Thursday, September 4, 2008

Come out,come out where ever you are ......



For some insane reason,little Miss Zoey decided to take a 4 hour and fifteen minute nap today.I laid her down at 9:30 am after her OT session. This in and of itself was unusual because she has,as of late, been down to 1 nap in the afternoon.Who says she's not just like all my other children?Every last one of them were nap free by 20 months of age. The flip side of that is they all called it a day at 6:30 pm each and every night for a few years running. Down side.Poor Mark never got to spend any time with them.In bed when he left in the morning and in bed when he got home at night. Seems as if Zoey is well on her way in following in her brothers and sisters footsteps!Well,after 3 hours I thought it might be a good idea to check on sleeping beauty.See if her little chest was still rising and falling!And this picture was what I found. So darn cute.What I so love about it, is that her LEFT arm is draped over her doll.Her left arm. The one she rarely,if ever uses. I had to take this picture and still with my camera clicking away,the little darling slept for over an hour more.I have been fairly sick for the last 2 weeks but that's another post but needless to say I haven't been up to posting much lately so tonight I am going to take the lazy mans route on my post. I am going to try something that I saw a few others do and I thought it was a genius idea. Some of you may or may not know that I have something called a sitemeter at the very bottom of my posting page. This is a free service,for the basic package and it is a fun way to keep track of people who visit your blog. Sort of. It is not like Big Brother but rather a cool tool to play around with. In a nutshell: The site often,but not always, tells me a city and a state where the person is signing in from.Time of visit in visitors time zone. It can tell me what search engine they used or what words they googled. It can tell me how long they stayed. Sometimes what they viewed and if they out clicked to another site.Once I was even able to track down a very nasty person who was leaving very nasty comments. It took some sleuth work and obsession but in the end I tracked them down and put an end to it.What the sitemeter CANNOT tell me is exactly who you are.You still can be incognito.If you want.That is where my post comes in. Everyday over 100 people visit my site. Kinda cool.But who? Some come by accident and never return. Others come and keep coming back. I would love it,only if you feel compelled,if you would let me know who you are. Not last names or addresses or personal stuff like that.Just the basics.Maybe just a quick hello.Maybe how you came to find us . If you visit often and maybe why you come back. No pressure and certainly I would not be offended if you opted out.So feel free to do as you please.And if you choose to make yourself known this time around, it by no means will mean you are now obligated to leave a comment each and every time you visit.I would feel totally awful if I took away some of the casual and carefree feeling you get when you stop by. Regardless,I thank you for your support in whatever way you give it. Especially your prayers.All you have to do is just click on the word comments and you will be guided step by step,easy as that. So ,come on don't be shy,we would love to "meet" you.

31 comments:

datri said...

Hello! Zoey is such a cutie!

My daughter Kayla has Down syndrome, too.

http://oppositekids.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi guys! My way of keeping everyone at the "lake" up-to-date and informed. I fell in love with your blog - go to it before anything else EVERY morning. We all miss you here on the east coast and have you in our thoughts and prayers always with special prayers going out to the beautiful Zoey and all her special "friends".

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

I'm here reading!!! :) I don't get to comment as much as I'd like but we pray for Zoey every day!

Unknown said...

Hi Heather,

I'm one of the many blog addicts that come to your site to read about Zoey and how she's doing. I came to your site a few weeks ago and read from the beginning and now I'm addicted. My journey here started with a friend Kristen, who sent an email out asking us to sign a petition to fight SMA for a friend of hers - baby Gwendolyn Strong. I check on Gwendolyn every day and from her blog I found Zoey. I hope you don't mind that I check in on Zoey every morning and afternoon to see how she's doing. I feel like I've learned so much from you and Zoey already. Zoey is beautiful and will grow up to make you guys very proud of her.
Anyway my name is Mareesa, I'm in the San Diego area.

Dawson said...

