoying these last few moments with my girl...we are clinging on to these seconds with everything that we have...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-29.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
She is loving on my belly...talking to her baby brother. Her favorite nighttime ritual is stalling bedtime by kissing my belly and saying cute things to Logan. Smart girl. She knows Mommy won't make her go to bed when she is being so cute!<br />
<br />
This weekend she even painted my belly to welcome the first day of fall...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-25.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My how our world is going to change in just a few short hours...and we are looking forward to every sleepless moment of it all!<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-771691863964977432012-09-01T21:04:00.001-04:002012-09-01T21:04:25.467-04:00First DayIt has taken me a full week to digest the first day of First Grade. Call it pregnancy hormones...or just plain old Mommy doesn't want her baby to grow up...either way, getting through the first day of first grade was...I can't sugar coat it...ridiculously brutal...<br />
<br />
Going to bed, Kayla was super excited to be starting first grade. Honestly, she's been ready to go back to school since kindergarten ended. She just loves school...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I read <i>The Night Before First Grade</i>...just like I read <i>The Night Before Kindergarten</i> Last Year. The difference? This book was even more relatable. It spoke about two best friends, Penny and Jenny, that were in kindergarten together and were separated for first grade. Kayla was feeling a bit anxious because her BFF, Kendall, wasn't in her class this year. Luckily {or unluckily for the teachers}, Kendall was placed in the classroom next door which just happens to be through the bathroom. I have a feeling there will be a few "visits" happening to that class...just sayin'. Anyway, as I was reading, I began to tear up just thinking about my girl having to make all new friends. I knew she would rock it and I knew she would love it, but I so desired her to be in class with Kendall. After I read to her, Kayla picked up the book and proceeded to try to read it herself...what a difference a year makes. Sounding out words and reading sight words...my girl is a reader!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I tucked her into bed, holding back tears and went to bed wondering where in the world the past six years have gone. Wondering how it is possible that she is starting first grade. It is said that time flies when you're having fun...and nothing could be more true. These past six years with her have been some of the best years of my life.<br />
<br />
Kayla woke to surprises throughout the house left from the Back-to-School Fairy.<br />
<br />
A message on the bathroom mirror {"Kayla, Be Fabulous and Smile"}.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Another on the window.<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-12.jpg" width="640" /></a>And a little gift and note.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Lunch packed, breakfast digested {a special #1 pancake for the first day of first grade} and we were out the door...</div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
In the rain...grrrrrrr...really?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Rain had to mess up my perfect pictures, didn't it??? Didn't Mother Nature know I was already a hormonal mess and throwing a wrench into my day like this just put me over the edge...but I pulled it together and we managed...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Driving to school we listened to her new Believe CD and of course "Call Me Maybe" and sang at the top of our lungs. Pulling into the school, Kayla looked scared, dropped a few tears and started saying over and over "I'm not gonna cry"...Quite possibly the most heart-wrenching moment of my life. Changing the subject has always been the best tactic when handling Kayla crying so I started talking about everything at school that would be exciting. Soon her smile re-emerged.<br />
<br />
We stopped outside of the school for a few pictures...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-6.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
{Remind me to thank Rick for not telling me the sign was upside down...proof that neither of us were in our right minds at that moment.}<br />
<br />
Rick and I walked her to the front door and kissed her goodbye. The principal grabbed Kayla by the hand and walked her in. As I hid my tears behind my over-sized Juicy sunglasses, she turned back and gave me a reassuring smile...everything was going to be ok...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
During our ride home I realized why she was probably completely overwhelmed. Her kindergarten center only had ten classrooms within the building. Her new school is large and has six first grade classes...and goes all the way through fifth grade. The only time Kayla had been inside the building was on Meet the Teacher night. As we walked the halls that night, it was packed with tons of Mommy's and Daddy's and kids and she probably couldn't even see two feet in front of her...I know I couldn't! I didn't explain to her that it would just be kids at school...and it wouldn't be that congested. Explaining everything to Kayla helps her process her feelings much more...I suppose that's the case for most kids...but us adults take it for granted and just go with it.<br />
<br />
I probably should have gone out for the day...shopping would have been good...but at nine months pregnant, I felt like baby Logan was putting a lot of pressure on my girl parts making walking around a store completely un-desirable...and so my couch called my name. And so did the tissues. I just couldn't stop the tears...at all. It was quite ridiculous. I couldn't think about Kayla or look at a picture of her without crying and I am quite sure I dehydrated myself from crying...oh those damn pregnancy hormones...<br />
<br />
She had an amazing first week. She did her homework throughout the week with very little help from me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her teacher said she is very smart, is making lots of friends, and is a complete joy to have in class...what more could a mommy want? All of that worrying and crying for not...such is the life of a Mommy...my girl's got this...I should have known it all along. Look out first grade...there's a new girl in town and she is gonna rock it like she has rocked everything else in her life...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Fall%202012/file-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-13300900308061345902012-08-11T22:21:00.002-04:002012-08-11T22:21:51.653-04:00Buddy SleepoverThe Blue-Gold game has come and gone but the memories and the fun continue. Kayla's buddies continue to amaze me. They still want to spend time with her weekly {even if she is just a tad bossy around them}. This week's event was their Buddy Sleepover! Yes...recent high school graduates came, hung out and spent the night on the floor with Kayla...and she was beyond excited!<br />
<br />
This was Kayla's first official sleepover...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4fb0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4fb0475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let me just say...I am not exactly sure where the term "sleepover" came from...but to the man that coined that phrase {yes, I know it was a man}...you were wrong. No sleeping occurs at a sleep over. Not even a sleep over with a six year old! There is pizza and movies and popcorn and ice cream sundaes...but trust me...there is no sleep. Especially for this Momma. While Kayla's buddy's attempted to get her to lay down before midnight, she fell asleep after 2:00 in the morning! Yes...you read that right, 2am! Unbelievable. I guess she truly is my kid...afraid she is going to miss something I suppose! And she still has the circles under her eyes to prove it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/adecb147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/adecb147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't take too many pictures, as I tried to stay out of her way and respect her time with her friends...yes, that was very hard for me to do...but I managed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/457f6199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/457f6199.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b3b7277e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b3b7277e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh...and what makes this sleepover even more memorable? A visit by the police at 7:30am! I mean seriously...if her "parties" are being busted when she is six...what will it be like when she is 16? Just sayin'...<br />
<br />
Actually the cops showed up because my neighbors claimed they couldn't get out of their driveway and needed the girls to move their car. Awesome neighbors, I know. I guess knocking on my door was too much trouble for them...<br />
<br />
Anyway...the party proceeded into the day and didn't end until the afternoon. It was almost a full 24 hours of non-stop fun. Kayla is truly one lucky little girl to be surrounded by so much love! In a world where differences separate people daily, Kayla's buddies see past the differences and just see her for who she is...an energetic, happy, loving, six-year-old little girl...nothing could be greater...Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-10552046919677491322012-08-01T23:07:00.000-04:002012-08-01T23:07:50.879-04:00Shower of Love for LoganI kinda love being pregnant...a lot. Ok...so there's the constant sciatica pain but other than that, life is good. And feeling life inside of me is the most amazing experience. Having six years between our babies has allowed me to forget everything and re-experience it all again...as if it were for the first time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7cd89796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7cd89796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Only this time I get to enjoy it with my girl, too...and she is simply amazing. Caring, nurturing and inquisitive. She is making this experience even more special...and emotional. I am fairly certain she has no idea how much our lives are going to change...and that we won't be able to give him back once we bring him home...but beyond that I know she is gonna to rock the heck out of the big sister role!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e29363e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e29363e9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking at these pictures makes me realize just how "real" this all is. Don't get me wrong...I am reminded daily that I am pregnant...you know...peeing 37 times a day and 42 times a night. Trying to bend down to pick something up only to realize there is no way my body will bend that far and I come back up outta breath...sans object. And then there is the ridiculous heartburn, food aversions, cravings, hormones...and so much more...Oh...it's real...there's a baby boy coming soon...and my family will forever be changed...and I can't wait...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cd25da48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cd25da48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This past weekend I was showered with love and gifts for baby Logan. This baby has no idea just how lucky he is yet...but he will soon see!<br />
<br />
The theme was Sock Monkey and it was ridiculously cute...down to every last detail...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/80278225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/80278225.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6986a8c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6986a8c2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af26a8b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af26a8b6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c02b64b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c02b64b6.jpg" width="556" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af0a20dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af0a20dc.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Seriously...have you ever seen anything so cute?<br />
<br />
This is my Mom...she is my best friend and is the greatest woman I have ever met. She gives selflessly, never expecting anything in return. She has always lived for me and is always there to help. It's no surprise that she wanted to shower me with love and gifts to welcome baby Logan. My Aunt Mary Ann, cut from the same mold, is the same type of person...and she helped by co-hosting the shower.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/07937e36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/07937e36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The details, however, were left up to my friend Sarah and her mom, Chris. Thank goodness because as much as I love my mom, she has not one creative bone in her entire body. I am fairly certain she would have hopped into the car, driven to the party store, picked a theme and purchased whatever matched that theme. Thank you, Sarah and Chris, for everything! You both did an amazing job and completely exceeded my expectations!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/69abffb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/69abffb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am one lucky girl...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a9d6b973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a9d6b973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
To be loved by so many...<br />
Like all of my girls....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/40a215f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/40a215f0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And while I may not have a huge circle of friends, I know that all of these girls love me and would do anything for me. If I ever needed anything, I could count on any of them...and they could count on me in return. For that, I am so thankful.<br />
<br />
Like Jenny and Pam...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/93305363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/93305363.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My Lil Sis and Big Sis from my sorority. Both live in Virginia and both drove up just to celebrate with me! It's amazing how we can go forever without talking and pick right up where we left off. Oh how I love these girls...and I can't even begin to tell you how my college experience would not have been the same without them. Oh...and after the shower, we did our own taping of <i>Call Me Maybe</i>...I'll let you know when it hits YouTube...it's gonna be a sensation...and if not, I can at least say I haven't laughed that hard in years!<br />
<br />
And my girls from high school...Jen, Jen and Kristi...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28920ecb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28920ecb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Love them. As kids, they were a blast to hang out with...and that hasn't changed. I can count on laughing out loud anytime I am with them. For example...check this out...<br />
<br />
A game we played...Finish Mommy's Thoughts...<br />
Jen {on the right} filled out this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/318a9626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/318a9626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Second line from the bottom Sweet__________.<br />
And what is her answer? Child O Mine. Hello...1988 and Guns N' Roses called...they want their song back. Seriously...what does it have to do with having a baby? Thanks for the laugh...Read some of her other answers...Toy (smoy), Nursing (stinks)...hilarious. Love her!<br />
<br />
And these are my Jen's...yup...they are all named Jen. Apparently there was a creativity boom during the mid 70's when parents got really imaginative with names! One trait that must fall within the name...you are all awesome...love you girls!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7e1a8f7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7e1a8f7d.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I am so glad I got to sit and chat and catch up with my girls....with no kids. My pregnancy brain has erased some of our conversations but I am fairly certain some topics should remain right at that table...right girls?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d75ca356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d75ca356.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/209d9554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/209d9554.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6879dfda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6879dfda.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/835cecef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/835cecef.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
Baby Logan was hooked up with some amazing gifts...and so was I...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0609c155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0609c155.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/85f284fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/85f284fd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Like my Kate Spade diaper bag...hello, lovely! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/33d7540a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4b789151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4b789151.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8277e5fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8277e5fe.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c890b540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c890b540.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a6367989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a6367989.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And this book...hilarious. Yes, the title is<i> Go the F--K to Sleep. </i>I am sure any Mommy can relate to this book. If you have never read it, you have to...it will make you laugh out loud.<br />
Warning: if reading while pregnant I am not responsible if you pee yourself...<br />
And my friend, Melissa...love her to pieces! So glad our kids rock an extra chromosome!<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a32f4a35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a32f4a35.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/23ee98d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/23ee98d5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
One of the struggles for me having a boy...how will I accessorize him? Yup...this will do...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/00969c5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/00969c5a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/33d7540a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/33d7540a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh...and give me anything monogrammed and you definitely win big points!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1d3e4bd0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1d3e4bd0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Even the big sister got some pretty cool gifts...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a038c01a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a038c01a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3d0e3fe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3d0e3fe5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And I couldn't leave Rick out...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/72c6e33a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/72c6e33a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have decided on a vintage surfing nursery theme...so I had to get this for Rick {ok...it's really for Logan's room...but still}...<br />
I really wish I could have found this pictures in a 20x24 print...It is of a dad throwing his son up in the surf and the license plate on the Woody car is <i>U-N-Me</i>. Love.<br />
<br />
And my Mom...she is finally going to be a legitimate MomMom...worthy of having a grandmother's piece of jewelry. And so, my mom now has a boy and a girl charm for her Pandora "grandkid" necklace. Until now it would have been silly to have a mother's or grandmother's anything...I am her one and only and Kayla has been my one and only...but soon that will all change...and she is ecstatic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/09006626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/09006626.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e3d9b5bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e3d9b5bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
Thank you, Mom, for showing me how to love. For being the greatest example of what a Mom should be. I know my love will multiply for baby Logan because of the love I have learned from you. You are the greatest example of true human spirit and I am so blessed you are my Mom...and you are her grandmother...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8558a76d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8558a76d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Now...check out the diaper tractor my father-in-law made for me...impressive, right? Complete with a personalized license plate...he could go into business selling these...just sayin'...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0d78f068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0d78f068.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/278040a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/278040a4.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a9bfeaa8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a9bfeaa8.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am the luckiest girl in the world! I have the love of tons of friends and family...but most of all, I have the love of an incredible man and the sweetest girl in the world. Baby Logan is going to be one lucky little boy...and we can't wait to meet him!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-27669076751048244682012-07-31T23:56:00.004-04:002012-08-01T00:32:34.403-04:00Inspired.Tonight I feel inspired.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/83838101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/83838101.jpg" width="640" /></a>I have been inspired by hundreds of beautiful people. People like Kayla...all of whom are rocking designer genes. Amazing people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities...all of whom came together from July 19-21 for the largest annual Down syndrome "family reunion".<br />
<br />
I walk through my daily life appreciating Down syndrome. Appreciating it for the miracle of my girl, for she truly is amazing and my greatest inspiration. But...while I appreciate Down syndrome, it is also something I rarely think about these days. While it used to way heavy on my mind and my heart, now it is simply a part of our lives. Because it is a part of our lives, I consider myself an expert at DS-dar...Down syndrome radar. I can usually tell from behind if someone has Down syndrome. I enjoy so much seeing people with Down syndrome shopping, playing, dancing...just being...but it is rare. Well, not on this weekend. This weekend it felt amazing to walk into a restaurant and making my way past every single table, noticing someone with Down syndrome enjoying a meal with their family. Eating, laughing and sharing stories together...just living their lives. I felt home.<br />
<br />
We spent the weekend in our nations capitol, Washington, D.C. Rich with history...and we made a little bit of history ourselves. Thursday we made history when over 160 self-advocates {people with Down syndrome} took to the Hill to advocate for a better future for themselves. Asking of their congressmen and senators to support the ABLE Act and increase NIH funding. It was truly a sight to see! While on the Hill, we met with Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Congressman Carney's staff members.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ef68086e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ef68086e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now...I admit...no one should ever let a pregnant woman lose in a Senators office. Especially a pregnant woman that is passionate about a brighter future for her child. While I have immense hope for the future of the ABLE Act and the utmost respect for Senator Carper's staff, squashing a Momma's dreams = not cool. As this one staffer began to compare the ABLE Act to elderly people and Medicare, I lost my cool. Trying to compare my six-year-old daughter's inability to save for her future to someone at the end of their years spending down their money instead of having to use it to pay a nursing home is ridiculous...and I told her so. Filled with tears, I issued my warning that I was pregnant, hormonal and emotional. But seriously...she was trying to compare a person that has lived a full life, purchased a home, been able to put their children through college, own cars, etc...to my daughter who can't have more than $2,000 in assets without losing her medical benefits. It was just a ridiculous point and one I refused to listen to...and I think she got that message loud and clear. Ah...to use the pregnancy excuse...it's fantastic...<br />
<br />
The day resumed - meeting with Senator Coons staff.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a52dba38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a52dba38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That meeting went great. Kayla and I skipped out on the Carney meeting as I wanted to ensure she rested before her big event...The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Fashion Show Preview and Gala.<br />
<br />
As we walked into the Seewall Belmont House, Scott Grimes (from ER) was on the stage and immediately stepped down to warmly welcome Kayla. Next she was joined by Bob Guiney (from the Bachelor) and the guitarist of their band, Jay. She thought she was pretty big time...hanging "back stage" {actually in the basement}...<br />
<br />
Notice the toilet paper in the background...now that's rock and roll! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/56951829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f42de369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f42de369.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/56951829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/56951829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
During our backstage time we were able to spend time with the Hennefer family. Brad Hennefer {B-Rad as his friends call him} is an inspiration. He is the first person with Down syndrome to earn two varsity letters in high school...one in basketball and the other in golf. Yes, Brad is an amazing athlete but he is also much more than that, Brad is an incredible young man that has the most wonderful personality. <br />
<br />
After a few practice runs, the models were ready to work it...and did they ever work it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/08a2d44a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/08a2d44a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e721989a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e721989a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6712ca4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6712ca4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
All of the models rocked their smiles, confidence, swagger and amazing clothes...including their designer genes. All of the models had Down syndrome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/23cc5024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/23cc5024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla with Rep. Perlmutter {her escort} and Michelle Whitten, Global Down Syndrome Foundation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Guiney & Grimes took to the stage...and so did Kayla. No one was gonna keep her back...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and they were just wonderful to her. Soon all of the models were on the stage together again...dancing, singing and having the time of their lives. Seeing my girl's confidence was quite possibly one of the most amazing moments I have ever experienced. She lit up like nothing I have ever seen. She was right where she belongs...in the spotlight.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b219c581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b219c581.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/99598d5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/99598d5b.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ed36958c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ed36958c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be032a7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be032a7b.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
Thank you, Bob and Scott, for being so wonderful and kind...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fd2142d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fd2142d2.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0f297fcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0f297fcd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Working the "red carpet"...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c8262253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c8262253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Paparazzi...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a39c9a69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a39c9a69.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The post fashion show interview...she kinda loves the camera...a lot! <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/04c965fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/04c965fa.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This is Kayla's new friend, DeOndra Dixon...Jamie Foxx's sister. She is beautiful and kind and smart...Kayla loved her!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6ad88397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6ad88397.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Abby Perlmutter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...Kayla is her biggest fan!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/656c387c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/656c387c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Abby's mom {don't they look alike}...and Trish Morris of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1fb9724f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1fb9724f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are so fortunate to meet some of the most amazing people...all because Kayla has an extra chromosome...and perhaps because she is so darn cute...<br />
<br />
Onto the NDSC National Convention...<br />
<br />
Blogger sharing session run by fellow blogger Bethany Balsis. It was a great place to chat with other bloggers and place faces with the words that I read and that inspire me daily. It is amazing to know that others recognize me and also draw inspiration from my words.<br />
<br />
These are Bethany's girls...Nika and Payton. Nika is their little Russian cutie...I so admire this family. Having a child with Down syndrome and adopting another...just goes to show you that life with a child with Down syndrome is so amazing there are people that want to multiply the amazingness...You can check out Bethany's blog <a href="http://www.ourperfectlyimperfectlife.com/">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb49e85f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb49e85f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
As the weekend started, we were able to steal some time with our favorite little guy, JJ...my future son-in-law. Seriously...can you get enough of him? I can't...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2dc046cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2dc046cb.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
