#IBet

I posted this on Facebook, but really felt the need to blog this too.  I know i'm rarely present on this blog & need to be better about this but I advocate a lot on FB.  I feel someone needs to see this today...feel free to share my #IBet story...


Recently one of my friends shared the most inspiring story I have ever read - she is a "single" military wife (while her husband was deployed a year - he is home now! ) with 2 small children living in Japan & she has officially built an income by helping others that allows her to retire her spouse so he can be home and present in their lives. A man on a plane tried to belittle her for being away from her children for work, and her response was priceless & had him in tears - and me too! She in turn challenged us to write our own stories so here is mine...

#Ibet if you were pregnant and received a Down Syndrome diagnosis & open heart surgery diagnosis that you would still celebrate the child that God was giving you. That you would understand that unanswered prayers are always the best! That you would see that she is beautiful, smart, funny, and perfectly made.

#Ibet if you received this diagnosis that you would NEVER call someone or something "retarded" again. That it would pierce your heart every time you heard it and you would regret every time it had been uttered from your mouth in the past.

#Ibet that after you handed your tiny baby over to a team of surgeons praying for God to hold her hands so she wouldn't be scared, that they could repair that broken heart so you could take her home again, and that her pain could be managed because it tore your heart to hear - that you would never take for granted every day of life. That you wouldn't fret & moan over the minor details that hold you back from life but that you would celebrate the small things like they were big things and you would turn it all over to HIM.

#Ibet that the fear you once had about how your new baby would impact her siblings would turn into great thankfulness. Thankfulness that they have a sibling that is special! She makes them better because she teaches them patience, kindness, and complete and total acceptance. That you will know they are better because they have each other.

#Ibet she would constantly blow your socks off - that you'd witness her walking, talking, potty training, and all of it would bring tears to your eyes because you've been given papers & books that said she wouldn't, couldn't, or would NEVER do this that or the other...until she was way older or possibly never - and you'd fist pump the air every time because she is just that awesome & because she's breaking the molds!

#Ibet you'd talk about her a lot because people NEED to learn from her. That adults need education MORE than the kids! That you'd have a constant fear that it wouldn't be kids that view her as less than - but actual adults that breed that into their children...so you would share her beauty, smile, and daily glow to teach them that what information was handed to them was wrong so they can learn and teach their children better. It starts with adults - not kids.

#Ibet you would push for inclusion, high school, college - because you know she's capable of anything! You wouldn't EVER limit her!

#Ibet your life would be bigger, richer, and better because you learned what a life with Down Syndrome meant. That you would embrace it. That she would be JUST like your other kids. You would treat her the same, respect her the same, set the same expectations, and she would rise to the occasion every time. That you would forget Down Syndrome in your daily life but thank God daily for her and the lessons you have learned.

#Ibet Down Syndrome would bless your life too. 

*these photos are my property*

A New Normal

We have arrived.

Finally.

Better late than never.

Life is dare I say "normal" again.  It's hardly typical for others but for us it's a new sweet normal.

Our world doesn't revolve around doctor appointments, tears, worry, stress, needles, pulse ox levels, colds, GERMS!!

I'm able to attend Aubrie & Everett's t-ball games without cringing when someone with unwashed hands heads our way.

I can put Ollie down in the grass at the park.

We can go to chuch, eat out at resteraunts.  I can hand her over to someone that doesn't have antibacterial cleaner attached to their hip.  When someone sneezes I don't think are they sick.  She gets to be charming her, and let me tell you people dig Ollie Faith hard core!

I can breathe again.  I feel like me.  I'm no longer focused on the what ifs of Down Syndrome.  In fact I don't use the word Down syndrome multiple times a day - and probably several days I don't use it at all!

We can relax & enjoy God's blessings!  I'm busy but we're doing what is us.  Family, friends, junk trips, decorating, blogging, just normal.

Life.is.normal.

I am thrilled - I feel like me - a new better me.  A me with fresh eyes for the beauty in life.  A me that can slow down and appreciate the three blessings I have.  An exceptional life that I'm not taking for granted.  A life with big dreams & even bigger thankfulness for all that we have!

