Photos by Debby

Check out these really awesome photos that Debby took today. She is a very talented photographer and has just opened for business. Check out her website for some phenomenal examples!

The cataract

Just about a month ago, we discovered that Landon has cataracts.  In both eyes.  The one in his right eye covers about 80% of the lens, completely obstructing his vision.  The one in his left eye is miniscule and is not hindering his vision - but we have to keep a check on it.

Click here to see Wikipedia's definition of the lens and a diagram of the eye.

Because the cataract is obstructing his vision, the lens has to be removed.  In order for him to be able to see, they will put an implant in his eye to replace the lens.  If all this doesn't take place soon, Landon will lose use of that eye.  Right now, the surgery is scheduled for the second week in December.  

In addition to the cataract surgery, Landon will also have ear tubes put in.  Now here is my question about this...the doctors have not been able to see the eardrum in his left ear...so how are they going to put the tube in?  The doc said, "it can be tricky."  Not quite reassuring and we know other that have had to try several times.  The problem is that Landon has teeny tiny ear canals, which is a common trait of children with Down syndrom.  Well, we'll see how it goes!  

Back to the cataracts...I encourage those of you with infants, whether they have Down syndrome or not, to keep a check on the eyes.  I think it is a routine screen for well visits, but, as in our situation, it can be missed.  According to the doctor, if you live old enough, you'll eventually get a cataract, so they are just a part of life.  The problem they present in children is that if vision is obstructed long enough in the eye, the brain begins to ignore the signals from that eye and it will become useless.  

Here is the picture I took that made me think something wasn't right:

If you click on the picture you can see a larger image and notice the grayness of the right eye.  Cloudiness of the eye can mean many things, and fortunately for Landon, the cataract is one of the least serious.   Vision problems are more frequent in children with Down syndrome, however it is not exclusive so any child could be susceptible.

We'll let you know how everything goes after the surgery.  At some point, Landon will also have to wear glasses, just like big sister McKayla!

Dear Santa,

I have but one wish on my list this year.  I know things are tight in this economy, but if you could see fit to bring me my one wish, I would just be so happy!  

Love,

McKayla

P.S. Just in case you were wondering what to put in my stocking, I would love some Dora the Explorer decals to go on it!

My thanks giving

When thinking about Thanksgiving and what I'm thankful for, a multitude of thoughts come to my head:    

I thankful for my husband who is sweet, gentle and funny and for how great of a father he is.  It is his devotion to me and the kids that makes my heart pound with love and joy.

I'm so grateful for the two beautiful babies I have been blessed with.  McKayla constantly amazes me and makes me laugh.  She has such a caring nature and it makes me soar when she wants to take care of "Brudder" by feeding him, holding him, covering him with a blanket or checking on him when he's fussy.  It is amazing to me the level a compassion and caring that a 2 year old can possess, of course, two minutes later she'll be pulling the toy he was holding out of his hand!

I can't even begin to enumerate the ways that I'm thankful that I have Landon, and his extra little chromosome, in my life.  I'm definitely grateful that he has been an easy baby to take care of!  But, I'm also appreciative of everything that it means to have a child with "special needs".  The education and reality that folks with disability are just people with abilities who care, love and feel just as every one else does.  The new friends, a wonderful group of families linked by that extra chromosome, that have become a source of information, support and, well, fun!  The fact that I have an infant educator to help show me how to enhance his development.  But, most of all, I'm grateful for every little smile that lights up Landon's little face, that lights up mine.

My eyes well up with tears when I think of how truly thankful I am that my circle of family and friends has fully embraced Landon as he is, with no question, with no judgement.  He is appreciated for who he is and not seen as different.  

I don't think I'll ever be able to express how thankful I am for my parents and all they have done and still do for me, though I'm sure they know that I now realize their wisdom, being a parent myself.  

I owe much gratitude to the rock in my life, Debby.  I often feel that I don't reciprocate the level of boundless friendship as bestowed upon me, but she is there for me everyday, for everything.

I am also thankful for the wealth of friends that I have been blessed with.  I'm truly fortunate for all of the wonderful people that are part of my life.  I thank you all and wish you a happy, wonderful Thanksgiving!

Landon's Button

So I had the kids in the tub tonight, and McKayla, as usual, likes to help clean brother.  This consists of using the "bucket" as she calls it to pour water on him.  Mom was in the bathroom with us and notice McKayla pouring the water on Landon's little boy parts.  Mom asked her, "what are you pouring water on?"  McKayla innocently proclaimed, "brother's button!"