Day 31: 31 for 21

Today is Halloween, the last day in October, and the last day of daily blogging for 31 for 21. And let me say "whew!" I"m ready to take down the Halloween decorations and I'm ready to stop blogging everyday.

I think I've done my fair share of bringing awareness to Down syndrome. I know many of my Facebook friends were shocked when I began blogging and they realized that Harper has Down syndrome. I have received many messages about how much they love the daily blog and what a great mommy I am (no arguments there)! If I taught one person one thing about Down syndrome then my mission is accomplished.

It's been both a blessing and a struggle to blog daily. The blessing is that I'm able to put my thoughts out there and I have many readers who have "been there done that" so I don't feel so alone. The struggle has been to be creative and to have 31 posts!

My family will forever be on this Ds journey and I hope you will continue to read about it!


Happy Halloween! No costumes from us this year but here are a few pictures from Halloweens past (mostly Andy. He's better at it then I am!)

Day 30: Mini photo shoot

I am aware that my photography ability is limited. I am creative but not when it comes to the camera. I try and I WANT to be good at it. Maybe it's the camera. Maybe it' me. Anyway, you can't blame me for trying.

Yesterday the Badgers were playing (I use "playing" loosely) Ohio State. It was a big game. Apparently the Badgers didn't know that. But I digress. I took the opportunity to dress Harper is red and white and to snap some pictures!

WARNING: they are not impressive and I am fully aware of that. But I figure her cuteness makes up for my lack of skill.

 Those cheeks just kill me! 

 The socks are so big but they had Badgers on them so I couldn't resist! 

And a little itsy bitsy spider for Halloween! 

Tomorrow is the last day of the 31 for 21 challenge and I am excited! I can't believe that I have blogged every single day in October! 

Day 29: Am I doing enough?

Hello Saturday morning! This means hello to a full day of uninterrupted Harper time. Daddy is gone today taking a class (long story) so it's just us girls. Wearing pajamas until we can't anymore, working from home (ok from my bed), blogging, maybe cleaning, and  a lot of thinking.

I've come across so many great blogs from this 31 for 21 experience that sometimes I feel overwhelmed. These (mostly) mothers are all trying to make a difference and I want to think I am trying to also. But am I doing enough? Am I raising enough awareness? In my defense, Harper is only 2 months old. I have her entire life to raise awareness. Do I know as much about Down syndrome as I should? No. Will I ever? Probably not. I don't think anyone does. Even the expert, Dr. Mobley, is always learning.

As each day passes I am learning and learning will always continue. It's a process. And I have always struggled with the process. I like to get to the end result fast. I am impatient. I loved being pregnant but hated that I had to wait to have my baby. I love to travel but hate the process of getting there. I love the holidays and to decorate but I want it NOW! Understand?! So, the fact that I don't have a niche yet in the Down syndrome world frustrates me. I want to be involved, to find my voice, to be Harper's advocate. How will I do this? Besides being her mom and being as up to date as possible, I'm not sure. I want to be successful in raising awareness but am still trying to figure out how.

On a lighter note...Harper had a great short week at school! She had a ton of visits from all the teachers and many parents. As one teacher put in on Wednesday "here comes the Harper parade!" She can't help it that she is super cute and the director's kid. Everyone  has to like her!

I've posted a lot of links lately due from plain exhaustion. And I apologize because I know that those are not the most popular posts. And I've promised Harper pictures so for your viewing pleasure...here they are!

Day 28: Oh so tired

All parents know the feeling. Sleepy. Exhausted. Tired. Spent. Harper isn't even a bad sleeper. She's a great sleeper. My mind is making me more tired then I should be. I'm running a constant "To Do" list in my mind. Harper, work, Andy, Brewer, Lola, Harper, work, Andy, Brewer, Lola...repeat. Throw in pay bills, eat, sleep, coffee, shower.

So, once again, I apologize for this lacking post. The link I'm going to give you isn't lacking in substance. It's a great piece. I'm just lacking the energy to dissect it for you. 

I found this article because we are registered with MADSS or the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society. I received an emailed newsletter and it always has interesting information, events, and links. Even a shout out to this little blog! I can't even take credit for the following link because I took stole is from the MADSS newsletter. 