There was much to learn...and my brain is still reeling. This was our fourth convention and I am amazed at how much I learn each time. Kayla is amazing and patiently sits through sessions...playing on her iPad, coloring, and reading. In between sessions...different story. She was on a mission...she was handing out her "business cards" like it was her job...I am fairly certain that everyone that attended left with a Princess Kayla card...whether they wanted one or not.<br />
<br />
And while there was much to learn and many amazing people to meet...let's be real...it was all about the dance...Just Dance {round 1}...obviously my girl was beyond ecstatic...and there were hundreds of other faces just like this one on that dance floor....<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d4b4b97c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d4b4b97c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b6586d5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b6586d5c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Onto the most popular night of the convention...the awards dinner and Just Dance...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e6177470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e6177470.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Just in case you didn't get enough the first time...here he is again...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/30d89dce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/30d89dce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is one of my favorite family's in the world...so glad our kids brought us together...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3f22aca7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3f22aca7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Rick's parents came to DC to support us...and we appreciated it more than they will know. I also know this was hard for them. They don't see Down syndrome when they see Kayla. They don't see everything we have done and have to do to keep her progressing with her peers. They see Kayla, a perfect six-year-old little girl. And she is just that...perfect. Regardless of her abilities, she will always be perfect...but for them to come to see all of Kayla's friends, I know that was difficult for them. Seeing and hearing the stories was, I am sure, an eye-opening experience...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d5b43e12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d5b43e12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Above all...seeing this girl smile...nothing is more perfect. The joy that exudes her body when she is with her Daddy is priceless...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b5c643d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b5c643d9.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8d7ad618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8d7ad618.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f729a69c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f729a69c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a28b0d38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a28b0d38.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
And I loved meeting friends I feel like I have known forever...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/539edf22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/539edf22.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4855b9d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4855b9d9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is my new friend, Sawyer...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/020ba693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/020ba693.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
She's ridiculously cute...<br />
Her mom recognized Kayla from my blog and told me what an inspiration Kayla is to her. Tears. Really. When I write, I do it for Kayla {well...and for me, too}. I do it to remember all of the amazing things that we do together. But to realize I am touching people is just incredible. To Sawyer's mommy and daddy...your princess is beautiful and amazing. Keep faith that she can do anything and by the time she is Kayla's age, she will be doing far more than Kayla. That's how it works...learning from those that went before you. She is going to change the world...just you wait and see! <br />
<br />
This is my other new friend, Jenny...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1f3c13c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1f3c13c4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She is a teacher. Yes, you read that right...a teacher. She is one of a few teachers in a class for kids with Down syndrome. Amazing. Inspirational. Thank you, Jenny, for showing me what is possible for Kayla's future. Just like you, Kayla is going to do amazing things! Keep rockin' that extra chromosome and keep proving to the world that people with Down syndrome are making a difference!<br />
<br />
And this diva here...tell me you don't love her smile...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ecd3dd63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ecd3dd63.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Well...she attends college and lives on her own. She had a roommate but moved out because she was tired of having to "take care" of her roommate. I'm serious...that's what she said! The most impressive part? She has a 3.8 GPA. How many of us could say we had a 3.8 GPA in college? I know I wish I could...<br />
<br />
And this may seem a bit stalker-ish...but I'm ok with that...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cd0a72b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cd0a72b3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is quite possibly one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen. Ever. Down syndrome aside. Her poise and confidence was unbelievable. I had the opportunity to chat with her younger sister and this beauty in blue is just 19 years old. I may make enemies in the Down syndrome community right now but I have to say it...I know beauty is much more than what you see on the outside...but carrying yourself appropriately is half of the battle. Making Kayla appear more like "typical" kids has always been a goal. The more we separate our kids, the harder it will be for them to "appear" the same. This girl is my inspiration. She is dressed like she is 19...accessorized like she is 19...hair and makeup is done like she is 19. Perhaps that is why she carries herself with such amazing confidence. Whatever the case, this girl is stunning inside and out...and she knows it...and that is what is important!<br />
<br />
The amazing people with Down syndrome at this convention were endless...here is just one more...<br />
This is Tim. Owner of <a href="http://timsplaceabq.com/about-tim">Tim's Place</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3f58a1e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3f58a1e5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tim serves up breakfast, lunch and hugs. He keeps count of those hugs, too. But he serves much more than that...he serves up inspiration for people with Down syndrome and a side of awareness for everyone in the community. Thank you, Tim, for dreaming big and proving to the world that people with Down syndrome don't have to settle for anything less than they dream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9e6a3fa9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9e6a3fa9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sure...these are all "success stories"...but don't we all strive to be successful...to be happy? That's what I want for Kayla...and nothing less. Whatever that will look like for her is just fine by me, but she will be successful. I know there are parents that may not believe their kids can be one of these success stories, but I just don't understand why you wouldn't hope and dream for your child to reach their greatest potential. What Kayla can and will achieve in this world is up to her and I am excited for her future. I will be right there, right behind her...encouraging, supporting and loving her all the while...<br />
<br />
Ok...enough of all of that...Just Dance...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f3162d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f3162d3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As the convention drew to a close, I was witness to one of the most amazing sights ever...<br />
Over 300 self advocates and their brothers and sisters took to the stage and performed <i>Firework. </i>As they finished and the crowd took to their feet, the self advocates chanted "one more time...one more time...". And so, we were treated to the show again. Seeing these self advocates and their siblings come together as a group...tears...hot, happy tears. It doesn't help that I am pregnant and emotional...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/073cb374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/073cb374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We left the weekend filled with knowledge, new friends, and the most incredible memories. But above all, I left inspired. To all of my new friends with Down syndrome, thank you. Thank you for inspiring me. Each of you are making an incredible footprint on this world. Each of you are proving that an extra chromosome is nothing more than just that. It doesn't define anyone with Down syndrome...and it will never define Kayla. Her greatness will simply be defined by who she is as a person and by everything that she can do...not what she can't. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...</span><br />
<br />
With all of this excitement my heart was also a bit heavy. Last week I had to say goodbye to my high school sweetheart who passed away suddenly July 17 at the age of 36. While it has been a few years since we have seen each other, we have remained in contact thanks to social media. Brent, I will always remember you as one of the most genuine men I have ever met. You lived life fully and your smile was contagious. Thanks for all of the memories!<br />
<br />
Just another reason to hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e513f30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e513f30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-73825840690351488702012-07-18T00:44:00.004-04:002012-07-18T00:44:35.191-04:00Million 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....<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
Onto our biggest news first...<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>It's a...</b><b>BOY...Oh BOY!</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I gotta figure this one out...stay tuned!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
During our ultrasound I was looking at Rick when "it" appeared on the screen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/98ec7c3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/98ec7c3c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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!</div>
<br />
<b>Governor Markell</b><br />
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. <br />
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dd433f1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dd433f1b.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4f9a0b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4f9a0b9.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1c62aca6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1c62aca6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
The Governor signed Kayla's ticket...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/038d2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/038d2075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And Kayla signed his poster in return...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/46717c1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/46717c1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were joined by Kayla's buddies, the Gold Buddy of the Year and DFRC staff/volunteers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d8a273fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d8a273fa.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4d3a9f6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4d3a9f6e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
We left with the most amazing memories and smiles permanently affixed to our faces. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/131e0e28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/131e0e28.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/920acbff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/920acbff.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2fd205fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2fd205fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Kayla's 6th Birthday Party</b><br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d1a4e805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9fe1ec84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9fe1ec84.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d1a4e805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d1a4e805.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/067b8942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/067b8942.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
To enter Kayla's party, guests had to jump into Bert's chalk drawing...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d0b648ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d0b648ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d0b648ac.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d0b648ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bbdd6264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bbdd6264.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e9c6a9e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e9c6a9e6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d0b648ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b67b9133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b67b9133.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b90438b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b90438b6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1bf05702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1bf05702.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kayla Poppins, Practically Perfect in Every Way...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bb15ede2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bb15ede2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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 <i>rather inclined to giggle</i>, others were <i>extremely stubborn and suspicious</i>...<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/40f47975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/40f47975.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f54234b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f54234b7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The amazing cake...I sketched it and {as usual}, Chef Michelle at the Hotel duPont came through big!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b3cbd219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b3cbd219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
I wonder how she will take to this idea when she's 10?<br />
<br />
As you can tell, she kinda loves this ritual...for now. Being the center of attention is kinda her forte...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/917fef55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/917fef55.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/24fd2c70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/24fd2c70.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d83a54ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d83a54ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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'...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dc856f8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dc856f8b.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9a49cfe1.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
BFFs...Kayla and Kendall...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c5c08c2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c5c08c2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't get enough of this kid...JJ, you rock my world!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fe943b3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fe943b3c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And Natalie...ugh...the cheeks...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d5674b6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d5674b6d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2ba67f36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2ba67f36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/22962743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/22962743.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/906593ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/906593ee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I can't wait to see what she dreams up for birthday #7...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/32beec61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/32beec61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Mother's Day Birthday</b><br />
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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e766ba13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e766ba13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1be0ef7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1be0ef7c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These two make every single moment special...how did I get so lucky?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ba576594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ba576594.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We watched our girl gain confidence while she twisted and turned through the slides, squealing with joy the entire time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/75625222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/75625222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And we ended the day with blowing out candles...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/301a8d8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/301a8d8d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
<b>Doodlebops Concert</b><br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/483cddae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/483cddae.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c9653bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c9653bb.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c7695598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c7695598.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
My little VIP and her Daddy...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/de1f1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/de1f1255.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fefd3d51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fefd3d51.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a6d674f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a6d674f2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I am pretty sure buying those tickets sealed our title of best parents ever {at least in her eyes...and smile}...<br />
<br />
<b>Buddy Walk</b><br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f29e3e85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f29e3e85.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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 <i>More Alike Than Different</i>...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/61cb278c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/61cb278c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
People with Down syndrome are amazing and beautiful and kind.<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a223623d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a223623d.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
So once again, Princess Kayla rocked it on her fit for a princess float...with her court following behind...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e603cccd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e603cccd.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28da970c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28da970c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Princess Kayla's Court 2012...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a709707a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a709707a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Each year we get bigger and better. And each year we are in awe of the love and support.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9e6fb76f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9e6fb76f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kayla wasn't sure about her Daddy being dunked...until they shared this moment together...then she was all smiles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f0430b43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f0430b43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/660dcbce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/660dcbce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We couldn't end the day without our annual Kayla and Nitasha picture...looking at the clouds in the sky...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17a5ecc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17a5ecc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dd2ae368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/dd2ae368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Three Billy Goats Gruff</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1638f196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1638f196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kayla's spring musical was a production to say the least! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2633cabc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2633cabc.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2e653dd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2e653dd1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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>"I'm still hungry, what shall we do?"</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e59a783a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e59a783a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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? "<i>Of course a Kosmalski would have to talk about being hungry and food"</i>...oh, Rick...priceless...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/24faf832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/24faf832.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fd2b1a89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fd2b1a89.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a205ebcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a205ebcb.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
So very proud of my little bunny.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Prom</b><br />
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. <br />
<br />
The best part? Lance made it a really big deal for her...he bought her a corsage!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f5675a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f5675a0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/feb28823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/feb28823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
I love how much Kayla's buddies think about and care about her. <br />
<br />
<b>ABLE Act meeting with Carper</b><br />
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...<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4a53c1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a4a53c1e.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7c056ef5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7c056ef5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>NDSS Lunch with Jane Lynch</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9262f5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9262f5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8c7c66b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8c7c66b4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
But together these self advocates are proving people wrong...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/99f400bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/99f400bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Kayla loves spending time with her friends from the NDSS....Pam<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/80195e7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/80195e7b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
and Sara...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fafa9b23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fafa9b23.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c74dc525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c74dc525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank you, Jane Lynch, for being an inspiration...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1d000f24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1d000f24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up some NYC highlights...like frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8623bdc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8623bdc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
mmmmm....sweet memories...<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><b><br /></b></b><br />
<b>Last Day of Kindergarten</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28402852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28402852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
What a difference a year makes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/925f915c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/925f915c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f61e1bce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f61e1bce.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>
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...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b8012247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b8012247.jpg" width="640" /></a>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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f4fb4042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f4fb4042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
I can hope, can't I? Onto first grade...not sure my heart can handle it, but I know my girl can!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/930c1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/930c1663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<b>Game Day</b><br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4d23ad18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4d23ad18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c372250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c372250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28b6c467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/28b6c467.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Daddy, Kayla and Mommy...even our shoes said so...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a485e773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a485e773.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Our dedicated seat-savers headed into the stadium first and scored some great seats on the 40 yard line. Thanks, Mom, Kelly and Debbie!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5c9e4fb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5c9e4fb0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/338b12b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/338b12b1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Kayla's fans were ready...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ba5b9058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ba5b9058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3693565a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3693565a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She took in every single clap and cheer. She knew they were cheering for her.<br />
<br />
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!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2019b71a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2019b71a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/48847241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/48847241.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e7636102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e7636102.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/87c1d400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/87c1d400.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
Kayla sharing a moment with Malori Hitchens, Gold Buddy of the Year...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e8e9ebf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e8e9ebf.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
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 <i>Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand</i> by Diana Ross.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8fb75929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8fb75929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As the lyrics <i>"Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this world a better place, if you can...."</i> 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...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4fc2dc30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4fc2dc30.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1ab0416e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1ab0416e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8d47a8b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8d47a8b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c8e2bdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c8e2bdc.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The game had some great back and forth moments with Gold scoring...then Blue...then Blue again...<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/122c5568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/122c5568.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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<i> don't underestimate me...just love me for who I am.</i> 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.<br />
<br />
I am fairly certain that this smile says it all...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be6a8df8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be6a8df8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kayla's buddy, Maura, sat by her side during the entire game. They cheered on Lance and Chris.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f563c7ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f563c7ab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1c3ac9bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1c3ac9bd.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7c73848f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7c73848f.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b9adda15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b9adda15.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4e76ec07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4e76ec07.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17c00796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17c00796.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/14e4eafc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/14e4eafc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c8bd0773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c8bd0773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5d8ce57e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5d8ce57e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Their final event of the night...a race amongst the buddies. Kayla won, of course...the others dropped like flies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/44741d1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/44741d1b.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/67b910b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/67b910b5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The night ended with the most incredible memories and hopes of many more amazing memories with her buddies yet to unfold...<br />
