I consider it a success!

Friday was the start of something wonderful!  It was my first day as a stay-at-home mama.  The morning started out with 3 excited girls, eager to get things going in the right direction!  With 3 full bellies, we had Jordan to school a few minutes early!  Sure, mama didn't have time to put socks on, but those are the details that we'll work out with time. 

Karter and mama did a little Walmart and BabiesRUs shopping before picking Jordan up at school.  What I shouldn't mention is that we swung by the school 2 times before actual pick up time, just to make sure that we wouldn't be late. 

Once back at home, we played and hung out, and when both girls went down for their naps, I began painting the kitchen.  I didn't finish, but it wasn't for a lack of trying!  Tim and Flo (previous homeowners) didn't do us any favors with the striped white painted walls which have been a pain to cover!!

So as the day came to an end, I couldn't help but smile inside.  The day was an absolute success and was enjoyed by all!!

Grandmother came to visit later that evening and spent the next morning with the girls so that Jared and I could get to our 2nd mediation for Jordan's lawsuit.  Just 2 months shy of 3 years, we have reached resolution.  Our agreement didn't leave anyone excited, but I think everyone involved is relieved.  It is difficult to know how things would have turned out in court next month, but we'll never have to find out.  What Jordan receives will make a difference in her life, and that makes the whole thing a success.

Jordan lights up when she sees our attorney, who she affectionately refers to as "my friend, John".  3 years ago, John was the first person to mention the words "cerebral palsy" to me.  The words weren't welcomed, but they needed to be said.  Once we started understanding Jordan's condition, we could help her better.  And the more time I spent with John, the more knowledgable I became about what Jordan was going through.  And the more knowledgable I became, the more questions I asked when we were with her doctors.  And the more questions I asked, the more actions they took.  And now, 3 years later, Jordan is sitting on the floor unassisted playing with a puzzle with a bright future ahead of her.  What John has done for this family cannnot be measured and cannot be expressed with words, but consider this my attempt - he has given us hope, he has given us guidance, he has given us strength, and now he has given us resources to help Jordan have the fullest life possible for her.

Wow.  2 big successes in 2 short days!!  I wonder what tomorrow will hold!

Changes

We have experienced many changes already in 2011, but the biggest is yet to come.  In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving the corporate grind, for a new kind of grind.  I will be beginning a new adventure as a stay-at-home mama.  I can't even begin to explain the millions of emotions that are running through me.

The decision wasn't easy.  It was obvious, but it wasn't easy.  But alas, I have communicated my notice at work, and ready or not, it's almost time.

3 Months of Fun

Wow, have these 3 months flown by or what!?  Karter is officially 3 months old today. 

Karter has grown in every way; we all have.  This is a time of many unknowns and   countless anticipated changes.  Jared has worked 12+ hour shifts for the past 31 days STRAIGHT.  I have accepted a new role at work with new responsibilities, new challenges, and new opportunties and was a semi-finalist for a skill-based reality show (yes, you should assume that it was The Real World).   Jordan has transitioned to a new "big girl" preschool and is making new friends.  And although it seems like just yesterday she was a baby herself, she has blossomed into a wonderful big sister and keeps a watchful and protecting eye on her baby sister.  As a Mom and a wife, I couldn't be more proud of this crew!!

Live ~ Laugh ~ Love

Build-a-Bear Adventures!

Jordan finally got to have her birthday celebration with Casey at Build-a-Bear!  Earlier in the morning, Casey "accidentally" dialed 9-1-1, and after a visit from a kind police man, Casey chose to make a police bulldog.  Jordan chose a black bear and named her Glitter.  Glitter (below) wears a Harley Davidson tank top, a white lacey skirt with plenty of bling, and a pair of Twinkle Toes (just like Jordan!)  AND, Glitter sings a special birthday song just for Jordan!!

After Build-a-Bear, Jordan, Casey's Mom (Laura), and I all went to the food court and continued the party with pretzels, slushies, and birthday presents!

As it turns out, a minivan was just what Jordan always wanted!  What a great friend Casey is!!

Gee oh gee, Jordan is 3!

Jordan's birthday weekend got off to a rocky start with a terrible cough and a trip to the doctor, but things got much sweeter when she got in a little early celebrating with Grandmother, Granddaddy and Aunt Brittney!

Among Jordan's favorite early presents were the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figurines from Grandmother and Granddaddy, the "so cute" shoes from Aunt Brittney, and the Micky Mouse counting book from Aunt Susie.