Here it is....enjoy!

www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-julia-becker/explaining-down-syndrome-b_1030694.html

Day 27: MaterniT21

As day 2 of me going back to work ends I was driving home and forgot that I still had to blog today. I tried to get a few posts saved ahead of time but failed to do one for today. So I apologize but it's going to be short...again. I promise to make up for it this weekend. I promise to have more Harper pictures. And I promise to have a drink or two this weekend!

I talked about the new Ds blood tests weeks ago but it was just released a few days ago. Here is an article that I found interesting and that I promise to blog about later. As of now, it's bedtime for this momma.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-wolfberg-md/down-syndrome-blood-test_b_1021740.html

Day 26: first day

Today was my first day back at work and Harper's first day at school. It went great. She ate well. Slept well and had lots of visitors that wanted to see her cuteness.

My teachers all knew that Harper has Down syndrome and her heart defect so I wasn't worried about their reaction. But I only told a handful of parents so I was worried what people would say and if they would say anything. And guess what? If anybody could tell she has DS they didn't say anything. And I don't know if any of them would have known what to say of the did notice.

Overall, I was less emotional about dropping her off than I thought. I think I know how easy it is for me to see her when I want to. However, on the drive home I realized I got to see her but no spend time with her. That makes me sad. So right now she is sitting on my lap as I blog this from my phone ( which is a pain in the ass). So this is short because Im done for tonight!!

Day 25: Down syndrome Creed

I want a do over for my last day at home with Harper. Too many doctor appointments and too many shots/immunizations. And I'm trying to wrap my head around some other drama that I don't care to talk about. So needless to say, today sucked and tomorrow I go to work. 


The good news is that during my blog hop I came across a new blog. And I LOVE her! I found the following poem at Life's Little Surprises. Her name is Shannon and her daughters name is...wait for it...Fiona. Some of you know that back when I was teaching in my 2 year old classroom I had a favorite (I mean I loved her the same as the others) and her name was Fiona. Since then I have loved that name. Anyway, take a quick journey over to Shannon's blog. She will appreciate it. 


I enjoy the Down syndrome Creed but it will not be something that I display (just like Shannon states in her blog). It is for reassurance that life is great, fantastic, and meaningful no matter who you are. 

Down Syndrome Creed

Author unknown

My face may be different,

But my feelings the same.

I laugh and I cry,

And I take pride in my gains.

I was sent here among you,

To teach you to love.

As God in the heavens

Looks down from above.

To Him I am no different.

His love knows no bounds.

It's those here among you,

In cities and towns,

That judge me by standards

That man has imparted.

But this family I've chosen

Will help me get started.

For I'm one of the children,

So special and few,

That came here to learn

The same lessons as you.

That is acceptance,

It comes from the heart.

We all have the same purpose,

Though not from the start.

The Lord gave me life,

To live and embrace,

And I'll do it as you do

But at my own pace.

Day 24: Thank you Blog Hop

I didn't really speak about the Blog Hop that took place on Friday. I actually joined late because I forgot. But I am thankful that I joined because I came across many new blogs that I enjoy tremendously. I also have new followers which I enjoy even more. I told you that I am competitive with myself and I really like seeing my number of followers go up and up. Even though I know I have a ton of readers from Facebook.

So if you came across my blog from the Blog Hop: hello and welcome! If you haven't left me a comment or I haven't followed you please leave me a comment and I will follow you too! I have tried to make sure I follow all of my followers who have blogs but with a newborn I get sidetracked easily!


Here are a few pics from our day today.

Day 23: Reading Recommendation

I don't want to talk about the Badgers. I'm angry and sad. I'd rather talk about gifts! Harper received a new gift this last week in the mail and I LOVE IT! Thanks to the Schmidt family for thinking of Harper and for the gift! What is it?! It is a book called My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson.  













The book is about Charlie and Isabelle's friendship. They are the same age but they are different: Charlie is tall, Isabelle is short. Isabelle has Down syndrome but the book is mainly about differences. It's adorable. I love it. I love Sarah for giving it to us. I love Amazon for letting me order it from the comfort of my own bed. I love early Christmas shopping especially when I find a great idea for my niece and nephew (Dajen forget you just read that!)




