Rest of November through middle of December 2011

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Dobbins grandparents, Grandpa and Grammie, this year. Grammie had made most of it before we got there late Wednesday night so getting everything together was easy on Thursday. Gigi (Julie's grandmother) came over Thursday at noon and stayed all day. We tried to coordinate dinner during naps so that we could talk and enjoy it:) but both the younger boys woke up. It turned out to be just fine. 

On Friday morning, we decided to let the boys open up gifts from Grammie and Grandpa. We thought they might enjoy spreading out their gifts and they might better remember them. They still were a bit overwhelmed and, at one point, Joel threw a gift in frustration. He was promptly removed from "Christmas" until he got himself under control.:)

Jackson loves being at Grammie and Grandpa's because he has his own room there like his cousins do at his Nana and Pops' house. Jackson will settle in like he owns the place so we have to remind him we are guests and he needs to give up a turn with the TV so Grandpa can watch. It was pretty cold so the boys did get out and play on the trampoline some but we didn't go the park like we often do when we are there. 

Friday evening Jonathan was playing with a marble. I saw him do it and realized I should get it from him. There is often a part of me, upon watching a scene unfold such as this, that thinks, "He won't do it this time" but that part of me is most often wrong. Jonathan proceeded to swallow it and hurried to be, indicating it was caught in his throat. I banged his back for it to go down. It did. Seeing as I am at a pro at this now, I didn't panic. I had him eat bread and drink clear fluids, both of which he got down just fine. Jamie was gone. When he returned, I told him what happened. I felt like the situation was in control until he reminded me that what Jono ingested was part of a magnetic set. I became very ticked off because I KNEW Jonathan had not swallowed a magnet but I could not prove it. I began slamming things around, called Poison Control, was given the news that we had to go to the ER, and acted like a baby. Once again, a holiday was interrupted because Jonathan just had to put something in his mouth.

My mom accompanied me to the ER. Swallowing a magnet is very dangerous because it can pinch your bowels, cause decreased blood flow, and end in death. So, he was sent to the top of the list. He got x-rayed, examined, and was let go. Only the marble made an appearance on the x-ray (as I KNEW it would be) and we were free to go.

That was enough excitement for one visit. We left on Saturday morning. One day we will be able to stay longer but right now we have to keep our out of town visits short to keep our sanity as well as help the people we visit keep theirs as well.:)

We got home and I started to work on Christmas cards and teacher gifts. I see these facebook posts and blogs about keeping perspective on Christmas. It is hard but, honestly, I really want to give and let people know how much we appreciate them. I enjoy writing our card but it takes me a while to crank it out. So, while the season can be hectic and chaotic, I have enjoyed drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies, and decorating our tree. I will get sleep later (when Joel begins to sleep past 5am) and shed the extra chub that I have accumulated after the new year. Being alert and trim is overrated anyway!

I did not get much sleep this week. Thursday, I was trying to get Joel down for a nap. He gets up at 5am and is beginning to resist his nap. I don't get it. However, I was trying to get him down for a nap and I fell asleep with him. I didn't get to my phone when it rang. I got up shortly thereafter and got a call from Jamie. He had Jonathan with him. The school had called my cell phone and home phone. I didn't answer so they called him. Jonathan seemed to have had an asthma attack and was in the back seat while Jamie drove, gasping for breath. I could hear him and I was terrified. I thought maybe he had swallowed something and it was obstructing his airway. 

Jamie had started to take Jono to the boys' pediatrician's office but after seeing him go white as a sheet with his lips turning blue, Jamie decided to turn around and go to the ER. Our pediatrician's office had called ahead and, when Jamie ran in with Jono in his arms, the ER staff got Jono in a room right away. After examining him and then giving him a high-powered steroid unrelated to asthma, it was determined it was more like a sudden onset of croup. Because of his DS, Jonathan has low muscle tone. This applies to his muscles all over. The doctors think that Jonathan's trachea got floppy and just stopped working. That was the obstruction - his trachea just closed of its own accord. Nothing like this has ever happened (that we know of) so we will count it a blessing he survived and note if anything like that happens again, we will head straight to the ER. 