The Disney figurines from Grandmother and Granddaddy are a perfect fit for her growing hands!

Jordan taught Aunt Brittney a little something about counting with Mickey!

Jordan takes Pluto for walks regularly.  She keeps saying she's ready for a pet...



We had to reschedule her Build-a-Bear outing with Casey, and she smissed her first official day of school, but Jordan was feeling much better, just in time for her birthday!



For a special birthday girl, mommy had a special birthday treat!  In stead of oatmeal and yogurt, Jordan enjoyed a frosting and sprinkle covered chocolate chip cookie for breakfast!

The fun continued throughout the day with a special delivery from Mima and Mipa, gifts from Aunt Becky, Uncle JD and cousin Jeffrey, and some favorite toys from her nanny, Missy!

When Mommy and Daddy got home from work, it was time for Jordan to open MORE presents!  The moment that Daddy walked in the door, she began tearing into the biggest present... and with excitement declared... "IT'S A COUCH!"

And what birthday would be complete without a birthday cake???

...  BEFORE ...

... AFTER ...

And what birthday would be complete without a birthday bath???



And when there's no more presents to open and no more cake to eat, it's a nice time to sit on one's new "couch" and reflect on the day with much love and appreciation for the friends and family who helped make birthday #3 one to remember!

And eventually, every wonderful birthday must come to an end...!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS JORDAN ROSE RINKER! 

May each year be more amazing than the last.

Karter Kaye - 2 Months!

Sorry for the delay!  Losing internet for a week put me behind and now I can't seem to catch up!!  I owe you a full update, but for now, here's Karter Kaye at 2 months!!

Karter at 2 months!  (16 lbs!)

Pretty as a flower!



Doing the "it's my birthday" dance!



Nothing is sweeter than the soft touch of a loving hand... 

All good things...

... must come to an end...

I go back to work on Monday.  Today was my last Wednesday at home with the girls.  Tomorrow will be my last Thursday at home, and Friday is my FINAL day.  To say that this time has flown by would be an understatement.  These last few weeks have been such a gift.  I can honestly say that I know my daughters better than anyone else does.  Once I go back to work, that will change soon, but for now, it's an awesome feeling.  I have shared many lunches and several therapy sessions with Jordan, and the timing worked out that I could be present and very attentive to the preschool transition process. 

Jordan will turn 3 on March 14.  On that day, she is no longer eligible for Help Me Grow benefits, including attending her current school program at Eastgate.  She will start preschool at the elementary school on her birthday.  I have mixed feelings.  I want to protect her and hold her tight.  At Eastgate, Jordan spent most of the time as 1 of 3 children with 4+ therapists in the room.  All of the kids had something to make them "different."  Jordan was always, "just Jordan" to them.  Now, Jordan will be in a class of 15 kids, where more than half are typical.  She will have new challenges to overcome, but those challenges will make her stronger.  We didn't have to put Jordan straight into preschool, but it feels right for her.  Jordan LOVES school, and she treasures her friends from schools.  AND, her school seems to be great!  I have had at least a half a dozen meetings with the teacher and therapists.  Tomorrow (as well as next Monday and Friday) we are going to have a playdate with the class so that Jordan can meet the kids and we can see what problems the room may present for her.  Hopefully it goes well.  The teachers, therapists, and psychologist are excited to have her.  They are blown away by her intellect and her drive, and they want her to be a role model to kids who may have difficulty focusing or are too care free and may have a little too much quit in them.  Of course that makes me proud, but it also makes me a little sad.  Jordan has never been a care free kid; her disability hasn't allowed for that.  But, her focus and drive make her special - and for me, it makes her "just Jordan."   

Karter is a special gal too.  She mostly sleeps through the night and prefers to do very little napping in the day time.  She always has love in her eyes, like Jordan did as a baby and still does today.  I look at these girls, and I know how blessed I am.   

Tonight, we are going to dinner as a family.  Not only do I go back to work on Monday, but Jared starts turn around.  Turn around means 13 hour days, 7 days a week, for 5 weeks straight. 

We are about to enter a very scary March.  But, we are ready for the challenges, and we are excited for what's on the other side!!  Big things are coming for us!!

Speaking of coming, a fun post with pictures is coming this weekend!!  Karter Kaye is turning 2 months... sort of.  There is no Feb 30, so I'm not sure when her 2 month birthday actually is, but I know it's coming!!!