photo ChristyDunnamBlogheader_zpsf4f3d3a6.png



 photo about_zps1fce12d0.png photo emma_zpsfc50ef24.png photo FAMILY_zps58977a6a.png photo house_zpscf683387.png photo table_zps0d705bde.png photo thoughts_zps27be2b05.png photo fun_zps6d646c73.png

Monday, March 9, 2009

Passing around the sick bug

There's an update on the benefit entry.

The kids and I are passing around the crud. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago with fever and congestion. Luke and Emma went last week, and now Carleigh is complaining of a soar throat and running a little fever, so I'm headed in with her today. Oh well, at least it's not the stomach virus that's going around!

Friday we had some tummy and family pictures taken! It was fun, and the pictures I've seen came out great! I'll post some when I get them back.

I had a check up today, and the midwife said we're in the very early stages of progression. It could be a while still, but if the little darling decided to come in the next few days, they wouldn't be concerned. My sugar report didn't look so great though. She said we'd give it one more week making some slight adjustments in my diet, and if half the levels are still coming in high we'll start medication. I hope the diet adjustments work! I'm also hoping Cora won't come on the day of the benefit, March 21. So many people are doing so many wonderful things to make it a success, I would hate to miss out on all the fun!

I still have quite a lot to do to get ready for our new addition. There are clothes to be washed, closets to clean out and chests of drawers to be moved. We'll get it done, or we won't, and it will still be ok. :)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Heart of Sailing Dunnam Family Sail

Before I forget, Emma is fighting a cold. I think she probably got it from me.
:( I took her to the doctor today, and he said her ears look good and her lungs sounded like she had a little rattle in the upper part but the rest sounded good. Warm liquids and rest is the script. So, I'm hoping she'll feel better real soon.

We had such a wonderful time sailing in February. The older two kids had a ball being captain and raising and lowering the sails. I had a great time just sitting there and soaking it all in. It was good to be on the water again. I miss the beach house more and more, especially since we're getting some warmer days now. Enjoy the pictures...



Here is some information about the organization that provided our sailing experience...
The Heart of Sailing Foundation
Sailing Therapy for Special Needs Children

Our Mission
The Heart of Sailing Foundation is a non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) international organization which introduces sailing to children with developmental disabilities as a form of education and recreational therapy. Teaching sailing to our special needs children has proven to be an exhilarating experience, yet calming, tranquil and highly rewarding…for the children, their parent(s)/caregiver(s) as well as those of us who serve them. We do not charge for this service but, instead, rely upon and are most appreciative of donations.

The Adventure
The sailing, conducted throughout the year during daytime and evenings on weekdays & weekends, is about two and a half to three hours long. The child must be accompanied by his/her parent(s) or care giver and must be willing to wear a life preserver. Basically, the first half hour is a ‘getting to know you’ time during which we discuss things about the boat as well as safety items. When we leave the dock, the child helps steer the boat as we motor out to open water. The child also learns knot-tying, navigation and piloting of the sailboat along the way. Once the sails are raised by the child and Captain working together, the child begins to steer the boat under sail. The child, while at the helm steering the boat, is told that he/she is then the Captain (i.e. “the boss”) and, therefore, gets to wear my Captain’s hat. At the conclusion, the child is awarded a certificate as well as a large medallion on a ribbon which can be draped around his/her neck, similar to an Olympic medal.

More About Us
The foundation is providing this free service in 36 locations within the United States and served approximately 3,000 children in 2008. In the Greater Houston area, we provided our service to 313 children in 2008, and plan for at least 500 in 2009. To learn more about the Heart of Sailing Foundation, please go to our web site: www.heartofsailing.org While at our Homepage, be sure to check out two things: (1) our latest PowerPoint presentation and (2) the special feature produced by FOX News. Register for a Free Sail Please log onto our website (www.heartofsailing.org) and do the following: At the top of our Homepage, click on 'Sail With Us' At the next page, scroll down and click on 'Houston-Galveston' At the next page, below '2009' click on 'register' and then complete the registration form Upon our receipt of your registration, we'll make contact with you and we can firm up a sail date.

What Else You Can Do
Please help us spread the word to families with special needs children. Also, if you know those who may be willing to support this unique therapeutic program, please encourage them to help. We depend upon donations from individuals, corporations and charitable foundations. Additionally, we need more boats (loaners or donated) plus many more volunteers: skippers, crew on the boats, as well as help with administration, support during events and fundraising. Come join us!

Heart of Sailing, Houston-Galveston Chapter:
1714 Festival Drive, Houston, TX 77062
Phone: (281) 488-1780
Cell: (281) 507-1867
e-mail—davemccabe@heartofsailing.org

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Cakes

Inquiring minds want to know about the adorable cakes at Cora's shower. My sweet friend here in town made them. Email me if you would like to contact her.

Kinda Bummed

It was confirmed last week that I do indeed have gestational diabetes. Did I say that already? Anyway, yesterday I went to the hospital for a consultation with the dietitian and nurse. We discussed some diet changes, and the nurse showed me how to prick my finger and what numbers I need to look for. I have to record them for a week and fax them my results. He was telling me that hopefully the glucose levels can be controlled with the diet, but sometimes the body just needs some help, which would mean medication or insulin. So far, it's not looking so good with the finger pricks. My levels last night and this morning were both off. :( I'm hoping things level out soon.

Emma saw her new home bound teacher yesterday. It was a good visit. I'm glad we decided on home bound for her. Changes don't seem to be up her alley lately.

Last night we went to a local steakhouse and listened to Mean Gene Kelton play. He is one of the bands playing at Emma's benefit. It was a lot of fun! Emma really liked the music. She gets so excited when there is live music. I think she can feel the vibration of the instruments. It was good to see her reacting that way. Lately, she has been unhappy most of the time. She cries and fusses, and I'm just not sure why. It's really disheartening.

I'm working on getting the pictures together from the sailing trip we took. I'll try to post them later today.
Have a good one!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Emma is 3!

 


Carleigh and Luke enjoyed helping blow out the candles. What a sweet brother and sisiter! She loves music, and one of her gifts were those cute little headphones. She's in her favorite spot all snuggled down listening to music at the bottom of the pictures. I think you can click on the collage and enlarge the pictures. (I'm still learning all this stuff.) It was a bittersweet day.



There was such a dramatic change from last year's party. She's still our precious little angel though. It's so hard to watch her disease progress so rapidly. It's like she's trapped in a body that won't let her spread her wings. I wish she could be free.

Baby Cora's Shower

 


Here are some pictures from the sweet baby shower a few of our very special friends gave baby Cora. We had a good time, got lots of cute clothes and neat baby things, and ate some really yummy and beautiful cake!
 
I think if you click on the picture collage you'll be able to enlarge the view of the pictures. (I'm still trying to figure out all of this blog stuff.) A big thank you to all!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Still here

Just letting you know we haven't fallen off the deep end...yet. ;) I was sick this week, and just bombarded with other things to do and couldn't find the time to write. It's been kind of a hard week. Emma is three today. I'm happy and sad. I realized yesterday I have a very hard time going to the store to shop for special occasions for her. It takes its toll on me. I want to get her all the fun 3 year old toys she should be getting, but instead have to settle for something more appropriate for her needs. We're having a small family party after church today, so stay tuned for pictures of the beautiful birthday babe!

And if you remember from last week, we went sailing last Sunday. The weather was beautiful, a little breezy and cool, but still beautiful, and we had a wonderful time. More to come on our excursion!

Hang in there with me! I'll get going again soon, very soon! (Hopefully tonight)
01 09 10 11 12
Blogging tips