Friday Funny

Taylor -- Awesomeness!

Taylor started preschool yesterday. She is going to school 5 days a week now and attending two different programs. She adores school, learning and playing with her girlfriends.

I love her little pose. She is quite the character.

Don't you love that when I asked her what her favorite thing was she said " playing with Cooper" ohhhh this little girl warms my heart

And for other BIG NEWS. Taylor is getting her first pair of glasses this week. We have tried to put off this little step until Kindergarten but alas she needs them... desperately. We did a lot of shopping and came up with a super cute style that fits her personality perfectly.  They will finally be in next week I can't wait to take some pictures and share them with you.

Wonder Woman Wednesday

ERIN AND EVAN!

Click above for the link to her blog.

Before I start my rant on how much I love Erin. Can you BELIEVE how much Cooper and Evan look alike. Brothers from a different mother if I have ever seen it. 

{ They are both the same age when these pictures were taken}

I adore Erin and felt connected to her the first time I saw her post on the Williams Syndrome Support Page. She is darling and her sweet son is just the BEST! I know you will love her as much as I do, I wish we lived closer so our boys could grow up together and be best buddies/twins.

READ THIS  -- her blog post after finding out about Evan's diagnosis. My favorite part by far is this quote from Erin, I remember this exact feeling. 

{ "I knew exactly what tree she was barking up. And I wanted her to jump off that tree right then and there."} 

 Dusty and I were thinking you better get off that F*ing Tree or I am going to punch you in a face with a chair.

Please see below from Erin

So I am very new to the world of parenting a special needs child. Three days after Evan's first birthday (May 30th) we went to a geneticist at CHOP and were told that our son has Williams Syndrome. I discussed it on one of my most recent blog entries. In a word, we were blindsided. We had no idea that the issues we had been facing for the past 4 or 5 months of our little guy's life were due to a genetic condition. I had been assuming all along that he had issues in his esophageal tract or that he might have some slight sensory issue but nothing major.

 

 He did not have the typical difficult early detection of serious heart issues, in fact when it came up that we "might want look into genetic testing" as the pediatrician on the feeding team said in late May- the doctor even said she was 90% sure nothing would come of looking into it. But she changed our lives that day in that little, cramped, stark white office. She questioned whether it had ever occurred to us that our son does not share our facial features. I literally felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. My father passed away a few months before we found out I was pregnant with Evan, and our son is a mini Bobby G, my Dad. He has the same droopy cheeks and big huge smile and personality. And I have clung to that fact very tightly. So hearing the doctor suggest that he does not look like us hurt more than she could know. A day later- she gave us the term, Williams Syndrome- which neither of us had heard of. I have been in special education for over 11 years and I have never encountered a student with this condition, nor had I read about it. So of course, after shakily entering the term into my keyboard and coming to the WSA page, my heart just sank. I remember not being able to focus on the information as a whole, I only could see certain words popping out at me, like, "low IQ, 75% have mental retardation, have successful jobs as greeters at grocery stores, one-on-one aides, etc." I remember collapsing into the recliner and calling my husband crying. Somehow he had already found the term online when typing in some of the issues we had run into and some things that came up at the feeding clinic appointment.

 

Both of us had trouble having the conversation and I just said that I thought his life expectancy was not different than a typically developing child. I hung up the phone and went up to Evan's nursery and picked him up out of the crib where he had been fighting a nap for a little while. I held him and rocked him the recliner, which I had not done in quite some time because he doesn't wake up over night much anymore. And I lost my s***. I am not one to curse unnecessarily and I apologize for that, but I did. Plain and simple. I started wailing and could not stop. And the funniest thing happened (which now is so incredibly symbolic), Evan picked his head up off my shoulder and looked at me and started giggling uncontrollably. He thought my wailing like a banshee was laughter. And he thought it was time to laugh right back! So he kept laughing and sucking in air and squealingOf course I immediately smiled and felt my heart start to lift.and that my new friend- is really at the heart of our new story with our son.

