Sweet Presley...our little butterfly, you make us so proud. I look forward to making future videos, that have pictures with a lot less needles and tubes and many more smiles and laughs.
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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8 comments:
How beautiful. I cried, tears of joy for Presley and her journey. May it continue to be as blessed as the last six months have been. We love your Lil' butterfly.
The Cruz's
Mike and Kele,,
She is so beautiful! I am so glad that she's doing so good. She is truly a miracle. May God bless all of you!
dede
That is a beautiful video of your family. Welcome home Presley.
Kathleen
What an absolutely beautiful video, Kele. She is amazing and you are incredible. God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave her to you and Mike. You are an inspiration and I'm proud to call you my friend.
Love,
Nikki
What an absolutely beautiful video, Kele. She is amazing and you are incredible. God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave her to you and Mike. You are an inspiration and I'm proud to call you my friend.
Love,
Nikki
Lynn Hall said...
Kele, in your spare time you should be a movie producer! This video is an amazing glimpse of the Giles family's last six months. Presley is so blessed to have the family that God has chosen for her. Hugs and kisses for that precious butterfly!
Lynn Hall
September 5, 2008 9:34 PM
Cleo said...
Kele, Thank you so much for sharing this BEAUTIFUL video. Presley is a beautiful angel, your family is lovely. Many Blessings ~
September 5, 2008 9:57 PM
Jeanette said...
How wonderful!!! I just want to hug her to pieces. What a sweet angel you have there. You can see how much her brother and sister love her as well. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the crazy life that is HOME. =0)
September 5, 2008 10:06 PM
Jeanette said...
Kele, I was listening to a song today that reminds me of what your journey over the last 6 months must have been like. It's called "He's my Son" by Mark Schultz. Hugs and prayers to you all.
September 5, 2008 10:43 PM
Aunt Kim said...
ok......one day i will learn to take the mascara off before i watch your damn videos!!!
and yes, i do need the new pictures of her at home emailed to me please.
you are getting a call tomorrow! My restraint is at its limit.
Kim
September 5, 2008 10:56 PM
Cheri said...
That was so beautiful!!! What a journey you have been on Kele, I am so glad she is home...she looks so happy!!
...and the HAIR...she has the cutest hair!!! Just a cutie patootie that butterfly of yours is!
September 5, 2008 11:31 PM
Pam said...
Oh Kele, that was so beautiful!! We are so blessed to "know" you and sweet little Presley!!
And hey, no worries about Pres and Zoey fighting over Rhett....he has oodles of love for both of them!!
Now....you tell that Presley to stay really healthy this winter and grow lots, and next spring or summer, how about our three families get together?
We love you guys.....
Pam and Rhett
chelle said...
Kele...that was just beautiful...what an amazing little fighter...she has gotten so big and looks so alert...just thriving on all that love from her brothers and sisters...
September 6, 2008 8:05 AM
Patsy DeSalvo said...
Beautiful - no other word can be used!Giles Family Complete! Presley can't help but continue to get better and grow, with all that LOVE around her!
September 6, 2008 9:33 AM
Mia hat eins mehr said...
Wow, she is really a trooper. You can be so proud! At least you all can be proud. You made it, all together. Thanks for sharing the video, that shows not only the good times, but - and that is most important- is with a happy end.
September 6, 2008 9:36 AM
Heather said...
Well, I of course cried from beginning to end.You know what that song means to me and to hear it put to pictures with sweet Presley,well ... no words. I listened to that song each and everyday over and over on my numerous trips a day to Children's.It is so very fitting for these babies,these little wonders,they fill our lives.They complete us.And as to your butterfly ... it has been a privilege to have been part of your journey.We may have come into it at the tail end of this leg but we intend to remain a constant for the remainder of the ride.I look so forward to watching these girls grow and thrive and blossom.We have been blessed beyond words that God has placed you all in our lives.Now,if we could just do something about the distance thing.Kiss that baby doll Kele and you did an absolutely amazing job on the video.It was perfect.As is she.
September 6, 2008 11:53 AM
Rachael and Chris said...
Absolutely breathtaking!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!
P.S.--I updated the blog...you can get your Delilah fix now. :) We're housing some friends who were driven out by Hurricane Gustav so I've definitely been a blog slacker...won't happen again!!! :)
September 6, 2008 11:58 AM
Joella said...
What a beautiful video, you do an awesome job, but why shouldn't you with a family like your. Pictures captures a thousand words. You made me cry like all your other beautiful blogs and videos. I think you found your second job(In your spare time HAHA :0). When you feel low just play this video and see how GOD has bless your beautiful buttterfly & your family.
