Progress, Steady Progress

In June, we celebrated Laik's FOURTH birthday!  It seems like just a few months ago, we were coming home from the hospital.  But on the other hand, I really can't remember life without him.  When people say that your entire focus and purpose changes when you have a child,  they really nailed it!  

In recent months, Laik has made a lot of progress.  He is much more stable on his feet and he is walking, EVERYWHERE!  He wants to walk, and that my friends, is a true delight!  He is wants to do things on his own, just like a big boy.  And he loves his music class with Ms. Janice at Center of Music in Chattanooga.  Tonight at his weekly class, I was able to catch him on video and I wanted to share it with you!  His stability and balance, plus the fact that he is holding the ribbons (and not tripping on them) is most impressive!  I hope you enjoy watching it as much as Todd and I do!

Once I posted that video, I remembered that I had this one of Laik pulling up with his Daddy!  Again, he just makes us so proud!  And we love sharing his success with all of you that we know love him!

And finally, I thought you would like this one too! This was Sunday evening just before bedtime.  He loves to listen to his music, play his drums and constantly arrange and move his toys around!  Again, look at his great balance!  He is a CHAMPION KID!  

 So, our progress is steady!  It's not necessarily slow, or fast, but it is steady.  And that WINS the race everytime!  Stay the course, Laik!  And a little side note:  we are working on potty training.  We have had about four successful "tinkles" in the the training potty.  And just this evening, after his bath, he was standing naked by the toilet, tried to lift the lid and in the process, peed in the floor!  So, who knows, we may just kick that training potty to the curb and start using the big boy toilet like Daddy!

Happy Monday, Y'all!  We are here in Chattanooga, Living Leffew!  And it is getting better, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Be blessed!  And hugs....all the way across the ocean!  (you know who you are!)

Father's Day 2014

Watching Todd with Laik makes me smile every single time!  Todd is an awesome father to Laik.  There is not another way to say it!  He is patient, he is caring and he is loving.  Laik does not go a single day without hearing his Daddy tell him how much he loves him!

Laik lights up when he is with Todd. Constantly, these days Laik wants to be with Todd.  No matter, what he is doing, Laik wants to be right there.

Like two peas in a pod, right there together!  Laik can't say it, but I believe if he could, he would say, "Daddy, I want to be just like you!"

Laik is on his feet more and more now.  Watching him walk hand in hand with Todd makes my heart smile with joy.  To think that we were told that Laik may not walk...makes me chuckle now!  Ripped my heart out the day it was said, but now, we celebrate every single step!

With his daddy by his side, he can do anything!

Todd and Laik share moments together all the time.  Moments that years ago, and I mean years, (it took 10 years before we got pregnant) we only dreamed of having.  Now, we live life through beautiful blue eyes that can find excitement in the jet stream trail of an airplane in the sky!

And shaking the toys at music class!  

 

And this is usually when we smile until it hurts!  Every night...a game of giggle box!  

Happy Father's Day, Todd Leffew!  Laik and I love you!

Bye!

Don't worry, Mrs. Leffew isn't going anywhere! Oh wait... that was probably confusing, so I'll start over! I'm Alyson. I'm a rising Junior at GPS, and I work with Mrs. Leffew in the summer. This is my second year working with her, yet today is the first time that I met the famous Laik Leffew. When I told Mrs. L that information this morning, she was really shocked. Coincidentally, I brought my mom's camera to summer camp to take pictures of our adorable campers, and when I found myself in Laik's group, I started taking some pictures of him to show his mama. When she saw me taking pictures, she asked me to write a blog post about my first day with Laik! So that is the short version of why I am here on the Living Leffew blog. I'm here to talk about my first day with Laik... here goes nothing! (My first ever blog post!)

A Boy and His Puppy

Kelby and Laik in Dance

Laik: Rubik Cube Champ!

Laik flew down the hallway towards the camp counselors on his green puppy to start out the morning. It was pretty fitting since that's how he got around all day! Kelby and I had some difficulties getting him up and down steps, but Laik was always smiling, and the puppy wasn't that heavy, so it wasn't too difficult of a task! I was going to take pictures all day, so Kelby and I traveled with the youngest group of Kaleidoscope campers to let Laik have some morning fun! We went to Morning Mash-up, Dance, Art, and Science.

Scooting Away from Art

Laik isn't impressed.