 

 He is fine. He has a few less genes than the average child his age which makes him less likely to walk before 2, or be in a regular education class without assistance, or love to eat chicken nuggets and grilled cheese like his little toddler friends. But those missing genes have done nothing to his HUGE personality. He is vibrant, curious, funny, beautiful, empathetic, and just so very loving. He has already taught us so much in 15 months, and I know he will continue to for as long as we are blessed to walk this earth alongside him if I am being honest, which I am sure is what you are looking for , of course I am still scared, and of course I still get angry sometimes when I think of how his future might be affected by WS. But the thing both my husband and I keep trying to remember is that we are far more worried about how his future looks to US. How his life is going to be different from what WE want for him. He is pretty darn happy with how things are going for him right now. Eating his sweet potatoes, chasing our choc lab mix around the house, climbing up the steps over and over no matter how winded it is making Mommy.

 

 

Don't you love that last paragraph. I told you she is amazing. I love how truthful she is you can feel the strength in her words leap out of the page.

 

Erin my dear, YOU ARE A WONDER WOMAN!!!!

 

 

Fall

I say it every year... I LOVE FALL!! Summer for me is just a gateway to get to cozy sweaters and comfort food. I also love school and the schedule and stability it brings to my little team. We have so many things going on this week. 5 doctors apts for Cooper... yes 5. more to come on that later this week. Both Cooper and Taylor start school this week and I have a full plate at work.

Today was Coopers first day of Preschool/early intervention. This is the most amazing program and I feel beyond blessed that we have such amazing special education teachers to work with my little man.

I made these little posters for Cooper and Taylor. I'm going to keep the frame and make a new one every year ( thanks pinterest, for the great idea!) I realized when we went to take the pictures that we were running late and I needed to take the glass out because of the glare but oh well....Better luck tomorrow with Taylor.

I am in this one since I am in school with him. 

 Sweet Glare Right!?! But how cute and big is my little man getting?

 Back to School Gifts -- "Thanks for Helping Cooper Grow" 

Yes he has 6 teachers. 6 Teachers to TWO kids. I know, how awesome is that!

This Week For Dinner

 





Sunday: Tri Tip, Baked Potatoes, roasted corn on the cob and peach crumble.
Monday: Chicken Enchiladas, Black Beans and Rice { Coopers favorite before school starts on Tuesday}
Tuesday: Mac and Cheese and Broccoli { Taylor's favorite before school starts on Wednesday}
Wednesday: Stuffed Peppers and a side salad
Thursday: Left Overs : Dusty is traveling... again
Friday: Meatball subs and tater tots

Friday Funny



Cheese Cake

I almost forgot to share this amazing recipe from Caitlin! She made the most amazing chocolate Lime Cheese cake for my parents anniversary. I was juggling kids and getting the house ready so I didn't help but she did say that it was one of the easiest Cheese cakes she has ever made. And let me tell you it was AMAZING. I will definitely make this again.

Ingredients

7 ounces chocolate wafer cookies

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 pound cream cheese (recommended: Philadelphia)

1 cup sugar

4 whole eggs

2 egg yolks

4 limes, juiced or 3/4 cup

spring form pan

Directions

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place a large overlapping piece of aluminum foil over the bottom of the spring form pan, and then insert pan ring over it. Fold the foil extra foil up and around the pan and place the whole thing on a second piece of foil, also folding it and pressing it securely around the pan, having a water tight covering

In a food processor, process cookies until they are crumb-like, add melted butter and continue to process. Pour crumb mixture into spring form pan and press with your fingers to line the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cheesecake.

Place a kettle of water on for water bath. In a food processor beat the cream cheese until smooth, add the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and lime juice.

Take crumbed pan from the refrigerator and place it in a roasting pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the crumb pan, and then carefully pour the hot kettle of water into the roasting pan so the water reaches 1/2 way up the pan so the water does not splash into cheese cake.