Remember there is calm after the storm and a rainbow! You have had your storm,(six months in the hospital,all the testing and surgeries) you're cleaning up from the storm and repairing the damage,(all your phone calls, sleepless nights and therapy sessions) and in a few weeks you will get to enjoy the calm (the beautiful butterfly flying.) Remember sometimes you will get tired of all the work from the clean-up but just remember get rest when you can,let the Red Cross relief team(Lake Pointe, Theresa & I, MDO and all the other teams) help you and focus on the end project and the beautiful outcome when the clean up is over( beautiful Presely become a loving, happy, caring, beautiful child and a blessing to your family.)
Remember "The Will of GOD will never take you to where the Grace of GOD will not protect you!"
September 6, 2008 2:41 PM
aadams1229 said...
WOW! That was absolutely beautiful! I'm in tears. What a GREAT video! I watched it twice!! Presley is such an amazing baby girl! I truly can not wait to meet her. I am so glad she is home, where she belongs! I'm sending big hugs and kisses out to little Presley. I know you'll make sure she gets them!
Much Love to all of you!
September 6, 2008 3:15 PM
Aunt Kristy said...
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE the video!! It's great you put that together. It's so amazing to see how far she has come in 6 months! I love the pictures of you guys picking her up from the hospital. Haven't seen those yet. If you have more, I'd love to see them. Presley looks so happy to be home. I love all the pics but especially the one where she is smiling really big (like she's laughing). It's great. And, of course, you know I LOVE the bows! A pretty princess deserves to have pretty bows!! Give everyone a hug & kiss from Aunt Kristy, Uncle Jason & Devlin.
September 6, 2008 4:09 PM
Sophie Belle's Mom said...
Very poignant and impossible to stay dry eyed... just... wow. Your Butterfly, the whole family, the emotions - such beauty.
Thank you for sharing this. It is, quite simply, moving.
September 6, 2008 10:53 PM
Emily said...
Kele,
All I can say is "I'm moved." God is so good and loving to bless us with precious miralces.
We miss you guys so much and look forward to the day when we can all get together and have dinner and hang out.
Hugs and kisses!!! <>< Emily
September 7, 2008 12:22 PM
Debbie Yost said...
Kele,
That is one of the best slideshows I have ever seen. I loved the music and the statement at the end. The pictures were the BEST. Thank you for sharing your beautifuly Presley and family with all of us.
P.S. I was on a roll and haven't cried in a couple but now you broke my streak. Tears of joy are totally worth it!
September 7, 2008 9:56 PM
Anonymous said...
The Oliver family in San Antonio says "Awesome!" -- Much love and Blessings
September 8, 2008 7:30 PM
Sue said...
Just wanted to say hello and we're thinking about you. I know you are busy but wanted to say hello!!
Much love!
September 8, 2008 9:42 PM
Amy said...
Kele,
I LOVE IT! I am so happy for you and your COMPLETE family. It is wonderful to see everyone together at home. I hope that all is well, and I'll talk to you soon.
AMY:)
September 8, 2008 10:31 PM
Anonymous said...
Kele - just got back in town from NYC and opened this email. It has made my day to know that you now have her home. Such a beautiful tribute to her first six months of life. I look forward to seeing your family grow in happiness and love.
Kathy
September 9, 2008 7:41 AM
Richard said...
Kele and Family,
All of our prayers, white light and candles (some all over Italy, where I now work), have been answered (and they'll keep coming!).
Vola, Farfallina! Vola!
September 9, 2008 3:00 PM
Elizabeth said...
Absolutely fantastic job Kele! It brought back many memories and of course cried the entire time for you, Miss Presley and family. So very glad that you guys are home, no more thousands of wires and tubes and are "complete." Many hugs!
September 9, 2008 10:31 PM
Steph said...
Beautiful!...I'm speechless
off to grab a tissue ;-)
September 10, 2008 6:56 PM
Polly said...
What a sweet baby girl - many congrats on having you family at home! Presley is absolutely adorable! She is such a beautiful little gift.
~Polly
September 10, 2008 11:35 PM
The Wommacks said...
As odd as this is to say, I am so glad that you haven't updated your blog! To me this means that you are enjoying every second you have at home with your Presley, and Mikah and Jett! I do check every day, and smile when there is nothing new to see. Hope that everyone is settling in to being a family of five!
September 11, 2008 6:37 PM
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