Primrose

Monday was Edie's first day at her new "Big Girl" school. She started this week at Primrose Preschool sporting her new Ladybug dress Ms. Jackie made for her. She will be attending all day Mondays and Wednesdays. Right now she has three other children in her class and A LOT of cool new toys! Eventually her class will max out at 7 children which is a great ratio. At Primrose she will have circle time, roll play, dramatic play, learn sign language, ABC's, 123's and even be introduced to some Spanish and so much more! We were not nervous at all leaving her. Once she saw the little baby dolls and all of the bright colors in the room she lit up and waved us "bye-bye".

She loved it and did great her first day. The teacher emailed us photos of her during the course of the day and gave us updates on how she was doing. At one time she said Edie was so, so tired but still wanted to play so bad. She said at one time she looked over at Edie and while she was stirring a pot she closed her eyes, dozed off and then popped back up, opened her eyes and continued stirring her pot. Too cute! Needless to say she was exhausted after dinner and her bath. We are so excited for Edie and her new chapter in life. We can't wait to see what great things she will be doing and all of the new friends she will make along the way.

So Much to Be Thankful For

We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. We are so thankful for our family, our friends, for our health and the love that was shown during the "2nd Annual Ladybug Fundraiser" honoring Edie and benefiting The Bell Center. We had around 200 family and friends to join us at the beautiful Summer Classics Showroom in Pelham for a great time of food, fun music and fellowship. Unfortunately {once again} I got so caught up in the evening I neglected to take any photos. These are the only 3 that Scott managed to snap at the end of the night. {next year I vow to find someone to do a better job at this than I have for the past two years}

With or with out the proof of photos the event was just as successful as it was fun. We raised over $11,000 for The Bell Center during the night of the fundraiser! Everyone was wowed by the great silent auction items and we were wowed by every ones generosity. Not only through their giving but also from the wonderfully talented friends we have who donated items to be part of the silent auction. Over 25% of the items we had were hand made with love from many of these talented friends. We are so grateful for everything and everyone. You have no idea how much your love for our daughter and for the children at The Bell Center means to us. We love you all so much.

Although the party may be over the fundraising is not. We still have until February 20th to raise money for The Bell Center for Early Intervention. So please if you have not already given we urge you to visit Edie's Firstgiving Page today and make a difference for these precious children. You can also pass on the link to anyone else who you feel would like to take part in this wonderful cause.

Iron Bowl 2009

We spent game day with Aunt Mindy, Chuck and friends eating, cheering and screaming at times. Edie had a great time playing with Bailey and some of the other kiddos. Bailey and Edie eventually found Chuck's guitar and played some beautiful victory music for us!

We have noticed so many beautiful changes in Edie lately but most recently we have noticed how well she is playing with others. While at Nan's and Pawpaw's Edie and Wesley played in the toy room for over an hour by themselves - which was a first for Edie. Normally she clings to us everywhere we go, even while at Chuck's she showed more of her independence wanting to play like a big girl. I guess our little girl is growing up right before our eyes. I have to say it does make us feel good to see her so involved with other children.

While Aunt Mindy was in Las Vegas at her tennis tournament {which they won Nationals!} she bought Edie a green M&M monkey that says "I love chocolate" when you push it - by the way Edie showed us that - anyway she LOVES it! She especially loves wearing it! Above is a photo of Edie with "a monkey on her back". Too cute!

Thanksgiving Indians, Pilgrims and Turkeys

We had such a great Thanksgiving Holiday. We all went down to Billingsley to spend time with Nan, Pawpaw, Uncle Zach, Uncle Mark, Great Grandaddy and The Smith Crew {Wyatt the Indian, Welsley the Pilgrim, Wyley the Baby} and Edie was the Turkey.

Wyatt and Wesley did a great job of decorating the table for our feast. They made the place settings complete with name cards, feather place mats and Indian and Pilgrim figures for everyone. They also had a skit planned out to teach us the true meaning of Thanksgiving. At the last minute they "turkeyed" out - so we have been promised a Christmas Play in its place.

Everything was perfect. Even the very, very fried Thanksgiving Turkey. It may look overdone - but it tasted delicious! Really.....it did.

Merry Christmas to Me!

You know your a true mom, wife and old lady when you ask Santa for a new washer and dryer. Santa came early this year and delivered my new "toys". Our old ones had-had it. By the time they made their farewell wash the dryer was taking over and hour to dry a load of clothes. This new one will dry in less than 15 minutes! Woo Hoo!

Walking and Talking

Edie has really been walking and talking lately. She has graduated from a typical push "toy" to an actual walker. She has been doing really well with her walker too. She has learned how to maneuver around objects and turn on her own pretty well making it easier for her to walk longer lengths at a one time. She still uses her push toys and probably enjoys them a bit more {since her walker does not sing and talk to her} - but the weight of the walker is so much better and it helps her to stand up straight rather than having to bend down to push and walk.