Dawson's dad here. If you see the location Birmingham, thats me checking your site from my work. Thank you so much for the support you have shown Dawson and my family. You have become a special person to us over the past months and we check on Zoey often to see how she is doing. She is an amazing and beautiful girl. Thanks for letting us be part of the journey

Anonymous said...

Chaplain Steve checking in!

Blessings be upon you and your family. As always you are in my prayers.

Kele said...

Hi! My name is Kele and I guess I won't be leaving any more nasty comments now that I know you can catch me at it. HeHeHeHe! LOVE YA TONS!
P.S. You know I'm a Zoey addict so surely your not to wierded out by my FOUR hour visits some nights...LOL!

Kele said...

Oops, forgot to say just how stinkin' cute those Zoey pic's are! And I love the left arm part...yippee!!!

Pam said...

Waving our hands!! Hi Rhett and I are here!! We don't always get to comment.....(as I sit here and type Rhett is eating cheetos under the desk, and may just unplug something...)

But I want you to know that we love you guys and always pray for Zoey and your family.

Not only that, but Zoey is on our fridge, and I get to look at her everytime I open it up or walk by!!

I can't quite remember how we found you....maybe you found us first? All I know is that our lives wouldn't be the same without you and sweet Zoey!!

((HUGS!!))

Pam and Rhett

~KC: said...

Hi Heather, I also come here on a daily basis to see how your BEAUTIFUL Zoe is doing :D
Many Blessings ~

Anonymous said...

Hi, my name is Caitlin. I came to meet you and Zoey because you gave birth to me about nineteen and a half years ago and Zoey happens to be my favorite child in the entire world and she is also my perfectly beautiful wonderful sister. I used to live in your house.

I currently reside in the San Diego/La Jolla area and my almost-spouse and I check in on this chromosomally augmented muffin daily and obsessively watch videos of her repeatedly.

We are considering venturing to your hometown and kidnapping her in the near future and advise you to lock all your doors and windows.
We also speak of her nonstop and brag about her often.
Please do us a favor and kiss her multiple times on our behalf.
We love you Zoey Grace,
Cait and Danny

Anonymous said...

I am a member of your church. We sit a few rows behind you from time to time at Mass. We've always thought your family was beautiful, and Zoey just shines (I grew up having a neighbor/friend with DS and have always had a special place in my heart for children with DS)! When they took up a collection for Zoey, I decided to search the internet to see if I could learn more about your beautiful girl, and found this blog. I check it almost daily now.

I love seeing her progress in person and on here.

And your family is always in our prayers.

just jean said...

I had 10 minutes to spare before I leave the house this morning, so I checked your blog. Between the music, and the comments that are so full of love and hope, I feel tears behind my eyelids! This is why I come to your blog daily....to be moved by an adorable "fragile fighter"....a muffin...a beautiful child. Our prayers for her remain constant.

Larkinsmom said...

You know Larkin is a stalker to Zoey :)

Claudia said...

Hi Heather, this is Claudia from Iserlohn, kind of in the middle of Germany. I found your website, if I remember correctly, due to a comment you left on Gabi´s site? I got a hint to Gabi`s site from another mom here in Germany. Anyway, I am very happy that we met and proud to call you a friend and of course......proud to met the wonderful little Zoey who is simply amazing.

Reagan Leigh said...

OK...I'll comment even though I'm fairly certain you know who I am! (Although I'm traveling in cognito right now in Austin instead of our usual residence just south of Houston TX.) I'm a faithful Zoey fan as well as a huge fan of her wonderful mommy!! You've been a great support to me during through these tough, seizure filled times. Take care and as always you, Zoey, and your entire family remain in my prayers!!
Tera

R said...

Hullo! I'm Becca, I'm 23, have severe physical disabilities and have just moved home to independent living after 8 months in a skilled nursing facility. I follow quite a few blogs of disabled people and parents of disabled kids, can't remember how I happened upon you and Zoey but a few weeks ago.

Glad to hear the little'un is doing well - gorgeous photos!

Back into lurky mode for me now...

The Mom said...

Zoey is a doll! I'm Christine from Brady's Bunch :)

Anonymous said...

