On April 17, 2012 a daughter was born! Adelaide Eileen Martinka came into this world after over 36 hours of labor weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 18 inches long.
June 22, 2012 during an unrelated hospitalization, Addie was diagnosed with Achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene. She will, most likely, be about 4 feet tall.
This is a big story about a little person we are so blessed to have and hold, and the life we all share:
A is for Adelaide and... 
I saw your post on the FB POLP group and I’ve added your site to my blog’s list so I can follow along. You have a beautiful family and Adelaide is absolutely precious.
Hello! Just saw your comment on babycenter and I wrote you on the site but then you mentioned you had a blog. Just wanted you to know your daughter is GORGEOUS!!!!!! What an ANGEL!!!!!!!!
Right now I am driving in the car going to DuPont to see Dr. Bober and Dr. Mackenzie!!!! You mentioned you wanted to get an appointment. Well I can tell you they are the BEST!!!!!
Where are u from? I live on Long Island. I have 2 daughters….Emma 5 avg. height and Lyla 22 months Achon. Lyla is perfect!!!!! Happy and healthy. Our daughters are the loves of our loves!!!!! I have a blog….lylaourlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
I have helped many parents and I hope you contact me so we can chat
My email is Granshaw5@aol.com
Leslie
Your website is amazing Im doing one for worldchangers how did you do it? XX
WordPress!!!
Hello Michelle,
Just a quick message to ask if you would be interested in a ‘mutual’ following on twitter. I am currently following you now and am awaiting for your follow-back. (#FYI I do RT’s ‘anytime’ for all #Triathletes #Cyclists #UltraRunners & #Marathoners #FitnessProfessionals who follow me on Twitter and have something important they want mentioned…)
All the very best for the rest of 2012 and beyond Michelle. Look forward to hearing from you…
Darin
twitter.com/DarinArmstrong
#TeamLIVESTRONG
Yes Darin! I am on it now! I LOVE running and I cannot wait to share the passion with Addie.
Thank you so much for your support!
Chelley and Dave, It was such a pleasure meeting you both this past Thursday but most of all for bringing beautiful Adelaide into our lives. She is Gods precious gift to you and she will teach you both so many things about life of this I am certain. You are both wonderful, loving parents and Addie is lucky to have you as her Mommy and Daddy. Keep doing what you’re doing and theres no doubt in my mind that Addies life will be a full and happy one.Feel free to contact me whenever you want to talk…I was in your shoes a mere 28 years ago. Much love and peace, Laurie Dorman(Justins mom)
Thank you so much, Laurie! We’ll be home for her appointment and 1st birthday in April. I hope we get to see you again then!
Can she get any cuter?! Adorable!
Thank you!
Love seeing all of Adelaide’s milestones. My son was born a few weeks before your daughter (April 4th) and it is great to see the similarities between them. I just wanted to let you know that our geneticist approved a stroller for us (Heidi Klum’s Truly Scrumptious scope stroller) because it has such a strong back. We struggle with our humongous stroller on long trips, so this is a great alternative to an umbrella stroller. Keep posting!!!
Thank you! We have two wonderful strollers, but Addie is still in the travel system because she isn’t big enough for just a stroller. I hope she will fit this summer- it would be wonderful to have her able to face out and see the world from another angle 🙂
she is a beautiful child, God Bless her. A grandmother of 8
Thank you so much. That means the world to me. Please, keep reading and keep sharing!
Chelley
I am from Cranston and I am behind you 100% in your request for Cain’s to change the name of their pickles. And your daughter is absolutely GORGEOUS!!
Thank you, Jenn. I just wanted to do some good. I am sorry for all the people who disagree, and thankful know when to hold my tongue!
Hi – I saw your article in the Providence Journal today and support you 100%. What a great way to bring awareness that the “m” word is offensive. Of course, I have a personal reason to feel this way, as my daughter is also an achon. I live in Charlestown and although my daughter is a teenager, if you ever need advise and anyone to talk to, you may contact me. I hope you become involved in LPA. You will find multiple resources and tremendous support there.