I hope you are happy I'm back to blog world.  Now that I'm regularly blogging I have SO much to tell you - buckle your seatbelts - it's time for a wild ride with the Reids!

~Annie Reid

PS - you MUST check out the sweet chub rolls on Ollie's arms.  We have worked HARD for girlfriend to gain weight - and clearly it is no longer an issue :)

Giving Thanks

Today I thank God

I thank him for his Grace

I thank him for his Love

I thank him for his Son & the gift of eternal life

I thank him for carrying me through my storms when I couldn't carry myself

I thank him for my home

I thank him for my family

I thank him for my friends

I thank him for the surgeon that fixed O's heart

I thank him for an extra chromosome that changed my heart

I thank him for my church

I thank him for my life

I can't imagine my life without Christ in it.  I'm sure the fears I have faced wouldn't have been as easy to bear without faith in my life.

Sometimes we need to remember prayers aren't all about needs or special requests but that there is so much to thank HIM for.  Even though I have many prayer requests, today I'm making sure I thank him for all he has given me because I am *blessed*

Thankful Hearts

Here are some big and little things I am thankful for this month:

My husband - he was made just for me - thank you God!

My kids - 3 bundles of me and Jade to hug & kiss

My big ole family - they make life a lot more fun & are always there when I need them

My house - I feel very blessed to have the things we have & the home that Jade has built for us

Our wood boiler - it keeps the house nice and warm without the electricity bill to match

Furry boots - yes I love them all!

Surgeons - Ollie's doctor's hands amaze me to this day!

Early Intervention - these ladies come see us in our home weekly & teach me and Ollie amazing skills so she can be the best that she can be

Burt's Bee chapstick - yes I love it

Christmas stockings by my Mom - they are always amazing & perfect!

Trudie - her snores and snorts are comforting in some weird way

3 of the 21st chromosome 

Beachbody - I have lost 23 pounds & I went from a size 14 to a size 6 - yes I love this just for me!

Jesus - he gave me eternal life & God carried me through Ollie's surgery by giving me faith

anything old & rusty that I can cram into my house

Diamonique jewelry - I can look like a million bucks for much, much less

furry blankets

popcorn in the popper like Dad makes it

memories of my family in our big farmhouse as we grew up

memories of Christmas with my Grandparents

my best friend in the whole world  - you know who you are & we NEED  date!

Twilight - yes I'm one of those girls & excited about a new movie!

date nights with the husband

hibachi grills with a cook throwing up some killer friend rice

when Maggie makes amazing cookies

that my sister & brother in law agreed to move in with us, and that they like it!

the opportunity to be a stay at home Mom - a dream I've held onto since I was a child

snuggles with kids when they don't feel well

doctors that make them feel better

a church that makes me want to dance and sing like mad & then cry when the pastor is just amazing & he always is!

a driveway alarm - it has made my life remarkably easier - bizarre I know!

new sheet day - something about new sheets just makes me happy so I change them often

winter smells - cinnamon, coffee, banana bread - any of those candles are usually sold in a heartbeat to girls like me

Ethel Edith days where we sling paint & laugh hard

dancing with my sisters like idiots in paint splattered clothes in a dirty old shed as we sling paint

Snoop Dog and Dr. Dre - wish I could listen to them in my Mom van but with 3 kids that never happens

Jason Mraz - he is my happy music

memories of my car from high school - buttercup - a 1976 Ford Gran Torino - I drove her in 1998!

memories of selling said car on eBay to the highest bid in the UK & shipping the car to the UK where it's being completely gutted & rebuilt - and not even kidding you - Buttercup rides again!

pug puppies

kittens

gator rides around the cows

watching the cows chase the gator as the kids yell to them

fires in the back yard

kids belly laughing

skinny jeans

sweaters - I can finally wear them at home b/c I used to roast in them in my old office when I worked!

freshly painted toenails

making a perfect piece of jewelry that makes someone else cry with joy

hugs when I need them most

apparently the list could go on and on but I will spare you!  I'm mostly thankful of where I am in life - I feel extremely blessed with everything God has poured onto my family - last year I wasn't in this same frame of mind so it's nice to be here now!

