Most of you already know that Parker and I are the Managing Editors over here:
But starting in January I’ll also be working behind the scenes over here:
You won’t see anything written by me, instead I’ll be the one trying to organize when all those amazing giveaways go live.
And don’t be surprised to see us show up every so often here too:
And you may even be able to catch a cameo or two from us over at MommyTalk.com soon too.
And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the amazing, talented, way out of my league (but a girl’s gotta have a dream) women over at www.blissfullydomestic.com might find it in their hearts to hire us on over at their place.
Because by hiring both me and Parker not only do they get a whopping two for the price of one….they get a Diva of all things special needs AND medically fragile.
And if THAT isn’t enough, I’ll even through in the promise to make my totally stolen images and turn them into usable buttons that actually take you to the specified site when clicked.
What more an online magazine could want I simply can’t imagine.
My blogging goals will always remain the same though:
To show others, firsthand , that a child with special needs is first and foremost a child.
Especially a medically fragile child with special needs.
Over 90% of all children prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are still being aborted. Mainly out of fear of the unknown.
The what-ifs.
The I could NEVER do thats.
Fear is a funny thing. Introduce it to experience and whoosh! it can disappear into that space hidden between heartbeats.
And truthfully? I spend many nights worrying that when Parker does get healthy enough to run around and do all the things healthy little boys do, that there won’t be anyone who will want to do those things with him.
They’ll be afraid that he’s too different. They’ll be too uncomfortable. They won’t know how to act around him.
I worry that he’ll never experience such simple things as:
birthday invitations.
regular play date inclusions.
valentines and secret crushes
the thrill of being chosen for a team
Not the out of pity kind. But the kind that comes with the same desire and excitement all the other kids receive.
Cause, trust me. We’ll know.
I worry that other parents just won’t have the time to include a kid like mine with a kid like theirs.
So I try to share how much Parker is just like every other four year old.
Except, you know, different at the same time.
But still just as amazing.
And capable.
I find my today’s prayers asking that Parker’s tomorrows will include many in our community willing not only accept, but to welcome, embrace, and include.
People just don’t understand that downs kids are KIDS. When we went to our first downs function after Jax was born all the kidos were running around and playing like kids, no different. And not all downs kids have so many medical problems like ours do. I don’t know how many times a cute little downs kid came up to us and asked why he has oxygen and what it does for him. Happy new year, Lacey and Jax
Well it looks like your going to have your hands full for 2009. Good luck and God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Twitter: therextras
says:
Looks to me like you won’t have time to pack. For a disaster. Or for a disaster. Good planning. No time for a disaster. Won’t have one. Might just work!
Congratulations Tammy!! This is awesome news! I CANNOT imagine aborting ANY child! When I was asked if I wanted to take the Triple Test to see if I could have a Down Syndrome baby (and they proceeded to tell me I might want to know so I could make a “decision”), I said HELL NO! I dont need to know because it doesnt matter, I would NEVER abort my child!! I cant believe any one would! This topic makes me so mad, I start shaking!! I LOVE what you are doing Tammy. Parker is (besides my 5 boys,lol) the most precious child EVER, period and the world is a much better place with him in it. It is a much better place with all beautiful children in it, illness or not!!
Happy New Year!
Love to you all,
Amy
Good Luck with all of you new jobs for 2009. Just to let you know that if you lived close to us…Parker would be more than welcome at our house for birthdays, playdates etc… I don’t have a medically fragile child but, I do feel that “all” children should be included in everything in any and all ways possible. Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2009 bring you much happiness and good health.
Hi Tammy,
I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. My little guy, Dylan, was born in June and was diagnosed with Ds shortly after. Someone sent me the book, Gifts, and I was totally struck by your story. I decided to check out and your blog and have been doing so ever since! Just by sharing your story, you have helped me (and SO many others Im sure) in so many ways. I had NO idea that there was such an amazing blogging community out there – and I have you to thank for that.
Im looking forward to keeping up with Parker’s progress in 2009.
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful New Year : )
~Laurie and Dylan
Twitter: therextras
says:
Back again…sorry…I cannot find 5 minutes for giveaways – doesn’t link through the icon – is the site not up yet? Just askin’. Thanks.
Tammy and Parker,
I haven’t stopped by in a while, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I completely understand your fears, growing up with a special needs sister. I am so glad that things are shaping up to be a big 2009.
You know Parker has a special place in my heart, especially after losing Emma earlier this year. There is no sweeter thing than a child. His strength is amazing, and touches more people than you could ever imagine. Many people never get a chance to do that, and he does it every single day.
I hope that life is good to you in the coming year, and I am sure that it will be. Having a great attitude is the biggest hurdle, and ya’ll fly over that one!
Many, many hugs!
Gina
There are so many kids (and parents) out there who will love Parker! My kids love him and they’ve never met him:) Good luck with all of your new projects in ’09. How exciting!!
You rock! Seriously, any and all of those places are blessed to have you on board and sharing Parker’s wonderfulness with the world. I am really excited about 2009 – Happy New Year!
This was so well written. It makes me think of a little boy in my Kindergartener’s class. He is special needs and he is such a sweet little boy. The kids in the class literally argue over who gets to play with him, sit with him, etc. They really take care of him and include him – it’s incredibl. I hope that Parker has a class like that!!
Tammy, this is really wonderful news. You deserve every bit of it. Your writing is awesome.
I hope you guys have a wonderful 2009 filled with lots of health and milestones.
You go girl!!
Amen!