<br />
<b>Gov. Love</b><br />
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...<br />
tweets like "Highlight of the weekend? Sharing a special moment with Kayla"...<br />
my girl does have an amazing affect on people...life is good.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>The Beach</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We spent the 4th of July week at the beach. It's an annual tradition.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ef746369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ef746369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/66304e2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/66304e2a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
My little beach babe...check out those freckles. They are scattered across her nose and under her eyes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e4dedf5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e4dedf5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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...</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3845c997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3845c997.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/348fa7ae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/348fa7ae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to have the Walker's in my life...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f107b537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f107b537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Baby Ian really got into the celebration...seriously...is there anything cute than a sleeping baby?</div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4a558018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4a558018.jpg" width="640" /></a>Nice look, Johnny Walker.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/38f7544a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/38f7544a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, that's his name...sounds awesome coming out of my six-year-old's mouth, by the way!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Almost as awesome as Johnny Walker was this man...<br />
Meet The Captain...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0f7b5452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0f7b5452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He serenaded us with sweet melodies from his keyboard...melodies that are patriotic like <i>Roll Out the Barrel </i>and <i>Wind Beneath My Wings.</i> Yes, his musical repertoire was all over the place but it made for some great laughs and amazing memories. <br />
<br />
Shortly after the sun set in the west, the moon rose over the ocean, a sign that our festivities were about to begin...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ce368262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ce368262.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2e79cc87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2e79cc87.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Birthday, America...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3b49d760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3b49d760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f8665b32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f8665b32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/98cfdd4f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/98cfdd4f.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7d525f7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7d525f7f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and eating Gluten Free Pizza on the beach...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/88a62260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/88a62260.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/502a2ea9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/502a2ea9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Just another day on the beach...<br />
Drama...seriously...I don't know where she gets it from...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8e178558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8e178558.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And a little more drama...because I know you didn't get enough the first time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c6667784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c6667784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Check out my girl, the reader...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/39de36c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/39de36c6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1a0e81f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1a0e81f3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So my belly is growing, our summer is in full swing and life is moving faster than I can keep track.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a1183f4f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a1183f4f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
Hope you are enjoying your summer, friends! I'm off to enjoy more moments like these...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/491e9341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/491e9341.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ee8ee3b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ee8ee3b4.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4dad05ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4dad05ac.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8295d90f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8295d90f.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know I love hearing from you...let me know your favorite memories from this summer so far...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9d77d28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9d77d28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-30460838837265582092012-04-11T21:45:00.002-04:002012-04-11T21:45:28.891-04:00One More...<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I know...you're about to pass out...2 posts in one day...for real? Well...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/22a131dc-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/22a131dc-2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kayla has some big news to share...</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c6775436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c6775436.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She is ecstatic to be a big sister. She has big plans...feeding the baby, pushing the baby in a stroller, singing to the baby, rocking the baby...all great plans...but she has made it perfectly clear she doesn't want to change diapers. Fair enough. Can't say I blame her.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We are {for the most part} thrilled! I would say that I am beyond thrilled but I have so many worries...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kayla will be 6 {and a half} by the time this baby comes. I am worried that I won't know how to be a Mommy to two kids. It's been just us for so long. She has been our world. Our everything. How can I possibly share love for another being? Can I love another child as much as I love her? Have I forgotten all of parenting-a-newborn stuff?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Another worry is the delivery experience. With Kayla, all of my joy and excitement was ripped away by doctors and family that really have no real understanding of Down syndrome. And at that time, neither did I. But those first few moments and days as a new Mommy were stolen from me by the hurt, pain and fear. I don't want that with this child. While with every child there is an unknown, I want to be accepting and more importantly, I want others to be accepting. Family have already begun asking "if everything is ok with this baby" {translation: does this baby have Down syndrome}. Clearly a lack of knowledge and understanding is fueling these questions, but what if this child has Down syndrome? Does that mean we will love him or her any less? Absolutely not. We are ready to accept life...to embrace a brand new baby...and hope our family and friends are, too. Each new baby brings challenges. We just hope the baby is healthy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I know many of my worries and fears are natural and I just need to get over it...but these are the thoughts that creep into my head during the dark hours as I lay awake in my bed {in between getting up to pee 6 times a night}.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ok...so now that I have vented on my worries...I wanna shout from a rooftop...I am elated with joy! I can't wait to be a Mommy again. An experience I have never known. As an only child, I don't know what it is like to be a sibling and I look forward to that relationship between this baby and Kayla. It is a relationship I have longed for my entire life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
One thing is for sure...I know they will have one thing in common...they both like to dance. This baby likes to move...and makes me aware of his or her presence all day...well, really all night. Yay.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Stay tuned...Baby Kosmalski #2 is scheduled to make his or her debut September 26.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Off to read I'm A Big Sister for the 14th time. She is really getting into her new role and new-found title of Big Sister...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c42e980-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2c42e980-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-45952791512127954222012-04-11T19:41:00.002-04:002012-04-11T19:41:54.324-04:00So much to say...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I know...I have promised over and over not to leave you hanging for a month and then it happens. I don't know how it happens but months pass by like days. I blink my eyes and here we are in April. How did that happen? Well, as you can imagine, I have lots to say...so here goes...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">...3:21...</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">On the 21st day of the third month...we celebrated Down syndrome. We celebrated Kayla and all of her friends that rock designer genes. We didn't wear party hats, blow up balloons or send bright colored fireworks into the night sky {although if it were up to me, we would have because who doesn't love a party?}.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Instead we celebrated people gathered from across the globe at the United Nations in NYC. I can tell you from this experience I have learned many things...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0eacc8d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0eacc8d0.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It doesn't matter what language you speak, the type of clothes you wear or how different we are to realize we are all different, yet so much the same. All of us gathered in that room were there to show our pride, our love and our admiration for all of our children with Down syndrome. And while we may not have understood each others language, we did understand how grateful all of us were for Down syndrome. How profoundly Down syndrome had changed the direction and course of our lives...but more importantly how we are all the better for it. By embracing Down syndrome, we have embraced a life far more rich than the life we knew before.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We sat, listened and learned from self-advocates, experts and doctors from across the world. One statistic that will forever haunt me is in Africa, newborn babies with Down syndrome are taken to the beach the day they are born and left there. They believe Down syndrome is a curse from God. If by the next morning your baby is gone {either eaten by an animal or swept away by the tides}, that curse was not meant for your family. If you return to the beach and your baby is there, that curse was meant for you and you are meant to care for that child. I have heard of mental institutions and cruelty and injustice for people with Down syndrome...but this story, this sad fact made my heart heavier than ever before. Beautiful babies with Down syndrome abandoned because of an extra chromosome. Abandoned because of ignorance and a lack of awareness and acceptance.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Meeting new people from across the globe assured me we are moving in the right direction. We are stepping forward, showing the world how truly amazing people with Down syndrome are.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">People like...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Ryan {you may recognize this cutie from Target and Nordstrom ads}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a0c86ad4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a0c86ad4.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This beautiful girl with Down syndrome interviewed Kayla...she was a reporter from Brazil. YES...I said REPORTER. I'll be sure to forward Kayla's interview once I get a copy of it...although I am sure it will be interesting trying to listen to it in Portugese!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bb7b7c09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/bb7b7c09.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Quite possibly the funniest part of this picture is that Ryan was not at all happy that she got between him and Kayla. I think he had a bit of a crush on Kayla...just sayin'. They do make a cute couple!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All of these individuals with Down syndrome...every one...all different, yet so much the same...all of them beautiful and perfect...just the way they are...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/acffb9dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/acffb9dd.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And of course...my beautiful, Kayla...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b4ffef62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b4ffef62.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I never knew true love or true beauty until I held you in my arms. My eyes have forever been opened to true beauty. To finding perfection in unexpected places. You have enabled me to stretch my comfort level and become a much better person. For everything I am today, I will eternally be grateful to you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Celebrating all of these beautiful people today makes my heart happy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A funny story...but true...I never knew the impact that Kayla is making on this world until we were stopped in the bathroom...I mean...don't get me wrong, I know she is amazing...but picture in the ladies room amazing? Apparently. A woman stopped Kayla and said "I recognize you from the internet. Kayla, can I have my picture taken with you?" as she handed me her iPhone...and the rest is history. I can honestly say that no one has ever asked for my picture in the ladies room.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We celebrated with quite possibly the most well-known person with Down syndrome...Chris Burke.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/77848134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/77848134.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Chris starred as "Corky" in the TV series</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Life Goes On</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">in the 1980's...and while I have met him several times, I still get star-struck when I see him. He starred on my favorite show as a child. But he is so much more than that character. We talked about everything from music to careers and everything in between. He is funny, charming and kind and I was grateful to spend this monumental day with him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7a43cc14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7a43cc14.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And there is no doubt that he is recognizable, even to those that aren't from the US. As we walked down the hall to lunch, we had to stop every few feet for him to pose for pictures. He sat next to us the entire conference, ate lunch with us, rode in our car and even had some fries from McDonald's with us to end the day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Driving home, Rick turned to me and said "How cool was that?"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I agreed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">He finished..."If we did nothing more today, we spent World Down Syndrome Day as a family, celebrating with the most famous person with Down syndrome."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fcd0ed6c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fcd0ed6c.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">What do I love most about celebrating? I love celebrating as a family. Together. I love how present Rick is. Scratch that...he's far more than present...he drives my passion and desire to make a difference. The love that he has for Kayla and for making a difference is awe-inspiring. I love that he isn't just there on the big days that "count", he is there everyday in between. I am one lucky girl. I have the best family. The best life...and I am blessed with something "extra"...that "extra" 21st chromosome that has changed everything...for the better.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d279633d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d279633d.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Happy {belated} World Down Syndrome Day!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">...Blue-Gold...</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By now you have probably heard...our girl was selected as the Blue All-Star buddy for the DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game {June 23}. This is a really big deal. Huge. She will represent the Blue team...and you know my girl will do it with a huge smile on her face, a wiggle in her walk, a cute little wave and perhaps a few kisses blown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a85d6688-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/a85d6688-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This event and this organization is beyond amazing. Words could never describe how awe inspiring it is. Seniors from across the state of Delaware {top performing football players, cheerleaders, band members and ambassadors} are paired with their buddies {children with intellectual disabilities}. The result? An amazing friendship.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This is Kayla's third year involved with DFRC and each year I am more amazed by the magnitude of the organization. I truly believe that pairing "typical" kids with kids with intellectual disabilities promotes acceptance and understanding. Thankful and grateful, we want to give back. If you would like to help, please click here to donate to the DFRC. Every dollar will make a difference. We are so grateful for your support.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kayla has been paired with three seniors from Caravel this year {my alma mater}...Lizzy, Kate and Chris.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b9aed705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b9aed705.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Along the way, we have "adopted" Lance and Maura {also from Caravel}.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8a3a405e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/8a3a405e.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b36e07d6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b36e07d6-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She is one lucky little girl to have five high school seniors to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strike>boss around</strike></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">hang out with...they are amazing. While it is easy to play the "too cool" routine and be hands off, these kids are anything but. They truly love Kayla and love hanging out with her.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/50f28f34-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/50f28f34-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">They have hung out with her at our house...having tea parties, hiding in Kayla's closet, playing in a band and doing just about anything that Kayla wanted them to do...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/48c8cd74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/48c8cd74.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb75beda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb75beda.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ac3f5292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ac3f5292.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17dab563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/17dab563.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">They hung out with her at the mall...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This was tough for me...I wanted to hang out and take pictures and observe her pure joy but I snapped a few pictures and walked away. Cutting those Mommy-strings is so difficult. Allowing her to just be a typical kid...it's what I desire more than anything but for some reason it is still hard to let go...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4823259b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4823259b.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I wanted my girl to feel like a big kid...to feel like one of them, hanging out with her friends. What I didn't know is just how much they would spoil her...they made her two Build-a-Bears, took her shopping for a dress at the Gap and even {at my request} had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny...all 6 of them. Priceless...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/41ce3e40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/41ce3e40.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And before we left the mall, they posed for just one more picture and ended their fun with a big group hug...Kayla has a way of talking people into group hugs...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ac4a3667-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ac4a3667-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">They have even hung out with her at school sporting events and regardless of where they are, they are proud to introduce her to their friends. That says a lot about who they are...accepting, kind and caring individuals and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">...Easter...</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I am not sure how it is even possible but each and every holiday with Kayla gets better than the one before. Her excitement increases and her pure joy is contagious. Oh how I wish I could bottle that joy for days when I tend to forget about how important it is just to enjoy the beauty in that day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And yes, all of these baskets are hers...spoiled? Just a bit...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f4317abf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f4317abf.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1b0c4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1b0c4772.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7056de46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7056de46.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Easter Bunny was amazingly creative this year, hiding over 70 eggs. Yes, I said 70 eggs. But somehow I think that magical bunny suspected this would be her absolute favorite part...and it only happens once a year, right?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f0013849-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f0013849-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Suspicions confirmed. Happy dance for Easter eggs! A little shake of the booty, a cute little wiggle of the hips, arms swaying and smiles permanently affized to her face. All of that was accompanied by a song "choc-o-late caaaaaaaaaaaandy, choc-o-late caaaaaaaaaaaandy, choc-o-late caaaaaaaaaaaandy...". Over and over and over again. And what melts my heart even more? Hearing her say Hershey's...which sounds more like hoy-she. Love this girl...and I wonder everyday if she knows just how special she is to me...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/95a91202-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/95a91202-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6efb0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6efb0774.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/64de0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/64de0363.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/912acb34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/912acb34.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thank you, Mom Easter Bunny!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Every family embraces traditions of years past and this has been mine...since birth...hollow-chocolate eggs filled with rainbow sprinkled non-pareils. Mmmmmmmm. Tastes of childhood fill my belly with warm hugs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4e127c7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4e127c7c.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Oh...and my girl...working hard even on a holiday...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She picked up her new Crayola Extreme color set and went straight to work. She asked me how to spell Happy Easter, drew some eggs and signed her name...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Lov, Kayla</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. Be still my heart. Her abilities far exceed what I ever imagined possible...a little daily reminder to never stop hoping for and expecting more.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af7c5dcc-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/af7c5dcc-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">After the fun of opening each and every egg, eating half of the chocolate bunny {ears first, of course}...followed by eating a handful of jellybeans, a few packs of smarties, a dozen {or so} m&m's...and of course dancing off a bit of that sugar, it was time to move onto more Easter festivities...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Dressed in her Easter dress, of course. Hot pink...her favorite color. Just ask her...she'll tell you. It's not pink...it's hot pink.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I did spare her the Easter bonnet, though. I know it's a childhood right of passage...having to wear an Easter bonnet...but I never quite liked mine as a child. Why torture her, too?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ceb44ca0-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ceb44ca0-1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e11767b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e11767b7.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I love spring...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4c2d3125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4c2d3125.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And I love celebrating Easter with family...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My Mom is the one person that created holiday magic for me as a child...and she is still creating holiday magic for me now...and more importantly, for Kayla. She is the kindest, most giving person I know and I am so grateful to have her in my life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/320bcad5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/320bcad5.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I simply love that holidays are so exciting that they are exhausting. Even a simple task like plucking an egg from a basket is quite a chore...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7ff82097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/7ff82097.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Holidays are great...but so are days like today...just veggin' out on the couch with my girl watching Tangled and eating chocolate bunnies...life is good.</span>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-60381236294800763002012-03-07T17:01:00.000-05:002012-03-07T17:01:19.140-05:00Respect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3c2e3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3c2e3413.jpg" width="511" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The r-word is just another
word in our vocabulary. Another
word that we took from the dictionary and changed it to define common things in
life. I hear it everyday. I realize that it is a word that is
ingrained in our society and people use it without even thinking about its true
meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does it mean to be
retarded?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can tell you what it
doesn’t mean…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s not when you forget
something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn’t mean when someone
is driving bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is not a way that you look in your outfit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not your hair on a "bad" day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn’t mean when you put
money in the soda machine and it doesn’t give you change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s not when you trip in
front of your friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn’t mean when your
cell phone, iPod or computer isn’t working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to Merriam-Webster
Dictionary, the word retarded means “slow or limited in intellectual or emotional
development or academic progress.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may not mean to use the
word in a hurtful way but each time I hear the word, I cringe. I cry on the inside. For Kayla.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, none of us choose
our circumstances in life. None of
us choose if we are born male or female, black or white, short or tall, typical or disabled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kayla didn’t choose to be
born with Down syndrome…and it is not because my husband or I did something
“wrong”…it just happened. Down
syndrome is the most common occurring genetic disorder caused when the 21</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">st</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
chromosome has 3 copies instead of just two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when you use the word
retarded, whether you realize it or not, you are hurting a population of people
that just like you, didn’t choose their circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kayla didn’t choose to have
to work harder to accomplish her goals.