This is a crazy life we lead. We go to doctors and hospitals so much that we are comfortable there and have a tradition of going to Krispy Kreme afterwards. I do think that Jamie and I both would say that because God has allowed us to have quite a few difficulties these last 14 years, we finally understand how to live out our faith instead of just adhere to rules. We are learning to call on Christ to fill in our gaps and voids, recognizing that we cannot live this life on our own. Thank goodness we are not alone! 

Julie:)

thejuliewarren@gmail.com

Daddy is using the Boo Boo Bunny 

and Jono is making certain he is okay.

Joel at his preschool Thanksgiving Feast. 

Jono's class picture after their performance. 

Notice Jono is the only one without his headdress on.:)

Buddy Walk, Birthday, and Boogers

The Buddy Walk was a success. Many thanks to those of you who donated, came to walk, and asked about us. Joel was asleep the whole time so that was very helpful. Family, friends, and teachers came. Next year we hope to have a tent.
I would post pictures but I don't have any. When we got there, our camera said, "Change battery pack." I used my phone the whole time but apparently it was not working. So, I had no pictures. I would like credit, though, because I did attempt to take them and document the event.
Thank you, again, for supporting us. We are so grateful.
Jonathan turned six yesterday. We had his birthday party at a local ice cream shop with his classmates and his friend, Molly. When I get access to those pictures, I will post them. Jonathan sat on the bench and ate his ice cream. He ate his cupcakes (more than one, yes). We sang to him and he opened his gifts - all without getting overwhelmed. This is the first time I would say that he was excited about his birthday and really seemed to understand the logistics and the fact that he was the recipient. I would say that his party was a success. 
I am so grateful for Jonathan's classmates. They are kind to him and very loving as well as accepting. I sent an email to my fellow kindergartener parents at the beginning of the year to give them a "heads up" about Jonathan. I also gave points on how to explain his diagnosis to their kids. I cannot tell you how wonderful this community has been - not only the adults but also the kids. The parents obviously have worked hard to help their kids understand Jonathan and their children have been incredibly receptive. What an answer to prayer. Jonathan is often greeted with, "Hey, Jono!" and I even heard another teacher call him that. I am relieved and appreciative.
Tonight, I was bathing Jonathan and Joel. The water was running out of the tub and they were finishing up. Jono was sitting up and Joel was on his tummy looking up at Jono. Joel, with a look of disgust on his face, said, "Oooh! Yucky boogers!" This must be what he hears from me when I try to discourage him from picking his nose. Never had a booger picker until now.
Here are some pictures...

Joel's first day of school. He goes to Early Arts and his teachers are 

Ms. Tracey and Ms. Joanie. Whenever we talked about school he always said, 

"Yes, Ms. Tracey and Ms. Joanie." I thought he thought their names were 

his school name. I asked him what the name of his school was and he said, "Eary Arsss." 

Jonathan with his soccer gear on. He, like Jackson, much preferred

 either the sidelines or the playground. It was a constant time of 

bargaining. Jonathan's coach and teammates were very encouraging and 

rolled with it. One little guy, Jack, would say to Jono, "Jonathan, I know you 

can do it!" It has been neat to see these little people rise to the challenge of Jonathan.

Jonathan is making his own pb&j.

Joel quite distressed. 

I rolled Jack in toilet paper for Halloween. He did not like the result.

Jamie took over and even spray painted him with brown to make him look old.

Jono did not want to go trick or treating. Once he learned he had to dress 

up to get candy, he immediately popped up and got his pirate outfit on.

It was neat. Joel took the lead, running up to houses saying, "Come on, Johnny!"

The Mummy running around to get candy, leaving a toilet paper trail.

The Mummy quickly tired of his costume and transformed into a Jedi Warrior.

Counting their loot.

Team picture. Jono is not happy.