 Laik really liked dance. The girls were playing freeze dance, and he laughed and clapped the whole time. But when the music stopped, he would always make a noise or start laughing... I don't think he liked it when the music stopped! Kelby and I tried to show him how to solve a Rubik's Cube too!

 Laik wasn't a big fan of art though. Kelby made him a name tag, but Laik wasn't too impressed with it. So we put it in his bag to give to mama!

Ewww! Not Carrots!

Eating with Laik was pretty interesting! During snack time, Kelby tried to give Laik carrots. He didn't really like those. However, Laik got really excited about the mac and cheese that he got to eat during lunch. (I mean, who doesn't love mac and cheese!) Just like me, Laik never sits still. He kept playing peek-a-boo with Kelby, and pointing and saying 'Hi' and 'Bye!' to everyone that walked past our table.

I Spy Laik!

As a matter of fact, 'Bye' seems to be Laik's favorite word! I think he said it at least a couple hundred times today. It always made me laugh though, because he would usually scoot away after he said it. But he would come back just a few seconds later!

Puppy Power

After lunch, Laik followed Kelby, Mrs. L, and I back to the summer camp office. He started with a nice roll down the hill on the front lawn. He stopped about halfway across the front lawn to watch all of the campers walk back to where they were meeting. It surprised me to see him have sudden bursts of peace... like I said before, he is always moving! But, it didn't take long to have him pushing his puppy back to the camp office.

Reunited with Mama!

Mrs. Leffew's new office has a gated balcony, so Laik was able to scoot around as much as he wanted! Mrs. L had to leave for a few minutes to do some business, and Laik kept looking for his 'mama' (I think this might be his second favorite word! I know it's one of mine!) She finally came back out onto the balcony and watched him, and he seemed so excited. You can't see his face in this picture, but you can sure see the excitement in hers! 

Get Me Outta Here!

Laik kept scooting around for a bit, but got a little sad that his door to the balcony was closed after a while.  Kelby and I started to entertain him with funny noises, which he quickly started repeating. (Sorry about that Mrs. Leffew!) We also tried to get him to watch a movie on his iPad, but he kept tossing aside the iPad so that he explore with his puppy in the hallway.

Tired Boy

Laik is a HUGE bundle of energy, and this is coming from a pretty energetic person. I don't really know how he has so much energy. He is constantly moving, asking for his mama, and laughing. I heard him scooting around on his puppy for hours today!

 I had to go across the hall to help someone organize boxes of t-shirts right after lunch.. At about 1:45, I realized that I didn't hear Laik in the hall anymore. I went to go talk to Mrs. L, and she told me that he went to take a nap. Just like that, the unstoppable ball of energy was out.... for now. I actually went back into her office after pick up time and he was sitting on the desk, talking, laughing, and in just as high spirits as when I left him earlier in the afternoon!

My first day with Laik was pretty crazy. I can't imagine a kid with as much pep as him! I also can't imagine many kids with the will-power to push themselves around on a puppy every day! He sure is a ball of energy, but I think he gets that from his mom. Or maybe she is putting Advocare Sparks in his juice cup every day.... (it honestly wouldn't surprise me!) I'm glad that I'll get to see Laik more over the summer, as he'll be here on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. I know I won't get to follow him and take pictures every time, but I know I'll smile when I hear the wheels of his puppy flying down the hallway. Hopefully, I'll get to watch him walk up a flight of stairs, and maybe I'll even get to see him eat a whole carrot. Who knows?! But there is one thing I know for sure: this summer with Laik Leffew will sure have some nice surprises!

Thank you for letting me share my first experience with Laik on your blog Mrs. Leffew! And to everyone else, hopefully I'll get to share another story with you soon! But for now.....

Bye! -Alyson :)

It's a Small World...

January 21, 2014...my phone alerted me of a Facebook Message:  "hi Kim, I'm Sandy from Ireland and our princess has duplication 12p....I'm kinda of looking for advice.  I'm sorry for mailing, my heart is beating out of my chest- I thought we were alone in the world."

Following that message, were about 5 more exchanges, and then a phone call!  (Remember my post, "Hello, Ireland Calling!")  During that phone conversation, we both dreamed of meeting each other.

Then February 2, 2014...my phone blings again:  "Hi Kim, I haven't gotten to talk to you yet, but as you know, I am the proud father of Penny and Lucy, and the lucky husband of Sandy.....we are coming to Orlando in May.  I know it would mean a lot for Sandy to meet you."