Thank you, Tracy! The LPA has been a great resource to us, and we have found much love and support in our district. Perhaps we will meet at a regional event! Thank you for your support.
Chelley
You shouldn’t call your baby “Little bit” that will also affect her because even her mom has a nickname for her that means she’s less than a whole human being. You can also try changing the following names Dunkin Donuts’ Munchkins? Shredded mini wheats? Seriously?!? You’re daughter will be facing difficulties and it will have nothing to do with a jar of pickles. You should focus more on her than sitting down and focusing on your online diaries and taking on ridiculous campaigns! I really do wish Addie the best & for you to get your priorities in order.
don’t tell chelley what to do!!!
Don’t tell me what to do either! She shouldn’t put her self out there if she is not prepared to hear all opinions. So thank you very much & have a great day!
Deana,
You’re right- I think Kim was just being my protective college roomie. I can’t fault her for friendship, as I do not fault others with different opinions. Thank you for sharing your voice in the matter without attacking. I appreciate your input. ~Chelley
Right there with you Deana, the PC Police are ruining this country.
She is a whole human, and she knows that. Lil’ Bit comes from my father calling me “little bittle” as a child. Perhaps you are correct, and I should not call her something that may hurt her feelings. I will certainly consider it and not abbreviate her nickname to indicate that she is, in any way, partial.
Could not believe this one when I heard it on the news either. My first thought was all ‘fat’ free foods need to come up with a different name because an overweight person somewhere may take exception with that term. As a society, we seem to be WAY too sensitive to just about everything. Are we going to stop calling the small version of fruit trees ‘dwarf’? Where does it end??? Adelaide is a beautiful child and I’m not trying to be mean in any way to her. Parents now are so over protective of there children its mind boggling. What will happen when parents are no longer around to coddle their kids? We all really need to learn to be more thick skinned.
Thank you for not being mean. Please know there are many words that some may take offensive to, but are not deemed derogatory. Midget is derogatory. While this is my undertaking, I do not expect everyone to agree, I just look to others to react without hate. Thank you.
In my family the women tend to be on the shorter side & when you point it out the simply answer “Good perfume comes in small packages”. That is true of your little one. She will make a difference or should I say HAS made a difference. She will do more than people expect her to do. Addie will exceed expectations & teach everyone around her to appreciate life & to love unconditionally. You’re a lucky mommy to have such a beautiful & extraordinary little girl.
I’m from Cranston too and I saw your article in the Providence Journal. I’m surprised that someone would criticize you here on your blog for your efforts on fighting something for your precious little girl. Good for you for initiating change and making it happen. 🙂
Thank you, Jules!
Don’t forget to go after “black licorice” and “brown rice” we need everyone on this planet to be EQUAL! EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE! YIPPI! HOORAY!!
Thank you for your input, Jessica. While I am not upset about these terms you have mentioned, I encourage you to write to your local companies should you feel offense. The word “midget” has been used for many years in a derogatory manner against LP. Although I do not believe any company, sports team or the like means to be malicious, I simply asked a company to consider changing the name, as its use is becoming less and less benign and more and more in the way of bullying.
Jessica, I do believe I have seen you trolling other places with the same ridiculous and nonsensical argument. Now, since your comprehension skills have not seemed to improve since then, let me help you. Black and brown are both completely innocuous adjectives, not in any way offensive to anyone, even if the words are being used to describe the color of ones’ skin. Now, when they begin to brand “n*****” licorice, you will be completely on top of things in making sure that a wrong is righted and no injustice is done, I’m sure. Until then, you should probably find better uses for your time than harassing a woman who has done nothing more than try to make the world a better place for her daughter by educating ignorant people.
Wow Amy! That was the most eloquent and well-stated way of saying “shut the hell up” I’ve ever heard! Bravo!
Unfortunately, Cain’s is not the only brand that uses the term “midget” on their labels…. I think Del Monte & Heinz are popular brands that still do. Just a little F.Y.I. might as well get them all to follow lead. I wanted to ask how did they go about diagnosing Adelaide? I have a genetic disorder, but I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 15 years old. I wish I had known sooner.