I was gone on a trip to NC last weekend to help host a baby shower for my sister. I came

back Sunday morning. While Jamie was helping the others get ready, Joel decided to paint.

Jono's field trip to Baker's Farm. He did not perk up until after lunch.

Cold and not having fun.

Jonathan with his sweet friend, Megan.

He got to pick his own pumpkin and went small.

He kept saying, "Happy Halloween!" He has come so far!

This is Jono's betrothed, Molly.:)

Sweet friend, Nicholas. He tolerates a lot from Jono - including a pop to the face.

Jono's first birthday gifts from Grammie, Grandpa, Aunt Betsy, and Uncle Bryan.

Today Jamie's mom, Betty, took Joel for several hours. I was so grateful. We were supposed to see friends we have not seen in a year this weekend. Partially because of a snafoo on my end, we were unable to do so. It was a rough day because I had been looking forward to it for, oh, a year.:) I got my hair cut, nails done, and went to the library by myself. I grabbed lunch for me and Jamie and took it by his office. It was so wonderful to be alone - it was a nice consolation prize since we were unable to see our friends! Thank you, Betty!


At the end of school today, I grabbed Jono and we waited for Jackson to come out of the building. While we were waiting, one of Jono's classmates greeted him and introduced him to her brother. The little boy first asked if Jonathan had a new hair cut. Then he asked, "What is wrong with his face?" The child knew Jonathan looked different and was innocently pointing it out. I had difficulty not crying right there in front of the school. I needed to remember that this child was not being unkind and that made a big difference.


When Jonathan was born, I envisioned comments like that. I was terrified of looks we would receive. We did get looks when we were out, but often they were more curious or from people enamoured with Down syndrome. I didn't know anything about special needs. I was bitter about being involved in PADS (Parent Advocates Down Syndrome) - that I didn't have a choice. Members often say it is the club you didn't sign up for and didn't ask to be a member of. Jamie and I had just spent four years raising money for the Bell Center. We realized we would have to help this organization for the rest of our lives because of Jonathan - it was overwhelming and we haven't exerted much effort in the last three years on the fundraising side.


However, when Jonathan was two, I became treasurer of PADS and Jamie sat on the board (and still does). We had attended new parent meetings since Jonathan was born and received so much simply from the relationships developed there. We enjoyed giving back but still did not wholeheartedly fundraise. We figured our service was enough at that point and we took time off from fundraising. 


Now that Joel is two, I have my sea legs. I don't feel so overwhelmed and have embraced DS wholeheartedly. I still have my moments but I am ready to get back in the game. I was late this year but I believe in this group and hope that any of you who love us and want to support us will donate - even if it is just $10. If 200 people donated $10, that would be $2000! Easy! You can donate online anonymously - I think some people don't give because they don't want others to see the amount they gave and how it would compare to other donations. Don't let that stop you, please. We will take any donations - large or small. 


If you would like to attend the Buddy Walk, it will be from 2-4pm at Regions Park this Sunday. There will be music, face painting, bounce houses, and more! The actual walk usually begins around 3pm - it is just a loop around the parking lot. There is info below on how to register or donate.


To watch a video of Jono over the last year, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ1WXtBNha8

If you want to register to walk with us, go here:
http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=100740

If you cannot walk with us and want to donate, go here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/julie-warren-2/2011PADSBuddyWalk.


Thanks for your support and love,
Julie:)

Buddy Walk on Sunday

Please join us this Sunday from 2-4pm at Regions Park. We will be walking to fundraise for our Down syndrome support group, PADS. You pay $10 per person (that will go towards our fundraising total) to get a t-shirt which serves as a ticket for the games and bounce houses. At around 3pm, we will begin our walk. The fundraising winners will be announced at the end.


PADS has been huge in our lives. It has been a tremendous source of comfort, support, and encouragement for us. It is where we meet with other families in our boat, encourage new families, and support our kids. Your donation funds new parent baskets, gifts for speakers at new parent meetings, meals to new parents or hospitalized kids, educational books, speakers, conferences, our Adult Down syndrome clinic and its staff, and our executive director's salary just to name a few. 


