Joe's Big Day Out

Today was a big day for Joe Sung Min.  It started out with a groggy and cranky Joe waking up after a nearly 12 hour sleep.  After our morning routine (breakfast, watch Liv get ready for school, play time, piano time (he is getting quite good!), Pororo and naptime it was time for a quick lunch (matzo ball soup) before heading to the mall to get some shoes.  That's right - to Stride Rite we went - and he handled the trip pretty well.


He was a little uncertain as we entered the mall and walked through Dillards - the lights, music, people and stuff everywhere seemed a little overwhelming - but Brian did a great job comforting him.  He was GREAT getting sized for his new shoes and didn't seem to mind them too much.  I dropped them off at home before heading to pick Liv up at school and work on wrapping up our first fundraiser.  Imagine my surprise when, during the afternoon announcements, Liv's name was called as the winner of the "Golden Cougar" for the kindergarten class.  Way to go, Liv!!  Keep up the great work and attitude!


After a girls shopping trip and library visit, we took Jazzy to the vet and then met Brian and Joe at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Joe ate beets, mac-n-cheese, chicken paprikash, carrots and a jar of fruit.  His antibiotics have kicked in and he was being very playful and cute.  Before we left, Grandpa took some quick family pictures.  After a month, it is about time we have at least one picture of the four of us - and of me and the little man!!

Another day, another doctor's appointment

After we dropped Liv off at school this morning, Brian and I drove back out to the Cleveland Clinic (about 45 minutes if all goes well) for Joe Sung Min's appointment with a pediatric opthamologist.  His appointment was at 9:00 so we had to hustle this morning.  Luckily both kiddos were up early this morning and we were all able to be ready on time.  It can be done!! 

Joe's appointment went very well this morning - better than we anticipated.  They did some quick initial tests to see how well he tracks objects, whether his eyes are crossing, etc, before putting drops in his eyes to dilate them.  Then we waited. And waited. And soon enough, it was our turn to see the doctor again.  We were happy to find out that his vision is fine, he is tracking things properly and he doesn't have strabismus.  The way the doctor explained it, in Joe's case, while it may look that one or both of his eyes is crossed, they aren't - it only looks that way as he as an extra fold of skin that hides some of the whites on the inside of his eyes, giving the appearance of crossing.  Also, as he grows into his face, this should also make his eyes look the way we should.  There is a slight chance that he could need some surgery on his eye muscles down the line, but the doctor wants to see him a few more times before making his decision - and we wholeheartledly agree with this approach.

Of course, all this happened during what would be his morning nap so the rest of the day was an adventure.  He took a little nap on the way home and that was all she wrote until he cranked out by 7:30 pm.  Brian and I stopped and brought home some Pho and summer and spring rolls for lunch.  Mmmm.  I think that may become our meal each time we need to take Joe to the doctor.  Brian and Joe hung out during the afternoon and, of course, had lots of fun - and Joe even went to pick Liv up from school.  Woohoo!

I finally got around to taking some pictures today -- I know that is the real reason people are checking the blog! :-)

Playing a little game of Joe in the Box with Papa

Liv showing off her self-portrait

Peek a boo!

Joe Cool

Getting yet another kiss from Jazzy.  I think after 4 weeks he is getting used to them!

Showing off his tongue - a new skill

So...what happened to the updates on Joe Sung Min?

For those of you who were wondering why we were featuring where we were last year at this time, from Sept 22 - 24, I traveled to NYC for work to help prepare for our annual Buddy Walk.  As the trip approached, I was torn.  I wanted to go to see my friends and work and all the families at the Buddy Walk that I have grown close to over the years - however I was hesitant to leave my family. I wondered how Joe Sung Min would do without me for 2 1/2 days - and how Brian would do with both kids while I was gone.  I soon realized I had nothing to worry about - Papa had it all under control and I was able to enjoy my time away and relax. 

Now I'm back and will be picking up where we we left off.  I had vein ablation surgery on my right leg today and didn't have the opportunity to take any pictures today -- but I can say that he's a little under the weather.  We're thinking he *might* have an ear infection since he's been fussy (he usually isn't) and has been tugging at one of his ears.  We're hoping to get him checked out tomorrow.

He isn't walking yet but is standing almost all the time.  He is fascinated with the dog's food and water dishes and we work diligently to keep him away from there.  He DID take a few bites off of a mini bagel this morning at breakfast (yay!!) is getting much better at placing an object into a larger one - and then taking it out again.  He now doesn't fight having his diaper changed or getting dressed so he is definitely feeling more comfortable here.  Double yay!  Everything is definitely starting to fall into place.  We are truly blessed.

Then and Now

One year ago, our family of three was enjoying a trip to NYC.  On this date in 2010, Brian and Liv had a super busy day (is there any other in the Big Apple?)  Our hotel was very close to Times Square which was a big hit with Miss Liv.  She especially enjoyed it at night when all the lights were so vibrant against the dark sky - but it certainly isn't too shabby in the daytime!

Today's agenda featured the Natural History Museum.  This little lady LOVES animals (living and not-so-much) and we figured she would love to see all the museum had to offer.  First up, some pictures outside...