She didn’t choose to be different than you. She didn’t choose to be looked at or judged as being
disabled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I do know about Kayla is
this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves unconditionally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is amazingly self-confident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She works hard everyday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is extremely intelligent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She finds joy in everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While she may have to work
harder to keep up with her peers…she is a completely typical, completely sassy
five year old. She knows how to
say no and voice her opinion. She
can read, write, count, sing and do just about everything else her typical
peers do. She loves Justin Bieber, cheerleading and shopping for new clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So…this is Kayla. Her diagnosis is Down syndrome but it
will never define who she is…and neither will the r-word. While we may not be able to control our
circumstances, we were all born with the ability to choose. Our life is filled with choices
everyday. What we do, what we say
and how we react to others. So
when you call yourself, your friends or objects around you retarded, that is
your choice. But I am entitled to
my opinion; which will always be that your choice to use that word is degrading
and demeaning. Please know that
while you may choose to define yourself as such, that word will never define
what Kayla is or who she will become in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yes, while it may take
Kayla longer to learn things in life, she still deserves the same things that you do...to be accepted, treated kind, and most of all
respected. So…if you choose to use
an r-word…how about respect? I can
only imagine how great this world would be if we all respected each other. While we may not be able to choose our
circumstances in life, we can choose how we treat people. Recognizing the words we choose frame
how we think about others, please consider exchanging the word retarded for
respect. For Kayla...and all of her friends. Thank you.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-80478873859630907392012-03-05T11:20:00.000-05:002012-03-05T13:00:30.301-05:00We walked...We walked on Washington. We conquered Capitol Hill. We spread our message to our Congressman and Senators in an attempt to improve the futures of all people with disabilities. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/176ac99b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/176ac99b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It is no surprise, I am sure, that people with intellectual disabilities are not treated the same in society. We fight to break down stereotypes everyday...but the inequality doesn't stop at stereotypes, unfortunately. I have no doubt that Kayla is going to change the minds of many and this trip to Washington helped to confirm that. People love her. She is charming, magnetic and kind. While she is only five...and stands at just 41 inches tall, she lights up any room she enters. With her shimmery blue eyes and her sparkling smile, she exudes confidence and I beam with pride. So while we had a message to spread to our Congressman and Senators, without her, our message...our voice would not have had an adorable face to go with it. <br />
<br />
What was our message? Sign the ABLE Act. Today Kayla cannot own more than $2,000. She cannot be worth more than $2,000. Truth. Sad but true. Why? She receives medical benefits from the government. Most people with disabilities have medical benefits provided by the government but are not able to be worth more than $2,000 or they will lose those benefits. Kayla can't get money for birthday presents. We can't save for her college or her future. We cannot leave her our house or a car. Her grandparents cannot leave her anything in their wills. She can't be worth more than $2,000. Well...there is one way to save money for her future...a Special Needs Trust...but this trust has several issues...<br />
1. It doesn't transfer from state to state should you move.<br />
2. It is super complicated.<br />
3. It costs several thousand dollars to set up...so...truth be told, we'd be using every dollar we would have to give to Kayla just to set up the trust.<br />
<br />
And why not allow her the same right as everyone else? Why should we not be able to save for her future? She is a person, with a voice...and should have the same rights. This is why we walked. She is the reason we fight for equality. We fight for Kayla and her 350,000 friends living in the United States that also have Down syndrome. We fight for them. All of them.<br />
<br />
If Kayla were of working age today...why work? Why attempt to be a contributing member of society if she would be penalized for it? Many people with disabilities are fully capable of working but don't because it doesn't make financial sense because they will lose their medical benefits. The system is broken and must be fixed.<br />
<br />
So what is the ABLE Act? If passed, it will be a vehicle of savings that is similar to a 529 education account. It will allow people with disabilities to save for their future without losing their medical benefits. The one difference is it doesn't have to be used for education...because not all people with disabilities are on a post-secondary education track...and that's ok...but they should not be penalized for trying to be independent, contributing members of society. That's my soapbox. I'll step down for a moment...but if you feel inclined, contact your local congressmen and senators and ask them to sign the ABLE Act, for Kayla.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/82a5553a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/82a5553a-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was just one ask we had of our senators and congressmen...we had a few others...but we went from office to office spreading our message, conveying our asks. Rick was amazing. He knows policy and government affairs like no other. Every day he amazes me with how much he cares about Kayla and how much he wants to make a difference in the lives of all of her friends with disabilities. He was a beast in each office...kind and compassionate but demanding. A perfect balance. Because I know if it were me talking I would either cry or get heated. You know, that momma bear instinct...protect the cub.<br />
<br />
First stop was Senator Carper's office. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f0045fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/2f0045fb.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3eaf3eb9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3eaf3eb9-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
He was very kind and actually gave Kayla his autograph. She was very excited.<br />
Once inside his office she went into serious business mode...listening, taking note...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cada64a3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/cada64a3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Next stop was Senator Coons...<br />
He was so kind and caring. He got down on her level and made conversation with Kayla...even getting her to show off her muscles. You better watch out, Senator, we wouldn't want to make her have to flex those muscles to make you sign the ABLE Act...it's better just to do what she says...trust me...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be20c8f6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/be20c8f6-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f5d4e0f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f5d4e0f7.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Next we visited with Congressman Carney...<br />
He already supports the Down syndrome community. He signed onto the Down syndrome caucus this past year. We are so grateful for his support and hope he will sign the ABLE Act.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/393609b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/393609b0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Throughout the two days we were also able to meet and greet with tons of other amazing people.<br />
Like Brad Hennefer...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/81361232-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/81361232-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have met him several times and he never ceases to amaze me. He goes by B-rad because he is a superstar...and that's the nickname his teammates gave him...and it just stuck. He played varsity basketball and is an amazing golfer with even more amazingly supportive parents. Together they have started a non-profit foundation, teaching people with Down syndrome how to golf...it's called <a href="http://www.golfforlife.org/">Golf for Life.</a><br />
<br />
Bridget Brown...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/93c53863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/93c53863.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Seriously...can she be any cuter? We have met Bridget a few other times, as well. In fact, Kayla and Bridget were both contestants in the Miss You Can Do It Pageant this summer. She is an amazing speaker and advocate for people with Down syndrome. You can check Bridget out <a href="http://www.butterfliesforchange.org/Bridget_Brown.html">here.</a><br />
<br />
Sara Wolff<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c0cce22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c0cce22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have had the pleasure of hearing Sara speak on a few occasions. She is amazingly motivational...and beautiful inside and out...to find out more about Sara, check her out <a href="http://www.sara-wolff.com/">here.</a><br />
<br />
Dr. Brian Skotko<br />
I don't even know where to begin...I am in awe of this man. Dr. Skotko is an amazing doctor but even more amazing brother. His sister, Kristin, just happens to have Down syndrome. Dr. Skotko is a board certified geneticist at the Children's Hospital Boston. He has written books, conducted important studies and quite simply made a huge impact in the lives of people with Down syndrome...and their families. He couldn't be more amazing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6bf8f5a8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6bf8f5a8-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers<br />
Representative McMorris-Rodgers has a son, Cole, that just happens to have Down syndrome. I truly believe that some people have been placed in positions of power to help others. She is one of those people. Her political strength will no doubt help many people with Down syndrome in years to come. I am so grateful for her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5c598cc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5c598cc9.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e3bd145-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/1e3bd145-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Michelle Witten and Abbey Perlmutter<br />
Both of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation of Denver, Colorado. Michelle has a daughter that has Down syndrome and together with her family started the foundation. They are amazing people doing the most wonderful things for people with Down syndrome. It also doesn't hurt that they have world-renowned Down syndrome experts working there! Michelle is simply an inspiration...<br />
And Abbey...well, Kayla just loved Abbey...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0fcb3ace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0fcb3ace.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b2bccf7b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b2bccf7b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Madeleine Will<br />
Madeleine has been an advocate for people with Down syndrome for over 30 years! She is currently the Director of the Policy Center for the NDSS and is so wonderful...and so is that cute little boy, Nicholas, by the way...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/13690024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/13690024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And lastly...<br />
Congressman Pete Sessions<br />
Just another day in DC...Kayla hanging out with politicians...fist pumpin' and blowin' it up...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/39e52fb0-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/39e52fb0-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Congressman Sessions spoke about being a fraternity brother of Pi Kappa Alpha...and I have always been a proud sorority sister of Alpha Xi Delta, but Congressman Pete Sessions, of Texas, reminded me just how amazing greek organizations can be. Congressman Sessions has two sons, Bill {president of his chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha} and Alex {who just happens to have Down syndrome}. Holding back tears, the congressman explained how proud he is of his fraternity. This weekend, Alex was initiated as an honorary brother. But his pride reaches beyond that. The congressman has received texts and emails, from men who have never met Alex, stating they couldn't wait to call Alex their brother. That is the true meaning of brotherhood. Ties that reach far beyond friendship. Inclusion. At the end of the day, that's all we really desire. To be included. All of us. Despite our differences.<br />
<br />
We went to Washington, DC with the NDSS Buddy Walk on Washington to ensure Kayla will have the same access to living her fullest potential as her typical peers. If I accomplish nothing more in my life, I hope to gain a brighter future for all people with intellectual disabilities. Ensuring their abilities don't go untapped or unnoticed.<br />
<br />
We all deserve to live our best life...and I will ensure that Kayla's life is extraordinary.<br />
Live your best life and along the way be sure to help those around you live their best lives, too...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e0d46e98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e0d46e98.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-35293276216276197142012-03-04T11:58:00.001-05:002012-03-04T11:58:07.111-05:00Forever and a day...I know...I know it truly has been forever and a day since my last post. I must confess...there were days I tried...like really hard to blog. I just couldn't. Our home was bit by the bug. The germ bug. Bad. The nasty, gross, hacking-coughing, phlegm oozing kinda germ bug. All three of us. We just passed it to each other. Back and forth...because that's how we roll. In all fairness, I did teach Kayla how to share. Guess I shoulda clarified. This went on for weeks...well over a month...fun stuff.<br />
<br />
While we were horizontal lately more than vertical, we have still managed to accomplish tons. So while I know it has been forever and a day since I last blogged, please know it is just because I haven't had the energy to move my fingers across the keyboard, let alone think long enough to piece together thoughts worthy of reading...<br />
<br />
So...here's a recap of what has been happening in the casa de Kosmalski. Don't worry, I'll spare you the details of our sickness and give you nothing but the good stuff...<br />
<br />
<b>The Polar Bear Plunge</b><br />
This was our second year braving the elements of the cold winter to jump into freezing cold water...all in the name of raising money for Special Olympics. Maybe I should confess...Rick braved the elements. I stood behind my lens in a warm coat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/06297b3f-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/06297b3f-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The weekend was filled with fun activities and I was lucky enough to be able to work with TLC's The Next Great Baker's contestants. They were in town competing in a Cake Off benefiting the Special Olympics and I acted as their concierge for the weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9866328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c9866328.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/390b1bbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/390b1bbc.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/376678b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/376678b1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
What a crew! They were all so fun to be around and some even braved the frigid water to help spread a message of acceptance for people with disabilities.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f2810590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/f2810590.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e8aed9ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e8aed9ad.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/76139928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/76139928.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<br />
The fact is, people follow...and people love to follow celebrities. By taking a stand and running into the freezing ocean in February, people take note and listen to the message. So thank you, bakers, for sending a message...and for a great weekend. You are all amazingly talented.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>100 day</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kayla celebrated 100 days of kindergarten by created a gumball machine. The task was to submit a collection of 100 items. Kayla wanted to collect 100 pom pons...cheerleading pom pons...not gonna happen. We then went running to the basement...in search of 100 anything. When I came across these, Kayla exclaimed "gumballs". Perfect.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5daa1d75-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/5daa1d75-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<b>Valentines</b><br />
This was the first year Kayla had to...or was even able to...write all of the names of her friends on the envelopes of her Valentine's. She even had to write their "Post Office" number. She got way into it. The stickers, the writing. She loved it. She took so much pride in herself...and I beamed with pride right beside her...She has come such a long way this year with her writing.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b74d7694-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/b74d7694-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span">Birthday Party</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kayla was invited to a birthday party of one of her classmates...I know it sounds silly but every time she gets an invite I tear up. Knowing she is included...just melts my heart.</span></b><br />
Kayla really got into this party...it was at Creation Station...a local pottery painting place. She chose her pottery and got right to work. I had no idea how serious she would take picking her colors and painting...<br />
My favorite thing looking around the table was seeing Kayla as just one of the kids. She was...she is...she just fits right in. And while I realize that may not last forever, I am soaking it up today.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c67e2c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/6c67e2c1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3c144b9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/3c144b9a.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9ce6a901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/9ce6a901.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/010e3dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/010e3dec.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span">Dr Seuss</span></b><br />
Celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday...a kindergarten tradition. Honoring the man that wrote so many amazing books for children. Kayla had big plans for Wacky Wednesday. It looked something like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb08c90c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/fb08c90c-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made the fascinator which Kayla adored and while she normally loves matching from head-to-toe, I think she secretly desires to dress like this everyday. Who wouldn't? I mean seriously...this outfit is just plain fun.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br />
Another post coming very soon...pinky promise. We haven't been sitting still lately...we've been on a whirlwind tour lately...DC, NYC...oh the life of a five year old. Lots of stories to tell...Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-1743726638657753192012-01-25T19:48:00.001-05:002012-01-25T19:48:31.292-05:00RespectMost of the time I am perfectly happy behind the lens of my camera. This past weekend was no exception. As tears were streaming down my face, I stood with the rest of the crowd...applauding, cheering and clapping. I stood there clutching my camera close to my face but I was still. I remember shouting out a few "wooohooos" and "yays" but apparently as hot tears were sliding down my cheeks, I was forgetting to actually push the button that makes the camera take pictures...you know...minor details. I was just completely overwhelmed. <br />
<br />
Kayla joined a cheerleading squad this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ab37e884-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/ab37e884-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The spirit, joy and enthusiasm on the team is beyond contagious. When they smile, you smile. When they cheer, you cheer. It is a team of kids with special needs...accompanied by "typical" middle and high school cheerleaders that work with the team because they want to. Giving up an hour or two every week to practice. Sending a message of acceptance to all of those around them...it's a beautiful thing. I am so grateful for the coach who opens the gym to our team and the kids that work with Kayla and her friends.<br />
<br />
This past weekend was their first competition. They were the first to take the floor...and the only team of athletes with special needs.<br />
Go Wings!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/162330f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/162330f3.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/71c3ec83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/71c3ec83.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When they took the floor I was beyond nervous. Kayla had the cheer down...word for word...<br />
<i>Topflight Allstars, one of a kind. National Champions one more time!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e9cd2069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e9cd2069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i></i>She had the stunts, the forward roll, the jump...but the dance...not so much.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4466fd77-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/4466fd77-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0dba74a6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/0dba74a6-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before she went out I just told her to have fun, smile and shake her hips...and my girl did just that. Nothing else mattered. She was happy. So much for the high V in the stunt...she was more concerned with waiving to her adoring fans!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c20155a9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/c20155a9-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d3da579d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/d3da579d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When their routine was over and the crowd was moved to their feet {the one and only time that day}, I couldn't control the tears. They were tears of happiness, of course. Tears of pride. Tears because my girl and her friends got the one thing that I want for her in life...RESPECT. The crowd respected them. The judges respected them. The other cheerleaders respected them. <br />
<br />
Sunday we delivered a message. In a world of "typical" cheerleading squads...people with disabilities can compete, too. People with disabilities can cheer, have fun, laugh...and just be "typical" kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/918c6c0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/918c6c0b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They can be exactly who they were meant to be...perfect just the way they are. I mean seriously...at the end of the day does it really matter if you land a jump perfectly or dance right to the beat or remember every step of the routine? Are those the things in life we remember from childhood? No. It's the memories. The memories of having fun. Life should be one big hot fudge sundae filled with scoops of happiness, drizzled with love, dollops of laughter and sprinkled with friendship. But to me, the cherry on the top...the one thing that will make the sundae perfect...will always be respect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e4922f03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Winter%202012/e4922f03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Wishing you love, laughter, happiness and more than anything, respect....by giving respect, you will get so much more in return.Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-40885683743306629282012-01-06T23:33:00.000-05:002012-01-06T23:33:28.738-05:00A Merry Superstar HolidayI have to admit. I live for this stuff. The lights, the greens, the wreaths, the carols, all of it. I love it all. I have always loved it. I love trees, the ornaments, all things sparkly, baking cookies and Santa. Always have. The joy that all of this brings to Kayla has only renewed my love for it...<br />