Place roasting pan in oven for 1 hour, checking after 50 minutes. It should feel set, but still wobbly in the center. Take the roasting pan out of the oven, carefully remove the spring form pan from the roasting pan and place it on a rack. Peel off the outer layer of foil, and tear away the side bits of the first layer of foil and leave the pan to cool. Once the cake comes to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving. Transfer to the plate you're going to serve it on, a plate without a lip, or a cake stand. Unclip the spring form pan and remove the outer part. Carefully lift the cheesecake removing the metal bottom. The aluminum foil can stay on the cake. Serve chilled.

Recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson 2007

Wonder Woman Wednesday

I am so excited to tell you all about a new little segment on The Pickled Bean. 

Wonder Woman Wednesday! 

Every Wednesday I am going to be featuring a Wonder Woman! A woman whom God has picked to raise a child with disabilities. They will be sharing there stories, a few pictures and what they learned about themselves after there child was diagnosed. My hope is that we can continue to spread awareness but also spot light the struggles and joys that women go through when raising a child with disabilities.

I am honored to introduce to you Jessica Dares and her ohhh so perfect daughter Skyler. Truth be told I'm kind of obsessed with her right now. She is so beautiful on the inside and out and she has a wonderful blog. Please follow the link to her blog below

Check out her darling blog I have the missing link

.

{All image credit goes to Jessica Dares photography}

Here is a little information about and Skyler's story as well as a lovely blog post that Jessica wrote. Okay... this post was over a year ago but I loved it, I had to share it. Please read it, I know you will love her as much as I do.





When I was pregnant in Louisiana with Skylar I had a ton of problems, and complications. I ended up having her 6 weeks early and she weighed 3.5 pounds. Still with no answers she was released when she was a month old from the NICU. After going to many different doctors, enrolling her in early steps and constant questioning to her pediatricians the diagnosis I was always given was she was premature she will catch up, or she may be mildly autistic. I KNEW MY CHILD WAS NOT AUTISTIC. Finally when she was 3 and a half we were referred to a geneticist. Upon walking into the geneticists office he automatically knew what she had but said it could not be confirmed without a fish test. Three weeks later we got the results and were confirmed yes it was indeed Williams Syndrome. While life has been a hectic road, filled with a separation from her father, some very rough spots and struggles, she has taught he to truly appreciate life. To appreciate what is around us, for we could have nothing, and if she can smile after all shes been through in her 4 years of life, there is no reason I cant. She is a blessing in my life, a miracle and the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Seriously she is as beautiful as they come

Life As You Know It

Skylar has finally fallen asleep. I can say that this stomach virus has officially lasted 24 hours and shows so signs of giving up as of right now. I feel so bad for her. She wants nothing to eat and nothing to drink not water, not pedialyte, not gatorade, BUT she wants milk.... Which leads me to my dilemma do I give it to her? Its not helping her stomach but she begs for it, and why I have no idea because it only leads to more ows and tears so I'm slowly just getting water to drink water out of my cup like me which seems to be going well. Well see how the middle of the night and tomorrow goes.

I hope I don't get it either. There is no way Josh could be home, so me and Sky with a stomach virus and a sick puppy. No bueno.

I've found some time to write. Josh is gone for the night and its amazing how different Buddy and Sky act when he is home. Much more hyperactive and well crazy lol. I tell him I don't mean this ugly but please go so they'll settle down. He leaves, Skys out and Buddy's curled by my feet on my bed in .5 seconds. This has become abnormally comfortable.

I was laying here watching Skylar sleep, exhausted from the day but of course my brain is never ready to shut off. So I started to ponder on my youth, my teens, my rebellion, motherhood and so forth. I had the life of a "normal" child as they would say. A mother and father household, two brothers one sister. We had a good life, we moved a lot due to my dad being in the National Guard but we were always close to family. They we're always important.

