Category Archives: #educate

Name Changes

I am SO proud to have met so many people who have made changes- helping to remove the m-word from common vernacular. There have been stories piling into my inbox… sadly, after the attack I encountered, not many people want me to share their stories. This truly saddens me. I am proud to not only be a part of a community that has led me to a group of brothers and sisters, nieces  and nephews, new friends and surrogate mothers and fathers, but to be a part of a group who peacefully advocates for our children.

Sure… some days we want to smash all those proverbial jars of pickles (or, more accurately, smash the phones of people photographing our children without permission they would never get even if they asked), but most of us don’t. Most parents want to model the same behavior we hope our children will practice. We nicely request change- whether  it’s to an individual, company or a body of government to recognize a community more respectfully.

So here I am… with my first story. I am SO thankful I have  not only had numerous conversations with the woman who made this change, but she will be spending Addie’s birthday party with us this weekend! I will meet a trailblazer! How blessed am I?!

 Kate lives in New York and is an educator. She has one of the strongest profiles I’ve ever seen- fierce, sexy and memorable- framed by her blond hair and flawless skin. Every email is perfectly written with satire and vocab words I [sometimes] have to look up. We talk about everything from society to children, school to SNL. Oh yeah, and she has achondroplasia.

The story is brief. She wrote a letter, it was responded to with much understanding and by action alone, the idea that the education was appreciated was shown: the name was changed.  I will share pieces of my email with Kate with you:

Rochester, NY is iconic for its businesses.  George Eastman and Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb have their headquarters stationed in this rather conservative, white collar town.  Thus knowing how important business ethics echos in the community, I felt it necessary to write a letter.  Zweigles, Inc. offered a sincere and welcoming response…in a timely fashion, too.  It was wonderful.  * * * The company explained why they used the word “midget”; it referenced “small.”  They agreed; however, its context has different meaning today.  And they removed the word from their products.

Kate is unsure that if the story was shared with her local community that our stories would  be any different- her proactive letter did not make any headlines. At one event, someone familiar with Kate’s action was discussing the letter that was written and they stated: “Kate, you’re overreacting.  It was stupid you even wrote the letter.” Crushed and feeling defeated, she wondered if she had done the right thing, but walking down her local grocer’s aisle and not seeing a word that emanates hatred and mockery told what she, deep inside, already knew. She had made a difference. A change- with just one letter.

Letter to Hotdogs

Thank you, Kate, for being the first to share your story with me.

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Filed under #educate, Making Changes

That Moment

It seems like Crazy Pickle Lady is just too enticing for people to leave alone. In light of that, this post will be both brief and thought provoking (I hope).

I recently (read: yesterday) got a lengthy email from a student (according to their email) telling me that I have no right to expect people to not laugh at or be nice to my daughter, I cannot protect the “real” world from my daughter (just wanted to write that because they inverted their meaning, and I had a good laugh) and that life is “short” and I should be doing something more important.

In this country we have many rights- one is to live freely. Because of this, I approach all people thinking the best about them. Whether you are the homeless person I gave a water bottle to, the woman with a killer bum at the gym or the man who signs my husband’s paycheck- I believe you are a good person until you prove me wrong. (BTW, Dave’s boss is an incredibly amazing man.) We come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, going to all sorts of places. I do not expect the worst from people, as that is disappointing from the beginning. I believe in my fellow human, and I have the right to think that they will treat me with the same kindness and graciousness that I hope to show them. I’m not saying we don’t all have bad days, but if I approach all dogs without fear or judgement regardless of breed, shouldn’t I offer the same courtesy (and expect it) from my fellow human?

About life, I will say this. Life is not short. It is the longest thing you will ever do. From the moment you sprang forth from your mother, you were living and you will not stop until you die. Live each day doing what you feel passionate about- NOT what others feel passionate about. A true waste of time is not being true to yourself.

Lastly, I don’t feel the need to protect Addie from the world (or the world from her- although her cuteness is a lot to handle). But, as a parent, we do what we can to make the world a better place for our kids.

Below is our email exchange (name removed for privacy). I wanted to share so that you can understand what the above is in summation of- including my internal anger being attacked. I never once have shown any anger, as it was a fleeting moment of inner unease. I think we are all guilty of anger at some point- what makes us strong are the actions we take, not the ones that we do not allow to froth over.

Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2013 12:19 PM
Subject: Seriously?
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently read about your crusade to have a company change the name of its product because you found it offensive. The word ‘midget’ did not refer to a human but rather a type of pickle. It seems to me that you were projecting that term onto your daughter–in that case, who is actually the offender? It scares me that this type of hyper-political correctness is threatening our First Amendment right to free speech. I have a few friends who have Dwarfism and they jointly agree that you are being ridiculous and frivolous in your attempt to raise awareness about the condition.
Let me tell you, the world will not shelter your daughter because she has dwarfism. People will stare and make comments. When I had to use a wheelchair for months due to a severe injury, I received weird looks all the time. The best I could do was to keep my head up and smile and start a conversation. Your daughter will be best served learning to be proud and secure in herself, making no apologies to anyone. That said, she does not have the right to expect the world to consider her needs and feelings.Just like you do not have the right NOT to be offended.
Raise awareness about Dwarfism by productively engaging the public in conversation  and not by some stupid helicopter-parent attempt to shield the real world from your daughter. Seriously, find something better to do.
I will be writing the company to voice my opinion on midget pickles.
P.S. Do you have a conniption every time you see crackers or beans?