The funniest thing Edie has been doing lately is pretending to talk on the phone. She is constantly asking for the "gome" and putting her hand to her ear. If she sees us talking on the phone or hears the phone ring her eyes light up and she has the cutest look on her face. She has several toy phones but she is smart enough to know that the ones that really work are on the counter or in ma-ma's purse. So of course these are the ones she prefers. She will carry on pretty long conversations too. We tell her Santa is on the "gome" and wants to know if she is being a good girl - which of course she is!

I have tried several times to capture her walking and talking on video but every time she sees the camera she stops what she is doing to go for the camera. I will keep trying.

Polo at Point Clear

I found these photos on the camera tonight and realized that I never posted about our fantastic weekend getaway. About a month ago Scott and I attended The Polo at Point Clear. We were VIP! Which is a first for us as was the mere fact of attending a Polo match. One of my customers which happens to be The Grand Marriott in Point Clear hosted a VIP tent and we were invited to showcase our furniture and attend as guest. We had a lot of fun dressing up and {me} wearing a really BIG hat. I can't say I learned anything about Polo but I did enjoy several good drinks and a lot of great food! The best part of it all was spending some quality time with Scott and just getting away.

Parties {x3}

We have been partying like Rock Stars lately and it has been so much fun! I love seeing Edie interacting with other children. Our first party was for Edie's buddy Carter who turned three. The party was held at a painting place in Homewood. Edie did a great job painting her fairy in between taste testing the paints. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Our next party was for Edie's buddy Charlie who turned two. This party was at Soccer Blast. It was a blast too! Edie's favorite part was the bouncy. She wanted nothing more than to bounce around with the other kids. I got in there with her and we played for a while. She was so cute bouncing up and down, going through the circle {many times all by herself} and and sliding down the slide. She had so much fun! So much so that she passed out before we had cake!

The last party on the party train was at Veterans Park for Allie's 2nd Birthday. We had yummy cupcakes and juice. Edie had a great time playing with the other children and especially sliding down the slide. I would put her up on the toddler play yard and she would climb up to the slide and say "sly". I would say ok and stand beside the slide. She would then turn around and back up to the top of the slide and go down backwards all by herself!! It was so stinkin cute! A's mom and dad filmed it on camera - so maybe they will be able to send to me so we can share. By the end of the party Edie was filthy with food and dirt. And A had a icing mouth too!

It's a Family Tradition

We have been going to Gatlinburg each year around this time for about 10-12 years. My mom and dad bought into a time share many moons ago and although they may have some regrets now {about the timeshare} we have shared so many great memories there. We used to hike in the mountains, eat a picnic lunch and not come back until dark. Then we progressed to short hikes and dinner out. Most recently we have moved to driving everywhere and eating most all meals out. My how things change.

In the beginning we were able to all go as a family too but as the years have past and our families have grown we can not all fit! Therefore with out really planning my family and Aunt Kelli's family have been rotating each year. It really has worked out well. I went with mom and dad when Kelli was busy with babies and pregnancy, Kelli's family went last year when Edie was still a baby and this year we went now that Kelli has another new baby.

We always have fun going into the mountains and visiting the local crafters. We always visit with one local potter {is that what you call it?} and buy a piece of pottery from him. Nan, Kelli and myself all have a collection. Collecting one piece at a time making it a fun tradition. I love family traditions and history - I can't wait for My family {Scott, Edie and her future brothers and sisters} to make our own too!!

Edie and Pawpaw

Wildlife In counters - {notice Scott in the background} Yes that is a real bear!

Edie and Scott had so much fun playing and looking at the creek

Snails and Ladybugs

Last year we bought Edie a snail costume for Halloween only to discover that it was way too big. So although she is now 21 months old she was finally able to wear her 12 month old snail costume for Halloween. As you can see she was too cute! Normally Edie does not like hats but this hat was different. I am not sure if it was the bulging eyeballs or the fact that she knew she was so cute in it - but whatever the reason she wore it with out a fuss. We were not able to get out and Trick or Treat in Gatlinburg because of the rain. However, Edie did sport her snail costume all during dinner at a local restaurant. She was the cutest snail ever!

Nan and Pawpaw surprised her with a big fat Ladybug for Halloween. She loves to lay on it and pat it to sleep. Something else she likes to pat to sleep is her dolls. That is right after she drinks their milk!

Kitty Cat

We were surprised last week with a gift in the mail from Ms. Jackie {Edie's other Grandmother}. It was the cutest little dress with orange bows and a black cat just in time for Halloween. Edie wore this dress for three days in a row! Her final debut was during the trip to Gatlinburg. It fit perfectly and looked so sweet on Edie. Thank you Ms. Jackie! We also received a precious handmade dress from Ms. Jackie for Christmas which was delivered by Nan. I can't wait to put Edie in it too!!