Roar!

Look at me holding up the big whale, Papa!!

Flash forward to this year, our 17th Annual Buddy Walk.   This is one of my favorite days of the year - and one of the few times that I get to spend time with the wonderful families I am either reuniting with after a year - or meeting for the very first time.  Everyone loves the Buddy Walk and it is an honor to work so hard on the program.

I was very excited to once again be able to start my day in Times Square, where a crowd of nearly 500 gathered to view the 2011 National Down Syndrome Society Times Square Video.  I absolutely love the energy of the crowd and hearing the reactions from those gathered when they see their friend or family member's picture up on the big screen.  The video is a photo montage of over 200 individuals with Down syndrome being fully included in their communities.  It is a very heartwarming and larger than life reminder of the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. Families travel from all over the world to see the video and take part in our Walk.  Here is a snippet from this morning.

After the video, we hopped on buses that whisked us up to the Great Hill in Central Park.  The weather was better than expected (we were expecting showers all day but they held off until the end) and we had a huge, enthusiastic crowd.  It is up in Central Park that I am really able to reconnect with families -- here I am with one of my favorite people - KiKi.  This girl can light up a room and is going places.  In fact, she will soon be seen on Sesame Street brushing her teeth!

Here are some more pictures from our best. Buddy Walk. ever.

We just crossed the finish line!  (Holding the banner (from left to right) is Matt Porter, the recipient of the Dan Piper Award and Monica and David Martinez, of the award winning Monica & David documentary

Rachel Coleman of Signing Time!, one of our National Partners, and her family gave another great performance.  Here they are with our VP of Communications, Julie and her kids.

After the Buddy Walk wrapped up, I hopped a cab to my hotel to pick up my bag and then to LaGuardia to head home.  I had a nice relaxing dinner before boarding my plane to Cleveland.  I had a great trip but I'm really looking forward to getting home to my family.

One year ago - part two

One year ago today, Olivia, Brian and Grandma went to the Statue of Liberty.  Judging from the pictures, the ferry was a LOT of fun and lady liberty was a sight to behold.  After their morning adventure, they met me at my office in NoHo to meet everyone and go out for lunch.  Little miss could NOT stop talking about everything she saw and how much fun shew was having.  This is definitely a trip to remember.  (Much better than the Thanksgiving of 2008 when she got a stomach bug and woke up at 5am Thanksgiving morning with a stomach bug.  Grandma, Grandpa, Brian, Auntie Alison and Uncle Peter enjoyed the Macy's Parade - a great spot near our hotel - while Liv and I watched it from the bed in our hotel room.  At least we we were able to see them inflating the balloons the night before!)

But I digress.  There was no sickness on the NYC trip of 2010.  It was sunshine, blue skies and lots of fun.

Time for a black and white cookie break!

Lady Liberty and Miss Thang

One year ago - part one...

One year ago we were just finishing up our homestudy for our upcoming adoption.  We had completed all our paperwork, been fingerprinted, had our physicals (Liv too), written our autobiographies, had most of the interviews with our social worker and had our home inspected.  We were ready for a break - and our trip to NYC came at just the right time.

I needed to go to New York for work, to help prepare for and run the 16th annual New York City Buddy Walk for work.  I was excited that Brian and Liv would be able to make the trip with me - 5 nights in the Big Apple.  Brian's sister had recently had their second child so this would give them a great opportunity to see baby Noah and for Liv to experience New York City.  As you can imagine, she LOVED it!!  I heard lots of great stories at the end of the day since I was unable to partake in any of the sightseeing.

 

i

Fun times on top of the Empire State Building, the castle in Central Park (our old stomping grounds), the fountain (surprisingly, there was no sign of "Thoth") and fun on the playground.  Who loves NY?  Olivia does!!

Three weeks ago our lives were forever changed

It is hard to believe that three weeks ago - to the hour - we arrived home with a sleeping Joseph Sung Min Switalski.  The weeks have passed by quickly and in many ways it seems as if Joe has always been a part of our lives.

Now we are already looking back at our early sleepless nights and laughing.  We are so blessed to have gotten over that hurdle so quickly.  Three weeks ago, even two weeks ago, we were totally sleep deprived and not expecting any progress to be made on this front.  Two weeks ago, putting Joe Sung Min in his crib would result in screams and shrieks.  Today, he can be placed in and he will roll back and forth, stand up, sit down, roll around and go to sleep - and will sleep completely through the night. We are truly blessed.

Three weeks ago, Brian was ready to go out and buy a rice cooker expecting Joe Sung Min to have more of an issue accepting our food.  After snubbing most baby foods in favor of chicken paprikash, pork chops, mashed potatoes, acorn squash, burrito bowls from Chipotle and anything else Brian and I eat. Food is definitely NOT an issue.

