Holiday Spirit

{Porter's First Santa Encounter}

We went to a party that Porter's Early Intervention Service Provider invited us to. The theme was the polar express and it was a lot of fun. It will be even funner when Porter can actually appreciate it. The invite said to wear PJs so I did, but I think I was the only adult wearing them...I tend to get overly excited about pajamas. Santa gave Porter a book and put it right in his lap. Porter grinned and started slapping it because he wanted to read! Santa was very impressed and gave him a check for the "Nice" list.

{I cropped the photo so you can see P's face. He really was very excited.}

{It sparkles, it shines, it means it Christmas Time!}

Our tree has been up for a few weeks now but I can't stop looking at it. It turned out lovely this year. We used all of our glass icicles because we know next year it will be too dangerous to use them.

I had to put this one in because it's 75% of my day lately. Porter's new favorite past-time is blowing raspberries! I love the way he does them he sticks his tongue out, starts to blow, and pushes his chin down into his chest. When he does this his chubby cheeks push up and he gets these dimples by his nose also making creases that go up under his eyes. It's so cute in person.

REJOICE

Porter's results came back today as "normal brain activity." The doctor did tell me we need to watch for occasional seizures, but that Porter doesn't appear to be epileptic!We're so relieved! I heard our home phone ring and I knew they were calling with the results. I thought I'd be tricky and let voice mail get it so Aaron could call in from work to get the message. Well, they just called my cell phone so I had to talk to them. My heart was pounding and I was a little sick to my tummy from my nerves. It took about 10 minutes for my heart to go back to normal. I have been filled with gratitude all morning long! I have been singing and dancing around with Joy all day. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU PRAYERS!!! You must be one faithful bunch of people. :)
I feel a little guilty because all is well. During this scare there were some who had the attitude of, "Your child has Down Syndrome so it's inevitable he'll be sick." I really didn't like people trying to take away my right to hope as a Mother. But, at the same time Porter may not be as healthy as a typical child (I mean he's had the same cold since October) but he is extremely healthy for a child with Down Syndrome. We go to the children's hospital and are ever aware of how strong P is. My heart goes out to those who's little ones are fighting for life and those who watch their children face terrifying things often. Aaron's cousin just lost a little one only 15 days old. Oh, how my heart weeps for them. We found out and I just couldn't hold back the tears. I can't even imagine that kind of pain. I guess what I'm trying to share is my grateful heart. This was a small thing, but it was enough to give me empathy for those who's sweet angels sometimes bravely face the diagnosis. We pray for you and we can't help but love you!

Porter's EEG

Porter didn't like it much and I honestly can't balm him I'd be upset if they did this test to me.


{Stay awake baby, please!}

{He fell asleep on Dad's hip}

{The beginning of the electrodes, and this super cool toy they had. Does anyone know where I can get one of these light globes?}

{Trying to distract him}

{He hated the gaze wrapped around his head! Can you see the tears?}

{Our handsome boy!}

{Our not so handsome post EEG hair due.}

It was rough on Porter, but he's been through worse. :)
Now we wait for the results...
I hate waiting!

Just So You Know

Most of our family reads this so it's a good way to get the word out and let you all know that there's some stuff going on with P right now. I don't want anyone mad at me for not letting them know, but we haven't really talked about it much besides with our parents. Porter possibly (pretty likely) had a seizure on Sunday. The doctor thinks there is a chance he just got scared really badly and reacted physically to his surroundings. We're going to have a EEG brainwave study done tomorrow morning. The doctor told me today that it will be conclusive and show if Porter's having smaller seizures that don't manifest themselves physically.

On top of my worry about the seizure, Porter has a terrible cold that kept him up last night. He was coughing, vomiting, and so uncomfortable. I keep watching him wondering if something in the environment might trigger him. I feel like I did 6 months ago waiting to hear back about the likely diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I'm trying to be optimistic but there's a reality there as well. I know that I need to be prepared for bad results while hoping for the best. There is part of me that keeps compromising, "I can deal with this if it doesn't cause Porter to suffer. I can handle it if it doesn't cause him too much pain." Then I get angry at myself for trying to shake the will of the Lord. How can I not submit to his will for my little Porter? God's purpose is in all things. He gave his son for me so I need to humbly except whatever might be in store for my son. I've been thinking a lot about Mary this week. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for her, but being a Mom is making me realize just how much pain she had to submit to as well.