Addie was diagnosed via genetic testing (blood work), as well as a skeletal survey. Her pedi and I were both concerned about her rate of growth and that really got the ball rolling.
I am aware of the other brands, as well as other products and references to the word still used. This was my jumping off point and somehow it snowballed into some media sensation. I am in the midst of contacting many companies, although I am not writing about them all, as it seems no matter what I do, I am hurled into a furious crowd of people. I do not think that everyone will understand or agree, but I appreciate people who are not attacking.
I saw the story how you successfully got Kosher to remove their derogatory product name labels, tonight on myfoxboston.. I have to say I am so happy that you were able to accomplish this and speak up! I grew up with an older brother who was diagnosed with achondroplasia at birth. He recently passed away due to health complications that built up over many years and multiple serious freak car/quad accidents. My brother Nathanael had the biggest heart and I’ve been trying to stop people from using the “M” word to describe little people for as long as I can remember because he taught me how derogatory it was. Thank you, he would be proud of you and your daughter.
Thank you so much. I am truly sorry about the loss of your brother. I wish you and your family love and peace during such a trying time. I hope to keep the awareness alive, and that you find comfort in knowing that I will do my best- not just for my daughter, but for your brother and every LP- to show people that the word truly is hurtful. I hope in 20 years people will be jarred to know that the word was used so causally, as other words were 50 years ago.
Thank you for your support.
She is beautiful, so are you mom! With 3 kids, maybe more someday, I feel you. I would feel the exact way. I envy your determination and strength!
Thank you, Andria.
I know that many people do not recognize the m-word as derogatory, but LP do, and for that, I am hoping to educate many companies- I just happened to start here and the news of that spread like wild-fire. I truly mean only good and am disappointed at the personal attacks against myself, my husband and Addie.
I cannot thank you enough for your support as one mom to another. I am not necessarily looking for people to agree- that’s not how life works- but I was unprepared for the vitriolic remarks that have been made.
You give me strength.
stupid people like you is what is wrong with this country. look up the definition of midget stupid f#%=
I do so love when over zealous people with a chip on their shoulders attempt to throw a quick insult at someone and head for the hills before they are discovered, only to have glaring mistakes and a not quite firm grasp on the English language, negating any valid point they may have thought they had. Tell me, how much of your time did you waste, seeking out this woman that you obviously don’t know, to belittle her over an issue that clearly means nothing to you? Surely, your time could have been better spent making sure that every device that you use has spellcheck enabled, to avoid making yourself look so “syupid”. Or perhaps a few brush-up English courses at a learning annex to help you understand that punctuation can help you to look less like a blathering, crazed idiot. Please, for the betterment of society, step away from the keyboard and into a classroom. Your ignorance seems like a cry for help. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
And again! Amy, I wish you were omnipotent so you could be everywhere to deflect all bullies. You are very good at it.
While there are many factors that make this country “wrong”, our right to freedoms, including speech, are what’s right. Thank you for your opinion.
My post is to commemorate the legacy of the MG Midget. Long live the MG MIDGET!!! The car proudly displays the MIDGET emblem…a car so small it makes the old VW Bug look BIG…hahaha…three little 9 inch wiper blades grace that tiny windshield.
I take big offense on seeing women with tattoos. To me, tatoos on a woman means that they must be Dykes.
I am buying up and preserving jars of Cains MIDGETS so that my grandkids could see what they were…along with my coffee cup and menu from Sambo’s Restaurant…the OLD Aunt Jemimah pancake syrup container and my DVD of Walt Disney’s Song Of The South…good ol Uncle Reemis.
Ed, while I appreciate your referencing other changes that have been made- as these inspire me, too… I think we are finding our precedents to lead us to different conclusions. Isn’t that the beautiful thing about this country- we can ALL have opinions! I’m not sure why you are attacking me personally for my choices about body modification. I will not defend my sexuality, but I don’t like the word dyke- especially when you’re using it to be mean. Are you offended by lesbians? Simply, this is a mean post. You want your grandchildren to remember a time when labels, menus and movies represented slavery an oppression. And you want them to see what midget pickles are… they will still be on the shelves- just look for small kosher dills. I don’t think you’ll have to attempt “preserving” the jars- they are glass and the pickles are in a lot of salt. They should be fine stored in your basement.
