Dwarfism Awareness month

I wanted to write a little about dwarfism and what it means this month in honor of my beautiful daughter Kaela Rachel Laurin. Kaela has taught us and her family so much about dwarfism and accepting the differences in people. We can only hope that people will read our blog and learn something new and walk away with a new understanding and a little knowledge. The more we make you aware, the more our children have a chance at leading a life with less stares and more acceptance.

DWARFISM

People who are born with dwarfism are people. They enjoy doing the same sorts of things as people who are of average height.

People with dwarfism are small in size, but can do just about anything that an averaged sized person can do. They may do it in a different way, but odds are, they can do it too.

People who are born with dwarfism want to be treated like everyone else. They deserve to be treated like anyone else. This does not make them any less of a person.

The majority of little people are born to average height parents. Most forms of dwarfism are caused by a random mutation.

People who are born with dwarfism can hold jobs, have families, play sports and so much more.

Someone with dwarfism can be referred to as a little person, lp, dwarf, person with dwarfism, and most importantly by their name. The word midget is considered to be very offensive and should not be used.

There are over 200 forms of dwarfism.

Dwarfism does not cause cognitive impairment. Most children born with dwarfism, have average or above average intelligence.

Kaela's specific form of dwarfism is called Metatropic Dysplasia. There are around 85 known cases of MD around the world, meaning it is a very rare form of dwarfism.

The average height for someone with dwarfism is typically around 4 feet, but can range from 2 and a half feet to 4 feet 10 inches. Kaela will most likely be between 3.5 and 4ft tall.

The most important thing you can know is that people with dwarfism are people. This world is full of all kinds of different people, and once you begin to learn a little about 'different' you will realize there's nothing wrong with it. The more educated we become, the better off we will be. Being curious, having questions and wanting to learn is natural and accepted. Asking appropriate questions is okay. Being rude and making fun of someone is not okay. If you have questions or want to learn more, ask. I have met a lot of parents of little people in the last couple of years and I am sure that every one of them would love to brag about their kids to you! The more we know, the more accepting we are. Learn a little and pass it on.

WHO could resist this face?!

It's been awhile

I have been the worst blogger this summer and I've been told I need to get back on track. Summer has been so busy. We have spent a lot of time outdoors and a lot of time with our great neighbors this summer. We really live in a great neighborhood and on a great street with some great people. There are kids Will's age and Kaela's age to play with so it works out well. Kaela and Will have changed so much this summer too. I can't believe how fast they grow and change. Kaela is talking like crazy. Almost as good as her brother sometimes which is crazy. I can't believe how much she can say for her age. It's funny to listen to her and William have conversations. They are so polite to each other at times and then sometimes they can drive us up the wall with their back and forth bickering. It's been so much fun to watch them change and grow into people...no more babies in this house right now.

We just got back last week from visiting my sister Rachel in Austin, Texas. We had a great time and were so glad we were able to go and have a good time with her there. The kids had a blast eating candy for breakfast and getting pretty much whatever they wanted for a few days. We went to San Antonio for a day while we were there and went to Sea World and downtown San Antonio. We had a blast at SeaWorld and Matt and I LOVED San Antonio. It was beautiful! Lucky for us, Rachel will be coming to Michigan at the end of October to stay with us for at least a few months! We are so excited to have her home and to be close to her for however long we can keep her here :) I'm just going to have to let her know candy is not okay for breakfast ...

Kaela has been doing well with her walking. She's not walking on her own still other then a few steps at a time, but she is great with her walker. She can litterally run with that walker. We are currently borrowing one from her physcial therapist, but we have a script in to get her very own. I can't wait to get it so we can take it everywhere with us to try to get her to walk more on her own. She's getting heavy now and it's harder to carry her everywhere. I'd like her to be more independent in that way too. She pretty much does everything else though and has been very independent this summer. If you try to ask if she needs help she's very quick to tell you "I do it I do it," so we have learned to let her do a lot on her own. Some things, like getting out of the car, are a bit of a safety issue so I let her do as much as she can, but sometimes I have to step in. This girl has some lungs on her too! She does NOT like being helped when she wants to do it herself. At least she is determined.

We are going to try and get William into pre school here soon for a couple days a week. I think it will be reallly good for him. His b'day is Dec. 2nd which is one day after the cutoff for kids starting kindergarden so he will be one of the older kids in his class and it won't be for another 2 years.

I am so excited fall is here. I love fall and living in Michigan we truely get to enjoy a real fall watching the leaves change, cooler weather, cider mills, hay rides and all that fun stuff. I will try to be better about posting too.

I'll leave you with some pictures of the kids.

Kaela's 2!!

I know I have not blogged in forever, but today is a very special day and deserves a post. Our baby girl is 2! I can't believe how fast the last 2 years have gone.  I can't believe my baby is 2!!  She has changed so much and we've all loved watching her change and grow the last 2 years.  We can't wait to see what's to come. She already has a fun and determined attitude, so I can't wait to see how much she learns and changes this next year. We love you so much Kaela. You are such a fun, smart, sweet little girl.  We hope you had a great birthday!! You bring so much joy to our lives.  We love you!

XOXO

Mommy, Daddy, and Will

the first 2 are from today (she looks so grown up!) and the others are from her family party yesterday