It's been a while since my last post, but things have been pretty crazy over here. Bunny is teething, and he seems to be cutting 3 teeth at the same time. It was Josh's Birthday yesterday and this last weekend I fell in love!
Her name is Aniston Catherine Jeanne, and she is 6 lbs 15 oz of perfect.
Being an Auntie is one of the greatest blessings the Lord has ever given me. This is not my first niece and I love them all equally, but I had forgotten the way this huge love just crashes over you like a tidal wave. Overwhelming, breathtaking, can't think love.
I feel like I've been waiting for her forever. It's only been 6 months since we were told that she was coming. She even decided she couldn't wait to join our family and made her appearance 3 weeks early, but they have been 6 of the most anticipation filled months. Watching my sister's belly grow, and seeing the joy on both of their faces as they felt her tiny kicks. Listening to and watching their excitement just seems to have swept me up with them.
Now that Aniston is here I couldn't be any happier, or prouder, as both an Auntie, and a sister. A is a natural. She's so intuitive, and relaxed. Not at all what you would expect from a first time Mom. She's loving, and kind. I'm so glad that I got her as my sister. D is a big puddle of Dad. He is so proud of that little girl and I know that he will be an incredible father. Watching him with Bunny has proven this to me over and over again.
I grew up in a big Mennonite family, not the nuclear unit it's self, biological sibling wise I have 1 little sister. But I had a LOT of cousins. They were my first friends, and to this day they are the people I turn to when I need help, support, friendship, or a laugh. They support me, encourage me, and love me unconditionally. Bunny now has 3 cousins, and another one on the way. It does my heart a world of good to know that he is going to have the same love, support and encouragement I did growing up.
I have a dream for the future. A dream of big family gatherings, full of siblings, and cousins. A dream of houses full of noise, and chaos, laughter, and love. A dream where Bunny has a chance to grow up just like I did. Not being looked at any differently, but accepted and treated like a typical child.
A dream come true!
Thank you Lord for the blessing of family. Thank you for giving us dreams and hope for the future. Thank you for Aniston, and the friendship that by your will, will develop between her and Bunny. Thank you for all my nieces, bless them and their parents tonight. Please be with my sweet niece or nephew to be, as you form them healthy and wonderful in your image. Thank you for letting me be an Aunt to these special little people, help me to be a good role model, and example of your love as they grow into the people you have created them to be!
My last post on the R-word has generated quite the response! If you haven't yet please go to r-word.org and take the pledge
to never use the R word again! World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March
21st, and i can't think of a better way to celebrate Bunny or the others
like him.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The R Word
I don't know what it's like having a child without Down Syndrome, but I assume being Bunny's mom is just like being any other child's mom. Except for one big difference. There are two words that make me cringe! Two little words, that upon hearing them can send me into a fit of rage, or break me down in to a sobbing puddle on the floor. I didn't give these words a second thought until we were given Bunny's diagnosis and I would use them in a sentences here or there.
After the diagnosis we were constantly being bombarded by the words, NORMAL, and RETARDED. It's like they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Black and White, Chocolate and Vanilla, Normal and Retarded.
As mother to a child with an intellectual disability I am here to tell you this is not acceptable. The R word is hurtful, and derogatory. It's like a knife in my chest every time I hear it. I am dreading the day Bunny comes home from school crying because someone has used the r word to describe him. I'm terrified of the day I have to explain to him what it means. I know that no matter how ready for that day I think I am, nothing I do will be able to erase the pain from his sweet face or the tears from those incredible trusting blue eyes.
My last post about Bunny has brought an onslaught of messages to my inbox, and I hope and I pray that I can continue to inspire and encourage people around us. It has also brought to my attention a campaign that I stand behind 100%.
Spread the Word to End the Word!
"Our campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language."
I couldn't have worded it any better. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions! We need to start looking at people with intellectual disabilities as a valuable asset to our communities and our families. Then we need to start educating the world around us. The best way I've found is through action. My Mom always said actions speak louder than words. Lets let our love for Bunny and children like him change our attitudes. As our attitudes change, so will our actions, and then we can change the world!
I took the pledge never to use the R word EVER again! and I pray you'll do the same. The Pledge can be found online at r-word.org, or you can go directly there through the following link. While you're there I hope you'll look around, read the stories, and be inspired.
I want to take the pledge!!
After the diagnosis we were constantly being bombarded by the words, NORMAL, and RETARDED. It's like they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Black and White, Chocolate and Vanilla, Normal and Retarded.
