Tonight we will be ringing in the New Year in typical Wilkinson fashion- at home in our jammies. Matthew and I will likely watch something on Netflix and Casey and Connor will be in bed sleeping by 8 pm. We were supposed to go to a wedding tonight but as usually happens- plans just fall apart. We are getting hammered with snow, Casey is CRABBY and Matt has one of his awful migraine headaches. Those 3 things equal no wedding for us but we are sending out warm wishes for a long and HAPPY marriage to Joy and Mike- you two deserve amazing things! Best wishes!!
I like to look back at the year as we move forward to a new year and this year was FULL of outstanding things! Casey and Connor learned to walk, learned to climb (nothing is safe anymore!) and they learned to use the stairs by themselves. They learned several signs and are beginning to use them more frequently though they do still resort to crying and misbehaving when they want something and we are not getting it fast enough. The boys accompanied me to 16 sessions with 3rd year med students at Akron Children's Hospital and the Genetic Anomaly conference at Case Western. They have shown so many people how fabulous they really are! Their Facebook fan page is over 570 fans, the blog has nearly 27,000 page views and has reached countries I have had to look up on a map to know where they are!
Most recently, the boys got to play in the snow for the very first time. They were not able to walk well enough last winter to put them out in the snow so it was a very memorable experience here a few days ago!
We survived Connor being hospitalized twice with dehydration and his also getting 2 stitches in his head after falling down the stairs. We went through 2 pairs each of SureSteps orthotics and 1 pair of crickets shoe inserts for Casey. We went through countless diapers, transitioned to toddler beds, watched the movie CARS 4 bazillion times and watched as the boys adjusted to having a baby sister!
The miracle men were in their first Christmas program at church and they became the January 2013 page of the Summit DD calendar!
Overall, it was an exciting and wonderful year!
This year we are looking forward to starting pre-school, making new friends and continuing with Medical education at Akron Children's Hospital. We will happily forgo any hospital stays though!
All in all, the blessings we had were numerous, the bad days were few and the memories and smiles were countless.
In 2013, we wish you and yours nothing but love, good health and good fortune. We wish for you to remember that life is all about your attitude. Just think of this- ANYONE can enjoy a good day- it takes a strong person to find the joys in the bad days. May you always be able to find the joys, share a smile and take the time to help a friend or stranger. The smallest acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Please help spread the words that I write that we may reach many more people this year and they can learn that Down Syndrome is a blessing not a burden!
Most importantly, thank you. Thank you so much for sharing in our fantastic journey! We are thrilled you are along for the ride!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
With LOVE,
Meghan
2 comments:
Hi! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family! Have the boys started their preschool program? Just wanted an update when you have a chance. I love reading about your family.
Meghan you are an incredibly talented writer! I already knew what an awesome mom you are but after (FINALLY) finding your blog and reading your entries, I am blown away. As a Summit county resident, I feel I can speak for all, and say that we are extremely lucky to have you on the DD Board! Kiss all 3 babies for me! We miss you in HMG but I am so thrilled to be able to continue to follow your journey, here on your blog -and of course I'll be stopping by to say hello whenever I'm "in the neighborhood"!
~Stephanie from HMG :)
Post a Comment