Jamie currently serves on the board and I was treasurer for two years. I took a few years off after Joel was born and am now helping with new parents. This group is one that we will be connected with for the rest of our lives. We appreciate your help!


To watch a video of Jono over the last year, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ1WXtBNha8


If you want to register to walk with us, go here: 
http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=100740


If you cannot walk with us and want to donate, go here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/julie-warren-2/2011PADSBuddyWalk.


Thank you so much for supporting us,
Jamie, Julie, Jackson, Jonathan, and Joel

Warren Family Update

Over the last six months, a lot has happened. In the fall of 2010, our pastor asked our church to begin praying about moving to a different part of town. He said it would make sense to live in a place we served, rather than just swooping in to be saviors and then going back to our nice homes. We didn't think this was the plan for us, but we began to pray. A lot of the people moving were going to homeschool. While I was a teacher before the boys were born, I don't feel equipped to homeschool Jonathan. I think he will get better help with teachers who have specialized in special education.


Previous to this, we had found out about a home in our neighborhood that sat vacant on a dead end street. The street had many other families on it, one of whom were friends of ours - they had three kids like us and their middle child (Jonathan's betrothed:)) has Down syndrome as well. The owner of the home is a friend of our family. Jamie contacted him a few years ago to ask if they would be willing to sell. They politely said "no" and that five other people were in front of us. So, we decided to stay where we were and put down roots. We had great neighbors across the street, down the street, and behind us. Our street could be busy at certain hours and we thought drug deals could be going on next door, but that was okay.:)


When we began praying about if we should move or not, our family friend (the owner of the home we had been interested in) contacted us and said he was ready to sell and we were at the top of his list. I was thrilled - I thought praying for the church move had been God preparing us to move to this other street in Homewood.


Jamie and I got our house ready and put it on the market in the fall of 2010. Every couple of months, we would wonder if we were doing the right thing. I wondered if I had misinterpreted what I thought God was saying. It was stressful trying to keep the house clean when I never knew when a call would come to see the house. Jonathan was potty training and letting the boys have fun but trying to keep things neat was hard.


In June, our contract was up with the family of the "new" house. We ended our contract with them. Three days later we got an offer on our house while we were at Disney. Jamie sat outside Pirates of the Caribbean, wheeling and dealing. We closed on a Friday in July and were supposed to be out by Sunday. We were in a quandry - we had no place to go. On Wednesday of that week, we had no place to go. We were looking at a house a third of our home's size. The realtor called this house "The Mountain Chalet of Homewood." I affectionately referred to it as "The Deathtrap." There was no front yard or back yard and it was on our old street. The backyard had a deck - on one side were stones and the other had tree stumps. Knowing my boys, they would jump off and be dashed to their deaths. Inside, you walked in at the second level and looked down into the den. Two bedrooms were upstairs. One room had French doors that were locked. If, however, someone were to get them open, they would look down into the den. I was terrified that the boys would kill themselves. The staircase was not up to code. 


Jamie and I talked about it. He had scoured the neighborhood, as had our realtor and friends. He said, "We have prayed about this. We have no other options. This is what God has provided. We will trust Him." He was right, but that night I prayed. I told the Lord that I knew He had provided us that house but would He please give us something else? 


The next morning (Thursday) I woke up feeling peaceful. My mom was in town. She and I had been to visit my aunts and sister and she had stopped back through with me. She helped me with the boys while Jamie and I tied up loose ends. That afternoon, an hour before we had to sign the lease, a man called. He told me he owned a home on the same street of the home we wanted. He wondered if we wanted to rent his house? I almost started crying. I called Jamie, we met this man at the rental, and we took it right away. God is so good! I know that there are more serious things in the world going on, but I was so grateful He chose to provide differently for us.