Aloha, my name is Mary and my miraculous, chromosome-enhanced son will also be turning 18 months this month. To see some of his story, consider watching his montage: http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=5124eb3d4f3309a4232c45&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url. I am unsure how I first happened upon your blog, but suspect I found a link to it on another blog and have kept coming back having found you to be something of a kindred spirit both in experience and spirit. My son, Tripp (short for the third/triple as he is named after my husband), has an older sister who is 3 1/2. I had hoped to blog as well, but have not managed to make the time with the juggle presented to all working mothers. Thank you for touching so many with Zoey's triumphs and the insights you have gained on this journey.

Anonymous said...

Hi Needhams,

I know you know I am one of little Zoeys faithful blog followers, but I still wanted to comment today. I just love the pictures of her on her tummy looking so content! She is a blessing and a miracle!

Tell my godchild happy birthday and I will see him Monday!

Karen Owens said...

I love Ugly Doll! Gavin has that one and I think one of his yellow friends.

Very cute photos!

Anonymous said...

Hello my name is Christie, I just love your blog, I decided to make one of my own about my little brother Max. He was born with down syndrome and also had infantile spasms. I have been wanting to find a way for my mom to meet other moms that go through some of the same things she goes through everyday so I just started the blog hoping that soon she will take it over. I would love for you to visit if you have time. Thank you, Christie
www.bubbymaxy.blogspot.com

Tammy and Parker said...

You know we are here! :D

The Sanchez Family said...

I'm not sure how we found each other, I think you might have commented on our blog about Joaquin. I am so pleased to have "met" you and look forward to following your journey. Zoey is DARLING!!!!
Jen
www.trisacharm.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I linked to your site from another blog...

Zoey is beautiful, and I thought you may like to know that...

My son Archie, who also has Down syndrome, was born with a Complete AV Canal defect and TMD. When he was 15 months old Archie was diagnosed with AML-M7. He underwent chemotherapy treatment then, and his siblings, boy and girl twins, were born during that time.

It's been three years now and Archie's still in remission. He's a miracle and we're thankful he's here with us every, single day.

I just thought you may like to hear from someone whose walked in your shoes and come out the other end.

Anonymous said...

Hi it's Kristy an old soccer mom friend. Ever since the day we spoke I have visited almost every day to see how Zoey and the Needham family are doing! I can't wait for Addison to meet Zoey!! Your family has always been so wonderful and caring!! Definitely an inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I enjoy reading your blog. I think I came here through other blogs (don't remember which one). I have a daughter named Allyson that is 17months old and has DS. I love reading about other mothers and children as well that live the same journey as we do. Zoey is adorable. I do not have a blog yet.
Thank you for sharing your stories,
Luciana (FL)

Anonymous said...

Heather,

I am literally up late listening to Zoey's music and being inspired by your site. I can't wait to meet you and Zoey someday--and Hannah would love a hug!

You are an amazingly kind, insightful, and strong woman!

Much Love,

Beth

Anonymous said...

Hi I am your husband's favorite sister! I read the blog almost every day and I am always moved. I wish I could see all of you! I miss you all. Lisa

Molli Salzman said...

I love to read about Zoey. She is one beautiful baby, and your blogs are awesome!

Molli Salzman

Cheri said...

Heather, I came across your blog this summer, somewhere from within the Gifts website I think...but fell instantly in love with Zoey...she is just adorable and her hair....she has the best hair!!! :) I could just eat her up!!!

I keep coming back because I love how open and real you are in your posts, you are an amazing writer. I have welled up with tears so many times while reading...and yes sometimes I do need to take a break, get my cup of coffee, and then come back to finish reading some of your marathon posts...but I love reading them! :) :)

This particular post cracked me up because I had just emailed you telling you that if you had one of those Live Feeds that told you who was visiting you would know you had a stalker in Long Beach...but apparently you already knew!! :) :)

Anyway, hugs from Long Beach...we're glad we found you and Zoey!