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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Jibjab
Anyone out there ever hear of Jibjab... Anyway if you haven't I suggest checking it out. They are more well known for their political stuff. The creators of Jibjab are 2 brothers that went to my highschool and I even dated one of them for like 5 minutes... I have been sending all my e-cards through this website and its hysterical. Its also great if you want to embarrass your nearest and dearest on line... Sorry honey... You know how I love to drive you crazy...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
At Peace and Humility
Yesterday we took Sam for a full speech-language and swallowing evaluation at Columbia University's speech and language clinic. The evaluation was partially conducted by student clinicians and partially conducted and supervised by Dr. Justine Joan Sheppard (the Sigmund Freud of pediatric feeding and swallowing). When I go back to school for my PhD it has to be at Columbia. What an amazing program.
During this evaluation, as with any evaluation for my son, certain realities set in about all the challenges and limitations Sam has to face and that we will have to face for the rest of our lives. Will he eat, will he talk, can he learn, will he get stronger, am I going to have to change his pamper until the day I die etc... Of course I will always remain hopeful that Sam will exceed every expectation imaginable but there is of course the possibility that he may not. In the past I've always left these evaluations feeling empty, sad, anxious, defeated, pretty much sick to my stomach and unable to get through the day without telling someone, anyone to fuck off. But yesterday... yesterday was different.
Yesterday I left the evaluation feeling calm, happy, peaceful, hungry ;), and like I really learned something... I felt smarter. Not only about more strategies and things we can do to help Sam, but things about myself and our "situation". I was able to stay in the moment and not project. I was really able to enjoy sharing our experience with the students and Dr. Sheppard and at the same time enjoy what I was learning about my son regardless of strength or weakness. It was an empowering experience which I have found that I am having more often these days. You see, when you've spent years in constant anguish about the fate of your child it starts to poison your soul. But once you choose to be in a better place you start appreciating and really loving every experience whether good or bad. Of course this is not easy and I am no more special than anyone else. We can all do this you know you just have to choose to.
Something about humility that we can all learn from... I think, no I know... that the positive feelings I felt when leaving the clinic had a lot to do with the energy that surrounded Sam and myself. There was a definitive air of humility from our SLP, Genie, that accompanied us to the eval, from the students and most of all from Dr. Sheppard. In my travels as an SLP I've noticed way too much pretension and arrogance on the part of colleagues, doctors, therapists, nurses, etc... All through my own judgement had NOTHING to be snotty about. But now here I am with THE pediatric feeding and swallowing guru and she was so grateful as were the students of our presence with them for the two hours we were there. Not only did they thank us numerous times for being there but you truly felt the sincerity behind their words. I think it is safe to say that we all learned an enormous amount from Sam. Which leads me back to the peace part...
In my coming peace there is acceptance. Its the acceptance of feeling and believing that I was chosen or maybe I chose to care for Sam who is this being of greatness with great challenges. I have come to accept and be grateful for all that I have learned and will continue to learn from Sam so that we can selflessly help others with only the best intentions. Although this thought process comes with great struggle I have felt it and hope that even in the darkest of times I am able to believe, truly believe that there is a purpose for all of the challenges we face and that there is a happy ending in sight.
During this evaluation, as with any evaluation for my son, certain realities set in about all the challenges and limitations Sam has to face and that we will have to face for the rest of our lives. Will he eat, will he talk, can he learn, will he get stronger, am I going to have to change his pamper until the day I die etc... Of course I will always remain hopeful that Sam will exceed every expectation imaginable but there is of course the possibility that he may not. In the past I've always left these evaluations feeling empty, sad, anxious, defeated, pretty much sick to my stomach and unable to get through the day without telling someone, anyone to fuck off. But yesterday... yesterday was different.