I wish that people didn’t want to remember times that were harder for people of other diversities than our own, but I wish you much luck and your grand kids a bright future.
Chelley
35 years ago this month, Randy Newman had this #2 Hit…and Political Correctness was not even a phrase:
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason To live
They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around Tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I
don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people `Round here
men are brothers Until the day they die (It’s a wonderful world)
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody To love
They got little baby legs
That stand so low
You got to pick em up Just to say hello
They got little cars That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices Goin’ peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time
Well, I
Don’t want no short people Don’t want no short people Don’t want no short people ‘Round here.
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Short people are just the same As you and I (A fool such as I) All men are brothers Until the day they die (It’s a wonderful world)
Is your point that you think LP have no right to live, that Randy Newman was living 35 years ago and used snarky humor, or that 49 years ago when the Civil Rights Act was signed, change came much the way it is now- with resistance?
Thank you for this reactive comment. I personally am glad it is not 35 years ago or the technology allowing us to have this conversation would not be around!
I will preserve the empty jars with the original label on them and take them with me to my flea market table to add to my non-PC display where my old milk carton that says “HOMO MILK” (you obviously too young to ever see that), and my VW ad display with the Bug with a smashed fender that says “Sooner or later, your wife will drive home one of the best reasons for owning a Volkswagen”…starting off saying “Women are soft and gentle but they hit things…(ending with)..she can use any part of a Volkswagen to stop the car…even the brakes.” What are you going to be offended with next? The black chef on the box of Cream Of Wheat?
Also, YES…I do let my kids watch “Blazing Saddles”, the original, unedited 1974 version and “Song Of The South”, the Walt Disney movie I saw in 1972, but you were not allowed to see because of PC…but I got hold of the coveted DVD downloaded from BitTorrent, Also the second verse of Money For Nothing…banging on the bongos like a chimpanzee, and Play that funky music White Boy…a white group mocking 70s black funk…
I am so fortunate to grow up and come into age during the 1960s and 1970s before all of this PC bs…this country was much freer, people were not so candyassed offended and we were better people as a result. Of course you were born after this country took a spiral down the crapper in a protected, bubble wrapped politically correct world.
“MIDGET” chrome emblems, reproduced are available for sale for $11from Northwest Import Parts. They fit all 1961 through 1969 and the letter set for 1970 through 1979 MG Midgets…but buy one anyway before this offended woman forces Midget owners to remove the emblems off of their cars.
However, I was using this technology in 1978…BBS, Telnet, Usenet, Fidonet, acoustic modems…DEC 10 and PDP8s…
However, Thank you for bringing pickles to my attention. I NENVER before today even THOUGHT of midget people when shopping for pickles…but from this point forward, whenever I see “midget” pickles, I will forever associate them to midget people…so if I, and other people start whistling “Follow the yellow brick road” or yell out “The Plane…The Plane”, just remember you did it. If the pickle companies rename them “teenie weenies”, that just may offend men with small penises.
Oh Ed, please do continue to regale us with your uber-un-PC memories and taunting. Could you please tell us more about back in the “good ole’ days” when no one was sensitive to anyone else and everyone just ran amok because they didn’t care? I love all these old timey stories featuring you as a belligerent blowhard. Hey, back then, did you stalk people in person (since the internet wasn’t what it is now) so you could harass them about something that means absolutely nothing to you and will change your day to day life in no way at all? How great it must be to be so far above all of the peons who just want people to stop being jerks, huh? You are an amazing specimen of man! Your family must be so proud. *please read this with the appropriate amount of sarcasm, so you get the full sense of what people think of you when they read your ranting* Thanks!
Love your response amyjo2301. Ed, if you don’t agree with what Chelley is standing up for, then just leave the blog. Seriously, no one wants to hear all of your crap. I think what Chelley is standing up for is amazing. Sure, there are tons of other things that could be changed too, but she is only one person. She is passionate about this, so this is what she is choosing to focus on.
