Monday, June 29, 2009
How do I prepare my daughter for life?
Ok, this is really what I want to get into. How do we prepare our children for the challenges that come in life? How about dealing with their limitations? How about creating a success philosophy that empowers them to rise above all this and step out of the norm into the extraordinary?
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About the girls
Little Eden came into our lives back in October of 2007. She really made her presence known at about 18 weeks into mommy's pregnancy with the "BIG" ultrasound. Actually, we had seen a few other ultrasounds that showed signs of concern before then, but the 18 week one was the roughest one to handle.
We had been told of the possibility of severe chromosomal genetic defects, so severe that she may not live. There were many signs that when put together had the potential of being the often fatal Trisomy-18.
After a comprehensive amniocentesis, and many more consultations with specialists, we were told that Trisomy-18 was not the condition, but that our daughter would have a form of dwarfism --Achondroplasia, most likely.
This diagnosis was, to say the least, A HUGE RELIEF!
So we continued to monitor Eden's prenatal development, around 30 or so ultrasounds in all (I lost count), and this whole process was emotionally draining--lots of highs...lots of lows.
Around the 27 week time frame there was an abnormal collection of fluid on her brain, causing yet another incredible scare as we were confronted with another possibly fatal outcome.
The team of specialists told us that this development was "irreversible","and that they would have to induce labor at 30 weeks to install shunts and relieve the building pressure. They told us that she will likely be so severely retarded that she may have to be institutionalized, if she lives at all.
My wife Sarah has had some personal experience with an amazing nutraceutical company and informed the medical team that she would be taking a specific product which she believed would help Eden's natural cell function. The team reviewed the product and told her that it probably wouldn't make a difference, but since it is not a drug or toxic to the body, that she could do what she felt she needed to do.
Six weeks later the fluid on Eden's brain had reached a normal level once again.........call it a miracle, call it luck, call it good nutrition, doesn't matter to me.....God had heard our cry for help!
Eden was born 5lbs, 3 oz. at 37 weeks, happy and healthy! We went through several initial screenings to make sure that she was going to be ok. She had shorter limbs than most babies her size but who cares, this is the beginning of our new adventure.
Eden hasn't yet had a confirmed diagnosis, other than that she does not have Achondroplasia. She also tested negative for Hypochondroplasia--but so do alot of hypo's (or so we are told).
She is so smart, and this isn't just parental bias! Watch the videos: She tells you how old she is, in months (18 months, now 20 months). She counts to mid 20's, she does all the abc's, etc....
And Adeline is almost here.....no complications this time (kinda almost seems boring--until about now--3 weeks to go).
We had been told of the possibility of severe chromosomal genetic defects, so severe that she may not live. There were many signs that when put together had the potential of being the often fatal Trisomy-18.
After a comprehensive amniocentesis, and many more consultations with specialists, we were told that Trisomy-18 was not the condition, but that our daughter would have a form of dwarfism --Achondroplasia, most likely.
This diagnosis was, to say the least, A HUGE RELIEF!
So we continued to monitor Eden's prenatal development, around 30 or so ultrasounds in all (I lost count), and this whole process was emotionally draining--lots of highs...lots of lows.
Around the 27 week time frame there was an abnormal collection of fluid on her brain, causing yet another incredible scare as we were confronted with another possibly fatal outcome.
The team of specialists told us that this development was "irreversible","and that they would have to induce labor at 30 weeks to install shunts and relieve the building pressure. They told us that she will likely be so severely retarded that she may have to be institutionalized, if she lives at all.
My wife Sarah has had some personal experience with an amazing nutraceutical company and informed the medical team that she would be taking a specific product which she believed would help Eden's natural cell function. The team reviewed the product and told her that it probably wouldn't make a difference, but since it is not a drug or toxic to the body, that she could do what she felt she needed to do.
Six weeks later the fluid on Eden's brain had reached a normal level once again.........call it a miracle, call it luck, call it good nutrition, doesn't matter to me.....God had heard our cry for help!