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 8:17 PM
Subject: Re: Seriously?
Laura,
I’m sorry you feel as though this was a crusade and that I don’t respect your (or anyone elses) First Amendment right. I do, which is why I used my right to voice my opinion. I do not represent the dwarfism community- nor did I claim to- thus your friends’ opinions truly have no bearing on me. I have been in contact with many people who appreciate my action (singular- as I only made one video and that was it), and many who don’t. In life, we cannot please everyone. People will, of course hurt Addie’s feelings, as my own have been hurt for different reasons. I meet everyone with a smile and grace, and I will expect the same from Adelaide at all times. We all have the right to feel how we feel, so I’m not sure why you speak to the point that neither Addie nor I have the right to expect people to be considerate. I teach Addie that we all treat others with respect, goodwill and kindness- just as we want to be treated. Though not everyone will be so gracious, we should never expect the worst from our fellow human.
While I appreciate your email, it took a less effective turn at the end… midget is not an innocuous word that is its meaning. A cracker is a cracker and white beans and black beans are just that in their color. Those questions seem silly to me. I respect your reply, if you so desire to send one, but I ask you to refrain from anymore name calling towards me. I am not stupid, frivolous or ridiculous- we are just different and have different opinions.
Thank you for your time,
Chelley Martinka

Subject: Seriously?
Date: Tue, Apr 2, 2013 11:20 pm
Woah there, someone needs to step off the self-righteous soapbox. My point is, words are words. They don’t carry a connotation unless you apply a context. Pickles are not people and I don’t think the word ‘midget’ deserves to be scratched out of the English language simply because you project it on people. It’s an adjective that happened to describe small cucumbers. Time to grow up and realize you can’t child-proof the world for your kid. Like I stated earlier, you might want kindness, compassion, etc., but that does not mean you are guaranteed it. Voicing your opinion is one thing; expecting a company to yield to your demands because you feel offended by a name is quite another.
Oh, and ‘cracker’ can have a very pejorative meaning. So can ‘bean’ and by the way, it has nothing to do with white or black.  It depends on the context.
Just like you think my questions are silly, I think your crusade is ridiculous and frivolous. And stupid in the sense that you have achieved absolutely nothing except a campaign for hyper-political correctness.It’s a two- way street. Your tantrum has in no way improved the lives of people who have Dwarfism. Instead of treating people with Dwarfism as automatic victims, I suggest promoting the normal, healthy, successful people that they are. Heard of Peter Dinklage? A phenomenal actor who just so happens to have the same type of Dwarfism as your daughter. I don’t compare him to a pickle.
I don’t think you realize the hypocrisy of your statement that “we are different.” Indeed we are, and we obviously view pickles very differently. I just see pickles. You see an opportunity to project and express your overindulged rage. Let me enjoy my pickles with the original name printed on them. You don’t have to buy them or even walk past them in store. There, our differences have been resolved.
You might just want to think about growing a tougher skin because if the names on pickle jars are enough to set you off, you are not going to make it through the trials of puberty and adolescence when the time comes.
Life’s too short to focus things that will ultimately never matter. There is far greater suffering in the world that needs to be addressed.

Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 7:11 AM
Subject: Re: Seriously?
I’m not sure why I’ve suddenly become self-righteous in your eyes, and I’m really not sure what article you read that painted my actions as expectant and demanding of change. I just asked, they called me to tell me it was a change in the works.
As we both recognize, will not agree on this subject and we are just repeating ourselves. I think the time has come for me to remove myself from this conversation.
Life is indeed not short, it is the longest thing you will ever do.
Chelley

Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: Seriously?
If you cannot fathom how you are being self righteous, you are not very perceptive. I read that you almost broke every pickle jar in the aisle and flew into a rage about the word ‘midget.’
Life IS short for many people, especially children who suffer from terminal illness. You are an unbelievably pompous ass. Are you going to crusade now against Dunkin Donuts’ “munchkins” or protest Tolkien’s use of the word “hobbit?” The truth is, you’ve been dealt a card you’re not comfortable dealing with and the shame lies within you about your daughter. You’re the one who is small. Shame on you. I hope wisdom better serves you in the future, because you are clearly lacking any in the present.
Yes, I think it’s better you remove yourself from the conversation. You’re a new mom and still learning the curve, we can’t expect you to know much about anything.

Yikes! I hope everyone else is having a less confrontational Wednesday!

