Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I've been doing my best to share some information each day this month about Milo and our family's life and this amazing community we are part of... and I've totally neglected blogging anything in months, not that anyone cares... but if you'd like to see what we've been up to I encourage you to check out our Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/likeleila/

For the last day of DS Awareness  Acceptance Month I wanted to share someing that I've been meaning to for months... six months I guess. I made a video for Milo's first birthday and yesterday he turned 18 months... so even though I'm half a year late, better now than never? It's way too long and very indulgent, but I'm his mom, it's my right, right? And because of the huge file size I couldn't load directly to the blog so hopefully if you want to you can even see it by using the link (where is Pied Piper, a lossless compression platform, when you need it?!), because I've never used Vimeo, soooo....

https://vimeo.com/189646257

And while I have sooo much more I'd like to say, I'm going to wrap it up because there is a very demanding toddler here who is mad that he doesn't get to bang on the computer and has already thrown up on the rug and bitten me once this morning and we need to take showers and thank heck for Raffi videos because it's buying me just a couple minutes to finish this. I leave you with a few quick screen shots from the video because every post needs pictures, right?

And We All Shine On

Dear Milo,

You've made your first trip around the sun! The thing is, Critter, you shine brighter than the sun ever could.

 

I hope you always feel how much you have been loved since before we could even imagine who you would turn out to be. I hope you always know that you have been wanted and dreamt of and hoped for since long before I even knew your daddy. I hope you always understand that you make us so incredibly happy, proud, and joyful and that you have blessed us beyond measure. I hope many things for you, but mostly I hope you have love in your life; and you will because your daddy and I love you more than we could ever express.

We've learned so much from each other this first year, or at least Daddy and I have learned so much from you. We've had adventures and mishaps, routine and anything but, blissful happiness and frustration like I'd never experienced. We've had literally thousands of bottles fed, dirty diaper changes, hundreds of hours spent pumping milk, and typically two wake-ups per night.

You have the sweetest, most generous smile and the kindest eyes but you've got a stubborn streak and challenge that stereotype about "Downs kids always being happy." You have a tendency to startle easily at loud talking or laughter but your favorite fun is banging two toys together to make maximum noise. You have an independent and adventurous spirit but nothing makes you happier than seeing Daddy walk through the door every evening.

This hasn't been the easiest year. We hit rock-bottom the first time we walked through our front door without three-day-old you; but we got through it. We are learning as we go when it comes to things like advocating for you to receive more therapy; but we're managing. The worst possible thing about my diagnosis is how it could affect you; but I promise as long as I have a breath in me I will never stop fighting for more days with you.

But it's been an amazing year. You've been healthy and happy and growing and developing and learning. You've been surrounded by family and friends who love you. You've been the best thing that ever happened to me and Daddy.

I can't promise what the future holds and I am slowly learning to accept that now more than ever. But I can promise that you will never be alone. I can promise that Daddy and I will always try our best to make choices that will steer you towards love, family, God, and goodness. I can promise that we will pursue every opportunity for you to thrive and to have access to pursuits in education, health, hobbies, culture, sports, career, personal life, and whatever lights you up from within. I can promise that you will end each day knowing that you are loved. I can promise that your daddy and I love each other and you always. 

I will cherish the memories of the newborn you have were and I will cling to what's left of your babyhood; but I am so excited about the toddler you are becoming and the glimpses you show us of the little boy that will be here all too quickly. I pray that you are kind, compassionate, generous, and open-hearted. I pray that you love to learn, to explore, and to reach out to others. I pray that you are a kid who enjoys the outdoors, animals, sports and books, and that you are an adult who values family, friendships, work ethic and peace. I pray that your beautiful heart leads you to do good. You inspire people you've never met and you are changing the world just by being yourself. Your life is a blessing to us all. Thank you for making me a mama and for bringing more joy to our family than we could have imagined. 

Let's hold hands and hearts for many more trips around the sun together.

Happy First Birthday, sweet Milo.


I love you, I love you, I love you,

Heart Day

I hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day celebrating whatever and whomever you love. For awhile I got pretty jaded about Valentine's Day and probably thought E and I were cool for not making a big deal out of it, but now I feel like, why scoff at an opportunity to love love? Sure the commercialism and pressure to buy gifts and expensive dates is overrated, but shouting love never is.

Anyways, February 14th is also is also Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day and I should have shared information about it earlier. Heart defects are unfortunately one of the common health problems experienced by individuals with Down syndrome and we've become much more aware of this as we learn more about Milo's diagnosis and the DS community. About half of infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect, and some are quite severe. More information about heart defects affecting individuals with DS is here.