As mother to a child with an intellectual disability I am here to tell you this is not acceptable. The R word is hurtful, and derogatory. It's like a knife in my chest every time I hear it. I am dreading the day Bunny comes home from school crying because someone has used the r word to describe him. I'm terrified of the day I have to explain to him what it means. I know that no matter how ready for that day I think I am, nothing I do will be able to erase the pain from his sweet face or the tears from those incredible trusting blue eyes.
My last post about Bunny has brought an onslaught of messages to my inbox, and I hope and I pray that I can continue to inspire and encourage people around us. It has also brought to my attention a campaign that I stand behind 100%.
Spread the Word to End the Word!
"Our campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language."
I couldn't have worded it any better. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions! We need to start looking at people with intellectual disabilities as a valuable asset to our communities and our families. Then we need to start educating the world around us. The best way I've found is through action. My Mom always said actions speak louder than words. Lets let our love for Bunny and children like him change our attitudes. As our attitudes change, so will our actions, and then we can change the world!
I took the pledge never to use the R word EVER again! and I pray you'll do the same. The Pledge can be found online at r-word.org, or you can go directly there through the following link. While you're there I hope you'll look around, read the stories, and be inspired.
I want to take the pledge!!
This is Micah.
He is Talented. He is Funny. He is Kind. He is Handsome. He is Strong.
He is Talented. He is Funny. He is Kind. He is Handsome. He is Strong.
He is NOT Retarded!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Fill Up My Cup
I came across this article the other day.
First Runner With Down Syndrome Completes NY Marathon, Redefines Word 'Champion'
This article, and many others like it, bring tears to my eyes. Not your typical tears, instead they bring tears of happiness, and pride. Things like this remind me over and over again how proud, and how blessed I am to be Bunny's Mom.
When you're told by the Dr's that your precious child has Down Syndrome it is accompanied by all kinds of things. They tell you they're sorry, and that termination is an option. They tell you that if you do decide to continue the pregnancy that adoption options and tax credits are available. You're told your baby will be different. That they won't reach their 'milestones' at the same time as "normal" babies. They will be hypertonal (very floppy), and it will take them a very long time to learn things like sitting and walking. They can have a whole slew of health problems, from heart conditions, to hearing and vision loss, and everything in between. You're put in contact with 'support' people who really have no idea what they're talking about. And you hear over and over again, that people with Down Syndrome are 'always happy'. You're given stacks of paperwork and books to read that are so full of medical jargon and worst case scenarios that you feel more overwhelmed and upset than ever before.
I am ashamed to admit that when we got the phone call. The one from the geneticist saying the amino results had come back, and our sweet baby did indeed have Down Syndrome I was devastated. I felt like all my hopes and dreams for his life has just been smashed to smithereens. I was terrified. What if I couldn't raise a child with Down Syndrome? What if I couldn't connect with him? I remember at 27 years old crawling into my Daddy's lap and bawling my eyes out. I remember saying "what if nobody loves him?" I knew deep down that it was silly, but I was afraid of society, of the teasing both he and I would endure. I didn't want to explain to him why we got sideways looks and disgusted glances from people who don't understand.
I wish the Dr's and geneticists would have told us how extremely lucky we were. I wish they would have said. I know you're scared now, but trust me, this baby is going to be the biggest blessing to you and your family. He will break down walls, and mend relationships you never thought repairable. He will show you over and over again the love of God. He will teach you that the Lord's grace is sufficient, and in all things God is present and loving.
I wish they would have connected us with other parents instead of specialists so they could have told us, that our hopes and dreams for this baby weren't crushed. Yes they change, but they will change for any baby based on what they want out of life. Your baby may take a little bit longer to do, and learn things, but with your love and encouragement he can do ANYTHING he sets his mind to. He can run a marathon, he can get married, he can be a lawyer, his options are endless!!
The Dr's, instead of saying sorry, should say yes termination is an option, but if it's one you choose to pursue you will never know what he has to teach you about the true meaning of unconditional love. The specialists should say that your fears of raising a child with Down Syndrome are legitimate, but unnecessary. You will connect with him, you will love him, and the sideways glances and inappropriate comments from strangers are just a way for you to show God's love, extend his grace, and to teach the people around you about the blessings that people with Down Syndrome bring to you and the world.
I wish they would have said you will not be raising this child on your own. In fact you and your son are going to be a part of an exclusive community, that is supportive, and caring. You will have the help of other parents, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, and friends. I wish I would have had some indication of the pride I would feel being a part of that community.
Bunny isn't quite 7 months old yet, and already I've been taught that joy comes easily, support is abundant, and the smallest milestones and accomplishments are accompanied by the biggest celebrations!
