Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Basking in your Child's Light

There are many times I try to figure my son out.
I think, why is he doing that? Is this a symptom? What is he doing? Why? How? And so on...
I am sure no matter what our children have, from Angelman's to ADD, we are trying to figure our children out.

The other day, I was watching Smith as he was laying on his back babbling, and rolling, the first thing that came to my head was, "is this what most children with Angelman's do?" Then I quickly let that thought go, because I realized wasn't enjoying my child. I was busy being caught up in figuring him out and wasn't simply enjoying him. So I laid down beside him and tickled him and had fun, with no thought of any symptom or anything. I was basking in Smith's light. And how bright it is! I think as mothers we can all be surprised of how much light our children give off. And how much we need it!
Of course there are times where it is totally appropriate to try and "figure them out", but every once in a while, just let it all go and have some fun.

oh... and by the way, Smith is sitting up with no assistance for about a minute now... pretty exciting!
a sweet pic of daddy kissing little Smith on his way into an brain MRI.
we love Smith.... and each other, isn't that awesome?

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Angel Man

As of two days ago we know.

It feels good to know. Finally know. What am I talking about?....... it feels GREAT!

Dr. Botto (Smith's Geneticist) called me and told me, "the search is over." Smith's 15th chromosome is missing which means he has a rare genetic disorder called, get this, Angelman's Syndrome. Now, anyone who knows Smith can testify to the fact he is an angel, and apparently these special people with this syndrome have an "angel like" demeanor. It just so happens that the man who founded this disorder, his last name is Angelman. As Bryce and I read about his disorder, tears came to our eyes because we were actually reading real symptoms, we were saying things like, "Thats why! I get it." It feels so good to know, really know. We always were asking what Smith was smiling at, what he was laughing at, and why he was happy all the time. All these things are traits of a person affected with Angelman's.
Well, Smith. Your dad and I are in it for the long hall. We will always be here for you, to take care of you and enjoy you, for the rest of your life....you can count on that! So here's to our Angel... Smith David taylor. It is a truly momentous occasion.