Mama Monkmee

Meet The Newest Kaufman

2012-01-24T10:41:00.000-05:00

Lykaios aka Ki

Ain't he a beauty? He's a good dog, house broken and everything. Other than having some serious anxiety issues with being left alone, which we are working on, he's awesome. We've had him for almost 3 weeks now. He had never been around kids until he met mine lol. He's very good with them, he's a little on the scared side with them but he's getting better. He's not too fond of Will but thats just cuz Will harasses him all the time lol. Eian is his favorite.

Teamwork Tuesday: Robert

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Robert

Boy, born December 2009

Robert is just up from his nap — and look how bright-eyed he is! He has a couple of little teeth peeking out on the bottom, too

He has Down syndrome and a patent foramen ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.

These children are blessed to be in an excellent orphanage, however this region typically requires 3 trips. This is a great orphanage and the children receive excellent care, and there is minimal travel in-country. This orphanage is close to the Capital city, so it's fantastic for sight-seeing.

We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences.

Victoria Has Been Found

2012-01-23T12:24:00.000-05:00

So about a week or so ago Victoria moved to the My Family Found Me page. I was so excited I cried. Then I got a wonderful email from Victoria's forever mommy, thanking me for being Victoria's Christmas Warrior and raising money for her adoption. It made me cry even more, Joel proli thought I had lost my mind laying on the bed crying like a baby reading emails on my phone. Anyways I wanted to wait until they had announced it before I posted anything about it. I'm happy to announce that Victoria is gonna be a big sister to two little sisters, Kaelyn & Bryn. I can't wait to follow this adoption. I've followed alot of DS adoptions on blogs and facebook but this one is special to me. This is the little girl I wished and prayed about for many months.

Please Follow Along With Me At

RESCUING VICTORIA

Under Construction

2012-01-03T18:23:00.000-05:00

No worries just trying to update my blog. It's a new year and new changes are coming.

Adventures Visiting Santa

2011-12-11T07:22:00.000-05:00

Christmas Is Coming

2011-12-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

Yes my friends it's that time of year again. CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

I'm not sure why I've been having such a hard time over the last year or so keeping up with this blog. I used to do so good. Dunno what it is....I mean sure the 3 boys keep me busy and all but I find time to Facebook...Sure I've had to stop writing twice since I started this post, once to save my 1 year old that got stuck in the kitchen cabinet and again to pour the sleepy 4 year old some milk. The boys have been awake since before 6:30am and are in need of naps or maybe its mama that needs a nap. Anyways......The kids are doing good. We've been in NY for almost a year now.

Alex is doing great in school. His teacher just loves him. He needs to work on not yelling out the answers and letting others have a chance but his teacher said he's always right lol. He's learning to read and doing good at it. He says he loves math and he learned to tie his shoes (thanks to Mr Paul making him sit and practice till he learned). He told me he wants to spend his summer in SC again this coming summer. I told him I'd have to see what I could do. He's made 2 good friends up here and they take turns spending nights with each other on the weekends and let me tell you have 5 boys in the house is fun lol.

Eian is learning so much in school. His communication has improved so much. He still has a lot to work on, but he's finally putting 3-4 words together to make a sentence. Even if it is "dada woo phone" he still got his point across telling on Will for playing with daddy's phone. I wish communication was as easy for him as it is for his brothers. We are trying to find away to get him an Ipad to use to help with it, but that will be after tax time before we can make it happen. I'm working on making him a picture wall to help at home. His behaviors are about the same, still hitting, biting and throwing things when he gets made which is very often. He finally got a one on one aide at school, hopefully that will cut down on those behaviors at school. After the new year I'm gonna work on getting him so respite care from the Army (he qualifies) so that I can get a small break. We are still no were near potty training but he's gotten to the point where only diaper he doesn't wet threw are the over night ones.

Will is so much like Alex and Eian it ain't funny. He talks nonstop and is a mean little thing. He has started talking back. He loves to dance and play with his brothers. He thinks he's just as big as they are. He's still a little peanut at under 24lbs and still in size 3 diapers. He loves to help mommy around the house. This year is gonna be a fun Christmas for him now that he's older. I need to take him back to the dr he's got one more shot he needs to get.

