Aunt Katie and Uncle Ed - Engagement Photos

We are so excited about the upcoming wedding for Aunt Katie and Uncle Ed in Half Moon Bay, California. Katie just shared some of their engagement photos and we are in awe!



Check out more photos on the website of the very talented Sara Boutros at http://saraboutros.wordpress.com/

Thankful

This is the time of year that I usually reflect and feel good about what is going on in life. This year, I have decided to focus less on the tangible aspects of life and more on the gifts that we receive from the important people in our lives. The following is a list (albeit non-comprehensive) of the gifts we receive from the people in our lives. Our family is so grateful for the people who surround us.

As for the list, I apologize in advance for any cliches or cheesiness.

Thankful List
1. Eli’s smile and belly laugh. I am also thankful for his difference because it has changed the way I see the world…for the better.
2. Darin’s inappropriate sense of humor. At times it’s good to remember what it’s like to be in seventh grade.
3. Natalie and Logan’s sense of fun and their imaginations. They make you remember what it’s like to be young.
4. My brother’s peaceful nature and sensitivity to animals and children.
5. My sister’s uncanny ability to light everyone around her with the youthful energy she carries.
6. Chris and Becky’s parenting advice and the knowledge that there is a light at the end of the tunnel of parenting.
7. In-laws that I not only like, but love. And I am not just writing that because they will read this.
8. My dad’s survival of a heart attack and prostate cancer. And his appreciation for a second (and third) chance at life.
9. My mom’s love of God and her spirituality.

IDC School Photos

Recently, Eli had his first school pictures taken at the Infant Development Center. The following are a couple of our favorite poses.





A future in baby modeling? I think so.

First Sign of Independence

Okay, to a lot of people, a baby holding a bottle is not a big deal. To us, this is a monumental breakthrough in Eli's journey to independence. Darin has been asking since week two, "so when will he start to hold his own bottle?" As of this past weekend, little man is able to hold his own and can now chug down his own bottle at a voracious pace. We are loving it!

Recovery

Eli is getting over being sick last week with some sort of respiratory infection. He is now on the mend and in great spirits. It's hard to believe that he is already 8 months old. Below are some photos in celebration of another month.

Dwarfism Facts

I thought that I would share some facts about dwarfism:

• There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias.
• People with dwarfism are generally not taller than 4' 10" at adult height. The typical height range is 2'8" to 4'5".
• Eighty percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings.
• There are an estimated 30,000 people in the United States and 651,000 internationally with a type of dwarfism.
• In July 2009 the word "midget" was declared inappropriate and offensive. Preferable terms are: having dwarfism, short stature, little person, lp, and the medical terminology use of dwarf. A person's name is always the most preferred.
• LPA has registered a complaint with the FCC over the use of the "m" word. The goal is to raise awareness around the offensive impact of the word in order to eliminate its use in media, popular culture and in everyday language.
• LPA has 6500 members across the United States and includes 70 chapters active in all 50 states.
• Skeletal Dysplasias affect bone growth, but generally do not affect cognitive abilities.