Holiday Photo Shoot

I am still trying to catch up on my posts. We have had a lot of things going on with the fundraiser and our recent trip to Gatlinburg {I will post pictures later} but for now I wanted to share with you photos from our recent shoot with Grethel. We met with her last Friday morning for pictures. It was hot, humid and Edie was not in the best of moods by the end of the shoot - but we still got some really GREAT photos of her! And us! Once again our house will be filled with new photos but I promised Scott that a little wall space will remain in our house. I just can't help it though. I love my beautiful little girl!

go to www.gvephotography.com click on client and enter password - edie. Enjoy!

Buddy Walk 2009

Sunday was a day of celebration. Our family along with over 1000 others celebrated with friends and family members who have been touched by an angel with Down Syndrome. During the month of October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month PADS {Parent Advocates for Down Syndrome} host the annual Buddy Walk. During this event we all join together, raise money and walk in honor of a child and/or adult with DS. Thus far the PADS members have raised over $85,000. Their goal is to raise $100,000 by October 31st. So if you have some lunch money to spare next week please visit www.parentadvocatesdownsyndrome.com and help this organization to reach their goal. Money raised this year will benefit the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB Hospital.

We too are a part of this group. Scott has served as VP of PADS this year and did a great job in coordinating a very successfull 2009 Buddy Walk. This year was actually the highest attendance ever! Congratulations Dada! We are so proud of you for putting your heart and soul into making this year a success!

The Great Pumpkin Patch

We braved the cold today and headed out the the Pumpkin Patch in Clanton, AL. We played on the pumpkins, in the sunflower field and took a hay ride to the pumpkin patch. We scoured the patch until we found the "perfect" pumpkin. I actually bought Edie and I pumpkin hats from etsy just for this occasion. {i'm a goob i know} Of course Edie was not into wearing her hat even though she looked so cute in it. I think it was because she was tired and VERY cold. We have realized after today that Edie is not a fan of cold weather especially when there is wind involved. She is more of a suggeler which is also fine with us. Just not when we are trying for a photo shoot!

This cold snap did prompt us to go on a shopping spree too! We had not really realized until this morning that Edie does not have a warm coat. She has many jackets, sweaters and blankets - but no coat. So this evening she and I went to town and purchased her a precious green wool coat, a fleece bubble sleeveless jacket and a pair of pants lined with fleece. She is sure to be warm next time!!

Friends Big and Small

Last weekend we had over some of our good friends to watch the game. Well - the dads watched and the moms and babies played. We had a good time. Edie loved playing with Audrey, Maxwell, Andrew, Carter and Rossy. It was chaotic with all of the kiddos but for me it was great! It makes me want to add two or three more to the Shunnarah household. Chaotic yes - but so rewarding! I love the cahos!! And I love all of our friends and their babies.

aha Moment

A friend posted a comment to Edie's blog that I wanted to share. Take a moment to look at this site and vote for this aha moment. As Jack mentioned the top vote will be an aha moment TV commercial next year. The more awareness of Down Syndrome the more understanding the world will become.

Jack said...
Thanks for sharing Edie's story. You seem to have a wonderful family.As this is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, thought I’d pass along an easy way to help raise awareness: check out this short video -- http://www.ahamoment.com/vote/barry -- about the aha moment of father of a child with Down Syndrome who learned what you can do with challenges. If you like his story, click to vote for him, as the top vote getter's in the contest will be aha moment TV commercials next year. More media exposure around Down Syndrome awareness would be a very good thing, so spread the word if you can. First round ends Oct 15, so get your vote in soon!Thanks,jack@ahamoment.com
October 14, 2009 6:42 PM

Do You Have 9 Minutes to Spare?

If so see this {i copied from a friends blog - hope you don't mind sandy}. This is a very informative video teaching us all how those with Down Syndrome are more alike, than different. If you are like me you may sometimes find yourself thinking that most teenagers and adults with Down Syndrome may never drive a car, go to college, get a job, live unassisted, etc., etc. After all, it is what society has taught us. I even sometimes catch myself thinking "What if Edie never {blank}" then I quickly remember "look what she has already accomplished at just 21 months!" and so what if she doesn't drive a car one day. I will drive her! She is truly amazing just as all those with Down Syndrome are Amazing. See so for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKUkj7Pmk_0

In Honor of National Down Syndrome Awarness Month and Edie Shunnarah

What a more perfect time to kick off our fundraising for the "2nd Annual Ladybug Fundraiser" honoring Edie and Benefiting The Bell Center for Early Intervention than October. This month is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and we want to make you AWARE that Down Syndrome is a blessing! Our lives have truly been blessed by Edie. She has given us so much more than we could ever give to her. Our lives are so much fuller, richer and meaningful because of Edie. She has shown us how to embrace and love life and appreciate all that we have.