Oh did I tell you I've had to stop 3 more times since the last time. Dirty diaper, pour Alex a drink and get little kids outta my bedroom where daddy is sleeping. We are going home for Christmas, we leave in 13 days. I can't wait I miss the South and my family and friends. I miss my Shuggy dog too. I'm almost finished wrapping gifts. I got a few more bows to make before I leave for Christmas and clean the house. I asked Joel last month what he wanted for Christmas and he told me there wasn't anything he wanted so we decided to have a real date night while we are home. Just me and him, no worrying about kids, sitters, or anything. So family is gonna watch the kids and we are gonna have some much needed us time as our Christmas gifts to each other. I can't wait. Well I guess I better finish up the tiny kid got quite and no telling what he's into.

Getting Ready For Christmas

2011-11-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

This year we will be going back home to SC for Christmas. Our tree and most of our decorations are back there. So I bought a used 4ft pre-lit tree and found a box of our ornaments that got sent up with our stuff in Feb when the Army brought it up. We set the tree up on our desk in the livingroom.

The boys are counting down till time for us to head home. I have most of the gifts bought and waiting to be wrapped. I picked out the boys own special wrapping paper. Every year they each get their own paper so we dont have to worry about reading names on gifts Christmas morning this year Will has Mickey Mouse, Eian has Scooby Doo and Alex has Spongebob.

We are going to have pictures made tomorrow and I'll get started on our Christmas Cards soon as we get them back.

Victoria's Auction (Facebook)

2011-11-16T06:11:00.000-05:00

I'm hosting an auction on my Facebook page. All proceeds (except shipping) goes to Victoria's Fund. Lots of goodies up for auction. Think Christmas.

Victoria's Auction

Also don't forget Operation Victoria (Avon Event) It's open until the 25th of Nov.

Operation Victoria (Avon Event)

2011-11-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

My cousin is an Avon representative, she has offered to graciously offer 50% of her earnings from this event to Victoria's adoption. This is a great way to get your Christmas shopping done and help a good cause. You must use the code HELPSAVE1ANGEL for her to get the 50%.

SHOP HERE

Planning An Auction For Victoria.

2011-11-03T20:06:00.000-04:00

I'm working on plans for an auction to raise money for Victoria's adoption fund. I'm currently looking for donations for it. If you would like to donate an item (no matter how big or small) please contact me at adjolly@ymail.com. I will be donating several items that I make.

Angel Tree 2011

2011-11-02T08:43:00.000-04:00

I just did my part and donated my $35 to my Angel. Thats my Starbucks money for the month. What could you give up to help this angel and many others find new homes? Think about it! I doesn't take much if everyone chipped in and donated just $1 it would add up fast.

31 for 21 Days 16-21: Victoria (Our 2011 Christmas Angel)

2011-10-21T21:10:00.000-04:00

This is Victoria, she turned 4 in March of this year. She is one of Reece's Rainbow's orphans. She's a beautiful little Russian princess. Victoria needs a forever family.

Girl, born March 2007

Eyes: Gray
Hair: brown
Character: calm, sociable

Look at the size of that hairbow! You know Miss Victoria is an orphanage favorite She has light brown hair and big blue eyes. She is very physically active/capable and will be a wonderful daughter!

From one of our adoptive families who visited with her in December 2010: beautiful, affectionate, active girl, much loved in the orphanage and really needs a family of her own!

This is our 3rd year being Christmas Warriors. We can't wait for our ornament to get here so we can put it on our tree.

About RR Christmas Tree:
Running from November 1-December 31 each year, the Christmas Angel Tree is our most important fundraiser.
In only five years, more than 500+ children with Down syndrome and other special needs are HOME with their "forever families" this Christmas. The vast majority of this funding comes from our Angel Tree Project each year!
Your donations and advocacy efforts turn the child on the left into the child on the right. *Just like that*. Money is the only thing keeping these children hidden away and languishing.
When you donate $35 or more, you will recieve a beautiful photo ornament of your sponsored child to hang on your tree. This is a very special way to "share Christmas" with an orphaned child, and it's a very personal and meaningful GIFT IDEA for everyone on your list. Gift cards will be sent with the ornament to your intended recipient(s). These are great for friends and family, but also for teachers, therapists, caregivers, doctors, etc. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, our gift cards make wonderful gifts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other seasonal celebration. International sponsors are welcome through Paypal.
To celebrate our 5th Anniversary, our goal for 2011 is to raise $500,000 (collectively) during this two month period. BE A WARRIOR for one child by committing to help raise $1000 or more for their adoption grant. Every penny you raise brings them one step closer to home. Use Facebook, Twitter, blogs, emails, church/work/family/friends/school to serve your chosen child. Make a larger donation for one child, or smaller donations for several children. $5 of your donation for each ornament desired will be shared with our Voice of Hope Fund, to help cover the costs of the ornaments, shipping, and Paypal fees, and to further the work of our ministry in the future. Reece's Rainbow is a true non-profit, and relies completely on private donations to this fund to remain operational, so your gifts for that are greatly appreciated throughout the year.