And at that moment, the impulsiveness of Kim Leffew went into action, full speed!  I was determined to find a way to make this plan work.....and keep it a SECRET!

And we did, right up until this picture!  We Did It!  May 24, 2014 finally arrived!  Whew!!

 I 'm not really sure how to write the story of the absolutely fabulous weekend that we had with our new friends in Orlando.  But here goes!   It was a very quick weekend, and we had a blast.

The Rain Forest Cafe at Downtown Disney was where it all happened! The look on Sandy's face when she recognized Laik was one of shock!  She did a double take and realized that it was me standing before her in the dimly lit restaurant, with the gorillas dancing and the sounds of thunder/rain coming down inside, we made our way to each other and hugged.  Speechless and tears of joy flowing, we embraced each other like family that had been away for an extended time.  And then, Sandy got a glimpse of the joy that Laik gives us daily.

Our party of 11 included:  Todd, Laik and me.  Thomas, Sandy, Lucy and Penny.  My mother, Linda and both of my sisters, Cathy and Debra.  And Sandy's mother, Teresa.  How awesome it was to share this exciting meeting with our family, too!    We ordered food, but talked more than we ate.  Then, we put our 48 hour plan into action.  Below is our official first photo!

Following a stroll around Downtown Disney and a visit to the Lego Store.  We parted our ways, briefly.  The Morans headed back to their hotel, as did we.  We dropped the fam off and then made our way down International Drive (appropriate, huh?) to pick up the Morans to bring them back to our hotel for an afternoon of splashing in the pool, eating dinner together and catching up.  Our families clicked IMMEDIATELY!

I fell in love with both Penny and Lucy.  And inevitably, Laik captured Sandy's heart.  As I watched and listened to Penny, my memories of Laik at that age flowed in and out of my mind.  I remember during that time, that I wanted to know what the next few years would be like.   So spending time with Sandy and her girls, allowed her a glimpse.  Yes, all children are different, but when you have been told that your child will not X, Y, and Z.....it is nice to see a child that is similar that is DOING X, Y, and Z!  (Laura Ketcham and her son, Drew, gave me that hope, two years ago!)

Lucy is a great big sister.  She, too, took a liking to Laik, and Todd.  During our time together, Lucy spent time very near Todd and Laik.  The evening was coming to a close and it was time to prepare for our next day at Disney's Magic Kingdom!

We started off Sunday morning at the Animal Kingdom with our family with plans to meet the Morans around lunch.  To watch Todd and Laik warmed my heart.

And every guy needs a paci and lovie while relaxing on a train ride!

And finally, we arrived at the most magical place on earth!  Personal note here:  Those three women....my greatest support!  Love them!

Laik was in love with all of the music and lights!  And as you can see in the pictures, it was HOT in Orlando....but that didn't slow us down!

These two handsome guys, make my heart beat with a purpose that is wayyyyyy bigger than me!  LOVE!

Sandy, Penny, Lucy and Thomas Moran

These two men!  Sandy and I are lucky ladies, we both have husbands that are amazingly supportive, helpful and uplifting about the outlook of our future.  And together, they were quite a hoot!  Todd's deep southern voice and Thomas' thick Irish accent made for a lot of repeating!

Our day was spent, riding rides, laughing, eating, weathering a storm, planning our next visit and continuing to share moments that will be memories for a lifetime.  

Look out, Ireland....the Leffews are going to be crossing the pond!

An ocean separates us, but one chromosome brought us together.  It's a small world, after all!

Rain

It's midnight and it is raining in southeast Tennessee.  I am sitting in the quiet of our great room, listening.  The sound of the rain on the vaulted ceiling calms me.  I can hear the water draining from the  downspout outside the windows and splashing onto the rock in the landscaping.  It is such a pleasant sound.  The gentle noise stirred my thoughts.

 It's gonna be random, but this is what is on my mind tonight.

