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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5 comments:
Dear Giles family,
Just watched the video on your little butterfly-what a blessing! Just to see the progression from this small, sick little girl to this laughing bundle of joy. Always remember there really aren't accidents or disabilities, only God's perfect will. Keep up the posts of Presley's progression-she truely is a miracle baby who has subsequently flown right into my heart.
Sincerely,
Mel
1 comments:
carolemm said...
Kele-
I just read the CarePage message that Presley is at home. So, I went to the blog thinking there would be more info there. I know I am blog impaired, but I looked everywhere. Then I realized you are not sitting in front of the computer.....the 5 of you are enjoying being a family, playing and having lots of fun. I am so so so happy for all of you especially Pres. She is where she needs to be. When you all come up for air from laughing and playing, share how everyone is doing.
Lots of love and Aloha being sent your way.
Carole, Carlos and Chance (due 12/11/08!
Nicole said...
I can't help but laugh. I have always said going from 2 to 3 is harder than going from 3 to 4. Once you're outnumbered and simply can't meet everyone's needs, it's just all over with. LOL So go ahead, have another!
Seriously though, I will be praying that you get some sleep, find some peace and are able to take care of yourself a little bit too.
I love you honey!
September 12, 2008 10:32 PM
Nicole said...
PS Please give your sis carte blanche to comment on ALL my posts. :-)
September 12, 2008 10:33 PM
Sue said...
Bless your sweet heart!!! I KNOW what it's like to have a coach for a husband so you tell him that your friend from Alabama said he better be taking care of mama. I loved the picture of Jett with milk on the tray....that's totally what it's like I'm sure. Enjoy it...they grow up fast.
September 12, 2008 10:39 PM
Cheri said...
Aaaagghhhh...those are such sweet pictures!!!! I hope things start getting into a groove for you and you have a few quiet moments to rejuvenate. Enjoy the beautiful chaos!!
September 13, 2008 12:32 AM
Heather said...
Alright girl,first,the pictures are fabulous.I loved them all.Second,what were you thinking?You were thinking that this world needed some more beautiful souls ..... these beautiful souls!Your beautiful children!Third,it will all be FINE.Everything will be just FINE!Promise.Have I steered you wrong yet?Look for the package on Wednesday.Might be a little like Christmas!!
September 13, 2008 12:35 AM
Cleo said...
Your children are beautiful!!!, what a blessing ~. Kele, you are a wonderful mother, doing a great job !!!. Lovely pictures!!!. Continue to celebrate your amazing journey :D
September 13, 2008 11:12 AM
Brenda Brown said...
Oh I know, I know!! When I look back to when my 5 were little it was all mind numbing...some of it was just a blur. I think now that I wish I had taken time to enjoy it more along the way but how can you when you are stretched in every way (and my husband was a football coach too so I totally understand). The good news from this side of motherhood is that we survieved and it was worth every minute. Couse my youngest is 27 and he behaves much better now, well most of the time they all do!! (:
Take care of yourself.
September 13, 2008 11:18 AM
Tammy and Parker said...
Your family is adorable. And before you know it, 'chaos' will become your new normal and you'll wonder if it was ever really any other way. :D
Try and enjoy this time as much as you can though, it over oh, so quickly.
You are doing a tremendous job!
September 13, 2008 11:44 AM
Reagan Leigh said...
Everyone I know that chooses to have a third experiences this same shocking reaction...What were we thinking?!?!? I don't know what it is about going from 2 to 3, but it's a huge change apparently. I have a hard enough time with one, so my hat definitely goes off to you! Hang in there...it's going to get easier and easier!! Take care,
Tera
September 13, 2008 11:52 AM
Jeanette said...
Oh dear. Toddlers are full of boundless energy. The good news is that Presley will learn so much from all of that energy! My four year old bounces off of the walls everyday. When Syd first got home, Ant couldn't stop kissing her either. Thanks for the flashback. It was good to see the post. I laughed at the haircut comment. I said that same thing to my hubby!
September 13, 2008 8:09 PM
Sophie Belle's Mom said...
I am so in love with the curls your girls have! Can't wait to watch as Presley's hair grows even longer like her big sister's. I just adore the natural ringlets... some of us spend a lot of time (and product) creating curls like that... only to have them fall in the Texas humidity. :)
September 13, 2008 9:28 PM
Debbie Yost said...
Those are great pictures! I'm glad things are going well for Presley. I was wondering, assuming no unforseen complications, are her heart troubles fixed. I watched a couple little girls with Down syndrome that had heart problems and once they had the surgery the heart wasn't really a concern. Obviously they had dr. appts and what not. Anyway, I don't know much about it because Peanut did not have heart problems.
Before much longer you will have your routine down and things will be going more smoothly. From one football widow to another I FEEL FOR YOU!!!! Make Mike watch the kids so you can get a haircut, or better yet a pedicure. You deserve it!
((HUGS!!))
September 13, 2008 9:39 PM
Theresa Cruz said...
I love all the pictures!!! Your kids are happy and loved and no one can ask for more than that. I can't imagine what having three small kiddo's is like, plus having a husband that MIA during football season. It makes me tired thinking of all you have to do on your own. Your doing a wonderful job, you can see it in your kids faces!! Keep it up. Love ya.
September 15, 2008 10:58 AM
kourtney poteet said...
Kele-- Hip Hip Hooray X3! Three cheers for the football widow! I feel your pain sister. I cant help but chuckle!
So glad to read your update on your precious little trio! I love the picture of Jett and his spilled milk. Reminds me of Kamden...something is always getting spilled or being tossed for a touchdown pass across the table! lol
It makes me smile to know that all is well health wise. With time you will have managing those three down to an art. you are so organized it wont be a problem for you.
I will be praying for you to be able to get some sleep and some "you" time. Take care and tell Mike you are headed to the SPA! lol
Enjoy the moments...before long the will all be off to school!
Hang in there...Kourtney Poteet :)
September 16, 2008 11:22 AM
Maureen Claypool said...
Kele - I feel your pain, but I am telling you it is #3 baby that breaks you. Trust me - we just had #7! I remember crying for days on end when my third was born!! And I too can relate to the football widow - my husband is a referee - once August hits I say "Goodbye - see you in December!" Just do what you can and try to enjoy all the craziness - remember "this too shall pass.." They'll be grown before you know it!! Take care and God bless you and your beautiful family - Maureen
September 17, 2008 12:58 PM
amy flege said...
You know, it doesnt matter how close or far apart your kids are in age when it comes to the craziness. I remember it all too well and totally understand! Hang in there, it will get better!!! Sometimes you just have to stop and think about your self!!!!
hugs!
September 19, 2008 7:41 AM
Pam said...
Have I ever mentioned how absoutley beautiful your kids are?
Well if not, know that they are!!
((HUGS!!))
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