On November 1st I will put up the donate button for anybody who wants to donate. I will also be donating 50% of all sales I make on Monkmee Designz

31 for 21 days 14-16: Blog Entries From The Past

2011-10-16T08:28:00.000-04:00

Here are some blog post from the past. Most are the first few months after Eian was born.
October 7, 2007 - Sunday
OMG My Water Broke (Birth Story)
Tuesday i woke up to my phone ringing it was my grandma she was having trouble breathing and i got up at 5:30am and me and alex took her to the er we where there til 8 and we took her home. i had my appt at 9 am to see my new dr and have the gbs done so i left alex at my grandparents and went. i waited an hour to see the dr and after the appt we called and set my new c-sec date since i was changing hospitals and set it for 10-26 well i left and went back to get alex. we stayed there until about 12:30pm and i got alex up to leave took him to the car and my water broke. so we had my grandma and aunt take us to my moms so she could take us to the hospital i called joel at work and told him. we all got to the hospital at about 2 and it took my dr 2 hrs to get there all the time i'm leaking and having contrations. well after my dr got there they decided to transfer me to a level 3 hospital since i was only 35 weeks and off we went in the ambluance. we got there at about 6 and had to wait until 8pm for the c-sec. we went back and it took them almost an hour to get Eian out cuz i had so much scar tissue from alex. he came out at 8:59pm screaming and he weighted 6lbs and 5oz and is doing great he's a lil sleepy head and you have to wake him to geth him to eat but we got to come home today. his big brother alex just loves him so much. i'm doing good too. this c-sec was much easier than my first.

November 12, 2007 - MondayEian Update
Eian will be 6 weeks old tomorrow and last friday he weighted 8lbs 8oz. he's growing good. he's so sweet and loving. Alex is so protective of him it's so sweet he'll tell people no mine baby bubba. We did find out that Eian has Down Syndrome. Don't be sad for us. I feel like God picked us and we are truely lucky to have him. We are prepared to do whatever it takes for him to have a wonderful life just as we will with Alex. We are taking it one day at a time. We have a wonderful family and Super friends that support us and are will to help us any way they can. I'll keep you updated and post new pictures. This is a journey I look forward to. It maybe a long road but with love we'll make it. and thats what we have is lots of love.
He goes tomorrow at 8am for an u/s of his tummy since he's been throwing up a good bit i've switched his formula 3 times he's down to throwing up about once a day now. but i'm switching his formula one more time tomorrow cross your fingers that works

November 16, 2007 - Friday
Appts, Appts, Appts.
Seems everytime I turn around we have an appt for something but the craziness hasn't even begun yet. once Eian starts Therpy and all I'll be super busy.
We finally got his appt with the ped. cardiologist to have his heart check out. and for those who don't know heart problems go along with Down Syndrome. he's not had his heart looked at any yet so i'm really ready for this appt to make sure everything looks good.
I finally got in touch with Early Intervention. they took my name and info and said he does quilfy for it since he has DS. which is good. that will be his therpies and so forth until he's 3. They said that I would get a call from our local person either the begining of next week or the next since it is a holiday next week.
The dr Switched his milk and he seems to be doing better he's on Enfamil Nutramigen it's only $25 a can lol. lucky for us once i get the paper in to wic from the dr they will cover it thank god.
Eian went to the dr yesterday and he's up to 9lbs 1oz thats great he's gained from 8lbs 8oz in just 6 days. my lil piggy loves to eat.
I gotta pick up Eian's 1 month pictures today so be looking for them i'll get them scanned and posted for all to see.
I'm also gonna take the boys to see santa if he's at the mall today so be looking for that picture too.
Think thats it. Also be watching for my Down syndrome Blinkies coming soon. so everyone can show their support