Thankful Easter

I am thankful that God gave his only son for our salvation.  We are so unworthy, and still HE loves us.

I am thankful to live in a country where I can practice my religion and not be persecuted or oppressed.

I am thankful for a husband that is my best friend & that makes me a better wife daily.

I am thankful for Aubrie Grace.  She is so smart.  She tells the best stories & sings like a canary, sort of.

I am thankful for Everett Mason.  He loves me unconditionally & gives the best hugs.

I am thankful for Ollie Faith.  Her smile melts my heart & through her I have been transformed.

I am thankful for my parents, they have raised me to know right from wrong & how to be a good mother & wife.

I am thankful for my sisters, and that they have become my very best friends.

I am thankful for my brother - in - laws, I now really have brothers that I love like blood.

I am thankful for Caroline JoAnn.  She makes me laugh daily & she's a big sweet heart.

I am thankful for my friends, they destress me when I need it most & know my heart even though we may not visit for far too long.

I am thankful for all of my family - it is big & their humor & love surrounds us constantly.

I am thankful for my home.  It's not just a house, it's a place full of joy & love.

I am thankful for my church, it has taught me so much, and my walk with Jesus is closer because of it.

I am thankful for St. Louis.  It is there that Ollie's heart will become healthy. 

I am thankful for modern medicine & living in a country where it can be obtained.

I am thankful for belly laughs, children's giggles, and food on the table. 

My house is full of so much this Easter, I couldn't be more thankful!

My heart has grown 3x in size...

Yesterday was crazy in my house to say the least.   Maggie & Kylie were half moved in, stuff was everywhere, it was chaos.

I about died when my sisters said I had a surprise visitor!  Then I turned the corner to find my very best friend.

(Me & Melissa before her 3rd arrived nearly 2 years ago - I obviously need to take new pictures of us!)

Melissa had planned a silent baby shower for me.  She was in cahoots with my Mom & sisters.  I had NO clue they were up to anything.  Last week I kept getting gifts & then randomly money or gas cards...it was odd.  I didn't understand it.  I even mentioned it to my sister, saying isn't that weird?!?  Maggie didn't think it was so weird b/c she was in on the plan!

Well when Melissa showed up, I understood what was going on.  She had piles of cards and gifts for Ollie.

She along with my family had contacted many of my friends, family, & community.  They out poured their love for Ollie on my family.  Jade & I received so many lovely notes and prayers.  They were teamed up with money, gas cards for the road trips, gift cards for diapers, food, and meals, and beyond all that, a sign up list of people to bring us hot or frozen meals when Ollie arrives. 

(Abbie, Mom, Maggie, Me, & Aubrie - again - almost 2 years ago before Caroline arrived - why don't I take more pictures???)

I still can't believe it!  All for our family.

When I was a little girl, I loved Melissa for her spunk.  She was full of fire and took on the boys in any sport & she was completely different from shy little me.  We had a great time in whatever we were up to.  Now that we are grown, she's changed so much, but at the same time is the exact same person.  Her heart is beautiful.  She's a mother to 3, with a 4th on the way.  She has a deep passion for special education.  She loves me like her sister.  Her support and friendship mean the world to me.  I love her so very very much.  She blesses me with her thoughtfulness & friendship.  I have spent 22 years as her best friend, which is an honor.

  

Now our daughters, Aubrie & Millie, are the best of friends.  With Melissa's 4th due in September Millie said to Melissa "Now that you & Annie are both gonna have new babies, I bet they will be good friends like me & Aubrie."  Oh how sweet!

I also don't want to forget my family in this post since they were helpers.  I was so blessed with an amazing Mom.  She goes above and beyond every single time when it comes to our family - Dad too.  My sisters are amazing.  Abbie has put a lot of sweat time into my home & finishing the basement for Maggie & Kylie, and a lot of time into moving them.  Then, Maggie has moved her family in to help our family & bless us in the coming months.  I love my brother in laws too!  Zac did special wiring on the basement & Kylie was there as much as Jade.  I just couldn't ask for a better support system in my life.  They make me laugh so hard I snort & cry, and they make my heart grow 3x its size.

