Compare and contrast

As we sat waiting at one of our many appointments in Omaha today, I watch CJ play and interact with other children.  As they all played around each other, I noted how I could sit back and observe with no need to defend my child or explain his disability.  Though it may have had something to do with the specialized eye doctor's office we were sitting in, my hope and wish is that CJ continues to be just another kid for as long as possible. 
One of the children playing in the waiting area had many similar physical features as CJ including skin color and hair texture.  As this young man brought toys to CJ to play with, I inquired how old he was.  To my surprise he was a month younger than CJ...and walking...and talking a few words...and carrying toys...and climbing up and down a chair...  In some ways I felt heartbroken watching the boy's advance development displayed before me.  (Also, I do believe this boy may grow to be very, very tall!)
I know, I know, on CJ's time and in CJ's way...still hard though!

Amazing Friends

How cool is this?!  Sarah at http://sarahely8989.blogspot.com/ has the blog listed as one of the amazing friends she follows!!  I love following Sarah's sewing adventures.  Go check her out!

Who needs a clock?

Who needs a clock when you are running on CJ time?  From desating on command in the NICU to getting his first tooth a year to the day of coming home; Charles James Galvin, named after his great-grandfathers and affectionately known as CJ, rolls at his own pace. 

For Miranda Galvin in the summer of 2011, the idea of becoming a foster parent was placed on her heart, and about this same time her dream to adopt a newborn baby with Down syndrome also started.  As a special education teacher in Sioux City, Iowa, she was thinking more like when she was 35 or 40 and either was married or had decided to start a family without Prince Charming.  After completely foster care classes, and while waiting to get a call for her first kid, she signed up with the National Down syndrome Adoption Network.

 Fast forward to November of 2013; Galvin is busy planning a birthday party for one of the two siblings in her care.  Thing 1, as the birthday girl is affectionately known as, enjoys going with Galvin to GiGi’s Playhouse in Sioux City where Galvin is heavily involved in the educational tutoring, playgroups and Down syndrome Awareness Walk operations of the Playhouse. 

The morning after the cupcake birthday party, Galvin receives an email from Stephanie at NDsAN.  A baby boy had been born the day before, Thing 1’s birthday, and Stephanie is wondering if Galvin would like to be considered as a potential forever family for the little boy.  Not wanting to close the door on any opportunity in life, Galvin agrees but assumes a young, single gal from Iowa doesn’t have a chance.

Thirty-six hours later it is time to pick Thing 1 and her little brother up from daycare to take them to visit their mom for the weekend.  As Galvin arrives at daycare, she realizes she has a voice mail from Stephanie congratulating her as the new mom of the baby boy in Tampa, FL!  In the midst of a life changing weekend of preparations, Galvin heads to the Playhouse to work on a project day she is orchestrating to get the latest set of photos of smiling area children on the walls.  It is in the middle of just another morning at the Playhouse that Galvin shares she is officially a Playhouse mom.

Today, a morning at the Playhouse includes 14 month old CJ playing on the floor with his friends, while Galvin pauses to add another hat to her duties at GiGi’s, the one as mommy sitting on the couch catching up with her cherished friends, fellow moms.

A year in review...

As 2014 closes out, the traditional year in review begins to hit social media.  I don't have a cookie cutter year to look back on; 2014 was one that was life changing for me.  Yes, CJ was born in 2013, but much of that time was spent sitting in warm, sunny Florida.  :)

January
Finally had the chance to settle in and find a groove in our new normal.  Luckily for me, someone slept through the night starting the second night out of the noisy NICU.

February

March

April
Surgery - CJ has his PEG tube replaced with a GJ button.  This was one of two surgeries this year that led to an almost instant response from CJ.  He was a different kid after this.  Guess I would be too if they took a plastic disk out of my stomach...

May
GJ replaced...that didn't last long!

June
Game changing surgery number 2.  The entire package of this surgery showed me how much trust I have in CJ's medical team and how amazing, especially, his ENT is.

July 

August

September
Baptism and adoption finalization FINALLY!

October

November
Happy Birthday!  Time to dig into that cake!

December
Bedtime just got easier: No need for O2 at night and forget the need for the feeding tube too!

ZERSCHLING: Gigi's Playhouse is welcoming home for Down syndrome families

ZERSCHLING: Gigi's Playhouse is welcoming home for Down syndrome families

CJ’s Siouxperific Pal

I have been involved at GiGi’s Playhouse for several years now and have even co-chaired the walk before. However, this year when my friend, Miranda, adopted a son with Down syndrome the Playhouse took on a new perspective. I could not be more excited to be able to participate in this year’s walk as a member of team “Super CJ.”

           CJ could be described as “super” for a number of reasons. First, CJ is super tough. CJ at only 7 months old had undergone 3 successful surgeries and taken each   one in stride. He has a smile that lights up a room. One of my favorite things is being with him in public and watching people’s faces at they can’t help but smile because his super smile is contagious. CJ is also a super friend, he knows when you are talking to him and begs to be talked to more. CJ is super aware and loves listening to stories, he looks intently at the pictures and even helps you turn the pages. CJ is also super friendly, he loves being around people and getting to cuddle.

           I am excited for CJ to be able to grow up with GiGi’s Playhouse as a part of his life. He loves getting to meet and play with the other babies as well as being held by the older kids. His mom loves being able to connect with other moms and swap notes on different things at the playhouse. Few places connect people and build friendships the way that GiGi’s does, and even fewer places spread love the way that GiGi’s does. One of my jobs at the playhouse is at volunteer coordinator and I watch people fall in love with GiGi’s and the unique group that makes up our GiGi’s family all of the time.

        I encourage you to help support the playhouse and help spread love with us in October.

                                                                                 Thank you,

                                                                                 Hana Krommenhoek

Baptism September 21 2014 Charles James Galvin III