As I grew older we had our sleepovers, school dances, school get together, soc hops and so forth. I always fought with my parents to go with someone caving in because let's face it when our parents say "don't lie I will find out the truth" they damn well mean it. We never figure out how but they know. I remember growing older and sneaking out, fighting for an later curfew, and more options that were so not necessary for a girl my age and I am glad my parents told me no. I feel like I took like for granted. I knew what I was capable of and I did what I wanted without taking the words of advice that we know we should. But that's teenagers right!? I don't know, we all live our lives our way but I don't remember the small things like I want to.

I remember going to Pops camp and swimming and fishing, I remember the rare alligator trips I took because I never felt comfortable hahha, I remember Christmas with my whole family, and when wed get together for the holidays but now with Sky I feel like we stop to remember everything. She reminds me to smell the flowers, to feel the wind outside, to run back and forth and to be care free. To re-live my youth in a different way, as an observer to something different to what I know. She reminds me not to let the small things matter and to laugh even if people are watching, to be friends even if the gesture isn't returned, and to love because that's what's important.

I was not the perfect child, I should have thanked my parents more and make it a daily habit to do so now. I don't think I realized how much they did for me until I was a mother myself. I was definitely the kid who always felt sorry for themselves. I'm not sure why, maybe sometimes you get lose in a big family. But my family always cared and did their best to give us the life we not only wanted but the one they deserved. They busted their ass for us and those are my intentions with Sky.

I just need to remember that life isn't as big as we make it. The things we stress over and freak out isn't necessary, we need to let God take control and he will steer us in the right direction. Sky has taught me so much in her short time of life, things I wouldn't have learned without her. I am truly blessed because without her I don't think I'd remember to stop and take in the small things, the true beauty that God grants us with ever day, not the demons he wants to bring us down. To be thankful for the life I had, and what I was blessed with because not everyone gets that.

--Jessica Dares

I love, love this picture. This should be in a Williams Syndrome Research Book. The PERFECT example of the striation in pigment in Skyler's eyes. Cooper has the same thing but I have never been able to capture it like this.

Our house

Over the last few weeks I have had a few facebook requests to share pictures of our little casa. Our tiny little circa 1950's home isn't great. The kitchen alone almost sent me screaming to the hills when we first moved here, but we have adapted. Nothing special, but here you go. More to come I'll take some 

pictures of the scary kitchen and our equally scary master bedroom/office. 

P.S. I double dislike our couches they are the first to go!!!

 Front Room

 Front Porch

 Coopers Room

 Taylor's room. We just moved her back to her toddler bed to insure better sleeping habits. We have really been struggling with her getting up at night. Sigh.... wish us luck 

New Play Set!!!! The best part about our house is the amazing yard. It's large and has two levels and we spend as much time as we can outside.

This weekend in pictures

 Two peas in a pod

 Buddy

 We LOVE football season!

 Found them playing with these on...

 Are you talking to me?

Movie night with Daddy. Cooper missed him this week.

This week for Dinner

Sunday: Grilled rib eye stakes, twice baked potatoes and roasted corn.
Monday: Chicken and broccoli casserole and rice
Tuesday: Soft shell taco's, black beans and green salad
Wednesday: Roasted summer veggie pasta in a garlic cream sauce
Thursday: Slow cooker corned beef, mashed potatoes and purple cabbage.
Friday: Left overs.
Saturday: Date Night!

Today

is perfect

Visitor's Round 3

Best Family in the world... just sayin!

Visitor's round two

We had so many adventures last week. Little Farm , fisherman's wharf and the San Francisco zoo just to name a few. Here are some of the pictures.

 Cooper and Taylor are obsessed with Papa ( and for good reason!)

 Bath time with Grammie is always the best

 which is always followed by a movie and snuggle time.

 Papa let Taylor pick her own oyster to look for a pearl

 Look what she got!!! She was thrilled

 riding the carousel. The one at the wharf is a Double Decker. We got to ride on the top level this time!

 Grammie and Papa in front of there future retirement home

 best buds

 best buds round two

 ZOO TIME. This was our favorite part. Cooper LOVED the zoo

 Cooper walked the majority of the zoo,