Thursday, December 19, 2013

Sickies

MY KIDS ARE SICK!  Those are words that any mom hates hearing and saying.  We have been dealing with illnesses since the beginning of October in the Borkowski house.  Unfortunately, we have a bad one right now as well.  It started with Zoey and made it's way through the other two kids and mom and dad as well.  The long nights of listening to your kids cough.  Wondering if you should take them to the ER.  Am I overreacting?  Are they breathing?  Checking the internet for every symptom.  Moms, you have been there right?  It's scary.  And you feel so helpless.  Day times have been filled with wiping up boogers, cleaning up puke, taking temperatures, forcing them to eat.... just something.  And stay hydrated!!!!  Meanwhile, I haven't been able to leave the house much.  I've had to run errands early in the morning or late at night when my husband is home.   Christmas is coming.... I can't even think about it with my kids being sick.  I haven't finished shopping or figuring out our meal or.... much of anything.  It all has to wait until these 3 get better.  Waiting another hour until the doctor opens so I can call again and get them in.  5 days of this is enough!  Even if he just tells me it's just a bad cold.  At least I'll have that reassurance.  For now I just wait and listen to them each coughing while sleeping....

Here are some pics of my sickies:

Zoey eating a candy cane because it felt good.

Sleep is the best thing when you're not feeling good.

Asher asleep in his carseat in the kitchen with me so I could make dinner.  This was the only way to comfort him that day.
Prayers would be appreciated!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Asher's first Birthday

Just a few picture updates of our now 1 year old!  I can't believe he turned 1 on October 25th.  He had quite the interesting Birthday as all of the Borkowski girls came down with the flu.  Somehow the boys managed to not get it.  No big party, just a small family affair with a smashing of a cupcake ofcourse.  Haley, who was the last to get sick, decorated his present with pom poms. Big sis Zoey was showing him how to use his new toy.  We can't wait to see him pushing it around the house.









Friday, October 11, 2013

Down Syndrome doesn't define me!

To them, he is just their little brother.  I see them look at him with love and I know that will always continue.  They will always fight for him and stand up for him.  He will definitely be in good hands with these two.  

Down Syndrome doesn't define who Asher is, it's just something he has. 


Friday, October 4, 2013

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Did you know that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month?  How fitting since it's the month that our little man decided to come into the World.  He was 2 1/2 weeks early.  He was suppose to be a November baby like Mommy but decided he wanted to join Daddy in celebrating in October.

This month I'd like to educate my friends on Down Syndrome, even though I am still learning more and more about it each day myself.  At first I received most of my information from the internet while pregnant with Asher. I have to say it was scary.  Most of the stuff that was put out there was all of the scary stuff.  But now that I am part of a community here locally, I am hearing the amazing stories as well.  The joys and the beauties. I also follow many blogs that just talk about the day stuff.  The "normal" life stuff.

Most of my friends have been posting facts about DS and their little ones this week and I have enjoyed reading them.  I wish I could share them all with you.  They have the same ups and downs like "typical" children.  They even have the "terrible two's and three's...."  LOL.  They are.... children!  That's probably the most important thing I want you to know.  Asher is a little boy first and foremost.  That was an important thing for me to remember when I brought him home.  He was a baby.  He needed me.

Here is an interesting thing I found on Pinterest that I want to share with you:

 
 I'm still learning the correct lingo myself.  Anyway, that's my education on DS for today.

And here's a cute picture I took of little man today.  Our weather here in CO turned cold and some people have reported the "s" word.... snow.  Don't worry, we're getting back into the 70's again on Sunday.  Hugs from Asher!

Monday, September 2, 2013

There's been a lot going on for the Borkowski's lately.  This above picture and the one below of Asher was taken and the Balloon Classic today.  It's a traditional Labor Day weekend activity for us.  The end of Summer, ah.  Not sure if I'm happy about that or not.  This year we weren't able to go to any of the glow's because they didn't happen.  Blame the crazy CO weather for that.  In fact there were only two launches this weekend as well.  They launch every morning Saturday - Monday and glow Saturday and Sunday night typically.  The launch happens shortly after sunrise so you can imagine how early we had to get up.  What a beautiful site though!  People come from all over to see them.  I have a ton more but here are just some of the highlights from today.  You can check my Facebook page or Clem's for more as well.  Happy Labor Day from the Borkowski's.









Thursday, July 11, 2013

No more oxygen!

It's a happy dance kind of a day!  Mr. Asher is officially off of oxygen.  It took him almost 9 months but he did it!  No more tripping over the tubes, no more forgetting to turn his tank on at night, no more lugging the portable tanks around.... can you tell I was a little annoyed?  Everyone says we'll look back years later and probably not remember these moments.... I don't know if that's true.  It feels like such a long time to me.  Either way, we are so excited and so happy that he's healthy!  We are blessed!

In other news, Asher has his first tooth poking through.  All of the signs of teething have been going on for awhile so it's good to see something there. He's really handling it very well.... thank God for that!

Thank you for sharing in our good news with us!  I hope you are happy dancing with us!

