Presley&T21: Here's the proof I promised!

Presley's story...

Hello, my name is Presley & I was born February 19th,2008. My mommy was having a difficult pregnancy due to increased amniotic fluid so at 28 weeks she went to see a specialist who told her I had something called duodenal atresia. Due to this intestinal problem it was certain that I would have to have surgery after birth. The specialist also said this condition indicated that there was a possibility that I could have Down syndrome & that mommy should have a test to be sure, which she did. One week later mommy started contracting & bleeding and went to the hospital. That morning mommy's doctor confirmed that I did have Down syndrome. This scared & saddened my parents. Later that evening I was born, washing away much of the sadness. The next day they looked at my heart & said I had a heart conditon, common to Down syndrome babies & that I would require yet another surgery to correct this. Mommy & Daddy got sad again. Since then, the 1st 6 and a half months of my life were spent in the hospital, along with three surgeries, a ton of prayers, alot of tears, plenty of smiles & more blessings than my parents could of ever imagined. You see, at first all anyone could see were the diagnosis & all the fears that they entailed. BUT NOW!?! Now they see me! And well, I don't wanta brag or nothin' but it is kinda hard to think of bad stuff when you look at me!!

Mommy's story...

Hello, my name is Kele & I am the proud mother of this little butterfly. Presley told the story pretty accurately. However, I choose to share some of the more personal emotions & thoughts in regards to this journey the Lord has felt to put me on. When we initially received the news of Presley having Down syndrome, I truly felt as if my life, as I had known it, 'perfect' & uncomplicated, was over. I mourned the loss of this 'perfect' life for weeks. This whole idea of having a 'special needs' child threw me into the darkest & saddest place I have ever been. I would wake in the middle of the night only to realize it wasn't a bad dream...it was my reality. I have never cried more tears in my life. To be brutally honest, there were many times that it wasn't even about my sweet Presley & her well being at all, it was just about the fact that this messed up MY idea of MY life!! You see, my life was supposed to look like that Estee Lauder ad, where this beautiful, perfect family all lay on the beach in matching wool sweaters. Have you ever seen that ad? LOL! I mean, it was all pretty wonderful so far. I was lucky enough to be a stay home mom, 2 adorable, healthy children, married to a hottie, great family, good friends, nice home...seriously, all I needed were the wool sweaters. In some of my darkest times I would go online. I wouldn't necessarily search for medical things regarding Ds but more personal things. I stumbled in to the world of 'blogs'. Looking into the lives of families that also had children with 'special needs' & I found myself saying "wait a minute, this family is adorable" & "Wow! what a cool family". Every night, for several hours, I would do this - visit these family blogs, I was truly addicted. It was then that I realized that so many of these families were amazing, beautiful, 'perfect' families and most times, not in spite of their 'special needs' child, but often times because of that child. The stories on their blogs were touching & profound, the siblings were usually wonderful & amazing. Then I realized...maybe this 'perfect' life I have dreamed about doesn't have a damn thing to do with those wool sweaters...I mean, I live in Texas for God's sake!! Maybe it has everything to do with this little girl...this new little butterfly who has fluttered her way into our hearts. She has already taught me so much since the day the clouds parted for her arrival into our lives. I have no doubt the best is yet to come & that is why I created these two blogs, PresleyandT21.blogspot.com to chronicle Presley's journey. And as for our family blog? Well, where as I certainly invite you to join the fun & would feel honored if it inspires someone in need, as I was, it is truly a site created for me. In case there is ever a night in which I am doubting that my life is any thing less than amazing, incredible, full and yes....'perfect', I won't have far to go... Gilesfamilyof5.blogspot.com

WELCOME ALL...

For those new to this site, thank you for visiting!!
Our butterfly, Presley, spent the first 6 and 1/2 months of her life in the hospital. This blog is her blog, recording her journey, during that time.
Much is recorded here about her medically, as well as the personal insights of her mommy.
For complete accuracy, you may want to scroll to the bottom and start at the 1st entry.
Presley and I thank you for visiting and would love, love, love to hear from anyone, at any time, regarding their own journey!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Here's the proof I promised!

Okay, these were Pres' medication pumps one week ago...

and this is Pres' medication pump, that is right, PUMP, today. She is only on ONE medication, ONE!!!
And this was my butterfly one week ago...
And this is my butterfly today...
Now, c'mon guys, you don't think I'd stop at just one picture do ya?

I think this is one post that less is more, these pictures say way more than I ever could!!
BIGhugs!