This is officially my last weekend off before I start work again on Wednesday. I'm actually excited. I know Harper will be well taken care of. She will make friends and seriously she is the director's kid so nobody can mess with her! 


I will spend the next few days attending doctor appointments for both H and myself but mostly I'll be trying to soak up my last moments of alone time with her. 


Let me know if you have read this book or if you are going to buy it. I HIGHLY recommend it. Thanks again Sarah for the book and for all the love and support you have given to me, basically a stranger. 

Day 22: Laid back Saturday

It's Saturday night. The dog is sleeping. The baby is sleeping. In her crib. I am tempting to try letting her sleep there all night. I don't think mommy is ready for that though. Badger game is the game of the week. Andy has a Guiness. I have a New Glarus Apple Ale. Tonight is delightful.

A delicious Wisconsin beer. Seriously, it's delicious. 

Today was a fun and laid back day. We had visitors! My friend Carrie and her family (Wayne, Leo, and Maya) came to visit Harper for the first time. They had lots of cuddle time with little H!  My parents came to visit and they brought early birthday presents. Which I appreciate. I am calm about my upcoming birthday. I am excited to turn 30. I feel that I finally fit my age. Especially now that I'm a mom it only seems right that I'm 30. Or going to be on the 4th (hint hint I take presents...just kidding. Kinda.)

My mom and I went shopping. JCPenney is my new favorite store. I haven't been there in years but I"m hitting up the sales and am going to be dressed like a new woman at work! 

Harper, as always, got presents too. Cute outfits that she can show off at school when we go back on Wednesday. We will make a quick stop on Monday for picture day. We all know how much Harper likes a photo shoot! 

I couldn't resist giving you a reminder! 

My parents reminded me that Harper is growing like a weed. I already knew that but they reiterated that. I'm excited to see her grow. I want to see chubby thighs and arms.

Enough about my Saturday. It's time to focus on the Badger game.  Did anyone do anything fun? 

Go Badgers!  

Blog Hop

Day 21: 21 things I know for sure

I make it clear that I follow a lot of blogs. Blogs of all types. Decorating, DIY, cooking, baking, Down Syndrome, fashion...the list goes on. 

Awhile ago I "met" Liddy and Heidi. Heidi and I have a lot in common and that's because Harper and Lydia have a lot in common. I enjoy her blog. It makes me smile. Especially her post where she included 20 Lessons From My Daughter. I bookmarked that post for awhile. I thought about it daily. It took me weeks to create my own version (with some inspiration from Heidi and Liddy).

My lists consists of 21 things in honor of Trisomy 21, the 21st day of the month and the 21st day of blogging for Down syndrome.

Seriously?!

21 Things I Know For Sure

1. An extra chromosome is awesome. It makes Harper, Harper. I wouldn't have her any other way.
2.  Without my blog friends I wouldn't be as sane in this insane world. They get me. They have "been there done that" and that makes me feel safe and secure.
3. As stressful as parenthood is, I couldn't do it without Andy. He is the milk to my cookie.
4. I sleep different. When Harper was born and until recently I slept with my glasses on so I could turn over and look at Harper. (seriously I'm blind without my glasses).
5. I'm thankful to have Harper. I'm thankful for Andy. I'm thankful for my family. I'm generally just thankful.
6. This trip to Holland is the only thing that Harper knows but it has changed me.  I'm a far better person now as a mom than I was previously.
7. I'm terrified that we have a date for Harper's surgery but I'm excited at the same time.
8. I'm a big believer in positive thinking.
9. I shed a tear pretty much every day. Sometimes sad sometimes happy. Nevertheless, each tear gets me closer to my true self.
10. I love Chelsea Handler but hate that she uses the R word.
11. I know that not everyone is comfortable with Down syndrome or with Harper having Down syndrome. The truth is I actually forget about Ds more than I think about it. I see Harper for who she is, not what she was diagnosed with.
12. I'm perfectly content staying in my pajamas all day just to spend time with Harper. Those of you who know me know that I love getting up and getting dressed for the day. My current wardwobe: yoga pants and an oversized off the shoulder tshirt.
13. I now a reassured that there is a God.
14. I'm a momma bear. If you cross between me and my daughter I will let you know.
15. I loved being pregnant. Makes me want to do it again :)
16. I drive differently. By different I mean slow and cautious rather than fast and furious.
17. Harper makes me want to exercise so I'm healthier for her. Too bad I haven't started yet!
18. I love that our family loves Harper. It's evident in the phone calls, emails, and visits.
19. Harper entered this world with a sneeze (seriously not a cry a sneeze) and has made a bang ever since.
20.  Choose your friends wisely. True friends love and support you even when you're ugly and mean, through your highs and lows, and know all your dirty secrets but still love you anyway. (Taken word for word from Heidi at My Liddy Bug.)
21. It melts my heart to see my friends love Harper as much as their own children. It means I've picked the right friends.

