And it's even PINK!

Isn't he just the best!

Breakfast in bed, chocolates from Georgia (she personally picked out the Whitman Sampler pack) and a PINK mixer! You might remember from What's a baker to do? the tragic loss in our household. Even though it rained all day, there were plenty of smiles in this house.

Hope all of you mom's had a wonderful day!

Quick Mother's Day shot after church in between the rain!

One Year Ago

Today is the anniversary of our diagnosis of Fragile X. I remember the feeling all too well when the news was told to us, and I'm amazed how God has worked in our lives and made this diagnosis be such a light in our lives. Little man has grown and improved so much over this year. We're walking (HUGE), have good eye contact, purposeful playing, attempting to communicate, climbing stairs, sleeping better and still gives the best hugs this side of the Mississippi.


We have so much to be thankful over this past year. Amazing family, friends and neighbors that have come by our side. Very supportive therapists that have a sincere interest in our son and truly love him. A daughter that loves her brother unconditionally and will always be there for him. An early diagnosis that enabled us to begin the most effective therapy at an early age. Amazing scientists that are working diligently on a cure for Fragile X. That is one amazing year!

The Dawn of Competitive Sports

Hubby has dreamed of his children playing soccer since he was a young lad. He could not wait for the princess to reach the age limit of 4. He was so eager he signed up to coordinate the soccer teams of age 4....interesting job to say the least. So two weekends ago, hubby and princess headed off to the local sports store to get her team jersey, shoes and shin guards. Princess had fun but wondered why they didn't come in pink.

This past Saturday was the first game. I use "game" very loosely. Basically 25 four year olds dribbling the ball around cones and then practicing goals...quite a scene. They all patiently waited for snacks, which apparently is the highlight of soccer Saturdays for these kids....we're learning! Here are a few pics of our future Mia! Little man had a blast as he had rein over the entire flat field for the full 45 minutes. Walking video - still to come - we promise!

On the MOVE!

We've been praying, wishing, hoping and begging for Jimmo to walk soon. As we might have explained before, along with Fragile X, he has Hypotonia - weak muscle tone. This actually was a blessing in disguise, because we wouldn't have started therapy or actually received the diagnosis for FXS as early as we did if the Hypotonia didn't clue us in on something being wrong.


Jimmo has had Physical Therapy since he was 8 months old! Almost 22 months later - and ladies and gents it's official- WE'RE WALKING! Friday night he took steps in between Mom and Dad, something we often try, and he actually did it this time. All weekend he's walked around like he's been doing it for a month. Stops - starts - drinks he juice as he's walking...it's amazing. I'm hoping to post a video this week...just need to put my tech savvy hat on.

Our little Frankenstein walking in between us on Friday night.

Sweet Fragile X story in the news

I ran across this article, and it warmed both our hearts. Such a sweet boy. We pray our little Jimmo grows up to have such a servant's heart and enjoy life as this young man does.

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/mar/23/storyteller-anderson-man-shows-others-his-definiti/

What's a baker to do?

When it was time to complete our wedding registry, we had a list of essential items needed like plates, silverware, glasses and pots and pans. There was one item I held near and dear to my heart. I knew it was something that I probably would never purchase for myself, but I would use it weekly and I had been coveting it for years just waiting to be standing at Macy's with the scanner in hand! (of course with my beloved fiance by my side) Yes friends, it's The Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. My lovely bridesmaids purchased this prized possession for me, at the wedding shower in Camp Hill. Many of you know......I Loooove to bake. I could bake everyday if all baked goods were healthy and fat free. When I was growing up, I always said I wanted to be a baker. Marketing.....Baking - guess it worked out ok. But baking fulfills many things for me. By myself and some good tunes, it's calming, relaxing and fulfilling. With my kids it's educational and for our family and friends it's my gift to them.

I also have a hand mixer, which I use for quick jobs like brownies and egg whites, but it passed away this past December during prime baking season and it's been on my list since. So on Thursday, I was making a batch of Barefoot Contessa's chocolate chip cookies for a friend. The mixer was beating the sugar and eggs, while the princess was measuring flour. And my heart stopped as I heard my mixer make a funny grinding noise and come to a halt. I thought surely this must be a power issue. But to my dismay, my mixer had fell ill. I immediately got on-line to find service centers. This was heart breaking. Hubby's reply was "hm". I said "that's it?" "hm". Seriously? The Kitchen Aid mixer was suppose to outlive my husband and I and be handed down generations, and your reply is "hm"? He immediately came to his senses and recognized this was very important to me and we began to discuss our repair options.

But now it's the day before Easter and I need to make the Bunny cake. I've made the bunny cake every year since princess was born. It's a tradition that my Aunt Suzie did each year for us as kids. I couldn't wait to do it for my family. Many of you have partaken in the feast of the bunny cake and I'm sure you can appreciate this dilemma. I will not let this tragedy stop us - we will move on and conquer without a stand mixer or a hand mixer and make this bunny cake! Princess was ready in her bunny ears, which I think are permanently stuck to her head this month since Pappy and Rhonda sent them, and her new matching apron.

My white cake directions call for whipping the butter and sugar for 5 minutes. Ouch - I have no idea how women did this before mixers! Amazing! After about 4 minutes, I remembered a hand gadget that my mom and I once found at Crate and Barrell many years ago....well it seemed to work OK.

It still took about triple the time to make the cake - but we survived and the bunny hops on another year! SUCCESS!

As for the mixer, he'll be sent in to headquarters for repair, I'll keep you posted on the diagnostics.

Happy Easter to all!

Catching Up....Hubby's Birthday, Grass Heads and Bunnies

Quite a random title, but I'm a bit behind on my blogette duties!! A week ago we celebrated hubbies birthday! Yeay! He had to leave on a business trip but we squeezed a little family celebration in.Now some of you might have noticed the beautiful cake that the princess decorated all by herself. Others might have noticed the dagger like objects pointing at our son. Although it looks dangerous, they are plastic and quite plyable, so no fear! They're actually part of hubbies gift from princess - they're frogs that spin to place around the yard as a water hose guide.

And then next I had to show the craft that we made almost a month ago with our good friend who was visiting as her momma was having a baby. At first I was a little leary if we were going to get grass, but low and behold - Bertha has hair!

And finally we wanted to let you see a glimpse of our driveway this past week. Because of the beautiful weather, there were some days when there was more chalk then blacktop! However we have been impressed with our gals drawing abilities. Since hubby and I are simply stick like figure artists, we're kind of surprised of this budding gift she has! Keep in mind, she's only 4. This is an Easter bunny that she drew for our neighbors.

Stay tuned for more, little man got his first huge bump on his noggin, just in time for Easter pictures. We thought we would wait and see what color it turns tomorrow before we take our picture. Such loving parents aren't we :0)