Wednesday, April 2

Blessed with Babies

Our family is growing. We are being blessed with babies. Let me show you the beautiful babies that God has blessed our family with.
These boys are my great-nephews, Dakota and Jackson. These are my brother's grandchildren. I haven't seen the boys yet because at Easter they were moving here from up north - a five hour drive. Notice the yawn.
Here they are fast asleep. Aren't they adorable? I love babies and just sent my nephew an email telling him I just HAVE to see the boys. They were born on December 19th, just in time for Christmas. Of course they've just moved down here so I'm waiting to go to see them until the family is settled.
This is Evan. He is also my great-nephew and my brother's grandson. I haven't seen Evan yet either. Mom's been very tired and so I haven't bothered her.
Doesn't he look so content here? Evan was born on February 28th. He just missed being a leap year baby.
And Griffyn is growing like a weed. He is an adorable little boy. He laughs and chortles with glee. He is discovering the world.
Here he is driving a car at the laundromat. Looks to me like he might be a race car driver one day.
And look at this. He's laughing out loud. Griffyn was born on June 28, 2007. Mom is expecting another baby in August. Griffyn is either really happy or really sad. There doesn't seem to be any in-between. Usually he is in a good mood.

Griffyn was tested to see how he was performing for his age level. He is nine months old and he is at a one-year level. Here he is climbing the stairs. He is a going concern. He knows that he isn't to go up the stairs, but that is what he likes to do. He has just discovered he can do it and wants to do it whether it's against the rules or not.

Here he's looking right at Mom as if to say, "I can do it!" Dad is behind him in case he falls and Mom has the camera. Melissa, his mother has a good sense of humor. I fear she is going to need it when the new baby comes.



I was presented with the award above by Greatful Living and also by Storyteller at Small Reflections. I was very honored to get it from two ladies on the same day. Thank you both. You made my day much brighter.
Above is the autism awareness ribbon. I have posted about autism the last two days because this is Autism Awareness Month.

Yesterday I mentioned that we believed Brandon's autism was connected to his one-year vaccination. Let me add to that. We did notice that Brandon started stimming (a term that I learned from another blogger today.) after his vaccination. He would cry and flap his hands wildly. By the time he was two, he had a little dance that we thought was cute. When he became excited he would do a dance, flap his arms and hands and then bring one knee up and his elbow down - kind of like the dance that is done after a touchdown in football. Later we learned that this was a sign of autism.

I don't want to mislead anyone. We do know that in order for the autism to appear, Brandon had to have the gene. Another sign of autism is a larger than normal head. When Brandon was born, he had a very large head. My daughter did have a natural birth, but Brandon's head was very mishapen when he was born. Today, at almost thirteen years old, his head is as large as an adult's.

While doing a little research today I happened upon an article about research that was done at the University of Western Ontario. Apparently researchers have found a gut-brain connection to autism. To read the article, go HERE.

I will be writing more about autism this month. It is a subject near and dear to my heart. The general population needs to be educated on the subject of autism so they can better understand the disorder.

If you would like to visit other blogs that are posting in recognition of Austism Awareness Month, please follow the links below.

By visiting all of these sites and reading the posts, you will become more understanding of what autism means to those living with it and to their families.

28 comments:

  1. Hi Mary,

    First of all, it's a delight to meet you and I was thrilled to have you visit my blog and I looked forward to reading about your handsome grandson.

    What interested me was how you mentioned that you noticed changes following Brandon's MMR shot. We also noticed the same thing-very dramatically. I haven't posted about that yet-it's coming. I truly believe that there is a genetic predisposition to the vaccine.

    I will continue to visit this month and I'd love to include you on my sidebar and in my autism awareness links this month.

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  2. Good Morning Mary,
    I was by here yesterday reading about Brandon and I had to go because I got a call from the School Nurse that our youngest daughter wasn't feeling too well. She was complaining with her stomach hurting her, so I had to go pick her up from School. She seems to be doing better now. She did have a low grade fever late yesterday afternoon, but I gave her some Advil and it broke. Your Great-Newphews are just precious and I know you are looking forward to finally seeing them. That Gryffin is really growing like a weed. Sounds like he may be a littl dare devil when he gets older. LOL. I did read the post about Brandon and his Autism. I am so glad that he has come along way. He is such a precious young man and I know you are very proud of him. I had no idea until I read your information about Autism that it is caused by the MMR shots. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours. "CONGRATULATION'S" on your very well deserved Award you received and to the ones you passed it onto as well. You do deserve each and every Award you receive.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  3. Mary, Mary, Mary....another fantastic post. First congrats on the award. You know without me saying anything in the manner...that you are very deserving!!

    Now your growing family!!! OMG, what beautiful babies!! And that smile...He DOES look like he's enjoying the race car, doesn't he? I just LOVE that photo!!!

    When I can, I'll come back and read more from you links you've shared with us.

    Hope your day is grand.

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  4. Oh My! a parade of the most wonderful, most beautiful baby pictures! Yesterday I couldn't leave because your sidebar made me smile so much. Today I couldn't leave the babies.

    You're one of the most positive people and it truly affects others and starts their day off right.

    thank you!

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  5. Thank you for sharing the babies' photo, they are adorable - I agree, that sense of humor is really going to come in handy.