Eden was born 5lbs, 3 oz. at 37 weeks, happy and healthy! We went through several initial screenings to make sure that she was going to be ok. She had shorter limbs than most babies her size but who cares, this is the beginning of our new adventure.
Eden hasn't yet had a confirmed diagnosis, other than that she does not have Achondroplasia. She also tested negative for Hypochondroplasia--but so do alot of hypo's (or so we are told).
She is so smart, and this isn't just parental bias! Watch the videos: She tells you how old she is, in months (18 months, now 20 months). She counts to mid 20's, she does all the abc's, etc....
And Adeline is almost here.....no complications this time (kinda almost seems boring--until about now--3 weeks to go).
About Daddy
My name is David Everitt Jr, and I live in the Seattle/Tacoma, WA area. I am definently a proud daddy; absolutely loving each day I am able to spend with my wife and daughter (soon to be daughters).
My life and goals have been transformed by the addition of little Eden --it's funny how having a family can suddenly provide a deep motivation to change. Even more, I am now in a place where I think about how to create an environment which will cause her to see just how valuable and capable she is.
Thankfully, through my wife's earlier health research and experiences dealing with the difficulties I faced in Eden's prenatal development, I learned a great deal about wellness and what superior nutrition program can do for someone. There are many approaches to health, and then there are some that are exceptional foundations most people are unaware of! We have aligned ourselves with a very influential and successful global wellness team dedicated to optimal health and creating resources to support families to move past any barriers they might encounter as their children mature. We have started an initiative and formed a team, called "Eden's Way," to mentor families to create independence in finance and pass this on to their children as they become young adults. Our intention is to help this generation of young people turn around our health crisis and pay it forward to the next generation, having them be as healthy and capable as they can!
See our link to find out more http://davideverittjr.wordpress.com/about/ or call me direct at (253) 389-2300 or email me davideverittjr@aol.com
My life and goals have been transformed by the addition of little Eden --it's funny how having a family can suddenly provide a deep motivation to change. Even more, I am now in a place where I think about how to create an environment which will cause her to see just how valuable and capable she is.
Thankfully, through my wife's earlier health research and experiences dealing with the difficulties I faced in Eden's prenatal development, I learned a great deal about wellness and what superior nutrition program can do for someone. There are many approaches to health, and then there are some that are exceptional foundations most people are unaware of! We have aligned ourselves with a very influential and successful global wellness team dedicated to optimal health and creating resources to support families to move past any barriers they might encounter as their children mature. We have started an initiative and formed a team, called "Eden's Way," to mentor families to create independence in finance and pass this on to their children as they become young adults. Our intention is to help this generation of young people turn around our health crisis and pay it forward to the next generation, having them be as healthy and capable as they can!
See our link to find out more http://davideverittjr.wordpress.com/about/ or call me direct at (253) 389-2300 or email me davideverittjr@aol.com
With Nate nearing 18 months, I haven't dealt with the worldly aspect. My main focus has been his health and development and my blog. I got the luck of the draw that the LPA convention was being held in detroit, MI in 2008. At 6months Nate attended his 1st convention(won't be in NY)at that point I realized I needed to be his voice until he was ready. I've done my best to network a group of friends. A group of people that know the ups and downs to living with dwarfism. Knowing how others dealt with situations that you might encounter is one of the ways to be prepared. Challenges, I've encouraged nate to find a way for him to do things on his own. If he can push through than I think that their wouldn't be much to limit him. His fight just may be harder than the rest of us. I guess I'll see how this goes as he get older.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Laura..this is a big question! We are building a financial future for Eden already....you can look in my "about daddy" spot and there are links to a page which explains this more. We all do what we can and it's a work in progress
ReplyDeleteBelieve in yourself and be positive… your child will see that in you... sometimes I feel we are the creators of our own limitations because we live in a society that dictates what is acceptable and what is no!!! I say enjoy life live it to the fullest and never stop dreaming…every child need to know one thing- if you can dream it you can do it!!!
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