We Love Summer

Simply fun!


Give Tanner a hose and a bucket and he's happy for an hour


There's nothing like ice-cream on a hot day


Hailey has always wanted a pet turtle.

The chill in the air reminds me that summer is coming to a close. I'm going to miss the long, hot days of watching the kids play in the water. I'm going to miss chasing a naked Tanner down the driveway after he decides to take his swim trunks off. I'm going to miss seeing Hailey's mud creations in the backyard. I think I'll even miss getting into a 120 degree car. Now it's time to say goodbye to the summer...

WHAT IF?? part 2

When Hailey was a little bun in the oven, I was just beginning to understand the implications of Tanner's problems. Tanner had just received a probable diagnosis of an inherited syndrome so the geneticist cautioned me about having more children. However, I was already 5 months pregnant with a baby girl. As the physician glanced over at his assistant I felt sick. If I had known the genetic component to Tanner's disabilities I wouldn't have gotten pregnant again.

Still, the wheels were in motion.

Four months later I had a beautiful and healthy baby girl. As she cried heartily I was so happy. Hailey became my pride and joy. She is so energetic and delightful and normal. Even today I love to be around her, I love to talk to her, I love to listen to her, I love to watch her. How grateful I am that she "happened" before I had a chance to think. I can't imagine my life without her and the little taste of normalcy she brings to my life.

WHAT IF?

Tanner's EEG

When Tanner was just a little bun in the oven, I went through the usual prenatal testing. Well, one of the blood tests came back abnormal. My Alpha Fetal Protein count was high. After a little research I came to find out that my baby had an increased risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida, hydrocephalus) and a host of other neurologic risks. It was advised that I go to a prenatal center to get a specialized ultrasound and genetic counseling.

During the genetic session, the counselor compiled my information, explained some things and then asked if I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. Stunned, I said I would have to think about it; after all, my opinion on this matter had never been contemplated.

It was my understanding that the blood test indicated "risk" not actual disease. How could the clinic suggest termination without evidence of an abnormality? It took me about 1 minute to realize there was no way I could just end my pregnancy.

Four months later, Tanner was born and he was beautiful. But then, when he was around 4 months old, he started missing his milestones. He missed them all. Month after month, year after year, Tanner grew but his mind did not. He became difficult, exasperating and all-consuming yet there was something about him that made me love him. He is so innocent and honest and sweet. After all these years I love how warm and soft he is. I love his laugh and his mischievousness. I love him because he loves me. I love him because he makes me a better person.

And to think I was given a chance to make my life easier.....what a tragedy that would have been!

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