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...
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7 comments:
I can not put into words how excited i am for all of you that presley is going home. i can not imagine the emotions you are going through today and will go through as you adjust to having your beautiful girl home. your new chapter starts today and it is going to be amazing!!! God bless for a speedy recovery from the heart surgery! i am out of town this week but if there is anything you need i'm a call away.
I have been sitting here thinking of you all morning. I have butterflies in my tummy for you!!
This is going to be an amazing new chapter, and although I am sure that it will take some getting used to, it's going to be fantastic.
We love you Presley and Kele!!!!
Happy Going Home Day!!!!!
Pam and Rhett
I've been thinking about you all morning too. I took Reid to his first Park and Rec class today through the city and the little girl sitting next to us...had a blanket with the sweetest butterflys all over it and couldn't help but think of you again....I am on a mission to find one for Presley!!!! Can't wait to hear how you all are doing!
Hugs!
Cheri
Yayyyyyy! This must mean she floated right out of the hospital like a little butterfly at 10:00 am!!!!!
So happy for you guys!
Welcome home Presley-
Kele and Mike, I'm so happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your sweet butterfly with us these last six and a half months. I feel so blessed to have been able to visit her yesterday, I feel in love with her more than I was before. It killed me not to hold her but I didn't want to ask. I'm so sorry I was unable to bring you dinner tonight with Joella. I will bring dinner tomorrow and look forward to seeing the Giles Family togehter as one. You all were in our thoughts and prayers today, and I couldn't wait to get home from MDO to look at your blog. My computer wasn't working(Aughhhh) so I had to wait for Joe to come home and fix it for me. I will continue to pray and look forward to seeing you again soon. Love you my friend.
I couldn't wait to get to my computer to be sure that Presley was indeed able to come home. I can see by the flying butterfly that she was released to go home. YEAH!! Good girl! I remember the great sigh of relief and frankly, unbelieve when we brought Sydney home. The boys were so excited and my husband and I felt so relieved to be home. Whew! I will be watching for more updates. Congrats to you all!!!
10 comments:
Rachael and Chris said...
LOVE the butterfly flying home image!!!!! I read your post from yesterday and, like everyone else, I started crying. I'm so excited that she's coming home!!!!!!!!!! Sending a ton of hugs and kisses to you, Presley, and your whole family!
September 2, 2008 11:23 AM
Anonymous said...
Soooooo Coool! So happy for all of you and Presly's accomplishments. She is amazing in everything she has endured and overcome and so are you Kele. Please call if there's anything I can do for you. Love Ya, Sandy, Ray, Megan, & Greg.
September 2, 2008 1:03 PM
Anonymous said...
I have been following your blog now for several weeks, as some of our dear friends coach with Mike at Nimitz HS. Being the wife of a coach, I can only imagine how you have handled the many different hours and sacrafices a coaches family has to make~ I have personally never met Mike~ but I tell you MY HAT IS OFF TO HIM! (and you) as I know what his job entails and the burden he must have felt when being away from you and your children! Your post today says it all~ what a beautiful way to express her coming home! You have an amazing family and I have been so completely inspired by you all. I hope someday our paths cross in the football arena! May God be with you as you continue this journey and may all of you continue to soar!!!
September 2, 2008 2:16 PM
Sue said...
Our love to you on this very special day!
September 2, 2008 3:58 PM
Anonymous said...
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful blessing for your family to have all five sleep under one roof tonight! Please know that down in San Antonio her great aunt has been praying daily for Presley, you, Mike and the rest of your beautiful family. Much love - Lisa
September 2, 2008 4:42 PM
Cleo said...
So cute :)
September 2, 2008 7:53 PM
Heather said...
Have thought of you ALL day and have resisted calling.Boy,has that been difficult!My heart is so full of joy for you all right now.Kiss that butterfly.Cherish these moments as I know you are.Take a lot of pictures and call if you need anything,day or night.Our love to you all as you begin this very amazing new leg of the journey.
September 2, 2008 8:43 PM
Valerie said...
Dear Kele, I've been out of town since Fri. morning so I've just now been able to see what's transpired over the past few days. What a roller coaster ride. But, as the scene from "Parenthood" says it all - that's what makes life worth the ride! You truly are Giles Family of 5 now! So happy for you all. I'm guessing it'll be an all night slumber party tonight, ending with you all sleeping in bed together. Hugs & kisses, PVSA
September 2, 2008 10:10 PM
Anonymous said...
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That picture says it all. Thank God for answered prayers!
September 3, 2008 8:25 AM
Brenda Brown said...
Hi Kele,
So happy to hear that your butterfly has flown home and you are able to say "This is home!". I certainly hope everything is going great there but I know it is a big adjustment for everyone. I was so happy to meet Mike at the ballgame Friday night. He told us things were a little tough at the hospital that day. Maybe next time I make it down there I can meet you and your butterfly and her sister and brother. Good luck and God Bless
September 3, 2008
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