PS - Maggie is finally moved in!!  Pictures of the basement to come soon!

Also, now that everyone is settled in, Maggie & I are hoping for 2 "new normal" nights before we leave for St. Louis.  I'm hoping with the "new normal" I finally start sleeping all night again...we shall see if my pregnant bones allow for it!

My Thankful Heart

My sister Abbie wrote a post today on what she's thankful for & in turn inspired me to do the same.

1.  My husband.  Everything about him makes me love him more & I am a better person because of him.  He's a strong man in hard times & I just can't get over how much I really need him - always and forever no matter what.

2.  My kids.  Everett's absolute obsession with me makes me feel like a shiny special stone & Aubrie's love
to the moon & back for me always makes me sparkle a little brighter.

3.  Ollie wiggles and kicks often.  Every kick makes me happy & excited about our future.  He or she is one special baby.

4.  My family - all 100+ of them- I have gotten so many messages of love & support from cousins & aunts, etc. - I love them for all the right reasons.  They are beyond supportive & can't wait to share in our growing family.

5.  My parents - without them life wouldn't be the same.  We need more parents like them in the world - they are perfect and they don't even have to try to be.  If I am half as good as them - I'm one heck of a Mom.

6.  My dear friends.  Through this process we have become very aware of the people that truly love and care for us.  We really need friends right now who go out of their way to support us, hug us, wipe away our tears, and to make us laugh when we feel like crying.  Friends like that are few and far between, and are some of the best things in life.  We have been very blessed with some very special friends old and new.  I appreciate them more than they know, but I think they do know :)

7.  My church.  Sunday was a hard day in that place for me, but it was a good place for me to be.  I love that church.  Everything about it inspires & lifts you up.

8.  Vacation - that's right.  I am counting down the sweet sweet days until my entire family heads to Disney.  It's the happiest place on Earth & we can use all the happy we can get right now!

9.  Trudie Claudette.  This is my pug I've had since I was 20.  I swear she knows something is up and sits her head on me as much as she can.  She is a spoiled brat & refuses to follow my rules, but she's special to me.

10.  My faith.  For as little Bible knowledge as I truly know - which I'm working on - I have a very strong faith.  Jade & I actually took a "gifts" test at our church & faith was the highest scoring category for both of us.  In our current situation - our faith is all that gets us through the day & what keeps us strong.  Without our faith & strong belief - I can't imagine where we'd be - but not nearly where we are now.

11.  Finally for all of you.  I don't know most of you and probably never will, but you have overwhelmed my blog with stories of inspiration, prayer, bible verses, and encouragement.  For that I will always be appreciative.  I have met a few new "friends" that have given me inspiration & books to read by e-mail.  I already have them on order & I'm anxious to read all I can about Down Syndrome before Ollie arrives.  Yes nothing is certain & Ollie may not have DS, but by golly if he or she does, I am going to know everything I can before we meet.  I know I'll probably fall on my face a few times learning more, but that's the best part of parenting - learning about your children as you learn about yourself. 

Don't forget to pray for Ollie!

Update

Oh dear readers, I forgot to update you.  After I found out about my precancerous mole, I had a second appointment with my doctor.  She had to remove even more skin & send that to the lab.  It came back good - no precancer - so we got it all!  I was so relieved! 

So in April I'm going to see a real dermatologist to get a full body checkout.

So dear readers - avoid tanning beds & put on the sunscreen.  It's really important :)

Ten Things I'm Uber Thankful For

I thought since it is Thanksgiving - except in my home - I would share with my devoted readers the 10 top things I'm thankful for in my life:

1.  My salvation - because I believe in Jesus - I will have an eternal life.

2.  My husband - I have loved him and grown up with him since age 14.  We think alike, we laugh alot, we bicker, but we always have fun together.  We are a team & I look forward to a lifetime with him.  Plus - he built my house.  He's handy, and he's not too hard on the eyes!  As my family says - he's Man Pretty.  He is the only thing that helps when I have a bad day.  Super cheesy, but he completes me.