November 25, 2007 - SundayWhat is Down Syndrome?What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a lifelong condition in which a person is born with distinct physical features, such as a flat face and short neck, and some degree of cognitive disability (mental retardation). Although Down syndrome is permanent, most people who have it are able to live healthy, productive lives. Given the proper care and help they need, children with Down syndrome can flourish and grow into healthy and happy adults.
What causes Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division very early in fetaldevelopment. This abnormal division produces an extra or irregularchromosome in some or all of the body's cells. Chromosomes carry genetic material (DNA), or genes, to every cell in the body. The extra or irregular chromosome causes the body and brain to develop differently than in people who have normal chromosomes.
What are the symptoms?
Many children with Down syndrome have noticeable features, such as a flat face with small ears and mouth. Most young children have weak muscles (hypotonia), which generally improves by late childhood.
Below-average intelligence and physical problems often result indevelopmental disabilities. A child with Down syndrome may also be born with heart, intestinal, or ear and respiratory defects. These health conditions often lead to other problems, such as respiratory infections or difficulty hearing.
How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
During your pregnancy, you may choose to have tests to screen for Down syndrome and other abnormalities in your fetus. Screening does not diagnose Down syndrome but rather provides information about the likelihood that your fetus will have the condition. Screening tests include:
Fetal ultrasound, which uses reflected sound waves to provide an image of your fetus and placenta. During the ultrasound the technician may measure the thickness your fetus's neck (nuchal fold). Swelling in this area may indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome.
Maternal serum triple or quadruple screen test. This test measures substances in your blood that can give clues to your fetus's health.
To confirm a diagnosis during your pregnancy, you can have a chromosome analysis called a karyotype. This test can be done on tissue obtained through chorionic villus sampling or on amniotic fluid obtained throughamniocentesis. Getting the sample for a karyotype slightly increases the chance for miscarriage. For this reason, karyotype testing is usually only recommended if screening tests (ultrasound or triple/quadruple screening) are positive for Down syndrome and/or the fetus is at increased risk for Down syndrome, such as if you are age 35 or older.
Karyotype testing can also be done in the first few days after birth from a sample of the baby's blood. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to get the complete test results. However, a doctor often has a good sense of whether or not the diagnosis will be positive based on the baby's appearance, the results of a physical exam, family history, and results of earlier screening tests (if done during pregnancy).
How is it treated?
You and your child's doctor will make a specific treatment plan based on your child's needs. This plan is adjusted as your child grows and develops. Early treatment focuses on identifying and treating health problems. Speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and nutritional counseling are examples of early and continuing treatment.
As your child matures, working with an occupational therapist can help him or her to develop job and independent living skills. A physical therapist may add exercises, and a counselor may offer ways to work on managing emotions.
Proper medical care, emotional support, and social opportunities will all help your child to reach his or her full potential. Many people with Down syndrome live into their 50s and some into their 60s or older.

MORE THAN ANYTHING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE JUST THAT PEOPLE, WHO FEEL, LOVE, LAUGH, CRY, DREAM, AND ACCOMPLISH THINGS. THEY WANT TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. DOWN SYNDROME IS NOT WHO THEY ARE IT'S JUST A PART OF THEM. GET TO KNOW THEM YOU'LL SEE.

31 for 21 Days 10-13: My Silly Eian

2011-10-13T08:59:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been slacking again. I'll do better so enjoy some Eian Pictures of Eian doing what he does best being SILLY!

31 for 21 Day 9: Prayer Request

2011-10-09T19:11:00.000-04:00

Those of you in the DS community have heard of Joany George. Her sweet daughter went to be an angel 18 months ago. Carly had Down syndrome and had fought and won her battle with the horrible "L" word (Leukemia). She unexpectedly passed away. Recently the George family saw their oldest daughter off to Navy training. They need prayers now as last night while they were out their house burnt down and their son Brad did not make it. They really really need prayers. Thank you so much.

31 for 21 day 8: Reece's Rainbow

2011-10-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

If you follow alone in the Down syndrome community you've heard about Reece's Rainbow. RR is an awesome organization that connects children with DS in other countries with families to adopt them. In those countries children with special needs are considered not worthy of living they are placed in orphanages and forgotten. But RR helps those children and not only kids with DS but other special needs as well. Go check them out and see all the good they have done.