With our diagnosis we were considered a "high risk" pregnancy and had many more ultrasounds most parents do. During one of these ultrasounds, almost halfway through our pregnancy, the doctors were concerned about Milo's heart anatomy and function. They scheduled an echocardiogram with a pediatric cardiologist to get a closer look but at time we were told it was looked like he might have a severe heart defect requiring surgery---the echocardiogram would determine if he needed it at birth or within the first six months. Despite how incredibly scary that sounded, we were grateful to be able to prepare and that the team was watching him so closely.

As it turned out, the echocardiogram went great---Milo finally cooperated and was in a perfect position to get images of his heart in all it beating glory, and though the cardiologist found a small atrial septal defect, he didn't think that it would be severe enough to require immediate intervention. Milo was scheduled for follow-up echocardiograms after birth and around two months old.

I wish I could tell you more about his echocardiogram the morning after he was born, unfortunately I was still hooked up to machines following the procedure I needed after his birth, and my husband was only allowed to wait outside the door while it was done. We were told that while the ASD was still minor but his oxygen levels dropped and he was quickly transferred to the NICU. The next time I saw him he was in an "aquarium" with tubes taped to him, an IV running and monitors beeping---something no parent wants to experience.

Our stay in the NICU (he also had jaundice requiring phototherapy) was only five days but it was five days too many. We told ourselves that he wasn't really "sick," just getting extra care, and that was a comfort to us; but there are so many babies and children in hospitals everywhere who are truly sick with little hearts that don't work the way they should. I'm part of a great online support group for moms of babies with Down syndrome and there are a number of babies who are already open heart surgery veterans or awaiting their surgery. I admire these little champions and their families so much. The thought of handing your child over for heart surgery is terrifying and no parent or child should have to go through that pain.

However, medical technology is so advanced and amazing and is giving these little fighters the repairs they need to grow, develop and live full, healthy lives. What an amazing world we live in that these tiny little hearts can be opened, operated on, stitched up and carry on. I encourage you to support the babies, children and adults living with Congenital Heart Defects. More information can be found at the American Heart Association, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Little Hearts, Inc., and the Dr. Mani Children Heart Foundation.

We are so happy to share that at Milo's two-month follow-up echocardiogram the cardiologist reported that his ASD was looking fine; he expected it to close on its own with no need for intervention or holding him back from activities (sign him up for baby Cross Fit?). We will go back at the end of the year when Milo is 18 months for another follow-up. We are so grateful for this good news and we continue to pray for those facing surgeries and other repairs. He may have a small hole in his heart, but anyone who has met him will tell you that this tough little boy does everything with 100% heart.

Keep these little heart warriors in your prayers on Heart Day and every day,

Roster Moves

Contact:              Leila Alvarez

619.708.4988

lalvarez@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Team Alvarez Announces Roster Expansion

Addition of rookie will enhance 2015 lineup

La Mesa, Calif.--January 9, 2015--Team Alvarez announced today that it has agreed to terms with rookie Fetus Alvarez. The youngster, who has been described as “wiggly and uncooperative” by advance scouts, is expected to make their debut in mid-May 2015.

This is the first such rookie signing for Team Alvarez, prompting the management to make corresponding front office moves: Enrique has been named General Manager, remaining the head of the Technology Department while also assuming primary responsibilities for Transportation and Logistics; and Leila will go in a new direction as VP of Player Development, a role that will encompass Nutrition and Scheduling.

VP of Player Development, Leila Alvarez, and General Manager, Enrique Alvarez,
eagerly await Fetus Alvarez' primetime debut following an extended rookie camp.

Fetus is already proving to be quite the dynamic addition to the team, as early scouting reports show a strong indication of Down Syndrome, which will present some unique challenges but so far has been just another quality to admire about this scrappy player. Team physicians are keeping an eye on physical development and reportedly are encouraged by the team’s commitment to preparation, education and early interventions.

“Above all else, we are thrilled to finally welcome Fetus to the Team Alvarez family, and we eagerly await their debut in the spring,” stated Leila, who retains her duties as Chief Marketing Officer. “While Fetus’ early developmental growth has caused some moments of concern, we have high expectations for their progress and are fully invested in making available every resource and service to ensure their continued success. The intangibles that Fetus has already brought to Team Alvarez are invaluable; Fetus demonstrates tenacity, a winning attitude and at the same time is incredibly easy-going--already a fan favorite.”

Indeed, Fetus has already received a warm welcome from the extended Team Alvarez organization; particularly from the Associate Directors of Maternal Spoiling. 