My heart, and my life are full to the top with love and joy! And just when I think it couldn't get any better I read an article like the one above, Bunny reaches his arms out to me for the first time, or grins that HUGE gummy grin when I walk into a room and my joy runs over.
Usually in the form of tears!
Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup Let it Overflow
Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup, Let it Overflow with Love
Fill Up My Cup
First Runner With Down Syndrome Completes NY Marathon, Redefines Word 'Champion'
This article, and many others like it, bring tears to my eyes. Not your typical tears, instead they bring tears of happiness, and pride. Things like this remind me over and over again how proud, and how blessed I am to be Bunny's Mom.
When you're told by the Dr's that your precious child has Down Syndrome it is accompanied by all kinds of things. They tell you they're sorry, and that termination is an option. They tell you that if you do decide to continue the pregnancy that adoption options and tax credits are available. You're told your baby will be different. That they won't reach their 'milestones' at the same time as "normal" babies. They will be hypertonal (very floppy), and it will take them a very long time to learn things like sitting and walking. They can have a whole slew of health problems, from heart conditions, to hearing and vision loss, and everything in between. You're put in contact with 'support' people who really have no idea what they're talking about. And you hear over and over again, that people with Down Syndrome are 'always happy'. You're given stacks of paperwork and books to read that are so full of medical jargon and worst case scenarios that you feel more overwhelmed and upset than ever before.
I am ashamed to admit that when we got the phone call. The one from the geneticist saying the amino results had come back, and our sweet baby did indeed have Down Syndrome I was devastated. I felt like all my hopes and dreams for his life has just been smashed to smithereens. I was terrified. What if I couldn't raise a child with Down Syndrome? What if I couldn't connect with him? I remember at 27 years old crawling into my Daddy's lap and bawling my eyes out. I remember saying "what if nobody loves him?" I knew deep down that it was silly, but I was afraid of society, of the teasing both he and I would endure. I didn't want to explain to him why we got sideways looks and disgusted glances from people who don't understand.
I wish the Dr's and geneticists would have told us how extremely lucky we were. I wish they would have said. I know you're scared now, but trust me, this baby is going to be the biggest blessing to you and your family. He will break down walls, and mend relationships you never thought repairable. He will show you over and over again the love of God. He will teach you that the Lord's grace is sufficient, and in all things God is present and loving.
I wish they would have connected us with other parents instead of specialists so they could have told us, that our hopes and dreams for this baby weren't crushed. Yes they change, but they will change for any baby based on what they want out of life. Your baby may take a little bit longer to do, and learn things, but with your love and encouragement he can do ANYTHING he sets his mind to. He can run a marathon, he can get married, he can be a lawyer, his options are endless!!
The Dr's, instead of saying sorry, should say yes termination is an option, but if it's one you choose to pursue you will never know what he has to teach you about the true meaning of unconditional love. The specialists should say that your fears of raising a child with Down Syndrome are legitimate, but unnecessary. You will connect with him, you will love him, and the sideways glances and inappropriate comments from strangers are just a way for you to show God's love, extend his grace, and to teach the people around you about the blessings that people with Down Syndrome bring to you and the world.
I wish they would have said you will not be raising this child on your own. In fact you and your son are going to be a part of an exclusive community, that is supportive, and caring. You will have the help of other parents, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, and friends. I wish I would have had some indication of the pride I would feel being a part of that community.
Bunny isn't quite 7 months old yet, and already I've been taught that joy comes easily, support is abundant, and the smallest milestones and accomplishments are accompanied by the biggest celebrations!
My heart, and my life are full to the top with love and joy! And just when I think it couldn't get any better I read an article like the one above, Bunny reaches his arms out to me for the first time, or grins that HUGE gummy grin when I walk into a room and my joy runs over.
Usually in the form of tears!
Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup Let it Overflow
Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup, Let it Overflow with Love
Fill Up My Cup
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Blogging Is A Funny Thing...
WOW!
I was defiantly not expecting to get over 150 views on my little blog post!
I've been thinking about it all week, and I've decided that a blog is a funny thing. It's essentially an online diary that anybody and everybody can read, mixed with some shameless self promotion. I mean that's why I started this little blog. To promote, advertise and grow my little business. Yet if all I talked about was my product and how wonderful I am, nobody would read it. Making it just a big waste of time. On the other hand, how personal do you get with something anybody can read? How much time and thought do you put into your posts each week, and how careful do you have to be about what you're saying/writing? I know 9 times out of 10 words don't convey the tone of voice they're written in and lead to misinterpretation, and hurt feelings.