No matter what anybody else believes, it is never a bad decision to stand up for what you believe and make the world a better place for your child. We should have the courage to do this everyday. Thank you I think what you chose to do was wonderful…
Your writing to me means so much. Thank you, Dawn.
Hi Chelly – I read about your video on Boston.com. I went to the comments section to post my (very positive) reaction to your video and I was STUNNED at the vitriol. So I wanted to contact you directly to let you know just what an amazing job you did in bringing this matter to the company’s attention. You are your daughter’s best advocate and always will be. Stay strong!
Thank you so much, Lisa. Your comment here means a lot to me. It’s been a strange phenom to be a part of, but truly, I just hope to reach people that are willing to learn- whether they agree or not- and grow from it.
Your open heart means the world to myself and my family. ~Chelley
Chelley, I think your video is absolutely beautiful. You did an amazing job to present your protest in a kind, gentle, respectful manner. Kudos to you for educating us all; kudos to Cains for hearing you and showing sensitivity. I am also impressed with your calm responses to some very ugly comments left by angry, mean-spirited people. You are a woman of class. Blessings on you and your family!
Thank you so much, Michelle!
A+ on the video and your beautiful family. I left positive Comments on Cain’s website.
Thank you, Nicky!
Saw your video letter to the pickle company. Well done! LOVE the part about change and cost!!! And your baby is soooo beautiful!!! Hopefully others expecting a child with achondroplasia will see your blog and know they are about to have a beautiful miracle, too!
Thank you, Chelley for standing up and speaking so kindly while educating others on dwarfism. The simple fact that people are talking about this here and now…creating dialogue, is truly awesome. What a way to educate! I, along with my husband and two children, have Achondroplasia. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you, Cassie! I hope to encourage the same idea other “causes” have- “spread the word to end the word”. We can’t expect all people to get it or understand, but we can educate peacefully.
I saw your pickle video. In all fairness, I find your tattoos offensive. Can you remove them please?
I’m unsure as to why you have chosen to make a personal attack against me, but to answer your question: no, I cannot.
In all fairness, if you have an issue with tattoos, I suggest you write to your local government and have all tattoo parlors closed down for offensive reasons. Site context and historical fact- that has helped me when educating companies. Researching and being respectful when making your point. I do hope that you get the peace you want and that all people with tattoos are banned from your vision.
I love your tattoos! I have 3 small ones and want some more. People are just taking this whole thing out of context. Your responses to the hatred is admirable. You aren’t stooping to their level, and instead are being as polite as possible. Keep it up, and you definitely have my support!
Thank you! I’m trying. I don’t have hatred- it’s such a vile thing to fill oneself with. I hope to just bring some awareness 🙂
Wow, what an amazing story. I wish you, Dave, and Addie the best and would love to continue hearing about your journey. You are an awesome writer and being an avid writer myself, I can appreciate the detailed descriptions of your adventures. Please keep them coming. You have a precious daughter, a beautiful family, and such passion about love and life that I just had to leave a comment. I have a 12 year old son who has been through a lot of illnesses during his short life. I can definitely say that when they are sick, you hold them a little closer, watch them sleep a little longer, and kiss them a little more often. Thank you for sharing your incredible story.
Thank you so much, Tonya!
I started reading the comments and couldn’t believe I was actually seeing half of the comments I saw. I have no words.
Chelley, I am a mother of a 7 and a half month old baby girl. While I cannot relate to the achondroplasia, I do know how strong a mother’s love for their child is. I commend you for what you’re doing. I know if I were in your shoes, I’d do anything for my daughter. Don’t listen to those who come on here to put you down, they’re obviously lacking something in their lives. I wish you and your family the best of luck, and I do hope every brand cuts the “M” word from their products. Adelaide is a beautiful little girl, and she has a beautiful name!
Also, I just want to say from one tattooed mama to another- I cannot believe people are still so judgmental and “offended” by another person’s tattoos. My daughter’s father is Jewish and has both of his upper arms almost half sleeved, I have multiple tattoos, and I’m pretty positive my daughter will want them as well!