Little girl has a belly! 

Day 20: Harper's Heart Update

This week was a big week for Harper's ticker. On Monday we were able to meet the surgeon who will be performing her surgery. As much as a mother and father can trust a stranger performing surgery on their daughter, I approve of him. A balanced mixed of intelligence and friendliness. However, I'm more focused on the intelligence and gentleness of his hands. I couldn't help but stare at him in amazement that he actually fixes hearts. Is that strange to anyone else?


Did I ever explain her heart defect? I don't think I did so here is the short version. For the long version go here. She has an AV Canal defect. Thirty to 40% of children with Down syndrome have this form of defect. Basically, she has a large hole in the center of the heart and a single large valve formed (instead of 2 different valves) that crosses the defect in the wall between the two sides of the heart. It can only be repaired by Open-heart surgery. Infants may breathe faster and harder than normal. High pressure may occur in the blood vessels in the lungs because more blood than normal is being pumped there. Over time this causes permanent damage to the lung blood vessels. 


We have a date set for Harper's surgery. I'm not exactly sure I want to give it out yet because I don't know if I can handle a countdown happening in blogland. But I will let you know it's after the holidays and that I reserve the right to change my mind about posting the date!

Wednesday we were back at the American Family Children's Hospital  for an Echocardiogram and a follow up with the Pediatric Cardiologist (who is not the surgeon). Harper's Echo didn't show anything different but her breathing has changed. She bobs her head and is skin is pulling at her throat. Which means that she now receives 2 medications twice a day. Giving her the medication isn't difficult. What's difficult is that they need to be taken 12 hours apart, one before each other, and I don't want to bring them to work/school with us in case I forget them there. So, I'm doing what I do best...plan and organize. 

When we were meeting the surgeon on Monday Harper weighed 7 pounds. Wednesday she weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces. Nothing to be overly concerned with. This weight changed could have been because of a feeding, diaper etc. Nonetheless, the doctor wants Harper to take in more calories so we are adding more formula per water. Again, an easy change. So far I can handle this.

We have follow up appointments scheduled all the way until her surgery. We are on track for that day to come. I'm avoiding in yet counting down the days at the same time.


The surgeon did go over the risks but we focused more on the rewards and that is what I will keep focusing on. Harper and I have talks about her surgery all the time. She knows it's going to suck but that after it's done she will be healthier. She is such a good baby that I think she is trying to tell me to stop worrying that she will be fine.


Ahh enough about her ticker! I get emotional every time I talk about it. So....happy Thursday. I've deemed it a "stay in bed until I have to get out" day. Here are a few pictures to enjoy!

Day 19: Wordless Wednesday

Day 18: short and sweet

I'm not feeling well today. I blame it on lack of sleep last night and not eating very healthy... Hello Oreo Truffles!

So, here is the Oreo Truffle Recipe. Sorry no pics. But they are amazing! Right Dajen?!

1 pack of Oreo's, crumbled
1 package of cream cheese
White chocolate to melt

Crumble Oreos. Mix entire package of cream cheese into crumbled Oreos. Form into balls and place on cookie sheet and put in refrigerator for 1 hour (or freezer for 15 if u can't wait likewise). Melt white chocolate. Microwave and stir every 15 seconds. Dip Oreo balls into melted white chocolate. Place back on cookie sheet and place in refrigerator (or freezer) to harden.