<br />
The joy of it all quickly ends when your five year old requests just one thing from Santa. One totally impossible-to-get thing...Justin Bieber. That's it. That's all she wanted for Christmas. Justin Bieber. Not a Justin Bieber doll, toy, CD, DVD, pajamas or shirt...just Justin Bieber. The real Justin Bieber. And well, she just knew Santa would deliver. She knew Santa would never disappoint her. When I tried to explain to her that Santa can't deliver real people because they have to spend Christmas with their families, she simply replied "but Mommy, Santa can do anything. Santa is magical". How could I argue with that? He is magical...but this was going to be a tall order. Santa's solution to this problem, while very creative could have gone terribly wrong...She kinda loves Justin Bieber...a lot. She knows every word to just about every song on his Christmas CD and can name that tune in about 6 seconds. Only the funniest thing is that she doesn't necessarily know the title of all of the songs...she just calls them what they sound like. For example...Mistletoe for the first week was Miss Hotel. That is a great lyric "under the Miss Hotel with you...". Sad to say but she gets her skill of interpreting lyrics from me. She, nonetheless, was convinced she would be singing Mistletoe with Justin Bieber at approximately 7:02 AM Christmas morning... <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.....</span><br />
Onto our Christmas festivities...<br />
Kayla was feeling under the weather on Christmas Eve so we opted to stay home. We NEVER stay home. EVER. What a treat. We actually got to veg-out. Lounging in our jammies all day. We even made our own {gluten free} donuts. They tasted, well...gluten free. What does that taste like, you ask? Cardboard. Oh...sorry...cardboard with chocolate icing and sprinkles on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/0c9249b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/0c9249b0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They look far prettier than they taste, I promise. Who knew wheat tasted so good?<br />
<br />
I pictured how our night home would unfold. We would all be cozied on the couch sipping hot cocoa, eating popcorn and watching a classic Christmas movie. It would be the perfect time for her to rest up and relax before the exciting day that was about the unfold in just hours. As I have come to learn in my 34 years, things don't always go according to plan. We couldn't decide on a movie. Every movie or Christmas show we turned on, Kayla lost complete interest in about 7.2 minutes...at the most. But there was no stopping at least part of my vision...<br />
<br />
We made homemade hot cocoa. Hot cocoa makes me happy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bc80bb96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bc80bb96.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
*Note to self...more powdered sugar next time.<br />
<br />
Kayla wrote her note to Santa. This was the first year she wrote the letter all by herself! I helped her sound out and spell some of the words...the rest was all her. I love how she spells "you" and "are" with a very simple "u" and "r". Works for me. Oh...and how she sucks up to Santa telling him he is sweet and kind. That's my girl! I am amazed how far she has come...so proud...this was Christmas to me...this was the best gift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/84d02dc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/84d02dc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In case you can't read kindergarten writing...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Dear Santa,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I would like Justin Bieber, please. You are so kind. You are sweet. And toys please.</div>
Love, Kayla<br />
{that's my girl...a little last minute sucking up to Santa}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/b4bae42b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/b4bae42b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh...and Santa must love being flattered because he delivered...big time...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/9e1d98c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/9e1d98c4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1ac397f9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1ac397f9-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/dd73e546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/dd73e546.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/af233662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/af233662.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/d540d380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/d540d380.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
Kayla was the first to stir Christmas morning. Rick slipped out of bed, trying to let me sleep...seriously...it was Christmas morning...there's no sleeping. Why would he choose Christmas morning to try to slip out of the room quietly when the other 364 days a year he makes more noise than a bull in a china shop? Love you, honey...but you do. It was Christmas morning...I was just as excited as when I was five years old and just knew Santa brought me a Barbie Dream House {a 1970's orange and yellow Barbie Dream House...they have come a long way in the cute factor}! Seriously. As I approached Kayla's bedroom door, I witnessed Rick and Kayla on the floor of her room...having a tea party. Apparently when Rick went to her room she told her Daddy she wanted to have a tea party before going to see what Santa brought her. Is that not the cutest thing? {I just wish I was awake enough to take a picture} I don't remember ever giving a flip about my old toys on the day that Santa came...I just wanted to rip into the packages...moving onto new, more exciting things. Just a little Christmas lesson from a five-year-old...time spent together is greater than any present under the tree.<br />
<br />
I, of course, had to do a little something with her hair before we made our way downstairs. While this isn't the greatest quality picture, it captures her emotion beautifully. She was so completely happy and overwhelmed with Santa's display...including a Justin Bieber cutout and personal note to Kayla.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8a982a39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8a982a39-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/b0b8f715-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/b0b8f715-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8e70d512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8e70d512.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/4ca7b083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/4ca7b083.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh my heavens, Santa give me presents under this tree, too"...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/e3bbd9d8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/e3bbd9d8-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1982a401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1982a401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Is there anything more hilarious in this world...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3152e81b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3152e81b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This Christmas was filled with everything she loves...Bieber, Princesses and even Mary Poppins! Santa's elves certainly are magical to be able to make this beautiful doll and a Mary Poppins, Bert and Jane and Michael Banks Barbies...she's kinda obsessed...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/f07f93d8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/f07f93d8-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
She watches Mary Poppins a lot. It seems daily. So I guess it is no surprise she bought me a #1 mom tape measure...just like Mary Poppins has in her carpet bag. Kayla loves when Mary Poppins measures Jane and Michael she states they are "stubborn and suspicious" and "inclined to giggle and leave messes" and when Jane and Michael request to measure Mary, the tape measure reads "practically perfect in every way". She is a thinker, my kid. A very smart and amazing thinker. It is no wonder she would walk over to Justin Bieber, measure him up, stare at the tape measure and declare "you are a superstar". Rick and I about fell over. She says the cutest things. I just hope she knows if that tape measure were to measure her, it would be filled with an unending list of adjectives describing how incredible she is...instead, she turns the tape measure to me and says with the sparkliest smile "you are the best Mommy in the whole wide world"...I had to fight back tears. Happy tears...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/27b76665-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/27b76665-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This is how we rock Christmas...joy...pure joy.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/fc8d634e-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/fc8d634e-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
She looked at every page of her Justin Bieber book before putting it down...every page.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/777b5115-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/777b5115-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/86c1ff00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/86c1ff00.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/29a68372-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/29a68372-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bc102c2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bc102c2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
Can't you just hear her now "Under the mistletoe...with you-uuuu...shorty with you...."<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/4501c333-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/4501c333-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
My Mom is the reason I love Christmas today. Every year she made sure we were building memories and that each Christmas was more spectacular than the one before...thanks to my Mom they just keep getting better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ebf7fca5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ebf7fca5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank you, Mom, for teaching me that giving is far better than receiving. That making traditions, regardless how small...that's the stuff that life is made of. I treasure you and all of the memories of Christmas' past.<br />
<br />
The last present from Santa was in the toe of her stocking. Jewelry. Santa always placed a nice piece of jewelry in the toe of my stocking and he is continuing the tradition with Kayla...a Pandora ring...make that 2 Pandora rings! She thinks she is pretty big time!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/07548360-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/07548360-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ba8d9aca-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ba8d9aca-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/448fea06-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/448fea06-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/dd461e5c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/dd461e5c-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I just love this picture of her...<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In the midst of shredded wrapping paper and half open gifts she walked to the window to look for Santa's sleigh in the sky. She wanted to thank Santa for her Christmas presents and wish him a Merry Christmas. Seriously...this girl melts my heart. She cares more about others than she does herself...just one more lesson...from a five year old. She is "typical" in so many ways...and <s>different</s> extraordinary in a million more...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/9b65a2bd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/9b65a2bd-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This Christmas was beyond perfect. My favorite so far. The magic, the wonder, the joy...it just keeps getting better...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1c77411a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1c77411a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3df80b2f-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3df80b2f-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is my grandmother, Melva. It has become a tradition for her {she'll be 92 next week} to attend Polish Christmas...dinner with Rick's family. She loves it. Coming from a smaller family, she enjoys the craziness that unfolds...and seriously...just look at her...have you ever seen a more stylish 92-year-old? She still rocks high heels. And her favorite quote..."You go girl"... <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3631b380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3631b380.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And these two...love...Rick's grandparents...Mom Mom is 90 and Pop Pop is 93. Kayla is a very lucky little girl to have so many great grandparents...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1af282a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1af282a9.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/03cc3ac2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/03cc3ac2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I am so thankful for this man...for his love and for him loving Kayla as much as he does. <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/e5761cf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/e5761cf8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These moments...these are the moments I live for. Seeing complete bliss in her eyes and the love between these two...could anything be sweeter?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/542199dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/542199dd.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/94b5584a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/94b5584a-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This girl...she just rocks my world...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
oh how I hope she can meet Justin Bieber one day....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She would LOSE. HER. MIND.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean seriously...who else but my Kayla could look this excited about singing with a cardboard cutout? It's the little things {or maybe the six foot things}...<img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/419a1f8f-1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh...and have you seen this interactive Belle? Kayla was thrilled to open this gift sent by my Dad and his wife...this doll is one of the only things Kayla has ever seen on TV and declared "I want that"...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/2dad65a3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/2dad65a3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayla's surprise gift of the year...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ec279243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ec279243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kayla has touched many people in her short life. I have always known she is special...that she is making an impression on those around her. What I didn't know was the generosity of those around us is just amazing. To Kayla's fairy godmother...you know who you are...thank you just doesn't seem to be enough for such a wonderful, generous gift...but we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.....</span><br />
Have you heard the new band that was formed over the holidays?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/fa0fed71-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/fa0fed71-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For your sake, I hope not!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/33dd9b63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/33dd9b63.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/95f5a673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/95f5a673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.....</span><br />
New Year's Eve<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/234432c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/234432c7.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/54d62aba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/54d62aba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There is no better way to start a new year than with old friends...together...hanging out. Nothing fancy or exciting...but amazing nonetheless.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ac02a7ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ac02a7ed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/0a5cf974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/0a5cf974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful Michelle is...as a diabetic, she gets it. She understands dietary needs. So...she bought all gluten free items for dinner...gluten free noodles for mac-n-cheese, corn chips for nachos and then this...Pizza! The kids loved making it! You guys are sports for eating it, too! It was pretty terrible. Not because Michelle cooked it. She is one of the best cooks I know. It was terrible because it was lacking that magical ingredient...gluten!<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a8f89fbf-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a8f89fbf-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This is how we roll...green solo cups and champagne! Can't you just hear the song...</div>
<s><i>Red</i></s><i> Green solo cup...I lift you up...proceed to party, proceed to party...</i>Oh yes, good times...<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ea643f20-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ea643f20-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Gone are the days of staying up late enough to just go straight into a greasy breakfast to cure your ailments...these days are all about this girl...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/d0a25f28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/d0a25f28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And getting her to the Mummers Parade...we could have driven but opted to catch a train into the city...a little extra excitement for our princess.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/cf622fb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/cf622fb9.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
No...we weren't going to New Jersey...it was just windy...but she could rock Jersey hair...she could rock just about any look...just sayin'<br />
<img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/9c0e9605-1.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/eb753076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/eb753076.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We spent the first day of this year in the hallowed halls of the Union League thanks to Rick's Aunt Sharon and Uncle George. He is a member of this gorgeous place. And while the other parade watchers up and down Broad Street were dressed in jeans, we were donning attire fitting for such a beautiful and prestigious location.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a49c88c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a49c88c6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1b4a54ae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1b4a54ae.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a49c88c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bcd77d0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/bcd77d0b.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ba64ef53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ba64ef53.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a8fbdbeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a8fbdbeb.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Oh the Mummers Parade...where else can you see grown men dressing in makeup, sequins, bright colors and feathers...yes...ok...maybe at a Drag show...but add in playing instruments while drinking Miller Lite from a can...where, I ask you but in the wonderful city of Philadelphia. This site is spectacular. A local tradition for decades and it is quite simply...fantastic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1780bdba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/1780bdba.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/54078f50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/54078f50.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ff34fe63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ff34fe63.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/7443fd82-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/7443fd82-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/6ab7838a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/6ab7838a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3d5cd883-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/3d5cd883-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
Ok...this picture makes me laugh out loud. Yes, she does slightly resemble a homeless girl rockin' Uggs...my little subway diva...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8b6a04a4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/8b6a04a4-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Swoon...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/c5462280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/c5462280.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ff5b7a3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/ff5b7a3d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So many lessons from this holiday season to absorb. Believe in the magic. Soak in every little bit...even if it is gluten free or something you wouldn't normally define as perfect. Make time for tea parties. Sing...outloud...even if you don't know the lyrics...make them up. Be thankful and kind to others. Don't be afraid to rock feathers and bright colors {even if you are a man}. Be merry. But most of all, enjoy every precious second of this one wild and crazy life. </div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a483ee9b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Christmas2011/a483ee9b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Going to snuggle with my little superstar for a bit. There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping child.<br />
I resolve to create more happiness in 2012 than ever before.<br />
Be merry, friends...be merry!<br />
<u><br /></u>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-1269233220203176152011-12-30T00:01:00.000-05:002011-12-30T00:01:00.338-05:00BlogiversaryIt's been a year. One year since I started this journey of blogging. And wow...what a year it has been! Much has happened and I have learned a lot. Lessons on life and love continue to unfold daily...we are blessed with so much happiness, amazing family and wonderful friends. Our life is perfect...just the way it is. Yes, we have a child with Down syndrome...yes, she was recently diagnosed with celiac disease {and we are slowly adjusting to dietary changes}...and yes, my home is messier than I care to admit {with piles of dishes and loads of laundry often left undone}...but this is our life...this is the way it was all meant to play out...and all of it is perfect {although a maid to help with the messiness would be fantastic}.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thank you for reading, for following, for being a part of our journey.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Much love, friends. Much love.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here is a little look back at my blog banners from last December until now...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect3-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfect3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectJuly2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectJuly2011.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader7.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ParticularlyPerfectHeader9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-5174679067336895362011-12-02T13:01:00.001-05:002011-12-24T17:51:14.891-05:00Disney Dreaming...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I know...I know...it's been forever. Go ahead yell at me...I deserve it....Really...wow...all of that? Ok. I can take it...I know I have used the excuse before but we really have had lots going on here. <br />
<br />
Lots of reading and research to do. Kayla was diagnosed with celiac disease. She had her biopsy just after Thanksgiving. Scariest. Day. Ever. Placing your child in the hands of doctors to put her under general anesthesia is the worst feeling I have ever experienced. Ever. More about this later...<br />
<br />
Onto the best vacation of my life {honeymoon excluded because that's not a vacation that's more...well, you know...}...<br />
<br />