With the addition of Fetus to Team Alvarez, Enrique and Leila expect a solid return on love, fulfillment and happiness, though it will come at the short-term expense of sleep. Most recently, Fetus has developed a routine of nighttime conditioning by adding kickboxing to their regimen. “Despite anticipating the natural adjustment process, we’re building this team for the long-term,” said Enrique as he evaluated equipment upgrades. “Fetus’ arrival will mark the beginning of a new era for Team Alvarez and we are grateful to have the leadership and support of veterans and the community as we prepare for the exciting years ahead.”   

About Team Alvarez
Officially incorporated in December 2008, Team Alvarez traces its roots to Marian Catholic High School in October 1999. While Enrique and Leila each pursued educational and career goals they also remained dedicated to each other and to their mutual lifetime aspirations. After merging they settled into semi-domesticated bliss, making their headquarters in La Mesa, and have lovingly dreamt of family expansion.

Employment Update (3)

It's been awhile since I updated anyone who cares to know about my dismal job prospects.

I'd had some great interviews with really world-class organizations. At least the feedback I got was that they were great... but there was someone just a little bit more perfect than me. I'd also applied for at least 6.4 million  trillion jobs for which I was perfect on paper and never even got a response ("Thanks but no thanks," "Go away," "Kiss our collective ass," nothing). 

And as family and friends kept reassuring me, this happens to a majority of people out there. Especially when you're competing among thousands of people and hundreds of applicants for ONE position. And even more especially when the company or organization is probably legally or otherwise obligated to open the position to anyone even though they've already decided to promote from within or promised it to their ex-mother-in-law's nephew's girlfriend or something. In the end there is only so much you can control and the rest is out of your hands... It. Is. The. Actual. Worst. And I always believed that good things would come to good people who worked hard. 

This gets you a more polite rejection. Sometimes.

And it finally made me realize that I don't think I want to do that anymore. In my career thus far I have never stayed more than about three years in one job, and even that was at my most recent one. I don't want to continue looking for new jobs every couple of years and I would be really pushing my luck by doing that the older I get. Plus, every time I've started somewhere new I've had to start at the bottom again. I've never had a significant raise, promotion or bonus, even though I've always been asked to take on more responsibilities and did so well. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, because I see other people who I went to school with, pursuing the same type of work and apparently loving and excelling at it. I imagine that it's some combination of 

• lack of self-confidence (I settle instead of going after what I really want and know I could be capable of)
• bad luck and timing (who gets laid off the day after their wedding, COME ON) 
• loyalty (I've stayed in positions out of some feeling of obligation when my instincts told me it was time to start looking for something better)
• lack of a killer instinct (I'm in no way my own best advocate--from what I've read this is a bit of a female problem-- and always act just grateful that I'm allowed to come to work instead of acting like I know I'm an asset to the company)
• being a girl (let's be real here)
• not being willing to move or take an obscene commute (can't / won't)
• just not being good enough (this one kills me because I feel like I should have complete control over this)

So basically it sucks. And even though I love what I've done (for the most part) in PR and marketing and fundraising and event planning and think--if I could just get a real opportunity--that I could be bangin,' I finally decided I am having a mid-life crisis and want to get away from all that and do what I planned to and should have done in junior high and high school -- I want to go back to school and train to be a certified occupational therapy assistant. Total change but it has the potential to let me fulfill what I really want in a job--the chance to help people, to be creative and challenged, and to have security to raise a family. 

So I have to re-take anatomy as a pre-req before I can apply to the program, wait out however long the waiting list is, and then bust my ass for about two years to complete it. So it will be an awkward and potentially difficult few transitional years. But the long-term prospects for this field are so much better in terms of  job growth, opportunities, salary, and flexibility (I originally became interested in OT by visiting nursing homes with my grandmother, who worked for some time as a sales rep for orthopedic splints to help patients with things like hand contractures due to arthritis or a stroke; but I've also observed the OT for the school district working with the autistic children my mom works with, and would love to help special needs kids adapt to their classroom and succeed). What's also funny is that my sister, who graduates from UCSD in a few weeks, is thinking of pursuing the same field (or PT)...So maybe we can take some classes together :)

I'm a little encouraged because I was at an OT conference last year (again, tagging along with my Nana who was hosting a booth for the company she works for) and met some students in the program I'd like to apply to; and they said that actually most students in the program are people in their 20s and 30s who have some experience who are trying to change or further their careers, not necessarily 18yr olds who are making good life decisions early. So even though I feel overwhelmed by the prospect of being a student again (I think I forgot how to do that) and being too old to go back to school and feeling like it's already too late to change direction in life, I'm trying to trust the voice inside me and those from people I love around me who are saying that I can do this and that it will be ok.