31 for 21 day 7: The Difference (repost)

2011-10-07T09:04:00.001-04:00

Today is a repost of a topic I blogged about in Jan 2010.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Is It Different?

Is raising a child with special needs different than a typical child?I've gotten this question serval times. I'm sure more people wonder but don't ask. I've been writing the post in my head for months now. So I'm finally gonna write it here.

My answer is Yes and No.

I really dont see my boys as different than any other set of siblings. They are alot alike and alot different than each other. As I sit here watching my baby ( who's not a baby anymore) sleeping on the couch, I think about the differences in raising him and his brother. Both were easy babies. No health problems other than being lactose intolerant. Both came home with me from the hospital.

(This is were I have to pull out the baby books).
Both were sleeping throught the night and had their 1st smiles around 1 month old. Alex laughted at 2 months and Eian at 3 months. Alex rolled over at 4 months and Eian at 2 1/2 months. Alex sat alone at 6 months and Eian did at 8 months. Alex crawled at 8 months and Eian at 10 months. Alex stood at 9 months and walked at 9 1/2 months. Eian stood at 10 1/2 months but didnt walk til he was 16 months. Alex waved bye-bye at 8 months and Eian didn't until he was 17 months old. Alex's 1st word was at 5 months and Eian's at 8 1/2 months.You can see that for the most part Eian wasn't too far behind his brother in hitting milestones. Eian did have to work harder to hit them where they just happened for Alex.

At 2 years old, Eian's not as verbal as most kids his age. But he's pretty good at letting you know what he wants. Don't get me wrong Eian talks and can talk up a storm and say anything he wants(some things he shouldn't) but only when Eian wants to. He won't say a word if he doesn't want too. At 2 years old Alex wouldn't shut up, and still won't.

With having a special needs child I've met more doctors and specialist than I ever did with my "typical" child. Eian does 2 hours of therapy a week (1hr OT & 1hr ST) and an hour of Early intervention a week at home. Alex has been in pre-k since age 3 so he didn't feel left out. That year and a half of pre-k has done a wonder of good for Alex. Next year Eian will enter pre-k.

Do you treat them the same? Is the next question I get. Why yes I do. They both get dispilned, they both go and do things. I don't go anywhere with 1 that I wouldn't take the other. Joe wrestles with Eian just like he does with Alex. I do think in some ways I treat Eian a little different but it's only because it can't be helped. Like the bottle at 2 years old Eian is still on the bottle 24/7. I took it waya from Alex shortly after his 1st birthday and I would have Eian too but he's still not able to control his suck. So if he drinks from a sippy cup or a nipple that isn't slow flow he chokes and leaks all over himself. Now we do work with a sippy cup and he's getting better but still nowhere near going full time with one. My goal had been 1st of the year but with his T & A coming up on the 11th I'm not even gonna go there. I had thought that I would have him off before Will gets here in April but I'm not gonna push that either. He's gonna have enough adjustment issues with a new baby as it is.

What I'm trying to say(take my post how you want) I love my boys just the same, and I would not change either one of them. Alex made me a mother which is what I had always dreamed of. Eian made me a better mother and a better person. I have learned to enjoy everyday and celebrate every little milestone. Even taking off the socks that now I wish he hadn't ever learned lol.

My wish for Will is for him to be just as happy and healthy as both his brothers, with and without Down syndrome.

Since writing that post, Will was born without Down syndrome, Eian is an awesome big brother most of the time. I've watched Eian blossom when we increased his therapies. He did half a year in the same 3k program that Alex did and did wonderful. Sadly we had to move. Since moving we decided to put Eian in a special needs preschool here in NY. He finished out the 3k part, did summer school, and is now in 4k there. He gets all his therapies there along with a "typical" preschool setting. He's having alot of behavior issues this year, hitting, biting and kicking. I'm not really sure whats up with it as he is having the same problems at home.

Remember Alek?

2011-10-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

Alek was my very first Reece's Rainbow Christmas Angel. This is the child I cried over the most because we couldn't adopt him. Here is my post from 2009 about him. Well not long after I posted that Alek had a family commit to him. I was so happy. I followed their blog. Well it's been a year since the first time they met him. Alek is now Malachi, he has a loving family and a baby brother. Head over and see here at the Phillips Adoption Blog. It makes me so happy to see God worked out everything so perfect for this little guy. I still have his Christmas Angel Ornament that I put on my tree every year.