Disney World. It doesn't matter how many times you've been...that first walk down Main Street, USA is magical. Each time it's more magical than the time before. The beautiful castle waiting at the end of the street, calling all princesses by name. Inviting each and every little girl from 1 to 101 to come, dream a little dream of being a princess. This time I took it all in. This time I soaked in the smell, the nostalgia, the memories of visits from the past and moments about to unfold. This time I saw Disney through the eyes of a five-year-old and it was nothing short of incredible. It was magical.<br />
<br />
Our trip to Disney was a gift from Santa. Yes, Santa. He showed up at our house one afternoon in November. It took hours...actually days for the shock to wear off. Kayla sat just staring at Santa, completely stunned that he was here, in our family room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c902448a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c902448a.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/b3d9a705-1.jpg" width="640" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/15b49e8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/15b49e8c.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a85c0cab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a85c0cab.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6e6ed1da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6e6ed1da.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
First of all, Santa brought her a book and read a passage about a little mouse that cut her bangs. As he looked at her and said "I know a little girl that cut her own hair this year...but she won't do that again, right?"...her eyes already stretched in shock seemed to fill her face as they opened wider than I have ever seen. Her baby blues, staring straight at Santa...and I am certain her eyes were screaming holy shit, how did he know that? Because I could hear it. You know...kinda like those dog whistles that no one can hear...I could hear her eyes talk! After he left she ran from window to door staring into the sky exclaiming "come back, Santa, come back" and "oooh...there he is, there's his sleigh". And a "wait, Santa, I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday". Well, she got half of the holiday right. At least she knew it was somebody's birthday {guess we need to spend more time in church}. Anyway, if only I could have bottled that joy...that excitement. It was contagious. It was a moment in time I will never forget. Thank you, Santa, for bringing the brightest smile and most incredible joy to my girl. PS - I have been a good girl...and I totally believe!<br />
<br />
Suitcases packed - check. Camera batteries charged - check. Tickets in hand - check. Ears on head, minnie on back and minnie suitcase in tow - check, check and check. My girl was ready. There was nothing that was gonna come between her and the mouse....well except for a little bit of vomit. Yup she threw up in the car on the way to the airport. As I sat balancing between the front seat with my arm and paper towels catching the projectile all I could think was <i>really...could this really be happening</i>. She quickly bounced back. I think it was the excitement...she remembers her last visit...and was overwhelmed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0bc53f98-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0bc53f98-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0404c509-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0404c509-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It is no surprise to my followers that Kayla is obsessed with Mary Poppins...so it would only be fitting that she was the very first character we saw this visit to Disney. And second, third, seventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, twentieth, twenty-first, twenty-second....ok...I kid...sort of. After seeing Mary Poppins, Kayla quickly realized she forgot to have her sign her autograph book...so back in line we went. That autograph book was her job and she took it serious. As she walked up to each character, she was all business. There was no time for "hi, hello, or how do you do"...arms extended she practically shoved the book at them. Once it was signed she quickly got into enjoying the casual exchange of conversation with the characters...as if she knew all of them and they went way back...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c22df85c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c22df85c-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mary Poppins quickly realized Kayla just adored her...and she certainly reciprocated. <br />
<br />
The love fest extended beyond the Magic Kingdom. Our visit to Epcot brought much of the same...and so much more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/e12ff239-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/e12ff239-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayla wanted to stay in England...Mary Poppins lives there. She could care less about France or Japan...she loved England. Each time Mary Poppins left for a small break, we would sit on the bench and wait for her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/db12d44d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/db12d44d.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/7f98d5bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/7f98d5bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayla would sit and talk about Mary Poppins and her dress and Polly. She would sing a few verses of a few Mary Poppins song and before long she would appear...like a vision...Kayla's eyes would grow wide and her smile taking over her face...she would pop up from her bench and run to her...holding her hand, she would stroll with Mary Poppins to her spot. They would have a little chat and a warm embrace. Comparing dresses, hats, lipstick and even shoes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0cd10316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0cd10316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The exchanges between the two were priceless. My favorite moment was Mary Poppins telling Kayla <i>she wasn't practically perfect...she was all the way perfect...no practically about it</i>. I am so glad Kayla is able to show the world how perfect she truly is...she is perfect and I hope she knows that.<br />
<br />
People stopped and gathered...by the hundreds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/611d6f87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/611d6f87.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Gasping and sharing their "that's the cutest thing I've ever seen" comments. I agreed. By far one of the greatest moments of my life. Nothing compares to seeing sheer delight on the face of your child. Pure magic. After seeing Mary Poppins at least 5 times that day, we were asked by her character attendant to stay around after her last "shift". We weren't prepared for what was to come...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/2a758ab9-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/2a758ab9-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking toward the "characters only" area, Mary Poppins strolled hand in hand with Kayla. She sat on a rock wall protected from others by trees and held her tight. It was dark...thank God. Tears were streaming down my face as I watched the interaction between them. She took out a book...Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and read the inside cover which she had inscribed:<br />
My dearest Kayla,<br />
I am so happy that I found my twin. You truly are practically perfect! You are a lucky little girl to have such wonderful parents. I can tell that they love you very much. I hope that when you read this, you think of our stroll through the park together. I know that I will be thinking of you. Now, make sure ya tidy up your nursery and take your medicine; all you need is a spoon full of sugar!<br />
Supercalifragilisticexpialedociously Yours,<br />
Mary Poppins<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bbbb7864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bbbb7864.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Seriously...how my child impacts the world around us is simply amazing. This Mary Poppins will surely remember Kayla for a long time...and we will remember her. It is my hope that as she recalls her interaction with Kayla she will remember her as a beautiful, intelligent, kind and polite little girl. And while I know it is impossible not to recognize the fact that she has Down syndrome, I hope sees that extra chromosome as just an added bonus...something that is just a part of who she is... <br />
<br />
Onto it's a Small World. Kayla's favorite ride...and mine. It has music and it's air conditioned. Enough said.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/eb077d2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/eb077d2e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh...and let's talk about a small world...really. We are from Delaware. If you know anything about Delaware you know that it is small...the second smallest state, in fact. It takes a half hour to cross from one side to the other and maybe an hour and a half to drive from the top to the bottom...so...it is a small world when you see five people you know in Disney World...yes...five! First, after we checked into our hotel, someone yelled "Kos" from across the lobby. It was an old co-worker of Rick's. Then walking out of the princesses room, I hear "Amy Baker". A sorority sister, Kristin, was standing in a room with her daughter. It was just us...in a room...in the middle of Disney hundreds of miles from where we live or met. In addition, our old neighbors, Lisa and Pete, were in Disney. Friends of mine from high school...Shawn and Ben {more on them in a minute}. Last, I got a message on facebook from another friend from high school. She asked if I was in Disney because she was certain she saw me walking up Main Street with Kayla! I mean seriously...it is a small world!<br />
<br />
If Disney were nothing more than parades, shows, characters and character meals...ok...and maybe with a ride on It's a Small World here and there, Kayla would be content. Not many rides are needed for her to take in the magic. In fact, I reveled in her excitement for the small things. The "characters" that most likely go unnoticed by most...like the Mayor of Main Street did not go unnoticed by Kayla. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6bef8a17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6bef8a17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While some kids may just be taken by the mouse, Kayla was taken by the little things, the things that I have overlooked during each of my previous visits. Seeing the magic...all of it...through her eyes...it was spectacular.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/949688f9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/949688f9-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what life is all about...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c88d68ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c88d68ac.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Family. Love. Memories.<br />
<br />
I say it daily. I experience it and live it and remain in awe of it daily...the love between this man and this little girl. There is nothing like it in this world. I am quite sure when I said "I do", I had no idea how completely he would love me and more importantly our baby girl. And he loves her...a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/49224f4e-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/49224f4e-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The way he hoists her in the air. The pride on his face as he carries her around. The love in his eyes when he looks at her. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c6d2a99d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c6d2a99d-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart is full.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5968d271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5968d271.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking around with Kayla I began to realize {ok...I've always known} how truly special she is. She got extra smiles, hellos and attention than most kids. But it didn't feel like it was because she was different or because she had Down syndrome. It felt like it was because she was just herself...a beautiful, happy, magnetic little girl just glowing in the magic of it all. She wasn't melting down or screaming to ride another ride or crying to buy a balloon {more on that later}...she was just happy to be. She was content to take it all in...<br />
She loved the parades and loved the attention...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/51eecfe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/51eecfe5.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/06f12b10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/06f12b10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and being covered in wishes by the Fairy Godmother...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/aa2690eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/aa2690eb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As a Mommy, nothing makes me more happy than to see my child happy...seeing others love and admire and be in awe of my child, well...that's a bonus. I have felt it more times in Disney than ever before. People in awe of Kayla. Strangers telling me how beautiful she is. Characters and cast members telling me how beautiful, how smart, how polite and how truly amazing she is. I know...I know...I don't need to hear it...but it's nice. It reaffirms what I have always known...she is exactly who she was meant to be...a little girl that will change the world...or at least the perception of the world...one person at a time.<br />
<br />
She is my princess...and she loves to be amongst the princesses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/df315e85-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/df315e85-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Is it any surprise that I just had to take her to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? I mean seriously...I wanted to take her when she was just a year old. I held back last time and this was the time. This was it. She was going to be transformed into an official Disney princess!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a0ac0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a0ac0494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you just look at the prices you think...are you serious? $50 for some dollar store makeup, a bun, crown and some pixie dust? But it was so much more than that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/85c07cf0-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/85c07cf0-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This experience for her was just the ultimate. I couldn't possibly explain how she walked into the boutique Kayla and walked out a princess. She held her head higher, stood with her arms perched like a princess and looked at everyone she passed as if she were saying "hello, yes, I am Cinderella and I am beautiful". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/10ebeecd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/10ebeecd-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/39a8aa2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/39a8aa2f.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/51295979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/51295979.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/9d9643d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/9d9643d9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of her favorite sights? The castle.<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/50cece89-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/50cece89-1.jpg" width="640" /></a>One of my favorite sights? My two loves together...and the wonder in her eyes {with a little glimmer and the reflection of the castle}...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/b24f4c0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/b24f4c0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oh...and I just loved watching her make a purchase with her Disney dollars. First up...lollipops. She was a big kid...excited to make her big purchase. The excitement over the little things is what makes life so incredible. A lesson to never take the little things for granted...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f296f632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f296f632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While Kayla got oodles of attention dressed as Cinderella, Disney is flooded with 3 foot tall Cinderella's, Belle's and even Sleeping Beauty's...but Mary Poppins...not so much. So it was no surprise that Kayla got even more attention dressed as Mary Poppins. Perhaps that is why she wanted to wear her Mary Poppins costume every day. I did manage to talk her out of it a few days.<br />
<br />
But this day...she wanted to wear it. We had breakfast with Mary Poppins {for a second time}. The breakfast is at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. The decorations there for Christmas were breath taking...and our breakfast was nothing short of amazing. We were escorted to the Mary Poppins garden for a photo op {again for the second time}.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c5e7d2ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c5e7d2ee.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a06b5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a06b5744.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/2eaaf811-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/2eaaf811-1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/cfa62c78-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/cfa62c78-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
Just priceless. I guess this is what happens when you dress as Mary Poppins.<br />
<br />
As we left breakfast and were standing in the Grand Floridian, Mickey and Minnie walked past us dressed ready for a wedding. We, of course, followed. Kayla stood in awe of them dressed up. In just one of the many amazing moments of our vacation, a woman exited the wedding, grabbed Kayla by the hand and took her out to see them. The kindness of strangers just amazes me. To that woman, thank you for making Kayla's day...and creating another amazing memory for us...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ab6c7136-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ab6c7136-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/14563088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/14563088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After our adventures at the Grand Floridian, we boarded the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. As the Dapper Dan's were performing on Main Street, Kayla wanted to stop and dance. She took a liking to the Dapper Dan's and vice versa. And so this moment that unfolded was incredible...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6lTuiCsscI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f1d11c2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f1d11c2d.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Just had to sneak in another picture of these two...love...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f4affbd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f4affbd7.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
There isn't much about this vacation that she didn't like...but she loved Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party so much that we went twice. That's right...twice. The parades, the shows, the dance parties. And...each princess was paired with their prince. Kayla kinda really loves the boys...I think I am in trouble!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/66aff403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/66aff403.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5a339d7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5a339d7d.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6096149c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/6096149c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
She just couldn't get enough...and truth be told, neither could we!<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh Disney at night...Have I mentioned yet how much I love Disney at night? Especially decorated for Christmas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/016f10ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/016f10ea.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/291e8643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/291e8643.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5c5354b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5c5354b9.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0a8d5a04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0a8d5a04.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0ccb17e1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0ccb17e1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I mean...really...the lights on the castle are just the icing on the cake. To me, the greens and lights on Main Street are just beyond. I know...I am cheesy...but if I could live in one of those buildings, I think I would.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I have to say being from the northeast, I take snow for granted. In fact after the second or third snow fall of the season I am usually over it. But snow in Disney? Oh, it is magnificent. As "flakes" fell from the sky, I watched as Kayla twirled and squealed. That delight, that joy, that moment...I tucked it away in my memory file of special moments. That moment is one that I will surely play over and over again in my mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/feec5c21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/feec5c21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Add in a few balloons and I just start to twitch with excitement. It doesn't take much to make me happy...just the little things. Kayla on the other hand? She hates balloons. HATES them. I found this out the hard way. We purchased her this $15 light up Tinkerbell balloon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a16b19c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/abdb623e.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a16b19c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a16b19c6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Hey...don't judge...it's Disney...it's all about the magic. Anywho...within 10 minutes {okay, maybe 15}, we were giving her balloon away. I guess that's what I get for buying her something I wanted. Lesson learned.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nothing a visit with Santa couldn't cure...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/914c9603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/914c9603.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c57e5310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c57e5310.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/fb64dad0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/fb64dad0.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As the parade began, Kayla sat in awe.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a04e2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a04e2974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She took it all in...the sights, the smells, the snow and the attention. Of course as the only Mary Poppins in Disney, besides of course, the real thing...she got ALL of the attention. Just about every character on the parade route waived, stopped, blew kisses, shouted "Mary Poppins". Even on the night that she was just dressed as Kayla she got tons of attention...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/60b526b4.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0b7b3986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/0b7b3986.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/d8b5a397.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c459357d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/c459357d.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3cca800c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3cca800c.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5c925f5f-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/5c925f5f-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/efbe5c23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/efbe5c23.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/16e40e3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/16e40e3f.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But nothing was more exciting to Kayla than Santa looking over the side of his sparkling red sleigh and exclaiming "well, hello there Mary Poppins".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ae26862b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ae26862b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her adorable little face lit up like a christmas tree.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