I've spent a good amount of time deciding these exact things, and I've come to the conclusion that this blog is about me and my family. Yes there will be Bunny N' Goose things on here, because sewing is how I spend the majority of my 'nap time'. But this will essentially be about the goings on in our lives. I will share both the beautiful and the ugly.
Okay... now that that is out of the way how about a little bit of shameless self promotion?
This week I created these 2 custom beauties. I had already made one of the blue with moustashes for a large order, but when my MIL saw it she decided to purchase it for a baby shower, and I had to create another. The Animal print surprised me! I cannot get over how wonderful it turned out with the teal towel.
I think the reason I love sewing so much is because it's quiet time to myself. Mostly though it's quiet time with God and I find myself praying while I sew. I know it may be a little odd but I always find myself praying for the recipient of whatever it is I'm sewing. These towels were created for baby Kane, and baby Archer, and I like to think that even though I don't know them personally that every time they're wrapped in these towels all snugly and warm they're also wrapped all snugly and warm in prayer.
I make quilts/blankets for all my nieces and nephews, and it's very important to me that they all to have a special Auntie blanket. First because I want them to have a special token growing up of how much their Auntie loves them. Second, and most importantly because the many hours of sewing are really just a reminder to me of the many hours of prayer that they have been sent up on their behalf. Every piece is lovingly cut as they're growing, and, getting stronger. Every stitch is sewn as God is creating them fearfully and wonderfully to be the perfect addition to the family. Every prayer, every seam, is for that child, their mothers, and their families. After everything that happened during my pregnancy, I learned that prayer is the easiest, most important thing I can do for anybody. God can do anything, but we need to ask him for it, and TRUST that he will answer.
I've currently finished one quilt and have 2 possibly 3 more in the works. I will happily show them to you once they are finished and have been gifted. Until then I am proud to show you the quilt I created for Bunny.
Psalms 139: 18-18
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
I was defiantly not expecting to get over 150 views on my little blog post!
I've been thinking about it all week, and I've decided that a blog is a funny thing. It's essentially an online diary that anybody and everybody can read, mixed with some shameless self promotion. I mean that's why I started this little blog. To promote, advertise and grow my little business. Yet if all I talked about was my product and how wonderful I am, nobody would read it. Making it just a big waste of time. On the other hand, how personal do you get with something anybody can read? How much time and thought do you put into your posts each week, and how careful do you have to be about what you're saying/writing? I know 9 times out of 10 words don't convey the tone of voice they're written in and lead to misinterpretation, and hurt feelings.
I've spent a good amount of time deciding these exact things, and I've come to the conclusion that this blog is about me and my family. Yes there will be Bunny N' Goose things on here, because sewing is how I spend the majority of my 'nap time'. But this will essentially be about the goings on in our lives. I will share both the beautiful and the ugly.
Okay... now that that is out of the way how about a little bit of shameless self promotion?
This week I created these 2 custom beauties. I had already made one of the blue with moustashes for a large order, but when my MIL saw it she decided to purchase it for a baby shower, and I had to create another. The Animal print surprised me! I cannot get over how wonderful it turned out with the teal towel.
I think the reason I love sewing so much is because it's quiet time to myself. Mostly though it's quiet time with God and I find myself praying while I sew. I know it may be a little odd but I always find myself praying for the recipient of whatever it is I'm sewing. These towels were created for baby Kane, and baby Archer, and I like to think that even though I don't know them personally that every time they're wrapped in these towels all snugly and warm they're also wrapped all snugly and warm in prayer.
I make quilts/blankets for all my nieces and nephews, and it's very important to me that they all to have a special Auntie blanket. First because I want them to have a special token growing up of how much their Auntie loves them. Second, and most importantly because the many hours of sewing are really just a reminder to me of the many hours of prayer that they have been sent up on their behalf. Every piece is lovingly cut as they're growing, and, getting stronger. Every stitch is sewn as God is creating them fearfully and wonderfully to be the perfect addition to the family. Every prayer, every seam, is for that child, their mothers, and their families. After everything that happened during my pregnancy, I learned that prayer is the easiest, most important thing I can do for anybody. God can do anything, but we need to ask him for it, and TRUST that he will answer.
I've currently finished one quilt and have 2 possibly 3 more in the works. I will happily show them to you once they are finished and have been gifted. Until then I am proud to show you the quilt I created for Bunny.
Psalms 139: 18-18
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Introduction
Hello there...
I'm really very new to this whole blogging thing. I've read my fair share of blogs in the past, and I have been known to create a word document or two when my mind if racing so fast I'm completely unable to sleep. My grammar can be terrible, and my spelling equally as bad (thank you spell check!) but I appreciate you sticking with me, as I navigate the waters of this unknown.