Yesterday I left the evaluation feeling calm, happy, peaceful, hungry ;), and like I really learned something... I felt smarter. Not only about more strategies and things we can do to help Sam, but things about myself and our "situation". I was able to stay in the moment and not project. I was really able to enjoy sharing our experience with the students and Dr. Sheppard and at the same time enjoy what I was learning about my son regardless of strength or weakness. It was an empowering experience which I have found that I am having more often these days. You see, when you've spent years in constant anguish about the fate of your child it starts to poison your soul. But once you choose to be in a better place you start appreciating and really loving every experience whether good or bad. Of course this is not easy and I am no more special than anyone else. We can all do this you know you just have to choose to.
Something about humility that we can all learn from... I think, no I know... that the positive feelings I felt when leaving the clinic had a lot to do with the energy that surrounded Sam and myself. There was a definitive air of humility from our SLP, Genie, that accompanied us to the eval, from the students and most of all from Dr. Sheppard. In my travels as an SLP I've noticed way too much pretension and arrogance on the part of colleagues, doctors, therapists, nurses, etc... All through my own judgement had NOTHING to be snotty about. But now here I am with THE pediatric feeding and swallowing guru and she was so grateful as were the students of our presence with them for the two hours we were there. Not only did they thank us numerous times for being there but you truly felt the sincerity behind their words. I think it is safe to say that we all learned an enormous amount from Sam. Which leads me back to the peace part...
In my coming peace there is acceptance. Its the acceptance of feeling and believing that I was chosen or maybe I chose to care for Sam who is this being of greatness with great challenges. I have come to accept and be grateful for all that I have learned and will continue to learn from Sam so that we can selflessly help others with only the best intentions. Although this thought process comes with great struggle I have felt it and hope that even in the darkest of times I am able to believe, truly believe that there is a purpose for all of the challenges we face and that there is a happy ending in sight.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Cord Blood Banking
Our family was featured in this weeks ViaCord news letter. Feel free to click on the link below to take a look for yourself.
http://www.viacord.com/cord-blood-news/article_1.html
http://www.viacord.com/cord-blood-news/article_1.html
Friday, January 16, 2009
The First Post for 2009
I know, I know... and it better be a good one.
So what's new... Well a lot actually. Scott and I are expecting another bambino. We are very excited. I was extremely ill for the past 17 weeks so that is one reason I have not been able to write. Its hard to think and write when your head is permanently attached to the toilet bowl. My poor husband has been such a champ in trying to take care of both me and Sam. Did I mention that when I use to get up for my 1am vomit attack my darling ever so caring husband put ear plugs in his ears and went back to sleep. G-d I love him...
I have also been working. I started teaching again this past Oct. and decided to do 2semesters in a row which has been very time consuming, but fun so I'm not complaining.
Sam has been great! He has had two small colds which he has been handling like a champ. He is continuing to develop and surprise us each and every day! He has a new thing he does where he pounces on us like Tiger. Its very cute, but not very safe for me as he is always aiming at my belly. Sam is already starting to beat up his little brother and he is not even born yet. And if Sam takes after me in that regard we are in BIG trouble... I tried to kill my little brother on several occasions when I was a little and a few times in recent years...
New Year's Pictures... Then and Now...
1-1-07
1-1-08
1-1-09
Sam is the youngest member of the Friar's Club.
Hanukkah... Sam made out like a bandit this year. All of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, spoiled him as usual.
Sam's Mimi and I cooked. She makes the best brisket and I make the best potato pancakes which make for the perfect Hanukkah meal. And we know where Popi's priorities lie (doesn't even look up to say cheese). I have no pictures of Sam lighting Hanukkah candles because our menorah broke. I really am so bad at being Jewish, but I am trying... My potato pancakes were made from scratch and remember I have been vomiting uncontrollably for the past 4 months so that has to count for something right???
Sam is standing at the couch all by himself... He really is doing so well. Better than I ever expected!
Sam is trying to comfort his mommy during her time of nausea...
Sam loves his bath. And he really does have the cutest tushy in the whole world!!!