Three weeks ago, we were wondering how difficult the attachment and bonding process would be.  We were not expecting him to slip almost effortless into our lives.  He is learning we will take care of him and meet his needs.  He smiles and laughs when we reach out to pick him up and snuggles right in.  And, if we're really lucky (not), he will bite into your shoulder and leave a mark.  (If only he would chomp his food with such gusto!!)  He giggles when he sees his big sister and watches her intently.  He loves being involved in anything  we are doing and we fully expect he'll be walking by the end of October - after all, he doesn't want to miss out on anything.

It is amazing to look back and see how much has changed in the last three weeks and how much the joy of Joe has permeated our lives - and those who have had the opportunity to spend some time with him.  Will there be bumps in the road down the line?  Absolutely.  Will they be worth it?  Most definitely.  We look forward to what lies ahead - and knowing that we'll get through it all - as a family of 4.

My Papa makes me laugh

Joe Sung Min-Ah LOVES his Papa.  I had a number of errands and meetings today so the two boys got to spend a lot of time together, both during the day and in the evening.  When the two of them are together, I hear a lot of giggles, raspberries and wrestling noises.  Today was no exception.

I left for a few hours to have lunch with Liv at school as well as wrap up our first fundraiser of the year.  I ended up staying to help Mrs. Poling, the incredible secretary, get gym uniforms sorted out for the kids who had gym this week.  That meant extra male bonding time.  I don't know why I was concerned about being gone more than an hour - Brian had it all under control.  Don't take my word for it:

Papa makes me laugh!

Don't I look cute from this angle?

Don't tell Liv I was playing with her Zsu Zsu pet

Do you see me standing?

He called me Mama (or Omma) -- either way, it made my day

Ok, that comes later in the day, but I think it merits mentioning right off the bat. :-)

I think Little Man is coming down with a little cold as he was snuffly last night while he was sleeping and for the first few hours of the day.  Even still, he was in good spirits and had an appetite to match.

For breakfast he had some oatmeal with maple syrup and some of Liv's chocolate chip banana bread before it was play time!!  This kid is getting more and more mobile with each passing minute.  He even started to climb up the stairs.  We've got to keep an eye on this kid!

When not crawling and climbing, he likes to sit around making faces, looking cute and mimicing sounds.  He can also make a raspberry noise like nobody's business.  The people in the first four rows may get wet, so be prepared!

Brian found a sure fire way to make Joe laugh - he'll sit on the floor with Joe facing him, hands around his back and will say "1-2-3" and then on the count of "three", he'll tip Joe over backwards.  He will burst out into laughter and at this point, when he hears the word "two", he will propel himself backwards.  He loves to be spun around or dipped upside down.  We are going to have lots of fun at Cedar Point when he gets older!

Getting ready

On "two"

Let's do it again!

Joe Sung Min-Ah loves his food.  Big sister Liv was again helping me feed him at dinner time when I would be running between the kitchen and dining room to get the next course for us.  We started out with butter noodles (of the alphabet variety), then moved on to Elmo Soup (this organic chicken soup with Elmo shaped noodles is sooooo good).  Joe was not expecting the soup and the first spoonful got his attention.  He loves it -- just like his sister!  Then, he saw my plate - leftover pork chops, mashed potatoes and acorn squash from last night.  As Liv was feeding him (I was getting some peaches from the kitchen), I hear her say, "Joe Sung Min-Nah Gonna Stop Eating!" -- and then giggling at the "funny" she made.


Then it was play time with sister before heading to bed.  He carefully watches what she is doing and wants to be part of the action.  Today, she was playing with her "My First Computer" and he watched with rapt attention.

Liv the Astronaut preparing for takeoff

Can I play on your computer too?

Bedtime can take anywhere from 10 minutes (including diaper change) to 1.5 hours.  Tonight we split the difference.  We have a little dance we do.  I rock him until he is almost asleep, singing to him about our day and how glad we are that he is part of our family.  Then, I put him in his crib, where he tosses and turns and chit chats and rolls around until he 1) falls asleep or 2) starts whining to get out.  In the meantime, I stand near the crib and ever so slowly put up the front of the crib, which usually makes a loud clicking noise.  Do it too soon and he gets startled and progresses to #2.

Tonight he did not fall right asleep - and after about 15 minutes of crib time, he started getting fussy.  Nothing new.  Only this time, he reached up and murmured "Mama" (or "Omma").  Yes, little man, I'll pick you up and hold you for a few minutes, swaying by the crib.  When I put him a few minutes later, he was out like a light. *phew*


One down, one to go.  From Joe's room, I can hear Liv whimpering in her room.  I go to the door and tell her I love her and good night.  She tells me she is NOT sleepy at all (yeah, right) and I tell her to count sheep, boring things (like things Knit Knots likes, she asks?) or anything else that makes her tired.  NOTHING does.  Oh, the drama.  Then, she asks, "Mama, will you lie in my room with me for a few minutes?" How could I say no?  She's been so good and needs some extra Mama TLC.  She gave me about 3.5 inches on the edge of the bed (how I stayed on there, I have no idea) and I placed my arm around her not only to cuddle, but also to keep from falling off the bed.  In about 3 minutes, she was sound asleep and I got some extra snuggle time with my big girl.  I need to enjoy these times (with both kids) while they last.