In a perfect world I would be able to go back to school part-time while we have little infants and toddlers in the house, then maybe find a perfect 25-30 hr/week job or something flexible when our kids get into school. That's the best case scenario and obviously considering how my work life has gone so far I don't expect that. #jaded

Also, I've decided that in order to be able to concentrate on school, when I get to that point, that I'd like to find a job that leaves work at work, and doesn't require longer hours or deadlines or things of that nature. So I've applied to some temp-to-hire type agencies that place people in a lot of admin-type positions. Admin work (filing, answering phones, etc.) has always been my least-favorite part of any job I've had but I know I CAN do it if I have to and I think it will fit my needs. However, after a completely unsatisfactory experience so far, I'm starting to evaluate whether we could be realllllllly disciplined and frugal and survive if I just stayed home for a few years with some babies--after all, most jobs I'm applying to right now would pay me about $2 an hour once we paid for daycare, taxes, gas to go to work, etc.... and I don't want our babies in full-time daycare, it's just not for us. SOOOOO... that is what's occupying my brain pretty much every moment that we're not watching Game of Thrones or Mad Men.

Trying to keep the faith that this is how life works.

Anyone else having their mid-life crisis or regretting their career choices? Anyone trying to make a huge change and having trouble with that first step? Anyone want to give me a pile a of money so I can afford to stay home with my precious not-yet-conceived children for a few years? Anyone feel like I'm making another terrible life decision? Anyone have a better idea (my other idea is to move to like, Finland or Denmark or Sweden)?

Please wish me luck because I'm going to need it, 

Project Post: God Gave Us Baseball - Baptism Gift

Everyone I know is having babies.

This means that many baby gifts are necessary, and (at least in my "circle" of many Catholic School Alumni friends) many Baptism gifts. I feel like a Baptism gift should be something that reflects the occasion and entrance of an individual into the Church and a life of faith, right?  I mean, I personally prefer to give something religious-related as opposed to like, toys or baby supplies or something -- for both my Goddaughters I've given Bibles (a very traditional heirloom version in one case and a bilingual baby version in another), and a few years ago I made a baby sweatshirt using a religious iron-on accented with fabric paints (I'll have to try to find the pictures on an old hard drive).

Anyways.

I had pinned the inspiration for this project (I believe the original is still available on Etsy) quite awhile ago and was looking forward to the right opportunity to make something similar. The opportunity came via our friends we met through a softball team a few years ago, and their precious little chunk of a firstborn, Matththew.

I thought this would be a great, personal gift for them -- they're both total sports freaks (we even ran into them at a Padres game a few weeks before their due date and they joked that they'd name the baby something like Tony Trevor Winfield Randy Garvey if labor started at the game #PadresFansJokes).

As luck would have it, I had a super-banged up softball in the trunk of my car, otherwise you'd have to pick one up -- I supposed you could check garage sales or thrift shops if you wanted a vintage-y looking one, or purchase new if you wanted something crisp and white. FYI - the softball, once opened up, fit almost edge-to-edge on my 10" square canvas... a baseball would be a bit smaller (I think my Pinspiration was done in an 8" shadow box) and you could go even a little smaller with a Little League baseball or search for some type of small souvenier ball of some kind).

 

Since I was going for the well-worn, vintage-y look, I didn't take much care in in disassembling it -- just scissors (a seam ripper would probably be even easier) to cut the stitching and I left the edges more or less ragged. You could do a much neater job if that's your jam.

Here's the thing -- despite being worn, the leather came off rock hard. Like, it stood up still rounded. Not sure if it would work (and also wanting to clean up something intended for a baby's room), I soaked it overnight in a bucket of water with a little vinegar and dish soap. This made it easier to work with, but I still needed it to lay flat. I laid it between two towels and then put a really heavy box on top of it overnight.  Note: you'd have more options if you're using a frame or shadow box -- for example, you could use straight pins to anchor it to the back of a box, or pull out the red stitching altogether and then re-sew it onto a fabric for the back of your frame or box.

The canvas was an easy prep -- just a couple coats of paint in a light beige. I also used my homemade ModPodge-y solution (half-and-half Elmer's glue and water) on the canvas and ball, seperately. So basically I coated the painted canvas and the two pieces of the softball. My goal was to seal each element, especially the loose ends of the red threads.

Here's where I overestimated the power of my glue gun (which doesn't happen often!). I tried gluing the softball to the canvas and the glue just peeled right off when dry. Sh*t (of course I'm working on this the night before it needs to be finished).