23 comments:

brenda brown said...: She is beautiful and almost free!!!; August 26, 2008 8:54 PM
Stephanie said...: Give her a big wet kiss from Aiden and me!!! And a big ol' hug for you!; August 26, 2008 9:25 PM
Reagan Leigh said...: Such wonderful news! It just keeps getting better! I'm so excited for you...she's just doing so well!! She'll be home in no time!; August 26, 2008 9:31 PM
Sue said...: THIS IS WONDERFUL!!!! She is a doll! Just think what next week will be like....YOU better rest up!; August 26, 2008 9:34 PM
Cheri said...: Kele, she looks so good...and her little incision is healing so great!! ONE PUMP....big, big sigh of relief! :); August 26, 2008 9:57 PM
Sophie Belle's Mom said...: What a remarkable difference a week has made! Your butterfly just continues to inspire and amaze. :); August 26, 2008 10:12 PM
Lynn Hall said...: Presley, you are amazing, and you are beautiful! I am so happy! Last week CNN showed "special" girls around the country on cheerleading squads. With your loving family behind you, I can picture you cheering. You go girl!; August 26, 2008 10:16 PM
Valerie said...: Yay! From 6 pumps down to just 1! At's my girl!! Hugs & kisses from your biggest fans down in Pearland. Love you, PVSA; August 26, 2008 10:44 PM
Shannon @ Gabi's World said...: Woo Hooo! WTG Presley!

And I have a picture of Gabi that looks just like that 4th picture!; August 26, 2008 11:06 PM
Heather said...: One week ago,only one week ago!!!! Is she amazing? Did I promise you that she would look amazing?Pink,she is pink.And oh so pretty.And I am so proud of you all.With everyday your little butterfly will show you something new. Each and everyday this gift that God has brought you will show you something new and amazing.More then you could ever imagine.I cannot wait to watch her spread her wings and show you how beautifully she will fly.; August 26, 2008 11:24 PM
Elizabeth said...: I cry happy tears of joy for you Kele! What an amazing little girl you have been blessed with, she is a testiment of our Heavenly Father's unfailing love and abundant healing! Presley has been equiped with a warrior's spirit and has been fighting her way to wholeness. She is an incredible little girl with a big life ahead of her, big hugs to you guys!; August 26, 2008 11:58 PM
Sharon said...: Yea! I just recently found your blog and am so happy to hear (and see) that Presley is doing so well. She looks great and will hopefully be home with you very soon.; August 27, 2008 7:19 AM
amy flege said...: look at her!! she looks wonderful! what a little trooper she is!!!!
give her a hug from us!; August 27, 2008 7:45 AM
rylie's mom said...: Yay! She looks great! What an amazing girl. I'm thrilled everything is going so well and pray she will be home real soon.; August 27, 2008 8:13 AM
Theresa said...: wow, what a wonderful sight. One week seems so short, yet she has accomplished so much. I'm so happy for all of you. Looking forward to the next update. Take care, and let me know if you need anything.; August 27, 2008 9:43 AM
Patsy DeSalvo said...: What a wonderful difference! And the curlie hair is still beautiful, just like she is. Why to go Ms. Pres - G.Aunt Patsy has a BIG hug and kiss coming your way!; August 27, 2008 10:03 AM
Aunt Kim said...: wow.....she looks so good. i am feeling compelled to book a quick, literally one day in and out trip to dallas just to give her a kiss! don't doubt that i will do it........; August 27, 2008 2:48 PM
Rachael and Chris said...: Once again, I am moved beyond words by your post. What a strong, brave, beautiful girl you have.; August 27, 2008 10:03 PM
kourtney poteet said...: Kele and Mike,

WOW! What wonderful news. Presley looks great. Hopefully she will be home soom enjoying the comforts of home. Kele your beautiful words bring me to tears and continue to inspire me. What a precious family your adorable little butterfly has. We continue to send prayers from Oklahoma!
Hugs-- The Poteet's; August 28, 2008 8:42 AM
Lisa Coursey said...: She is so amazing. I truly cannot imagine what that little girl has been going through with all those IV's etc. constantly in her. I have so much respect for all of you for your strength. Congratulations!; August 28, 2008 3:48 PM
Anonymous said...: OMG!! That is amazing! I'm so excited for you guys!! I can't wait to meet her...I can just picture Presley and Morgan playing in that ball house soon on playdates!! I can't wait. Morgan and I continue to keep you guys in our prayers!!

Denise; August 28, 2008 10:37 PM
Joella said...: Look at the beautiful butterfly, what an amazing week! I'm so excited for you all to finally count the days down until your family will be whole. WOW! IT'S COMING!!!!!!!!!

I got some big hugs, kisses and lots of beautiful smiles from your sweet Mikah last night, and Jett even gave me a big smile and kiss! Can't wait for the day when Pres does the same. Your family has many blessing waiting for you! Love y'all and you are a blessing to me.

Call me when you need a break or just need help with the kids. I will come and give you a hand!; August 29, 2008 11:13 AM
Phyllis said...: Thank you so much for sharing pictures of Presley. It makes me smile and warms my heart to see her doing so well. What a truly wonderful miracle she is to us all.
Phyllis; August 29, 2008 3:46 PM

Presley&T21

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