Because of Edie we have also been introduced to some wonderful families and individuals. Some of these individuals you will find at The Bell Center for Early Intervention in Homewood, AL. These ladies have cared for our family as if we were a part of their own. They have actually become a part of our family and we feel honored to know them. Last year, due to much love from family and friends our "2009 Team Ladybug"raised over $10,000 for TBC during the Mercedes Marathon event. This year we are raising the challenge to $18,000! Please take some time to read "Our Story" and what TBC means to us. Please also consider making a charitable contribution to our wonderful cause and take part in supporting these beautiful children. Also pass along this blog or the http://www.edieshunnarah.firstgiving.com/edieshunnarah to anyone you know who would like to give a gift as well. We love and appreciate you so much!!

"Our Story"

The baby room was complete. All of her tiny little clothes were laundered and our bags were packed, with her coming home dress folded next to mine. The car seat was secure, our camera batteries were charged. We were prepared. We were ready and on January 14th, 2008 God blessed our family with Edith Gabrielle Shunnarah.

She was beautiful. She had all ten fingers, all ten toes and a little something extra. “Edie” was born carrying an extra chromosome. In clinical terms she was born with Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome. Scott and I thought we were so prepared, so ready, but we never expected this. We were not ready to care for a baby with Special Needs. We knew nothing about Down Syndrome, how to care for a child with this diagnoses, what the future would hold for us, for our {brand new} baby girl. All I could ask was – “God why us? Why me? Why our little girl? – She does not deserve this life you have chosen for her"

We were introduced to The Bell Center by every random nurse and doctor who entered our room. With so many recommendations we knew this was our next step. We made the call and met with Ms. Betty Bell five days after Edie was born. It was tough entering the facility for the first time. We were a bit uncomfortable as we sat in the car trying to catch our breath and dry our tears. Neither Scott nor I had ever been exposed to this world and yet we were now a part of it. We were not ready and we had no idea what to expect. We were immediately put to ease once we spoke with Ms. Betty. She knew so much more about us than we did ourselves. She knew our thoughts, concerns, feelings, and she knew our daughter was worth every ounce of love the would had to give. She advised us to go home and enjoy our baby, love our baby and five weeks later Edie attended her first class.

Since this first class Edie has gone from learning to hold tiny rattles to walking while being assisted and everything in between. Scott and I have gone from “clueless” to very well informed and very well supported. We have so much love and respect for Ms. Betty, the therapist and volunteers who serve at The Bell Center. And to show our gratitude we started “The Ladybug Fundraiser in honor of Edie Shunnarah” in 2008 raising over ten thousand dollars for The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs.

We can easily say our life was turned upside down on January 14th, 2008 and it was turned upside down for all of the right reasons. We could not have asked for a more wonderfully special child than our Edie. She has taught us more about life and what truly matters than you would ever know. We were not prepared nor were we ready but God was. He was ready to bless us with one of his greatest gifts of all. And we are so glad that he chose this life for us.

Teething and Tantrums

Poor Edie..........Last week Edie developed a stomach bug which gave her many dirty diapers, a lack of appetite and I am sure stomach pains. On top of this we are pretty sure she is teething. She is visibly getting her right incisor tooth but we think she may also be getting in some larger teeth in the back. She is constantly sticking her thumb towards the back of her mouth and chewing on it. I have tried teething toys, teething biscuits as well as frozen washcloths. She does not seem to like anything as well as she likes her thumb. However what she does LOVE are the teething tablets. Are they really just sugar pills, placebos as some say? Or do they really do something? Whatever it is Edie loves it! I have been giving her 3 before bed and the other night she signed "more". She has only wanted crackers for the past 4 days but she wanted "more" teething tablets!

We think at this point Edie is over her bug - but the crying seems to persist. Almost everything over the weekend upset her. We have never seen her cry so much. In fact, because she hardly ever cries, when she does it sends Scott and I into panic/stress mode. We just do not know how to handle it. We hate not being able to soothe and seeing her so upset. I am sure some has to do with still feeling a little puny but we are beginning to wonder if she is pulling one over on us.

She got a little too accustomed to eating just Gold Fish and Ritz crackers during her stomach bug. We made her pancakes, waffles, oatmeal (twice), toast, pb&j, fish sticks, chopped meat, veggies, chicken noodle soup,muffin tops - all of her favorites and she still wanted nothing but crackers! So what did we do? We gave our baby crackers and still this morning all she wanted was crackers. Luckily Gigi was able to get her to eat creamed potatoes and meatballs today so maybe things will begin to get back to normal. We hope so anyway. I miss her little potbelly!!