Super easy. Feel free to decorate or color the chocolate. You can definitely get creative!

Enjoy! I challenge you to eat only one!

Welcome to Holland

I came across this poem when we were told about Harper's Ds diagnosis. While I think it's relevant and it was helpful for myself and my family at the time, I don't want to think that I am boxed into staying in Holland. Please read it. Enjoy it. Leave a comment. And I will discuss our trip to Holland AND Italy in a later post.

by Emily Perl Kingsley I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome To Holland". "Holland?!?" you say, "What do you mean "Holland"??? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy" But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills...Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned". And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things...about Holland.

Day 16: Hi, I'm Harper

Hi, I'm Harper.

 I know how cute I am! 

Here are a few things about me that you may not know:

I have dark blue eyes. Mommy and daddy both have green eyes so I'm not sure where they came from!

I look like mommy! Sorry daddy!

Some children with Ds have crooked pinky fingers. Mommy thinks mine are super cute.

When I sleep my nose gets stuffy because people with Ds have smaller nasal passages. So at 4:00 am (pretty much every day) mommy has to get my boogies out so I can sleep.

I smile a lot when I'm sleeping. I'm dreaming about cupcakes, unicorns, pumpkin patches, and cute boys.

I'm getting better at holding my head up. I'm really good at it when I'm laying on daddy's chest.

Mommy didn't have any pictures of me on my tummy with daddy so this is as good as it's going to get! 

I don't like to burp. But lately I like to throw up on mommy after I'm done eating. On second thought, maybe I should like to burp.

I love my swaddle. I mean I really LOVE my swaddle.

I don't mind Brewer and Lola. Lola leaves me alone and Brewer tries to sniff me every once in awhile. But I know he is protecting me.


So that's about it about me! Thanks for reading!

Day 15: Curve balls, facts and common courtesy

Life has a way of throwing you curve balls. And I have learned to expect curve balls. They are inevitable but I am not psychic so I don't know when they are coming. But I know they will be pitched my way eventually. How do I handle the unexpected? I don't. I try not to expect. This is easier for me to type then it is to actually implement. I talk a big game. I have never been a "one day at a time" type girl. Being pregnant changed that. I needed to take my pregnancy one day at a time. I was terrified about a miscarriage. I then worried when I was told that babies with Ds have a higher chance of being stillborn. I then worried when at 36 weeks and 5 days the doctor told me Harper had stopped growing appropriately and she needed to come out. Actually having Harper changed that even more. But one thing I do know for sure is when a curve ball is pitched my way I try to hit it as hard as I can. I do this by understanding everything about that curve ball.  

I admit that before Harper's diagnosis I was naive and uninformed about Down syndrome. I have put together a short list of facts and common courtesy tips that I found to be helpful. Take them or leave them and please keep in mind that this list is not exclusive. I guarantee that there are millions more that I could have posted. 

 At the risk of pointing out the obvious (and insulting your intelligence) number 5 is bolded for a reason. I want everyone to understand that Down syndrome is not to be blamed on anyone. I did not have a drink while I was pregnant. I did not take the wrong medication. It just happens. I have encountered this conversation numerous times and is an entire blog post itself. But for the time being, just know that number 5 is near and dear to my heart. 

1.  Down syndrome occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. This form of Down syndrome is called Trisomy 21. 


2. Down syndrome occurs one in every 800 live births.


3. Although the chance of Down syndrome increases with the mothers age, 80% of children with Ds are born to women 35 and younger.


4.  It's called Down Syndrome. Not Down's syndrome or Down's. In 1975, the United States National Institutes of Health convened a conference where they recommended eliminating the possessive form: “The possessive use of an eponym should be discontinued, since the author neither had nor owned the disorder.” John Langdon Down first described it in 1866, but he neither had it, nor "owned" the syndrome so it should not take on the possessive form of Down's syndrome. 


5. Down syndrome happens before conception; so there is nothing a person did, or didn't do, to cause it. It happens when the egg, or sperm, is produced with an extra copy of chromosome 21.