I hope you're not coming to this blog for detailed step by step incredible sewing tutorials, or to find the latest gourmet recipes. I hate to say I am under qualified and really have no idea what I'm doing. I'm just a first time mom, dog lover, crafter, sewer, and baker, who needed to find an outlet for her creative side.
This blog will have some sewing, maybe some baking. I can guarantee it will contain my thoughts and feelings. It might have some funny anecdotes of silly things Lucy did, or talk about my frustrations and joys as I figure out this whole mom thing. Either way I hope you stick around.
That being said Bunny N' Goose; an introduction!
My Name is Vanessa, and I would love to tell you I started sewing at a early age, or that I was encouraged by someone famous, or that I'm so impassioned by what I do that I just need to sew to stay alive, but my story is somewhat less dramatic than that. I found some pillows on Etsy. I fell in love. but being a newly wed on a strict budget I just couldn't afford, or convince my wonderful husband that we needed to spend $50.00 each on 4 pillows for our second hand kijiji couch. Instead I was told "squares are easy to sew, make your own". That's right ladies and gentlemen make your own. So I did. And although it wasn't easy, and probably ended up costing almost as much in fabric, and time, and thread, and tears, a relationship with the sewing machine was born.
I'm married to a wonderful man, Joshua, and together we have been blessed with the most imperfect, crazy, amazing life. Our dog, Lucy, affectionately deemed Goose, is a mix of boxer, cuddler, escape artist and more. We had no idea when we adopted her what we were getting ourselves in to. Or how much joy her antics would bring to our lives. Our Son Micah, aka Bunny, (Buddy and Hunny put together) is our precious gift from God. His smile can light up a room, and the way God has used him to prove to us and everyone around us that miracles can and do still happen has been the biggest blessing, and a very humbling lesson in grace.
Bunny N' Goose was essentially concieved like this
Josh: Vanessa if you want to keep sewing you have to find a way to recoup the costs
Vanessa: How would I do that?
Josh: Make more than one and sell the stuff you sew...
Vanessa: OOOHHHHH!!!
There you have it. The whole big story.
I'm really very new to this whole blogging thing. I've read my fair share of blogs in the past, and I have been known to create a word document or two when my mind if racing so fast I'm completely unable to sleep. My grammar can be terrible, and my spelling equally as bad (thank you spell check!) but I appreciate you sticking with me, as I navigate the waters of this unknown.
I hope you're not coming to this blog for detailed step by step incredible sewing tutorials, or to find the latest gourmet recipes. I hate to say I am under qualified and really have no idea what I'm doing. I'm just a first time mom, dog lover, crafter, sewer, and baker, who needed to find an outlet for her creative side.
This blog will have some sewing, maybe some baking. I can guarantee it will contain my thoughts and feelings. It might have some funny anecdotes of silly things Lucy did, or talk about my frustrations and joys as I figure out this whole mom thing. Either way I hope you stick around.
That being said Bunny N' Goose; an introduction!
My Name is Vanessa, and I would love to tell you I started sewing at a early age, or that I was encouraged by someone famous, or that I'm so impassioned by what I do that I just need to sew to stay alive, but my story is somewhat less dramatic than that. I found some pillows on Etsy. I fell in love. but being a newly wed on a strict budget I just couldn't afford, or convince my wonderful husband that we needed to spend $50.00 each on 4 pillows for our second hand kijiji couch. Instead I was told "squares are easy to sew, make your own". That's right ladies and gentlemen make your own. So I did. And although it wasn't easy, and probably ended up costing almost as much in fabric, and time, and thread, and tears, a relationship with the sewing machine was born.
I'm married to a wonderful man, Joshua, and together we have been blessed with the most imperfect, crazy, amazing life. Our dog, Lucy, affectionately deemed Goose, is a mix of boxer, cuddler, escape artist and more. We had no idea when we adopted her what we were getting ourselves in to. Or how much joy her antics would bring to our lives. Our Son Micah, aka Bunny, (Buddy and Hunny put together) is our precious gift from God. His smile can light up a room, and the way God has used him to prove to us and everyone around us that miracles can and do still happen has been the biggest blessing, and a very humbling lesson in grace.
Bunny N' Goose was essentially concieved like this
Josh: Vanessa if you want to keep sewing you have to find a way to recoup the costs
Vanessa: How would I do that?
Josh: Make more than one and sell the stuff you sew...
Vanessa: OOOHHHHH!!!
There you have it. The whole big story.
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