Oh, and the picture is of him at his EKG today.  Nothing scary, just have to make sure everything is good and it is!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Strength

Since I am not always so good with my own words, I wanted to share ones from a blog (Not Alone) that I follow.... Good to read no matter what point you are at in your life or what your circumstances are.  I think it applies to everyone.

http://specialneedsparenting.net/2013/07/03/go-with-the-strength-you-have/ 

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Read this online today and wanted to share....

 
Dear Mommy and Daddy,

I have felt your tears, falling on my face.

Someone else might think they are tears of sadness, because of what I can't do.

I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know those tears pour from your heart out of gratitude for me, because of what I CAN do : I can love everyone in the purest form possible. Unconditionally. I can be judged, but will never judge in return. I know different because I feel, in your hugs and kisses, that I'm perfect just the way I am.

I have seen you hang your head down in shame, when we go out on adventures.

Someone else might think you are ashamed of having a child like me.

I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know you are ashamed of the grown-ups who ignore me, yet talk happily to all the other children. The grown-ups who won't look you in the eye, but stare at me, when they think you don't see. I know different because I've seen the many, many more times you have raised your head up high, with pride, because I'm yours. : )

I have heard you whispering desperate prayers at night. Someone else might think you are asking God to make me a typical kid.

I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know you are thanking Him that I got to be here, with you, for another day- exactly how I am. I know different because I have heard you ask me never to leave you. And I have heard you cheer for me, every single day of my life- you tell me I don't need to be typical to be amazing, I just need to be here.

I know you have a big job, taking care of me.

I know your body hurts, because I'm getting so big.

I know that more than anything, you want to hear me say your name.

And I know you worry that you aren't good enough, and that you will fail me.

BUT I KNOW DIFFERENT.....

I know that even on your worst days, you will always be enough for me, and I will always love you more than you know.

~By Tricia Proefrock

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Summer fun!

Just wanted to post some pictures of some of the fun things we've been up to this Summer. 
Love from Colorado!
Asher falling asleep at America the Beautiful Park.

Doing "airplane" with big sis!

He found his toes and he likes them.  Also got a new hat.

Give me your money!

Haley was the big winner at Dave and Busters.

Playing in the rain.  We've been getting lots of it.

Daddy and Asher watching the girls ride bikes.

Asher got another new hat.

Fun at the fountains.  Asher just wanted to take a nap.
 

Monday, June 10, 2013

Swinging



Thought you might enjoy a little smile.... here's Asher enjoying his swing today.  It must of tasted pretty good!  He looks so cozy.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Colorado Springs Buddy Walk - coming in August! Will you please help?

On Saturday, August 24, we will be participating in the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk!

We're walking in the Buddy Walk to show my support for the more than 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the United States. We want to do our part to make sure that each individual is given every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Every step we take, every dollar we raise will help ensure that each individual with Down syndrome in the United States will be able to do just that. Last year alone, over $6.5 million dollars was raised nation-wide for local and national education, research and advocacy programs.

Your involvement in the Buddy Walk -- by walking with us or by sponsoring one of our family members -- will make steps for a brighter tomorrow for all individuals with Down syndrome.

Thank you for supporting us -- and all individuals with Down syndrome.

 

Copy and paste this link to our website and you can donate there or join our team and walk with us.  There will be free snuggling with Asher for those that do.  :) Hugs from the Borkowski's - Asher's Dashers!

http://buddywalk.kintera.org/csdsa/ashersdashers

Proud Mom


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

YES, my child has Down Syndrome, please don't feel sorry for me!

Asher in the Hospital - spent his first week in the NICU.
The girls just adore him!






Yes, Asher has Down Syndrome.  Yes, I just said it.... it's kind of like therapy for me the more I say it.  At first, I almost couldn't say it.  I partially "hid" it from people.  Yes, we knew before he was born.  We found out late in my first trimester.  That's a normal feeling to have isn't it?  Yes, part of us hoped that it wasn't true.  Yes, we are ok.... just a few questions many people have asked us.  And I just want to add, DON'T feel sorry for us.  We're not sorry We are blessed!  We asked for a baby boy and the Lord blessed us with this special little miracle to care for.  He isn't any different then any other baby.  He needs love, food, diaper changes, etc.  Mostly, he needs us!  Anyone that has come into contact with Asher just falls in love, regardless of his diagnosis, he's a baby first and foremost.  We are still new in this journey and feel like we are learning as we go.  

If you have questions, please feel free to ask but please don't feel sorry for us.  If we haven't talked to you personally and told you please accept our apologies.  We just aren't ready to "shout it from the rooftops" just yet.  Although there are days that I do feel like that just to get it all out.  Right now we are just enjoying our little family that God has blessed us with.  We count our blessings every day!  

Please pray for Asher and our family (that's the best thing you can do to help)!

Blessings from the Borkowski's!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Starting a blog.... not sure what I'm doing yet


So, I am totally new at this blogging things but I thought I would give it a shot.  I'd love to keep you all up to date on our journey wish Asher's diagnosis, the girl's, and just life in general.... it can be quite crazy at times!  Stay tuned and I'd love comments, feedback and to know how you are doing as well.  Hugs from Colorado!  

Here we are on our recent trip to Arizona for Spring Break.  We got to fly over Sedona in a helicopter.  Cross that off of our bucket list.  Who hoo!