Now we are living on a new street. We hope to buy and renovate the house down the street but we will see if that works out. We miss our old neighbors, but we are so grateful for our fenced in backyard and the quiet street. The boys can run outside and I don't have to worry that they might get run over. There are other kids on the street that come out to play and they are kind to our kids. Everyone is accepting of Jonathan and so good to him. I often get nervous about our reception in new social settings so that was great for me. 


We don't know what is going to happen next but we are confident God will determine our steps. 

Joel's Second Birthday

Joel turned two in June. He is a most delightful child. He can't wait to do what his brothers do and jumps right in, thinking he is as old as they are. It has been curious to watch him develop and catch up quickly to Jonathan. Jackson loves having him around and is a great big brother. Joel drives Jono crazy but Jonathan loves him as well.

Because of Joel, we have locks on the fridge - both the refrigerated side and freezer side as well as on the pantry and dryer. We constantly find him hiding behind the couch, eating ice cream sandwiches. That is why we got the locks but if someone leaves it unlocked, he seems to know when and opens it to help himself to a snack. 

Joel's vocabulary is growing, as is Jono's. We hear that the two help each other and it seems to be true. One night, I was putting both boys to bed and Jamie was with Jackson in the other room. I was on our bed, flanked by Jono and Joel. I had turned out the light, they were settling down, and I was telling Jonathan that Jackson's friend, William, was sad because someone had thrown William's bey blade into the bushes and it could not be found. Jonathan does not like for people to be sad and proceeded to start talking about how William should not be sad. Then Joel chimed in and said, "Johnny, William IS sad" and Jono would come back with "No, William not sad." It was entertaining to be in the middle of such a simple yet wonderful conversation between brothers, one of whom we did not know would ever talk. Thank you, God.

Joel fits right in. As Jono has tapered off with the destruction, Joel has kicked in right behind him. In addition to the locks, Joel likes to skim his hand along the countertops, looking for food, drink, or toys. He enjoys taking apart Jackson's Legos. He has lots of bruises and scrapes from falling down - often in a hurry to get places. He likes Little Einsteins and enjoys playing games on my phone. Jono and Joel fight over my phone to see who can play Thomas games. 

Joel throws food at the table and refuses to eat. He wants to eat junk all the time and I have to negotiate with him. Honestly, Jono has prepared me for this guy. Joel refers to himself in the third person as well. Not sure how to break that one.

Happy second birthday, Joel! We love you, Buddy!

Joel enjoying opening his gifts.

Trying to keep track of who gave what.

Taking a break, lying down on the couch.

Thomas Legos ("gegos").

New train table. Hopefully, better access to 

trains, less fighting. Probably not...:)

A parking garage!

Sharing. Wow.

Happy second birthday, Joel.

May - Jono's Preschool Graduation

Jonathan had a great year in preschool this year. It was sad to see it end. Mrs. Connie, Mrs. Kendall, and Mrs. Patsy worked so hard with Jonathan, especially on potty training. Thanks to them, Jonathan learned to use the potty. That in itself was a HUGE accomplishment. They also were on the receiving end of us figuring out meds to help Jono attend better. That was rough - some days we didn't know if Jono was on the right meds or if he was getting sick. Because of them, their patience and creativity, Jonathan made tremendous progress this year. Many thanks to Hall Kent!

Jono receiving his preschool diploma from Mrs. Connie.

Winking for the picture.

Jono and Daddy.

Mommy, Jono, and Daddy.

Mrs. Kendall and Jono.

April 2011

Jackson's eighth birthday cake.

All three have a bent toward pink heels.

Chalk drawing.

Jono has lots of practice with the doctor.

He can even say "Dr. Cortopassi" now. Impressive.

Jackson's poster for his All About Me day.

Joel helping Jono paint.

Jono loves the computer. 

Who knew the laundry basket could be such fun?

Naptime on the kitchen floor.

Picnic on the porch.

Cheers.

Sweet brothers.

Mothers' Day. So glad I am a mom to these guys.

It is never dull at our house. You can say that again.

The many

faces of 

Joel.

Jono at Chuck E. Cheese for his graduation party.

Enjoying his cake - saying "cheese.":)