You would think by 10:00 in the evening...after a full day of excitement, parades, shows, and rides that Kayla would be passed out...not a chance...she was close to passing out...until we passed by a dance party. Game on.<img border="0" height="321" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/809ddb09-1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bb7c12e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bb7c12e7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Did I mention that we were one of the first on Main Street several days in a row...even after late nights right in this same location. It's all about the photo op, baby!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/fa48c4bc-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/e0eedf2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/e0eedf2c.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/fa48c4bc-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/fa48c4bc-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f88d6377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f88d6377.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3169b2fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3169b2fc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/50d31cc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/50d31cc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
We stopped for very few breaks from the parks. This was one of them...Beaches & Cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/532f8acf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/532f8acf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've never been...it's a must. It is at the Beach Club and has become a tradition. Each trip to Disney we have to go. Order the No Way Jose for you...a Mickey Mouse sundae for the kids. I promise you won't be disappointed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a15e89aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a15e89aa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We even got to spend a few days with our friends, Shawn, Ben, Hannah and Kelly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f87ab3c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/f87ab3c4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have known Ben since kindergarten and Shawn since fourth grade. We all went to school together. They dated in high school. Were our prom king and queen. Went on to get married and now have two beautiful girls. We reunited after I had Kayla. She is an OT and they came to support us for the Buddy Walk during the spring of 2010. Little did they know she was just weeks along with her second child, Natalie. Just as people have told me...no greater family could have been selected to have a child with Down syndrome. I just think the world of them. And while I know this road is bumpy, we will have each other to talk about life and the adventures of that magical extra chromosome. I am lucky life brought us back together. They are great people. Oh...and Kayla just loves Shawn's sister, Kelly. They are now BFFs. I know we will all be friends for life...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a7cb6494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a7cb6494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides...who can you hang out with for three days in a row...non-stop and not be totally sick of each other? Hopefully they feel the same way...but seriously...we just had a great time together. We were just letting our kids dictate where the days took us. I still wish they had brought baby Natalie with them...I would have sucked her cute little cheeks off...<br />
<br />
Taking in our final day of Disney we soaked it all in...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bdc0a7ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/bdc0a7ec.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, had to visit Mary Poppins several times.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/7e39ee5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/7e39ee5c.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/89a838a0-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/89a838a0-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/4f9d6a4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/4f9d6a4d.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
Some have asked me "how could you stand in line to see the same character so many times?"...to those I answer this...Disney, this vacation and this experience was all about my child. It was all about creating memories and magic. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/4b9b639f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/4b9b639f.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/01a1650c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/01a1650c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We also took in more of the Dapper Dan's, the Mayor and the Women of Main Street. And so...she danced...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3a61a2c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3a61a2c6.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a8b69fae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/a8b69fae.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/360d9006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/360d9006-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
They remembered Kayla by name...and even danced with her.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3a0c2c2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/3a0c2c2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These are all memories that I hope she will love to look back to as an adult, just as I do of my times in Disney as a child. We created memories together...memories I hope she will will cherish forever...I know I will.<br />
<br />
And so...I hope I live to be 102...because if I do, I can picture myself at 90 rocking in a big clunky white wooden rocker on the front porch of our home, holding Rick's hand. As we rock back and forth I can hear our conversation...reliving the joy of this vacation. I am sure that some moments will fade or become foggy with age but I hope some replay like scenes from our favorite movies. Together, reliving the magic. Reliving these days of life and love and laughter.<br />
<br />
Magic doesn't just happen. Most of the time it doesn't just come to you...you have to create it. Hope you are creating some magic this holiday season! Merry Christmas to all...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ea836857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/ea836857.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and to all a good night...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/71376387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/Disney%202011/71376387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-36692035204809216042011-11-03T23:55:00.000-04:002011-11-04T08:38:45.350-04:00Beat the drum.This is a big day...no...make that huge. It's a day to celebrate, eat cake, live it up and beat the drum. Today my girl is 2,000 days old.<br />
<br />
No...I haven't counted each day on a paper calendar or added using my abacus, calculator or iPhone. My countdown to baby clock became my count up clock...counting each and every day I have been blessed to have Kayla in my life...2,000 days to be exact.<br />
<br />
Or...48,000 hours or 2,880,000 minutes or 172,800,000 seconds. Whichever way you choose to look at the amount of time she has been in my life...each day, each hour, each minute, each second...all more precious and special than the one before. Because 2,001 days ago I was not a Mommy...2,001 days ago I had no idea how profoundly my life would change with the sound of her cry, the sparkle in her smile or the glimmer in her eyes. Because 2,001 days ago my life was no where near as perfect as it is today. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/eb0e0eb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/eb0e0eb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/12f342d2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/12f342d2-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/eb0e0eb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/eb0e0eb5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c2ab0c1b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c2ab0c1b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/dd1a51fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/dd1a51fe.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
Here's a look back at just some of the first 2,000 days...just some of the days that have made my life rich and full of life and love...just some of the days...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a5cf28e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a5cf28e9.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/941e7b3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/941e7b3c.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/50ad8258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/50ad8258.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/bda4a60a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/bda4a60a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/4f14a852-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/4f14a852-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a5cf28e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/bda4a60a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/08570a31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/08570a31.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f16d0564-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f16d0564-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a52407fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a52407fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/912c0a8b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/912c0a8b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/641ad73e-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/641ad73e-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go ahead celebrate something big {or little}...just celebrate...beat that drum!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c1776b54-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c1776b54-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-36290575054200030132011-11-02T23:44:00.002-04:002011-11-02T23:44:36.731-04:00A practically perfect jolly holiday.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This was Kayla's 6th Halloween. I have been patiently waiting for the past five years for her to actually care...to have an opinion about her costume. I have been dying for the day that she demands to be something or someone. For the day that she lays down in the middle of the store claiming she would just die if we didn't buy the $100 costume that would only get worn once Anything, really. And I promised myself when that day came I would deliver. I would deliver because for so long I hoped she would have a voice. For so long I prayed she would have an opinion. For so long, I wanted her to be typical...just like every other girl and care about the one day she could be anyone she wanted to be.</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Be careful what you wish for. My girl wanted to be Mary Poppins. Not Mary Poppins in a skirt, coat and black felt hat adorned with flowers. Not <i>'spoon full of sugar' </i>Mary Poppins. <i>Jolly Holiday</i> Mary Poppins. You know the one...white dress with a ruffly lace bodice, sheer sleeves, red ribbons and a gorgeous red waist cincher...complete with a white lace parasol, of course. Oh...and of course the final detail...the white boots with red buttons.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ummm...yeah. Have you been shopping for a Mary Poppins costume lately? No? Well I have...in stores, online...looking and searching for anything that could possibly resemble Mary Poppins. Anything that could be tweaked or adjusted to look like Mary Poppins. Anything...really...anything. Nothing. Thank you, Disney, for making this task so difficult. Thank you for creating every princess costume available in every store known to mankind. Some with sparkles...some without...some with accessories, some without. But Mary Poppins, not a chance. Nowhere to be found.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So I ask again {secretly hoping she has changed her mind to Cinderella}. Without hesitation she states "Mary Poppins". And so...Mary Poppins it was. While I had no idea how much this was going to set me back, I knew I had to make it happen. I had to deliver. And so I did...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks to Ebay, Joanns and a costume designer, the look was complete...well, almost. She wasn't satisfied until she had white boots with red buttons. Thankfully my mom found a pair of women's white gloves that I modified to be <s>shoe covers</s> boots with red buttons.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
With rosy cheeks and a bounce in her step she strutted singing Mary Poppins tunes...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/995692c4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e446f747-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e446f747-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/995692c4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/995692c4-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Our Trick-or-Treat moments were many this year. Prancing from parades to parties. First stop was Trick-or-Treat Main where we ran into Kayla's best friend, Peyton, from preschool...</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/4597f00f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/4597f00f.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/97639b98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/97639b98.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Next stop was her school parade {cutest thing ever, by the way}. As the kids dressed as lady bugs, princesses, super heros and zombies strutted their stuff, family, friends and homeowners lined the street to witness the cuteness in full effect...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9725301a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="453" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9725301a.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/3edf45d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/3edf45d8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/3704eb6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/3704eb6a.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9303eab0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9303eab0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/dee950df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/dee950df.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d0fc524b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d0fc524b-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kayla and her boyfriend, Tucker...yes, boyfriend. More on that subject later...but he is definitely one of the cutest boys in her class...my girl has great taste.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Take one...he kinda loves his Captain America shield. He was so proud that his mom made it for him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/81e04c76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/81e04c76.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Take two...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9fa64c83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/9fa64c83.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And her "BFF" as she calls her...Kendall...sweetest girl, ever. I have a story about Kendall that will bring you all to tears...stay tuned...that's for another day...<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5d65cf36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5d65cf36.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I can't even begin to tell you how fortunate we are to be where we are...for Kayla to be where she is. She is in the greatest school...in the greatest class...with the most amazing teachers...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2b32ef52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2b32ef52.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Next stop...visiting grandparents and great grandparents...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/096f88f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/096f88f3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ae59baf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ae59baf3.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/fdc1aff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/fdc1aff1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For as long as she could walk Kayla has walked into my grandmother's house and sat on that stool at that table and played.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2c33dc9d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2c33dc9d-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Pretending to talk on the phone. Pretending to take orders. Pretending to be a receptionist. Writing and scribbling and talking to no one in particular. Today she did the same. But today was different. Today she asked me how to spell Halloween. As I spelled it she wrote it...hallowEE...backwards N. Did she seriously just write Halloween? She has never asked me to spell a word so she could write it. Today she did it...with success. Not cat. Not dog. No...Hallo-freaking-ween. Awe. I was in awe. So much so I didn't take a picture. Why does that happen? I get so caught up in those moments of pride that I forget I have a camera....a very large camera with a very large lens hanging around my neck. Ugh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d2b3fa99-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d2b3fa99-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our final stop on the Halloween train this year was trick-or-treating with great friends in the frigid autumn air...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/8d25d367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/8d25d367.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/40c06366-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/40c06366-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She quickly became Mary Poppins in a parka...but she didn't care...just as long as people kept putting candy in her bucket...and she filled up that bucket! Just as I filled up one more amazing page in my memory book. I observed her from afar...watching her strut her stuff up driveways...turning only to tell me to stay there. She would knock, give the traditional salutation of "trick-or-treat", take only one treat and walk away with the largest smile of contentment and pride you have ever seen. I wish I took a picture of that face but I was too busy standing there in awe of her. In awe of the girl she has become. Beautiful, confident and proud...and alright, I'll admit it, it was hard to see through tear-filled eyes. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Once we returned back to Paul and Michelle's house the kids emptied their buckets and bags like it was their job. Kayla reached in over and over and over again until each and every last piece of candy was laying in front of her on the table. Ready to be eaten.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/719a08d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/719a08d2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d90fa842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d90fa842.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/075d6ecd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/075d6ecd.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f7797607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f7797607.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For those that don't think candy puts you on a sugar high...answer me this...how is it possible that these kids could run {yes, run} around the house until 10:30 PM...only stopping because we made them. Sugar. Sugar is the reason. That sugar is sweet and so is my girl...my Mary Poppins...and my memories of this Halloween.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2e6ee03b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2e6ee03b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hoping your holiday was just as jolly...and just as perfect...practically perfect in every way.</div>
</div>Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-37798446960034124952011-10-24T22:06:00.002-04:002011-10-24T22:06:56.565-04:00The Test<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Today <i>the test</i> is available. For those of you that have babies with Down syndrome, you know the test I am referring to...MaterniT21. This prenatal test is able to detect fetal DNA in the mother's blood as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. Ten weeks. Before you have likely told your neighbor, your best friend, perhaps even your Mom. Ten weeks. Before you have really connected with your baby. Ten weeks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Why does this concern me? Because of the way I was told Kayla had Down syndrome...by pointing out what was "wrong" with her. Because 96% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted. Because people don't understand Down syndrome...not even the doctors offering the prenatal testing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Dr. Brian Skotko, an amazing doctor and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome {who also happens to be the brother of a sister that has Downs syndrome}, conducted a study of 3,150 mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and people with Down syndrome. Here is just a sample of what he found...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
99% of people with Down syndrome said they were happy with their lives</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
97% of people with Down syndrome liked who they were</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
99% of parents said they love their child with Down syndrome</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
97% of brothers/sisters, ages 9-11 said they love their sibling</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here are some of my own statistics...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I love Kayla 100%...every little bit of her...including that extra chromosome</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
99% of my days are brighter because of Kayla</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
99% of the time I am proud of her</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
99% of the time I want to be around her</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The other 1%? Well, she is a five-year-old little girl. A very typical five-year-old little girl. Sorry...big girl. I would definitely be corrected for calling her a little girl if she read this. The point is, I'd be lying if I said I was proud of her 100% of the time. Would you be proud of your child for being sassy to a teacher by saying "whatever"??? Probably not. Or would you be proud of your child for biting her friend on the knee...not so much {and yes, my sweet little Kayla did that apparently because her friend took her stuffed animal}. So...that's the 1%.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But I'll take that 1% and the other 99%...I'll take it all...just to have my girl. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So go ahead, doctors, give that test to pregnant women. But I sure as hell hope you are also giving them information about Down syndrome and connecting them with parents that love their "imperfect" children. The problem is, I know there are thousands of Moms that were met with the diagnosis in the same sad and pathetic way that I was...the "are you sitting down", "are you alone", the "I'm sorry to tell you this"...and my least favorite "let me show you what's WRONG with your child"...To those women that got the diagnosis prenatally and kept their children, I applaud you. I've said it before but truth be told...I can't honestly tell you that I would not have been one of the 96% of women having an abortion. Unless you know anything about Down syndrome, it appears to be doom and gloom...even out of the mouths of doctors.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So the problem is this...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
If women no longer need to have an invasive amnio to receive this diagnosis, it is far more likely they will find out their child has Down syndrome while pregnant. It is far more likely that 96% will increase and the number of people with Down syndrome will decrease.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