6. While divorce can happen in any family, the studies are actually showing it is currently lower in the families who have a member who happens to have Trisomy 21.


7. Please use People First Language. Many people say a "Down's child" or "Down syndrome child." I've never heard anyone say a "Breast Cancer woman." Please put the person before the disability.


8. Don't even get me started on the "R" word.


9. Label jars not people.


10. People with Ds are living longer than ever before. They can live independent and productive lives well into adulthood.

  

Day 14: Some questions answered

The weekend is upon us which means my little family of 3 (ok 5 if you include Lola and Brewer) is complete for 2 full days.  We can't decide what we want to do this weekend. It's hard to schedule around the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. 

Have I posted a picture of Lola? I love her but she is a B*&%$. With a capital B. 

I've received some great feedback on this little blog over the last week and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate it. I enjoy the blog world and am happy to have people actually read what I have written. I've answered a few questions about myself and I thought I'd publish the answers here:

I graduated from UW-Madison in 2005 with an English degree (don't judge my grammatical errors I'm a lazy proofreader).  I thought I'd graduate and then get my teaching certificate but plans changed and I ended up working in a preschool and moving my way up the management ladder pretty quickly. I've been a director for the last 3 years. 

I like to write but I'm not creative enough for fiction and too impatient for nonfiction. I don't like to research something I'm not interested in. Obviously, I'm interested in Down syndrome and Harper's heart defect so yes I researched the crap out of both and I still don't fully understand! 

I do love my current job. Harper will get to come with me. But, yes of course I'd love to find a job where I can work from home. Anyone in Madison want to hire me to do that?! 

Other fun facts about me:

I'm obsessed with the Real Housewives of New Jersey. It must be an Italian thing because I understand them. Weird I know but us Italians have to stick together. But you don't look Italian: I am I swear. I'm also Irish but there is no Real Housewives of Ireland...yet. 

I always need a project to work on. For example, I re-stenciled my entryway and like it even better. I couldn't stop thinking about the mistakes I made and had to do it over. My next project: paint the side table in Harper's room yellow.

I wish I was handy. Handy as in with power tools. I could complete so many more projects if I wasn't terrified of power tools.

There you go. Not terribly exciting as this 31 for 21 is straining my creativity. A few other Ds bloggers are asking for their readers to ask them questions about Ds. I'd like to extend the offer as well. You can post on my blog anonymously (if you want) and I'll try my best to answer. 

Happy weekend! 

Day 13: Favorite time of day

I'm in the midst of my favorite time of day. Morning time with Harper. When we don't have to be up at a certain time of the day, we take our time. I make her a bottle and me a cup of coffee. 

I put her in the boppy and put myself back in bed. This is when I blog, watch crappy TV, and check my email and Facebook. 

It's very unproductive and for once in my life I can sit still and enjoy not being productive. This is where I take a bunch of pictures of Harper. Usually she is in her boppy sleeping or giving me a look that says "Mom, knock it off!" I watch her sleep. I feed her. We talk. We sing. We are a we.  

 This is her "Mom knock it off" look. 

I don't have very many of these mornings left. I go back to work on the 26th. I love my job but I'm sad and dreading that day that I go back to work. Although, I am fortunate that Harper will be able to attend my school. She will be right down the hall from me. Great right? Um, I'm not so sure. School isn't the problem. It's me. Only time will tell. And the time for me to return to work is getting close. 

Maybe one of these days I'll give you a picture of my full bedroom (and possible home tour). Not just the unmade comforter with a baby on it! 

I apologize for the lack of creativity in these pictures. But I'm still sitting in bed and only got up to make Harper a bottle and me a cup of coffee! 

Next week will go by fast. We have doctor appointments after doctor appointments. The most important appointment is when we meet with the surgeon who will be performing Harper's heart surgery. Cross your fingers that he has done the surgery a million times. I don't want other kids to go through the surgery but I want to know that Harper is in an experts hands. We will also be discussing when her surgery will be scheduled. The time of ignorance is bliss is also almost over. But that's alright, I'm anxious to put the SUCCESSFUL surgery behind us and move forward to bigger and better. 

What's your favorite time of day? For me coffee has to be involved! Happy Thursday and let's go Brewers!