    The information you are sharing on autism is very timely and informative, as it's very true that there is a lot of mystery and misinformation. I was not aware the 12-month vaccination was thought of in this way.
    The "stimming" term is short for stimulation - like watching electronic doors open and close for long times, putting electronic toys to the ear to hear the same sound over and over, that kind of effect. I too have noticed the lining up of the cars (blocks, letters, etc) in the same order as one of the "loveable traits" of those close to me within the autism spectrum.
    Thank you for sharing your years of information, and the links to other blogs. Your pro-active nature is a blessing to your family, I think! :)
    T

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  6. That is a great award and you do so deserve it...... and look at those faces......... How cute..... What a wonderful day you will have when you get to go visit those babies........ I too love babies....... I wish that I had more children.. Now that I am older I would like to have lost of grandbabies around me....... and a sense of humor is a gift from God... He gave me a triple portion.......(some people do not appreciate my triple portion, but what do they know)

    Have a God filled Thursday

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  7. Congrats on the award!! you have the prettiest and cutest babies in your family. I miss babies in ours but not for awhile..at least I hope not. Have a great day..Sandy

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  8. Mary
    What a wonderful granmother you are to be so helpful with Brandon. Thanks for sharing and educating us about autism. Now those little babies on this blog are cuter than bugs in a rug. You are truly Blessed with so many little ones. Peace be with you.

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  9. Another fascinating post. Thanks for providing the links, I will check them out.

    What adorable babies have arrived in your family! I love babies too! You will have lots of partes and events to attend for these little ones, how fun! Have an awesome day Mary and thanks for sharing! HUGS!

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  10. Thank you Mary for your efforts to write about Autism and educate people.

    I work with young children and sometimes I can SEE SOMETHING in a child's behavior that sends up a
    'red flag'. I will be reading your posts this month with great interest.

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  11. Mary,those are some cute babies you got there.Congrats on the awards.

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  12. Dearest Mary,

    Omigosh, what adorable babies you have in your family...they're all so precious and it sure doesn't take long for them to have their own little characters:-) I can well imagine how much you're looking forward to meeting them for the first time. I get all excited inside when I think that by October I will have a little baby to hold also!!

    Congratulations on the award, dear Mary. You deserve every one that's out there!!

    I copied your Autism Awareness ribbon and will post it on my blog if you don't mind...as you say, it's so important for people to be educated on this. I look forward to learning more through your posts. xox

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  13. Very cute kids! Don't they just bring a smile to your face!

    Thanks for all yioru visits and kind words. I heading out of town in a couple of hours for a week. Connie will post for me while I'm gone, so please come on over from time to time.

    Cheers,

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  14. Oh my gosh you have lots of new and sweet babies..and twins too!!
    OMG

    I have heard others say the MMR brought on the Autism symptoms..
    wonder if it's age or the shot
    Brandon is sweet & special and
    we all need to understand autism
    better.!!

    love you, deena

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  15. Oh Mary,
    I am really appreciating your posts on autism...they are most interesting and informative....
    Congratulations on your awards...you certainly deserve many many awards...
    You are a very caring person...
    I just love the pictures of your nephews...they are so very adorable...you will be in hog heaven when you can get your hands on them...
    Mimi

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  16. What cute little boys in your life! Those twin boys are just a bit older than our teeny tiny twins - it would be fun to see pictures of them all together!

    Very helfpful information on autism.

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  17. Hi. I jumped over from Willow's site and was fascinated by your research on Asperger's Syndrome. My walking partner has a grandaughter who was just recently been diagnosed with this and we talk so much about the symptons and conditions. I'm sure she will be so happy to read your blog and yet at the same time feel uplifted.
    Blessings and thanks for your research on Autism. We all know families who are dealing with this disorder. How timely.

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  18. Hi Mary, I just loved being able to type that in!!!!!! Karen came over with the laptop tonight and got it all pluged in and ready to go!!! I have missed you all so much!! I got your beautiful card today and thank you sooooo much!! Nancy loved it too!!
    The babies on your post are just adorable!!! Kelly's birthday is Dec 19th also!
    love you Grams

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  19. Something that is very important to know is that Mom's have the right to tell the pediatrician that they do not want their little one to get the shots all at one time.
    They can explain their concern to the doctor and the shots can be separated and given a few weeks apart.
    Some believe that part of the problem is that little ones can not handle the shots all at one time and thus-Autism. Of course there are many different ideas about this.
    But Moms need to know that they have the right to say what happens to their children. And if their Ped. will not listen--they can find one who does.
    As you can see this is something that I think every Mom should know.
    Thank you for posting on this.

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  20. Beautiful babies in your family. We have been blessed this past year with 3 new grandsons and a new little nephew. They are wonderful little guys!

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  21. Such cutie pies. YOu are so blessed

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  22. Thanks for sharing the wonderfully adorable photos of the new babies in your family. They are blessed blessings indeed ;--)

    I’m happy you checked out Raven’s blog and found Linda’s link too. I read them both and Casdock, but I’m not read Dianne … so I’ll check her blog out as time permits.

    I appreciate the link-love and congrats on receiving this cool award twice!
    Hugs and blessings,

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  23. Thank you so much for sharing this information and Brandon's life with us. It so touches my heart, as I have worked with a number of autistic children at all ends of the spectrum.

    Yes, your family has truly been "Blessed with Babies"!

    Cynthia

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