So what's new... Well a lot actually. Scott and I are expecting another bambino. We are very excited. I was extremely ill for the past 17 weeks so that is one reason I have not been able to write. Its hard to think and write when your head is permanently attached to the toilet bowl. My poor husband has been such a champ in trying to take care of both me and Sam. Did I mention that when I use to get up for my 1am vomit attack my darling ever so caring husband put ear plugs in his ears and went back to sleep. G-d I love him...
I have also been working. I started teaching again this past Oct. and decided to do 2semesters in a row which has been very time consuming, but fun so I'm not complaining.
Sam has been great! He has had two small colds which he has been handling like a champ. He is continuing to develop and surprise us each and every day! He has a new thing he does where he pounces on us like Tiger. Its very cute, but not very safe for me as he is always aiming at my belly. Sam is already starting to beat up his little brother and he is not even born yet. And if Sam takes after me in that regard we are in BIG trouble... I tried to kill my little brother on several occasions when I was a little and a few times in recent years...
New Year's Pictures... Then and Now...
1-1-07
1-1-08
1-1-09
Sam is the youngest member of the Friar's Club.
Hanukkah... Sam made out like a bandit this year. All of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, spoiled him as usual.
Sam's Mimi and I cooked. She makes the best brisket and I make the best potato pancakes which make for the perfect Hanukkah meal. And we know where Popi's priorities lie (doesn't even look up to say cheese). I have no pictures of Sam lighting Hanukkah candles because our menorah broke. I really am so bad at being Jewish, but I am trying... My potato pancakes were made from scratch and remember I have been vomiting uncontrollably for the past 4 months so that has to count for something right???
Sam is standing at the couch all by himself... He really is doing so well. Better than I ever expected!
Sam is trying to comfort his mommy during her time of nausea...
Sam loves his bath. And he really does have the cutest tushy in the whole world!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Uncle Richie...
I started writing a post about Christmas. While I was writing I though it might be fun to post some old photos of my family celebrating Christmas through the years. During my photo excursion I came across pictures of my Uncle Richie that really just depicted exactly the person who he was. Today is my Uncle Richie's birthday (thanks for reminding me Andrea). He passed away almost 15 years ago and I still cannot believe that we have been without him for that long. He was an amazing father, uncle, friend, person. He always had a smile on his face and never seemed to have a worry in the world. If anyone knew how to enjoy life it certainly was him. Uncle Richie is my mother's brother and my father's best friend. When I was looking through all of these old pictures I came across a poem written about him that must have been read at his funeral. I don't know who wrote it... I'm sure one of my cousins will comment and tell us. Anyway this is the poem.
Richard G. Fioriello
I'm writing this as a tribute to a very special man, Richie, better known as Richie "Roast Beef," Dicky Boy", or just Richard Gerald Fioriello. No matter what name you knew him by he was the same person. A good hearted character who has touched more lives than any of us could ever have imagined. He will be deeply missed, but we are all very lucky to have our memories. He is in our hearts and in our minds, but most important in the memories each of us shared the most special times spent with him. When each of us think of him, I can guarantee one of the "F" words come to mind:
1-Family
2-Friends
3-Fishing
4-Food
5- and above all Firefighting
I have yet to figure out in which order they go, but that doesn't really matter they were what he lived for...
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Amen
Happy Birthday Uncle Richie... You are thought about all the time.
Richard G. Fioriello
I'm writing this as a tribute to a very special man, Richie, better known as Richie "Roast Beef," Dicky Boy", or just Richard Gerald Fioriello. No matter what name you knew him by he was the same person. A good hearted character who has touched more lives than any of us could ever have imagined. He will be deeply missed, but we are all very lucky to have our memories. He is in our hearts and in our minds, but most important in the memories each of us shared the most special times spent with him. When each of us think of him, I can guarantee one of the "F" words come to mind:
1-Family
2-Friends
3-Fishing
4-Food
5- and above all Firefighting
I have yet to figure out in which order they go, but that doesn't really matter they were what he lived for...
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Amen
Happy Birthday Uncle Richie... You are thought about all the time.
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