While I never imagined my life as the parent of a child with Down syndrome, I would want it no other way. Kayla has taught me more in her five short years than I could ever teach another human being. She has taught me love, compassion, kindness, respect and most importantly, she has taught me that all of us...ALL of us...are humans. We all are equal. We all are deserving of nothing less than what we expect out of life...to be happy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So go ahead...if you are pregnant...take the test...but don't take it to decide whether or not to "keep" your child. Take it to be more prepared for life as the parent of a child with Down syndrome. I promise you...it is a life that is more full and rich than you could ever possibly imagine...for I could never imagine my life without her...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/20fb91e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/20fb91e5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2cb1c929-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2cb1c929-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/daa0579e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/daa0579e.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/69d7316b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/69d7316b-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/258f95d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/258f95d8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/76934fbb-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/76934fbb-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e07b7df0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e07b7df0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks for reading and I'd love to hear your thoughts...</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-64143245414752974622011-10-20T22:15:00.000-04:002011-10-20T22:16:00.424-04:00The strength of a sisterhood.My life was rocked this September. I received a call from Kayla's doctor that her blood work came back positive for both celiac disease and thyroid disease. I have thyroid disease so I know managing that is no biggie. The celiac, however...rocking. my. world. My dad's wife has to follow a gluten free diet and I know just how difficult it is cooking meals and especially eating out. I slowly processed all of the emotions but the hardest part to accept is the fact that this is just one more thing that makes her <i>different</i>. Just one more thing that will make her stand out from her peers. My immediate thought went to school lunches and birthday parties. While I have to admit taking back the power of packing a healthy lunch will be great, my girl loves to buy. Everyday she wakes up and asks me what is on the calendar...the school lunch calendar. She wants time to think over her choices and decide what she will be purchasing that day. She has the power and she loves it. These days she is really big into being first, being the leader and having the power...so buying lunch to her is the ultimate. She gets to make all of the decisions...white milk, chocolate milk or strawberry milk? Chicken tacos, hot dog or ham and cheese? I tried to prolong the lunch-buying in the beginning of the school year by telling her she had to memorize her pin number first {knowing most kids didn't know theirs}...well...one day later she had it down...she would walk around telling me her five-digit pin...complete with "enter". So obviously she was motivated to buy...to have that ultimate power.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, just knowing I will have to take that power away from her breaks my heart. While I know I can give her choices at home to pack...it's just not the same. I am pulling away her ability to be the same. To just be a kid...a typical kid with a choice. That breaks my heart. <br />
<br />
Then, as always, my mind races ahead. Just like those days five and a half years ago in the days following Kayla's diagnosis of Down syndrome, my mind raced with all of the what-ifs and will-shes? Like will she ever walk, talk, make friends, drive a car, go to prom, get married, etc., etc., etc....I know...ridiculous to have those thoughts when your child is a newborn...but I had them...and all of you Mommas with babies with special needs know exactly what I mean. As if any Mom knows if their child will go to prom or get married...but I worried. As soon as I realized I needed to focus on today, it made everyday much easier to manage...but for me, the type-a planner...that was difficult...very difficult. <br />
<br />
So with the celiac diagnosis, my mind immediately raced to birthday parties. We don't even have any on the calendar, but I worried and started to plan...I don't want my child to be any different so I decided before parties I will take matters into my own hand. I will talk to the birthday girl or boy's Mom and find out if they will be having cake or cupcakes and what color icing they will have. Yes...you know exactly what I am thinking...I will then bake the gluten-free version and take it to the party. So as all of Kayla's friends are getting orange and yellow icing all over their faces, lips and fingers, Kayla will too. <br />
<br />
I know I will continue to fight for Kayla to be as "typical" as her peers...and this is just one more speed bump in our journey. While this diagnosis rocked my world, finding out that she has to be put to sleep to have a scope and biopsy of her small intestines to completely diagnosis her has me scared. I just can't imagine her little body in an operating room. While I know the doctors do these tests on a daily basis...they don't do them on my baby, on my girl. But while this information had me worried, nothing could prepare me for the news I was about to receive...<br />
<br />
My sorority sister, Missy, reached out to us, her sisters, on September 23 to let us know she had just been diagnosed with inoperable stage IV oral cancer which had spread to her liver and lungs. She sent this information in a private message on facebook. I was sitting in the leather chair of my in-laws living room as I read the words she typed from the screen of my iPhone. I was immediately paralyzed by fear. Immediately struck with fear and sadness and tears...uncontrollable tears. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't talk. I was just struck with immense sadness. Missy is the definition of a sister. But more importantly, she is the mommy of three beautiful young girls and wife of a loving husband. I immediately thought what I would do if I received such news. Knowing the odds that are stacked against her, Missy is fighting. She is fighting the fight of her life and I stand behind her, supporting her.<br />
<br />
That night as I lay in bed processing the news, I knew I had to do something. I knew we, as her sisters, had to do something together. None of us live near her so contributing to her Care Calendar was out of the question. I immediately reached out to my sorority sisters {some that graduated before Missy was even initiated} and asked for their help. Within hours we had raised over $500. Within a few days we raised over $1,000 and within a week we raised over $1,500. We used that money to purchase $1,500 in Whole Foods gift cards to ensure she and her family are eating healthy during this difficult time.<br />
<br />
Along with the gift cards we sent a box of hair accessories for her girls, a framed poem and a card.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/755bc65d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/755bc65d-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are many that believe joining a sorority is nothing more than "buying friends"...there are many that believe all of the horrible headlines and bad movie plots about sorority sisters...there are many that would discourage their daughters from joining a sorority. To those I say this...<br />
<br />
Memories of my days in college are rich. Not because of the classes I took or the parties I attended but because of the women whom I chose to call my sisters. My memories are filled with pride of walking across campus in jeans and stitched letters. I wore my letters knowing they stood for what I believe in. They represented a sisterhood of women that were intelligent, strong and caring...who also happened to have a lot of fun together. Thinking back at college, sure, I learned a lot. Yes - I earned my degree...but those memories would not be the same without three little Greek words...Alpha Xi Delta...and the hundreds of sisters that made that sorority what it was {and still is} for me. <br />
<br />
While I have so much pride in my sisters from my four years as an undergraduate at Old Dominion University, I have never been more proud to be an Alpha Xi Delta. The strength of this sisterhood will never be broken. Many of us haven't seen each other in over 12 years, many graduated before Missy was initiated, yet we band together to help a sister. Pulling a sisterhood of strength to rally behind Missy to let her know we love her, we care about her and we support her. Missy is strong. She will fight. She will beat this cancer. We already lost one sister, Katie Edwards Benner, a few years ago to a brain tumor. Missy will fight and she will beat this because two is too many.Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-63036471433288760732011-10-17T21:57:00.001-04:002011-10-18T00:05:50.513-04:00Bieber feverIt's cute. Really cute. My girl has Bieber fever. For those of you that don't know what Bieber fever is, I'll assume you live under a rock...but just to clarify, Bieber fever is the description of those that are extremely fond of Jusin Bieber, the singer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c539dfd4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/c539dfd4-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to say, though...my girl is already far more advanced than I was at her age. She actually pays attention to music - the name of the song, the artist and most of all the lyrics and learns them - all of them...not just pieces of the chorus.<br />
<br />
I'll take you back a few years to 1982. I was five. The singer? <i>Michael Jackson</i>. The album? <i> Thriller</i>. The song? <i>Beat It</i>. Don't laugh. I don't know why I loved that song but I did. I rocked a white fringe shirt...yes, I said fringe shirt...and I rocked it...with it's purple plastic beads attached to each fringe and the words <i>Beat It</i> splashed across the front in purple and black glitter. I <s>thought</s> knew I was cool. I would sing everywhere I went...in our wood paneled station wagon, our 1970's yellow kitchen, sitting on the shag carpeting of my bedroom...everywhere... "Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it"...followed by a made-up, I had no idea what the words were..."no one la la mmmm eated. Show 'em whose funny, hmmm, hmmm mmm fight"....then right back into "beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it"...over and over and over again.<br />
<br />
My girl? She knows the words to her favorite song "<i>Baby</i>". So while I must have driven my Mom crazy just singing two words over and over and over again, Kayla's singing is music to my ears. I love hearing her sing the words to the song {complete with hand motions and hip shaking}...teaching me most of them, to be honest!<br />
<br />
While she loves his music, that is not the only reason she has been diagnosed with Bieber fever...<br />
You have to eat, sleep, breathe, think, talk Bieber to be diagnosed...and she has...<br />
In fact, if you ask her what she likes about Justin Bieber she will likely respond "his blond hair". I guess she already has a "type"...even at just five years old.<br />
<br />
There are numerous situations that prove she has the fever...here are just a few...<br />
During school one day, Kayla was paying attention to a friend, Carly. Her teacher quickly asked her "Kayla...are you be worried about Carly or are you worried about Kayla"? Her response..."I'm worried about Justin Bieber".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/504196c9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/504196c9-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dressed in her Justin Bieber pajamas for Pajama Day at school, Kayla from the back seat of the car..."Mommy, I get to wear my Justin Bieber pajamas to school today?"...to which I reply "yes you do"...her response? "How cool is that??????"<br />
<br />
For a mom that admittedly doubted if her child would ever be the "same" or be "typical"...It's cool...very cool.<br />
<br />
Here is a clip of her singing and dancing along at the Boardwalk Buddy Walk at the Rehoboth Beach bandstand in front of a crowd of hundreds {that blog is still to come...I am way behind}...The little boy in the clip is my future son-in-law, JJ. As he played with her tutu, Kayla stopped singing and exclaimed "Mommy, JJ likes my skirt" and went right back to singing and dancing. Hilarious.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
While you're watching...go ahead...you know you wanna sing along...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Baby, baby, baby, ooooooh</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Like baby, baby, baby, noooooooo</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Like baby, baby, baby, oooooooh</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thought you'd always be mine, mine......</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aXv6BDJljLk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-15400217151959219502011-09-25T23:16:00.000-04:002011-09-26T08:24:15.150-04:00Goodnight, Summer.For most, summer has been over since Labor Day...the official "end of summer". For me, I have held onto summer with everything I can...and for those of you that know me personally know that I will be rockin' my flip flops well into fall and sometimes if I am lucky into winter. It just depends on the snow schedule here in Delaware. I will rock flip flops in 30 degrees...but I draw the line at snow. So while I do enjoy the change of seasons and love the fall, I hold onto summer tight. Summers have always been my favorite time of year. I can do without the 100 degree days but the memories are so sweet. Swim team practice in frigid waters at the crack of dawn, boating on the Chesapeake Bay...spending my days and nights surrounded by the water...those times are some of my favorite memories as a child. It's the nostalgia, I suppose, that keeps me clinging to summer.<br />
<br />
Knowing what is coming...the cold, dark days...leaves me clinging to these amazing summer memories...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2ab20fa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2ab20fa1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ac3a944d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ac3a944d.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/af6931e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/af6931e3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5696b080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5696b080.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
Like spending time on the boardwalk...<br />
{Thank you Maddie and Jamie for taking Kayla on all of the rides!!!}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6ee0bbe8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6ee0bbe8-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/68ecddcf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/68ecddcf.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f6c7a5f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f6c7a5f7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7e36c6af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7e36c6af.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
I love these pictures of her on the very same boats that I probably enjoyed in the 70's...whoa...just dated myself...and scared thinking she was riding on some seriously old rides...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/809211a6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/809211a6-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6c59e832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6c59e832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And the games...oh how my girl loves the games...and...of course, winning!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a345a201-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a345a201-1.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b12b22ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b12b22ed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And spending family time at the zoo...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/08123f49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/08123f49.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a9fd7822-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a9fd7822-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/534b185b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/534b185b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/365388b9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/365388b9-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f5a8601d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f5a8601d-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/fc7cf049-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/fc7cf049-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh these two...they are my everything...and the way she loves him and he loves her right back...it's pure bliss. She has him wrapped around her little pinky...and he knows it. We are two very lucky girls.<img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/a49da2d4.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/849980f8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/849980f8-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/33e6093b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/33e6093b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And a day at the park...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/47530fcd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7c42540f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b05892d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b05892d9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7c42540f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7c42540f.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/47530fcd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/47530fcd-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2188598f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/2188598f.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/943dcc71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/943dcc71.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
She just can't possibly make me any more happy...her smile lights up my life.<br />
<br />
During these first few weeks of kindergarten there has been a lot of compromising on her "princess" outfits that she just <i>has to wear to kindergarten</i>...has to...as in she might just not make it through the day without a tiara and a fancy gown. For those days, we compromise on tutus and tank tops ...oh to be five again and get away with looking great regardless of your fashion sense!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/0ffb5139-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/0ffb5139-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I guess the other thing that keeps me clinging to summer is my birthday...that evil reminder that another year has flown by faster than the one before. And while I do love any reason to celebrate, celebrating another year gone just isn't as exciting as it was as a child. But nonetheless, we run through the motions and we celebrate. I no longer celebrate myself, I celebrate my life. Thankful for the friends and family and love that I have in my life. I am a very lucky girl. I woke up to this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b81666c3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/b81666c3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dozens of notes all over the house...feeling very loved, indeed.<br />
<br />
We celebrated this year at Moro...a restaurant in Wilmington. It is a very contemporary, upscale restaurant...reason number one we shouldn't have taken my Mom. Look...I love my Mom...she's my best friend...but there are many ways that we are different and one is that she isn't exactly an adventurous eater. She is more of a meatloaf and potatoes kinda gal. So...imagine her surprise when she read items such as escargot and foie gras on the menu. I imagined her ordering just a salad or perhaps just going with a diet coke so you can picture my shock when she suggested we order the Chef's Five Course Taster...kinda blind ordering...trusting the chef will read your mind and pick out exactly what you yourself would have ordered...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/24fe2f4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/24fe2f4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Course 1: Buttered fish with popcorn and fennel seeds<br />
Course 2: Jumbo lump crab with melon sauce and salsa<br />
Course 3: Lobster risotto<br />
Course 4: New york strip steak with corn relish<br />
Intermezzo: Pistachio sorbet<br />
Course 5: Assorted desserts<br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ec37da9d-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/ec37da9d-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I watched my mom's face as she ate...course 1...epic fail. Course 2...not much better. Course 3...well...you get the point. The bread...well, that made her happy. It was indeed the most expensive bread she has ever had. <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e843b324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e843b324.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I will never forget this meal. Funniest. Meal. Ever. Ever! Comments like "wow...this is the best course so far...and it is just supposed to cleanse my pallet" and "well, we can always hit up McDonalds drive through on the way home". She was kidding of course...well...not really! If the meal was just any other meal it would have never etched itself into my memory the way it has. Laughter is good.<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/488b7e65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/488b7e65.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
My Pandora bracelet has a new addition...a princess carriage charm. My princess picked it out all by herself. A forever reminder of just how magical the land of Once Upon A Time and Happily Ever After truly is at the age of five...and a little symbol that tells me it's ok to believe that my life is a fairytale...because it is. My girl drew a picture of me on my birthday card and signed her name. To me, there could be nothing sweeter in this world. <a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6124af33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/6124af33-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d6dd0f24-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/d6dd0f24-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Goodnight 33. Goodnight sand and sunscreen and summer days and nights...goodnight.<br />
<br />
Oh...and for those of you wondering...we decided not to cut her hair chin-length. Instead we are hiding the pieces she chopped off in braids and behind large flowers, feathers and bows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f90dda8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/f90dda8f.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/62699f5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/62699f5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8240104181484024515.post-16270309799713421452011-09-05T22:17:00.000-04:002011-09-05T22:17:10.352-04:00Mommy Lesson 7,894So I thought I had dodged the bullet. You know the bullet that every mom fears...ok...well maybe I am being a tad dramatic...but this was a bullet I feared. Put a girl, her hair and a pair of safety scissors together and what do you get? Yup...gasp...a hair cut.<br />
<br />
I kinda thought we had passed this moment. As if my girl loved her hair so much she would never dream of taking a pair of scissors to it. First let me say that Kayla is an early riser...a ridiculously early riser. She has always played in her room or in the family room to give me {the caffeine-needing, slow moving Mommy} a little bit of time to get moving. <br />
<br />
Imagine my shock as I walked toward the stairs and saw a small chunk of golden-blond hair. Let me clarify - a small amount of hair that was at least 10 inches long. I thought it odd but picked it up and walked downstairs. As I reached the landing {her favorite spot to play near the window with her American Girl dolls} I witness more of the crime scene....more hair.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7fcd433d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/7fcd433d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Eeek. Ok...I have to admit at this moment I started to panic. Where were the scissors and where was my child? Remain calm...remain calm...remain calm...is all that played through my head. I calmly called for her asking her what she had cut. Her answer of course was "I don't know". As she entered my line of sight I gasped.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5bfe9887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/5bfe9887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Chin-length? Really? Uh. I think my heart stopped beating for a moment. I showed her the hair, smiled and asked if she cut her hair to which she cutely smiled at me. That smiled shouted guilty...guilty as charged! In that moment I realized it was just hair. It would grow back. Besides...she has always been a trend setter. For example she started rocking flowers in her hair 3 years ago...way before it was the cool thing to do. So perhaps rocking a side mullet will become the new trend...you never know...guess we'll just have to wait and see...<br />
<br />
Oh...and isn't this ironic...Kayla's teacher told me last week that she was very impressed with Kayla's scissor skills. Awesome. Great timing. Remind me to thank her OT.<br />
<br />
My dilemma now is do I use flowers and bows to pull back the chopped side or take her to my stylist, close my eyes and let her bob-it? Oh, I feel sick just thinking about it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e82f57e5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/ParticularlyPerfect/e82f57e5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So my Mommy lesson 7,894 is this: Never leave scissors anywhere. Anywhere. Ever. Never. Never ever...ever. Especially when your guard is down and you think you have dodged the haircut bullet. Take it from me...you haven't.<br />
<br />
What are you waiting for? Go hide the scissors...Amy Kosmalskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05636189383425280174noreply@blogger.com3