Ok... I run to Michael's about an hour before they close, thinking I'll pick up a shadow box frame and try attaching the softball with straight pins. Of course there's a too-small shadow box and a way-too-big and pricey shadow box.  I check out the Special Glue aisle. Among the wood glue, super glue, etc. was some variation of super glue that promised to work on wood, canvas, leather, fabric, metal, etc. A tiny bottle ran somewhere between $3-$4 (of course I brought the wrong coupon).

Hallelujah, it worked (at least it was bonded when I wrapped it the next morning and I haven't heard that it's fallen apart at all). Following the instructions on the glue bottle, I just went slow and inch-by-inch to put a bit of glue on both the canvas and softball before holding them together to bond. I wish I'd had a second bottle for back-up -- don't know what I was thinking -- because my one bottle just barely finished the job.

 

I used the Pinspired quote and added Matthew's name and Baptism date. I hope it's something that he can keep for awhile -- I can't imagine this kid NOT being a baseball fan. This would make a sweet gift for the Little League-r, coach or fan in your life. In fact I might have to make one for myself!

 

So Happy Spring Training! What are you looking forward to this baseball season? I feel like this is going to be a bittersweet time for Padres fans, since it is about to really sink in that we won't be hearing The Colonel call any more games with his gracious charm, wit and wisdom.  Also, what are some other ideas for Baptism/Christening gifts? Anything really cool and creative? Do you go with something very traditional? Something to be used as a baby/kid or something to last for a lifetime? I'm sure more babies are on the way so I can always use the ideas!!


May your feet be swift, bats mighty, and balls be... plentiful,

Project Post: A Card for the Travelers' Next Adventure

So I guess you could say card-making is kind of my thing. I mean, I more often than not make cards instead of buying them (although I do love when you find a really beautiful, funny or otherwise perfect card in the store), and several people have told me that they've kept all the cards I've ever made them or their kids.

That's sweet. Means a lot. Makes me want to keep doing it. :)

What I like about making a card is that it can be extremely personal -- you can't always find that in a store. I love finding a quote or theme or sentiment that's just perfect for the person and occasion.

We've got a few friends that are extremely well-traveled. Like, more than I will ever be. I really admire the sense of adventure and the way they say "yes" to new people, places and experiences.

When one of those couples got engaged, and the other was about to have their first child, I knew that would be a great theme for some congratulatory/best wishes cards. I guess you could say I cheated a bit by making these almost the same, but even though the words of the message are nearly identical, I felt that it fits each of them in their current, exciting stages of life.

 

 

A "Best Wishes for Baby" Card for the First Class World Travelers

I wanted to emphasize planes on this one since Dad is in the flight industry (that's as much as I could tell you to describe his job, I think it is something in logistics...?). I used softer, baby-friendly colors that I thought were still bright and cheery and chose stripes and plaids that I thought were appropriate for a little gentleman on the way (I thought the "All Packed and Ready to Go" sticker was appropriate for first-time Mom who had her hospital bag ready for probably about five months). 

 

Oh yeah, and the G'14 is for their last name and the baby's birth year!

 

 

A "Best Wishes on Your Engagement!" Card for the Adventuresome Duo

Again, basically the same concept applies here, but I played around with bolder colors -- in this case, lime green and navy blue for their Seattle Seahawks of their adopted hometown (I sent this right in the middle of the NFL playoffs).



In both cases my writing is freehand with fine point Sharpies (with the exception of the stamps I used on the first card), but a good handwriting font would be nice if you're not ready to wing it by hand. The cardstock is available at Michael's or JoAnn's, as well as any travel-themed stickers or accessories you might want to add. Here's my trick for the sketching the planes and suitcases, though (I'm not an artist by any means) --- once I find an idea of what I'm looking for on Google Image or somewhere, I hold up a sheet of plain paper over the screen, and really lightly trace it, going back and forth to take a look at the original compared to my copy... I then outline it in dark marker so that I can trace that onto my decorative paper. Your other option might be to print out a picture you like and accent it with colored pencils or markers.

In an effort to be a disclaimer; I don't know that I would sell a card using someone else's illustration... but I'm not a lawyer, soo..?

Anyways, there's a couple ways you can wish the travelers in your life the "Adventure of a Lifetime" for their momentous occasions. What kind of life events are coming up in your world? And what's on your travel bucket list? If I haaaaaad to narrow it down, mine is pretty much everywhere in Mexico, Fiji, and Alaska.

Happy Trails (and card-making!),