I have a new Christmas Angel this year. I'll have more post on her later.

31 for 21 day 6: Pictures of Eian

2011-10-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

My DS tattoo.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month 31 for 21 Days 1-5

2011-10-05T09:08:00.000-04:00

Even though I'm getting a 5 day late start (my bad) I'll be doing 31 for 21.

So here are post 1-5 all rolled into one :)

Day 1: Down Syndrome Facts

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

(from the NDSS.Org)

Day 2: My Eian Turns 4

4 years ago today Eian came into this world full of surprises. 5 weeks early and with and extra chromosome. He's yet to stop surprising me. The boy is full of life and loves everyone. He is so social and makes friends where ever he goes. He's talking and signing more and more everyday. I'm so proud of my little monster.

Day 3: Down Syndrome Creed

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

Day 4: Watertown NY Buddy Walk

Day 5: My DS Video (from when Eian was a baby)

I need to update this but I wanted to share this again.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Monkmee Guest Post~ Children's Rooms

2011-06-21T11:15:00.000-04:00

Planning a Child’s Room

As every parent knows, children can introduce a great deal of chaos into the home. Nowhere is this more evident than in a child’s own room, where clashing colors and patterns, scribbles on the walls, piles of toys and games, the odd sock forgotten under the bed, all reflect kids’ energies and interests.

Making sense of the chaos and disorder doesn’t have to be a tantrum-inducing nightmare. In fact, adults are much harder to please – we’re not happy unless we have a flatscreen TV and leather reclining sofa – whereas kids are much simpler to keep entertained. But to help make the aftermath easier to deal with, there are three S’s that might help: simple, storage, and space.

Keep the decoration simple. Although children are going to beg for wallpaper featuring whatever is this season’s popular cartoon character or tv hero, can you all live with big-eyed animals or mighty-muscled adventurers for years? Can you put up with the kids’ wails for something new when the wallpaper becomes out of date or too young for them? Far better to stick to plain but cheerful colors for walls and carpets, and if they must have cartoon characters, restrict them to accessories such as pillowcases and cushion covers that can be easily changed and replaced. Curtains and rugs, toys and furniture can all add extra color accents to the room.

Kids today need lots of storage space! Left to themselves there would be books, toys, clothes, pet earwigs … all over the floor and on every available surface. There is now a wide range of colorful, attractive children’s cupboards, shelves, and hanging nets that can keep possessions well organized but off the floor. In addition, most of today’s storage solutions for children meet another essential requirement: they are tough and can withstand the kicks and knocks of every day’s boisterous needs. In a child’s room it is a good idea to have all the furniture not only sturdy and lasting, but also adaptable to offer yet another storage opportunity. Chairs whose seats lift up to reveal a chest, beds raised up above cupboards, chests of drawers, or desks, even a rocking horse whose tummy contains a little box, will all enchant children while being a practical way of keeping their things organized.

At the same time, no one wants to tidy a child’s personality out of existence, so some “open” storage is a comfortable compromise between tidiness, and allowing precious toys and objects to be on view and easily accessible. As well as cupboards and drawers, some shelves or open baskets that allow children to see their stuff make a happy room.

Above all, organized storage will supply space to do what kids do best—play.

With a bit of thought for the future and a firm “no” to temporary fads, getting the kids’ rooms right can be child’s play.

By: Susan from Sofasandsectionals.com

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-06-14T11:32:00.000-04:00

Thank you Nikki of My Little Monster for the award.

So Here is How It Works:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award by linking back to them in your post.

2. Tell us 7 things about yourself. (I'll include pictures :p)

3. Award 15 or 16 recently discovered bloggers.

4. Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news!

1.) I have an obsession with Argyle knee socks. That's not even all of them. I also have 2 pair of argyle tights.

2.) When I make a bow I usually try it on Will, since I don't have a girl. most times I take pictures (blackmail when he's older)

3.) I have 3 tattoos and currently have an awesome artist drawing up my next one.