I hope that you'll hope for the best along with us tomorrow. We'd appreciate your prayers. We'll report as soon as we know. Lots of Love ~Megs

A Snap Shot Of Porter @ 6 Months

A slight delay turned into a long delay. We've been very busy this last week and things ended up taking more time with my poor gimpy husband. With my excuses out of the way let's talk about our Favorite Little Red Head--Porter:

{That's right little one, we're talking all about you!}
Stats:
Weight: 15 lbs 14 oz
typical: 23rd percentile DS: 75th percentile
Length: 24 7/8 in
typical: 10th percentile DS: 50th percentile
Head Circumference: 42 1/4 cm

At 6 Months Porter:

• Knows His Name
• Is the peek-a-boo boss. He only like to play if he gets to move the blanket over his face and find you. It's really a game of "peek-a-boo/Where's Porter?". He thinks it's the funniest thing.

{You may not recognize it but this is peek-a-boo. There is a Porter hiding in there.}

• Rolls from back to tummy often. Can roll tummy to back, but we don't see it much because he likes being on his tummy.
• Enjoys his fleece PJs with animal feet because he likes talking to them and pulling their ears.
• Gets lots of comments about the length of his eyelashes, his red hair, chubby legs, and just his general cuteness.

{Long Lovely Lashes}

• Attracts people. Strangers are drawn to him and he steals their hearts quickly. Anyone who gets to see him frequently (like our ward members) ends up falling in love with him. A good friend of ours takes him every chance she gets and is upset when he's home sick or cuddles with other friends instead.

{Grandpa is no stranger, but P sure does have a hold on his heart!}

• Is a Flirt--just yesterday he wooed a woman over lunch.
• Is motivated. His little body is always in motion. He doesn't give up and always keeps trying.

{Playing with Aunt Karli, moving so much he's a blur}

• Has a TEMPER. He'll scream until he's purple if things don't go his way...too bad hiss Mom is making him learn he can't always get his way because that means angry baby. He's getting better every day.
  
• Is a really good eater. He now eats: sweet potatoes, squash, and rice cereal with pear juice.
  
• Is easily amused by a Daddy/Mommy duet.
• Will laugh when he thinks something is funny (sometimes he even laughs at himself). It's so sweet.
• Sits unsupported. This is brand new; he almost had it a month ago but had to start over after his growth spurt. It's hard for me to reach this point because it means more crashes. I hope he can handle a spill every now and then.

{I put him on the bed to hang out with Dad and he decided he couldn't see enough so he pulled himself up. It surprised us both.}

• Will wave to you if you say "Hi, Porter." Well, we're going to say you've got a 50/50 chance of a wave back.
• Is learning the signs for: more, eat, milk, and water. He seems to understand more the best and will bring his hands together during feeding time if he wants more.
• Is a peacemaker. Aaron and I had a light hearted debate the other day, but Porter would not stand for it. I think Porter will not tolerate any discord in our home and I'm very pleased with that.
• Knows who Sydney is and enjoys pulling his hair. Thank Heavens for patient puppies. :)
  
• Is still close to Heaven. I took him to visit my friend Hillary who's expecting any day. We put Porter's hand on her belly and he just grinned and giggled. We took his hand away and he leaned over until he could feel baby Olivia again. (tears) I can't even imagine all that he knows and understands.
• Gets all his milestones for the first time during Baby Massage. I think it has something to do with not being inhibited by clothing.
  
• Likes the toys with crinkly paper inside best.
• Eats better for Dad.

{Yummy}

• Slept 12 hours last night... let's hope he keeps it up.
  

Things we love about you at 6 months Porter:

Daddy Loves:{This is Thanksgiving Day--thanks for the help boys ;) }

• when you smile.
• how excited you get when you see me after I get home from work.
• how you love to learn and that you don't give up easily.
• when you talk to me.
• when you laugh.
• how big your eyes get when you know you're going to get tickled.

{Tickle Giggle}

• I LOVE it when you cuddle!
  

Mommy Loves:{Porter's first snow experience!}

• everything daddy loves.
• how we share a love of snow.
  
• how you are the perfect fit for us.
• learning new things with you and how you help me understand life better.
  
• holding you close, singing softly in your ear, and hoping you can feel how much I love you!
• your baby rolls.

{Love this picture, if only he had looked at me}

• The way your reach out to touch my face and pull it to yours until our checks touch.
  
• the way you put your feet straight up for every diaper change.
  
• the smiles when you clasp your hands together and just gush with happiness.
  
• knowing that you're my child for all eternity.

Slight Delay

I promised a post all about P, but there is going to be a little delay. He's doctors appointment was at 11:15 and we just got home now at 7. Everything is fine and P had a great appointment. We just needed to have some lab work done and ended up going to 3 hospitals and finally ended up at the children's hospital because P has such small veins it took their IV Team to get him to bleed. Tomorrow is my cousin Jaden's wedding but Friday I should have time. See ya soon, Love Meg