•  I Thank God for a family that loves and supports one another like ours does!
• Seeing the shadow on the ground of Laik and me walking hand-in-hand delights my soul!
• Each day it gets easier to share the story of Laik and Trisomy 12p without crying! (The eyes still tend to get moist!)
• I love Todd Leffew more and more each day as I see him be a Champion Daddy to Laik.  
• I am grateful for true friendships that can pick up right where we left off.  Even if it has been years since we last spoke.
• I am turning 40 in August....it gets closer every day.
• Laik is walking.  More and more and more!
• Laik loves airplanes, trains, and the Cookie Monster.
• That baby in the photo has changed the mindset of our entire family.  Laik has No Limits....it is just taking him a little longer to achieve things.
• It's ok to be the "lone nut."
• Spending time ALONE is a necessity!
• I hate kidney disease and what it is doing to a very good friend!
• I lost a friend/mentor  in a tragic accident and it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it.
• I had no idea how much my parents loved me, until I had Laik.
• I am proud to say that I am the parent of a special needs child.  
• Without my sisters, I don't know what I would be like...they have molded me in ways that they aren't even aware of!
• My life is impacted daily with kind words from former students and colleagues. 
• I love to hear the sound of Laik's voice when he says, "Mama!"
• Little things give my heart great joy.  
• An unexpected kiss from Todd still gives me a flutter in my stomach.  
• An unexpected two arm hug from Laik melts me every time.  
• When Laik hears a train in the distance and gets excited...I am reminded that even though he FAILS the OAE hearing test, EVERY SINGLE TIME, he can hear!
• And when he spots a plane in the sky "a mile high" and starts waving and hollering "HEY!" It reassures me that he can SEE!
• My favorite time of day is when Laik and I snuggle just before he falls asleep at night.
• Hearing Laik squeal with excitement when he sees Todd's truck pull in the driveway reminds me that he KNOWS who we are!
• Watching Laik put a smile on the face of anyone makes me a proud mama!

Every single thought is just like a raindrop.  Thoughts can be caught up in a storm, swirled around by the wind, pushed through the gutter and pounded into the dirt.  But with the rain comes a good cleansing, new growth with a fresh start  and a thirst quenched.  We are blessed that God knows exactly when we need the rain to pour down on us!  And for that, I am grateful.

Good night and be well!

Kim

Hello? Ireland calling!

I could have never imagined how my life would be forever changed and touched down to my core by Trisomy 12p.  I remember the day that I discovered the Trisomy 12p Parent Support Page on Facebook like it was yesterday!   I looked at every picture. I read every single post. And I sought out a relationship with moms on the page.  I had phone conversations with three different moms.  And I drove to meet a family.  My mother even met a family at a college football game!  I was so anxious for someone to give me a glimpse into what Laik's future was going to be like, that I wanted to talk to anyone and everyone that knew anything about T12p.  I remember how relieved I was after each conversation.  I had HOPE!

                       

Christmas Day 2013

Princess Penny doing her daily physio!

Today, I was able to give HOPE to another mother!  In Ireland!  What???  Yes, Ireland.  And how did she find me?  Living Leffew!  When I started this blog, it was my therapy.  I was able to type my thoughts and feelings and share them with the world without anyone having to see me cry, crocodile size tears, as I was banging the keyboard.   I had intended to put information on the web, real information, about T12p.  I thought if, in the future, I could help just one family see the real and bright side of this chromosomal disorder, that it would have been worth it.

And that feat was achieved today!  I am elated, now, I know it will help even more.  My new friend, Sandy, from Ireland, found my blog on the web.  And then she found me on facebook.  One thing led to another and we had a telephone conversation this morning at 9:30 am ET.  IT WAS FABULOUS!  And she tells me her entire family is reading the blog, so here is my big welcome to our new family in Ireland! (HOPEfully, we can meet one day!)


Here are some new facts about Laik:
1.  He is closer and closer to walking.  He is cruising around the house taking steps from one piece of furniture to the next.
2.  He has about 7 words:  mama, dada, nana, popa, bye bye, hey and lala!
3.  He makes a great pig sound and scary face on command!
4.  He loves music of any kind.
5.  And he loves football!
6.  Bathtime is his favorite because he loves the water and the bubbles.
7.  He is a very fast bottom scooter and moves around the house that way when he isn't on his green puppy.  He can move even faster on the puppy!
8.  He also has fascination with doors (opening and closing them) and with the springy doorstops (loves to hear them make the booooooooooinnnnnnng sound)
9.  He is a champion at eating.
10.  He makes everyone he meets SMILE!


So, to the family in Ireland, Princess Penny is going to be just fine....she'll just be on Penny time.  And it will take a bit longer, but in the end, Princess Penny will bring joy and blessings to the entire family!

Hello, Ireland...Tennessee Calling....until we talk again.  Be well and many hugs and kisses from across the ocean!