3.  My kids - they stress me out.  They don't always appreciate me, and they create a lot of work.  However, they make me so happy.  Their actions & words never fail to crack me up.  So many nights I have to turn my head at the dinner table to laugh at their inappropriate antics - I can't help it!  They are super sweet & I love that they still love to kiss & hug.  Everett just started to say I love you on his own.  Your own babies melt your heart.  I never dreamed being a Mom would be this great, but it is!

4.  My Mom & Ruby my mother in law - They keep my kids 4 days a week.  They rotate days and spend all day wiping butts, picking up toys, and cleaning up the house.  They provide endless hours of entertainment & educational learning for my two kids.  Since I can't be home full-time they are the next best thing.  Shoot they raised me and Jade & did a great job!  My kids wouldn't be 1/4 of who they are today without these two amazing women.  My kids are crazy, loud, hysterical and over the top - much like these two Moms!  They do anything for Jade & I and I don't think they have any idea how grateful we are to have them in our lives!

my mamajade's mama

5.  My Dad - he's one tough man.  He's big and strong, but he's such a sweet heart.  He treats my mom like a princess - love notes and everything - people would shocked to hear that.  He is a farmer & has work ethic like no one I know.  He can do any job all by himself, but he truly enjoys mentoring young boys and turning them into helpful men - just like my hubby & brother in laws.  He's a great grandpa & I couldn't be more lucky to have him in my life.  As he has said many a times - he'd walk through a mower blade for us girls - there is an actual tractor title of what that thing is called, but I can't remember it - and he truly would.  *Jade's Dad Rick is fantastic too - I'm also thankful for him*

nothing is better than a pa on a fast gator!!

6.  My sisters - they are my best friends & my business partners.  We tease each other to no end and team up 2 against 1.  We have so much fun together and laugh until I snort - literally.  I can't imagine my life without them - it really wouldn't be the same.  They are fabulous each in their individual ways.  They help me out when I need it.  They are to die for Aunts!  What more could I ask for?

what an old picture of them, but they are still just as weird

7.  My two best friends - Melissa & Elly - I rarely get to see them, but it doesn't change a thing.  It's like we saw each other yesterday every time.  We crack each other up and know all of each others secrets.  They have become beautiful & amazing grown women with some of the sweetest children ever.  I wish I got to see them both every week!  They make me a better person & I adore them both for very different reasons!

melissa center, Elly at the right - they are too pretty!

8.  My house - it's totally my personality.  We built it from the ground up and dreamed about every stinking detail in it.  It's not made for other people, but made for us.  The floor plan is perfect as are my insane colors and weird decor.  I know it's not typical, but that's why I love it.  It's our home.  It's where I used to camp in high school.  I love the land it is on.  Even better - some day both my sisters will build homes in the woods next to us.  Can you imagine anything better than being neighbors with your sisters?  I can't wait for Fox Crick - as I joke to be a reality.  And yes I know it's creek, but when you life in BFE - crick is a real word!

9.  My complete family - I have a huge family.  I have at least 100 family members.  Jade has a smaller family I'm also very thankful for.  We all live pretty much close to each other and those who don't we are still very close to.  We grew up treating our cousins as brothers & sisters.  We can lean on them whenever we need a helping hand.  I can't put into words how helpful my family was when we built.  They are hard-working and continue to teach it to their children.  I am very blessed.  I was very close with several of my grand-parents - hence the kids' names.  I can't imagine life without the memories of them.  I can always picture Gpa Everett with his green thermos & black snow suit with the butt burned off b/c he got too close to the salamander heater,  Aubrey with his blue pants & his hats - he was such a sweet man, and Blanche playing cards and cursing to get Colby all worked up.  It's seriously endless, but they shaped who I am today, and for that I thank them.

10.  My future - it's very bright.  We have some SUPER exciting news to share in the next few weeks with the world.  And no Mom or sisters - I'm definitely not pregnant.  I'll leave you all hanging on this b/c I can't put into words how excited Jade & I are.  Our life is moving up and improving year after year and we share it together.  Hooray!

So I ask my readers - what are you most thankful for?