I am super excited to host my first official "Blog Give Away" in honor of my "One Year Blog-Anniversary". Actually this is a little delayed since my true anniversary for my blog was last August....it was 8/08 when I first entered this amazing blog world (to be honest... I didn't even really know what a blog was before then, I know... a little sheltered this girl is :)! However, since then I have met so many amazing blogging friends from... literally all over the world and I just love it!!!!
When life was getting a little crazy in August and I knew I would miss the opportunity to do this then due to sheer busyness I thought I would delay my blog anniversary until now.....October, Down syndrome Awareness Month, and this is why.........
As much as the month of October is set aside as a time to bring awareness to those that may not know much about Down syndrome......I feel I AM actually the one, who over this past year, has gained a "heightened awareness".... from all of you. I have definitely learned to stand a little stronger and a little taller in these shoes. I have learned to not fear the future thanks to those who are a little further along on this road. I have benefitted from hours and hours of research many of you have done and been gracious enough to share. I have learned about nutrition and supplements specific to children with Down syndrome. I've learned about sleep studies, sleep apnea, and blood panels to have drawn consistently (um okay, yeah that one I'm still a little fuzzy on :) ). I've watched BEAUTIFUL children come home to their "Forever Families" who would have otherwise been institutionalized because of their extra chromosome. I have learned about nasty words like Leukemia, Infantile Spasms, and Atlantoaxial Instability. I have watched families fight like hell to keep their children alive and I've cried and cheered right along with them! I've watched as others have stepped out and gracefully advocated for their children....for our children. And over the last year I became ever so aware of what an amazing group of families and what an amazing source of support and resources there are in the Down syndrome community.
So, part of the intent of my blog anniversary give away is to say THANK YOU, a hundred times over....for sharing your stories, sharing your struggles, and sharing in this amazing journey with me...and to say thank you for popping in and checking in on us over here...I am always so humbled and tickled every time I look over at my site meter and I see that someone has come for a visit, whether you let me know you are here by leaving a comment or not....but I'm hoping that you will for this post so I know who you are and so you can be entered into the drawing...whether you have a family member with Down syndrome or not.
To be entered into the drawing:
Simply leave me a comment....whether you've been here 100 times or just once
by October 30th 12:00 midnight (PST)
Reid will pick a name from a hat and I will post the winner on October 31st
If our winner lives internationally I will make sure the gift card is in the proper currency
33 comments:
Congrats on your milestone. Isn't amazing how much we learn and share out here in the blog world?!
I feel the same as you, I've learned much more from reading other Mothers Blogs than I could have ever learned from any "professionals"!! I've thought about starting my own blog, maybe its time!! Congrats!!
Awe, you are too sweet! I've loved seeing Reid grow this past year. I can't believe you've only been blogging a year! It feels like I've known of Reid since his birth. Happy anniversary!
Cheri, It is common for me to be in tears after reading your blog. You so beautifully express your heart. I started learning about ds 1 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with my little denver. We did not know until the day of his birth how God knit him together. It seems like the most valuable, personal, relational information comes from those with personal experience. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Hey Cheri!!! Love catching up with you and your family via your blog!!! You are an amazing mom, and I've learned from you too!
xoxo Julie
This is my first time reading your blog.
I just stumbled upon your blog. Where did you have that picture taken of your son with the Star Wars characters? My 6-year-old son is an avid Star Wars fanatic and he would go nuts for the opportunity to meet Darth Vader and R2D2.
mfalcon13 (at) hotmail (dot) com
What a neat post...I missed my one year anniversary...but I am with you...I feel that I am the one that has benefited from my blog and the blogging friends I have met, some in person and some I hope to meet in person someday...I have followed your blog for awhile now and you are a wonderful mom and have an adorable family...
Congrats and happy blogiversary! I rely so much on this online community - for support, for laughs, for ideas, and just to share. Glad you're voice is a part of this community!
Happy Blogoversary!! Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!
October the 31st ... the day,one year ago,that Zoey started chemo.Just struck me as I read that.What a year and I thank you my friend for bringing us into your world as well.Wish we didn't have to drag you into the world of Infantile Spasms AND leukemia but hey,Zoey is a giver!!Seriously though,I am beyond lucky to have had you at our side over the last year.What a blessing you all have been and could we PLEASE,PLEASE get together ... soon!Too close not to take more advantage of that.Anyway,love to you all.Kisses to those darling boys too.
You have been a gift to us Cheri! What a joy it has been getting to know you via blogging and email. You are an amazing advocate, mother and friend. I look forward to following your journey as you lead the way for Joaquin and I :)! Thank you for everything you do!
Cheri,
Nice to meet you both your boys are adorable. I look forward to following your adventures!
Meeting you in this blogging world has been one of my biggest blessings!
Awwww thanks Kele!! You were my very first person to ever leave a comment on my blog....that will always be special to me! xoxo
Happy blog annivesary! I really enjoy reading your blog - especially since you have two boys just like me!
Thanks so much for you comment on my post yesterday. I love that song by the Kry and can't wait to read your post about it!
Hey, Cheri, I just realised that you "beat" me to blogland by 3 days! Yes, I started 3 days after you...
I agree with everything you said: this is such a source of strength and support.
And forget the gift: your posts, and the comments you leave on my own blog, are enough of a gift for me. ;-)
Sending you a big Hug all the way from Ireland.
Hey- I tagged you on my blog!-how did you come up with your kid's names?
Happy blogoversary to you! wow what a generous giveaway you're having too!
Isn't it amazing the connections you can make through blogging?!
Congrats on a year of blogging! I'm glad I found you, can't wait to read more!
Congrats on one year of blogging! I'm glad I found yours, I can't wait to read more!
You started blogging at the perfect time...I've told you before, but I can't tell you enough how much your blog helped me those first few months after having Stockton. I was in that "dark place" that we have all been and your family story was exactly what I needed. Thanks for sharing your family story!
Not meaning to enter your very nice contest, but rather to share an easy way to help raise awareness: check out this short video -- http://www.ahamoment.com/vote/barry -- about the aha moment of father of a child with Down Syndrome who learned what you can do with challenges. If you like his story, click to vote for him, as the top vote getters in the contest will be aha moment TV commercials next year. More media exposure around Down Syndrome awareness would be a very good thing, so spread the word if you can.
Thanks,
jack@ahamoment.com
Jack, thanks for making me aware of this.....I just headed over and voted for Barry! I hope his "aha" moment makes the commercial...that would be great!
You are an inspiration. Love your blog and the new design!
Love reading about your little guy. I started my blog in July 2008 and have learned more than I ever imagined and met some amazing people online in the Ds community. PS: I hope Reid picks us :)
Oh, me me me! LOL. Just looking at the pics in your sidebar ... your boys are so adorable!
Congrats on your great milestone ! I enjoy reading your blog and all those pictures, your two boys are so precious! Reid is the cutest little angel!
Happy Blogoverary! Love reading about Reid, it's been an interesting year.
I've so enjoyed getting to know you and your sweet boys through your blog! Happy 1 year of blogging....here's to many more!
just found your blog through the how you named your kids links. Congrats on writing for (over) 1 year!
Happy Blog-o-versary! It's amazing how many blog mommas there are out there- you all are such an inspiration
I love your blog- it was one of the first ones I found and it is neat to see a wee guy who's just ahead of my Luke and what he's up too. Thanks for sharing :)
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