Again, I wish you all the best
I wish you knew how much your words meant to me. Congratulations on your newest family member. I remember the day Addie was born like it happened just this morning (minus the actual feeling of labor)… I never knew how strongly one could love, and we never know what will happen in our lives that lead us in directions we never could have imagined. In our case, Dave and I are just trying to do our best. We never expected everyone to agree, but the hateful words that have been said (typed) are a true testament to why we feel that having this word removed from common products and educating about its hurtful meaning is so important.
Tattoos or not, glasses, balding, birthmarks, missing limbs, a crooked spine, brown eyes or blue, innie or outie, we are all just people- I think when we respect that we are all the same, yet different, there will be a change in this world we will feel in our bones.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for reaching out. Thank you for you. Your daughter is so blessed to have you for her Mom ❤
Adelaide is absolutely beautiful! And –may I add—MIDGET is derogatory in EVERY sense of the word.
My cousin is a dwarf and we are now both in our early 60’s. I hate to tell you the words that she was called when we were young. She was put in a class with “retarded” (ANOTHER derogatory word) children. There were no towels dispensers in the bathrooms that she could reach. She was not allowed at PE. No field trips either. Bullying was not only accepted, it was expected by “normal” kids.
The world has come a long way since then, but not soon enough for my cousin. It was a cruel place to be different. As an adult, she battled alcoholism, depression and obesity. Job interviews were painful and usually unsuccessful, despite her college degree. It was determined that she could NEVER be a teacher, as she would be unable to control her students. She lived her life on disability.
How stupid were we back then?
Things may have changed, but, after reading some of the stupid comments on this blog, we still have some work to do. My money’s on you & your family for making the next round of changes that are still needed.
Life will not be perfect for Adelaide, but she is perfect on her own!
Oh my gosh, Wendy… I have a whole piece about bullying! I have heard of people being bullied by their teachers, and in their adulthood by employees and co-workers!
I hope to make some difference! I will NOT allow my baby to be bullied for her difference. Bullying is unacceptable!
THANK YOU for reaching out ❤
Hello! 🙂
I just gave birth to a happy and beautiful little girl with Achondroplasia last December of 2012. Her name is Julia Maria. She is a bundle of joy and is God’s gift to us, her parents.
I am so glad to have come across your site. Your daughter is so beautiful. I cannot help but notice the white onesie she is using in her 9 month old photograph is as the same as my Julia’s.
I would love to keep in touch with you – parent to parent. I know that our lives will forever be changed because of our precious angels. I would love to show you photos of Julia too.
Rica
Your blog is beautiful. I am sending you an email now ❤
Wow! This stream of comments has been a real eye-opener! Some people are unbelievable!)
I’m here because I am 30 weeks pregnant and had it confirmed yesterday that my precious little bundle will indeed be my little girl as she has achon. I’m in information-gathering mode and first stumbled on your blog through a post about sleep-studies vs MRIs. I am going to be on such a steep learning curve! I can feel the commando-mother rising in me as I strive to make the best choices for my daughter (at the same time acknowledging that just like with my son, I’m going to make a whole heap of fresh mistakes that in the big-picture won’t necessarily matter.)
Thank you for sharing all that you have. I look forward to responding to your various posts as I wade through your world.
Keep reading! Don’t mind the negativity- our babies are amazing!
If you have any questions, please email me. I am always here and I would love to hear your story!
Whether or not I agree with PC, if some of these comments are an indication of the people Addie will encounter in her life, my heart cries for humanity. The beautiful thing is though, she has one hell of a Warrior Goddess Mother to show her how to stand proud without faltering and hold it in grace. Nothing great was ever accomplished without resistance, and she is a very, very lucky girl to have you as a role model. Love and light!
Thank you Lyndi!
I do not expect, demand or otherwise others agreement with my thoughts. I just wish for understanding from people and to share a little bit about my experience with dwarfism and how I hope the world can be better for Addie. I don’t think these comments are all indicative of the people she will run into in this world. I know that there are thousands of wonderful, loving people out there to the hundreds who are not as such… at least I choose to believe that.
Thank you for your kind words. ❤