And the Liebster Award goes to...

 

Guess what!  CCE has won an award!  The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to other bloggers as a way to recognize one another's contributions to the blogosphere.  Cool, huh?  This prestigious honor just happened to come from Patti over at A Perfect Lily:

Well, Patti...I just don't know what to say!  I'd like to thank The Academy...no, wait - wrong awards.  I'd like to thank Patti and all of our loyal readers for their support and encouragement.  It is a privilege to be a part of this beautiful Down syndrome blogging community.

Now, in order to receive my shiny trophy, I must first answer a few questions as designated by Patti.  (There will be a shiny trophy delivered to our doorstep, right Patti?!)

I'm starting to wonder if this Liebster is more of a prank than an award judging by these questions.  Patti is obviously trying to embarrass me.  But here goes:

 

1. What's the last great book you read

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!  You're joking, right?  I have two toddlers and I'm supposed to be sitting around reading insightful novels?!  I'm doing something wrong then.  I guess the honest answer is "Twelve Hours Sleep by Twelve Weeks" by Suzy Giordano.  I swear by this book as do all the mothers who recommended it to me before I had Merryn.  It's now my "go to" baby gift for expectant mothers.

As far as non-baby manuals, I love the book "Freakonomics: A rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. 

 

2. Who would you most love to meet from blogland

It's too hard to pick just one!  Our dream meeting already happened twice when we got to meet the Super Squib Sibling Duo, Jace and LC from Pudge and Biggie.  Of course we would love to meet all of the adorable little chromosomally enhanced friends from blogland but I can't possibly start naming them because I will undoubtedly forget someone.  So here are my two wild card answers: 

(1) Mike, the brother of the one and only Pioneer Woman.  Yes, Pioneer Woman has a brother with developmental delays and if you've never read the Mike stories, then you better get started because they're priceless.  Be sure and check out the one about Mike and the rodeo.   Click here!

(2) Daniel Drinker.  Daniel is a young man with Down syndrome and his blog is one I discovered when I was in labor with Merryn (it was a LONG night) but I've never been so entertained by a blog.  It's written by his younger brother, Will, and the stories are so honest and FUNNY.  I'm also absolutely in love with the whole sweet family!  Will took it one step further and made a documentary about Daniel's life.  Do yourself a favor and watch it - you'll thank me, I promise: Click HERE

 

3. What's your favorite go-to recipe for company 

Once again, Patti - you're cracking me up.  Did I mention I have two toddlers?!  It's not really conducive to dinner parties.  Unless Josie's therapists count, we don't have company (and I don't feed the therapists).  Admittedly, I've never been much of a cook so I'll have to defer to Mama Hop for advice on this one because she is the cook in the family.

 

4. What's your favorite blog post that you've written

I like the post entitled "Living with Down syndrome" so much that I linked a tab to it at the top.  It's not really about my thoughts or insights; it highlights a survey of individuals with Down syndrome and their families giving their opinions about what it's like to live with Down syndrome. 

 

5. How many blogs do you read a week? Name a few..

I don't have time to catch up on blogs as much as I would like but some of my favorites include (but are not limited to): A Perfect Lily, Pudge and Biggie, Everything and Nothing from Essex, Channon Chronicles, Blessed by Brenna, My Stubborn Little Miss, Surprising Sweetness...I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting - forgive me! 

 

6. What do you hope people take away from your blog?

I get a lot of feedback from parents of young children with Down syndrome and they are filled with uncertainty and concerns.  I hope people read about our family and have hope that it's going to be okay.  It's going to be better than okay!  Down syndrome has been a part of my life since the day I was born and I am SO grateful for my big sister and the influence that she has had on me.  I would hope that if a pregnant woman just received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and stumbled upon our blog that she would reconsider the decision to terminate. 

 

 

7. What's your favorite ice cream flavor 

I'm not a huge ice cream person but I'd say cake batter...

 

8. If today was your last day alive, what five things would you make sure to do

1.  Take my kids to the splash park

2.  Go sing karaoke with Leanne

3.  Go to a concert with Travis

4.  Go to a winery with my mom

5.  Have a long talk with Jesus

 

9. What bugs you about other people's blogs 

I'm concerned with parents using blogs as a forum to vent about hardships related to raising children without realizing that someday those children will be able to read that negativity.  How will those words make them feel?  How will it impact the child's self esteem?  Will the child feel like a burden?  I'm all for being honest, but I believe words should be chosen carefully, and with regard for the fact that there is a strong likelihood that your child will access them in the future.

 

10. Do you actually read my blog, or just skim it for the pictures? I really want to know.

Patti, I honestly read it.  You have wonderful insights on life, faith, and parenting. 

And without further ado, I hereby nominate:

Loving Our Life

because this family has an AWESOME story to share about how their daughter with Down syndrome inspired them to fly to an orphanage in Eastern Europe and adopt another little girl with Down syndrome.  Christy, you need to blog more frequently, girl!

 

Here are your questions:

1.  What was the first concert you ever attended?

2.  Name a few of your favorite blogs and/or websites.

3.  Tell us your most embarrassing moment during motherhood.

4.  What is one message you wish you could share with the world about Down syndrome?

5.  Share your favorite tip for keeping your kids occupied so you can get something done (please, I really need tips!).

6.  What cancelled tv show do you with would return to television?

7.  What CD is in your car stereo right now? 

8.  What has surprised you the most since joining the world of Down syndrome?

9.  What is your dream vacation destination?

10.  In your eyes, what defines success as a parent?