4.) After Alex was born I needed a job so I went to work for Disabilities and Special Needs in our town doing respite care. It wasn't a job I would have picked but sorta fell into it and loved it. Thinking back now, I'm sure it was Gods way of preparing me for Eian. From the time we found out after he was born about his Down syndrome, I knew what had to be done and was on top of it. Therapy, Dr appts, Advocating for him, I learned it all working within the community.

5.) I have another obsession with baby socks. The cuter the better. I actually ordered a box of clothes off Thredup simply for the 4 pairs of socks in it (these are just a few)

6.) I am married to my high school sweetheart. Joel and I have been together on and off since 2000. He wasn't ever big on the idea of marriage, when ever I brought it up his answer was always "Eh" Classic Joel if you know him. lol I pretty much gave up on it after Eian was born, I mean we had a house, 2 kids, 2 cars,etc and no major commitment. Then He surprised me one night after I had been having a really bad week. We were washing dishes and I was teasing him about finding him a girlfriend and outta the blue he turns to me with my diamond in his hand and says "and to think I was gonna ask you to marry me!, So what do ya say, wanna marry me?" I was so shocked he had to take me to sit down and I remember asking if he was kidding with me. I did say Yes but still asked him if he was kidding me. lol We got married 3 weeks later, I wasn't taking any chances, plus I'd waited 9 years for it.

7.) While on the subject of my wedding. We found out 7 days after we got married that we were expecting Will. So will can thank his Aunt Nikki & Aunt Ashleigh for taking mommy out for her bachelorette party and then returning her that night to daddy. (insert TMI there)

Here are some of my Fav Blogs: (I've been outta the blog loop for a little while)

My Little Monster

Life With My Special K's

Sweet Ella Grace

Jaxsons Fight

Miss Charlie

Entry A Day While Your Away

Growing Up Too Fast

2011-06-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

The boys are growing up too fast. Alex just graduated kindergarten and will be in the first grade in the fall. Eian started school up here, it's a special needs preschool, he's talking way more now than ever. Will is walking, talking, climbing, and everything in between. Alex is spending the summer in SC with my mom, Eian has extended school this summer, so it's just me and Will most of the day. I've taken on the fun of starting my ow work at home business of making bows, tutus and such. Monkmee Designz. I'm almost finished with my first real order.

Monkmee Review & Giveaway- Lovable LabelsCLOSED

2011-04-13T18:10:00.002-04:00

WINNER IS LO! THANK YOU!

Having three boys makes life crazy, labeling their things helps. With two in school and one that likes to throw things, having their names on things really makes keeping up with them easier. I found Lovable Labels, they offer a big selection of labels. You are sure to find on to fit your needs. Lovable Labels sent Will the Ultimate Camp Pack in "Movin' & Groovin" to review. The colors are awesome and the trains, planes, boats & cars are just too cute. They work great on his bottles and pacis.

The Ultimate Camp Pack comes with over 150 labels and comes in 10 color combos. You can be sure you are covered in the labeling. Lovable Labels also carry many other labeling products. House hold, safety labels, bag tags, and much more.

*~GIVEAWAY~*

Lovable Labels is giving one lucky Monkmee Fan their very own Ultimate Camp Pack ($44.95 Value).

*~TO ENTER~*

MANDATORY: Go to the Lovable Labels website and leave us a comment (one per day only, please) telling us which one of their amazing product is your fav! Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries:

Follow @mylovablelabels and @mamamonkmee on Twitter and tweet "WIN Camp Pack" from @mylovablelabels @mamamonkmee http://tiny.cc/q2rot leave us the link for extra daily entries.
‘Like’ Lovable Labels on Facebook for one extra entry.
‘Like’ Mama Monkmee on Facebook for one extra entry and write below that you are a new fan.
Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us the link for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends just in time for Camp Season at 11:59pm on April 27th. The winner will be selected by random draw and will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected. This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

*This is MY honest and true opinion about this product that I was sent free of charge to review. I was not paid to say these things*

Monkmee Reviews & Giveaways Is Coming Back!

2011-03-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has taken me longer to get settled in NY. Seemed like every time I turned around we were passing the stomach bug around then Eian got strep. Ugh But now we are back in full swing. Lots is going on, Will is about to turn 1, Alex will be 6 shortly after, we are going back home for a visit and lots of field training for Joel.

So back to the topic at hand. Reviews & Giveaways will be back in full swing in April. It's gonna be fun. Plus lots more post from me and pictures too!!!!