P.S. My brother passed away after less than 24 hours of life. It was, as I said, the longest thing he’d ever done.
Rest in peace, Jonathan. We got you as long as we were meant to and you lived life to your fullest. 4/8/90-4/9/90 ❤

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Filed under #educate

How Naive!

Scouring through bags of hand-me-downs, I am looking for pants without the cutsie details, or just buttons. I can sew buttons back on the hem- a cute detail. Am I thankful for hand-me-downs? YES! I have been able to make matches out of things you could not even imagine, and I’ve passed on so much to moms at our church and my in-law’s church. But the thing about clothes is… I’m naïve.

In fact, I’m so naïve, that when I went to the store the other day, I saw a matching outfit that had the cutest shorts and top options that I tried them on Addie. I picked up the shorts knowing they would fit, and the top knowing it would not. I knew there was no way Addie’s head would fit through the opening. But I tried. I failed. I cried in the bathroom of Carter’s. As I walked out to hang the items back up (a routine I’ve grown accustomed to), I noticed that the toddler versions of these outfits were tank tops. What the heck!? If they had tanks in smaller sizes, the head opening would fit my girl! I was bummed. As I hung up each piece, the woman working asked me how they were. “The head,” I announced. She was familiar with my heartache and well-versed in our clothing struggles, so she just gave me a knowing smile. I felt better.

With all of my research, how am I still SO gullible? I have no idea. Here’s how I stumbled upon my my recent shortcoming: Addie’s birthday bag.

A birthday bag? Yep. I’m an all-year-’round shopper. We don’t get large sums of money as a bonus or otherwise acquired cash at any time of the year, so I’ve adapted and purchase things when I see them, if I see them for a good price. In this manner, I created a birthday bag for Addie. I’ve been putting books, toddler toys, a dish set, and clothes in as I come upon them, and thus far- she’s set to have a wonderful first birthday with most of her summer wardrobe and some new reads. What I didn’t expect, as I rifled through the “loot” Dave and I have gotten over the last year, are the clothes I was so clueless about.

When Addie was diagnosed, I was concerned about her clothes. Sure, it was the LAST thing that went through my mind, but as I dressed her in the same newborn outfit week after week, I wondered: could I return what we had in her closet? The answer, in some cases, was yes. I was blessed to have met some of the most amazing people at our local Carter’s Store in Garden City.  I truly adore the employees of that location who helped me return and try different things on Addie until we found what worked. However, some of what worked in my head didn’t translate to real life. As so much of this first 12 months of Adelaide’s life has not.

As I pulled out different outfits from our birthday bag, I was pleased. I had made these purchases with multiple discounts, coupons and reward dollars shared by my Mom. They were all 0-3 month shorts, 3 month pants, 3-6 month onesies… then they weren’t. In the bottom of the bag laid an un-bagged layer of clothes.

I picked each piece up. I remembered the day I had gotten them. Dave and I went to Khol’s after Addie was diagnosed- maybe only a week or so after- to exchange something. While we were there, we wandered the store a bit. Being summer, there were sales going on, and we made our way over to the children’s clothes. What we saw seemed like the Holy Grail: three shelves of capri pants! After going through all the colors, I settled on just one pair of capri jeggings and one in black, in 9 and 12 month respectively. From the bag, I pulled out those pants, as well as the 12-month owl shirt (WITH buttons, thank God), and slid them into a bag of their own to be gifted at a [much] later date.

Addie, at 11 months, wears newborn or 3 months- and the 3 months are for her hips and require cuffing.

Then, there was the outfit I’d dreamed of.

Carters

It sounds SO silly to parents who have kids that can wear those whimsical t-shirts and pants right off the rack, but to me, I was heartbroken when I saw these two pieces. I knew that the beautiful head I kissed every night would never fit through this t-shirt, and the pants… 12 months? As I mentioned, the biggest pants she wears right now are 3 months. Thankfully, I saved the receipts and Carter’s, as usual, was wonderful to me. But, as I searched for new pieces I came across my new conundrum: Some onesies with buttons are not made of a forgiving fabric. This means that though there are buttons that seem to widen the head opening, they do not stretch, thus they will not fit without struggle (resulting in tears) over Addie’s head.

I’ve learned a lot about sewing this year, and some of what I’ve learned includes the harsh reality: some items are not made to be altered. Inexpensive, single layer fabrics can be more work than they’re worth, and I choose to spend my days with Addie, not just sewing for her. This reality makes it hard to find matching outfits, but my beautiful girl in just her diaper is perfect for us!

So… When it came to clothes, I was  am [still] a bit naïve. I truly believed that I could just shorten 12 month clothes when she was 12 months, because upon diagnosis, I didn’t know what dwarfism meant; almost like I had to see what the internet said before I could believe it (a sentiment I think more people should consider before agreeing with everything that WWW has to say). I hope that as I become more familiar with my Brother Sewing Machine, I will be able to alter more items, but until then… I shall scrutinize everything I bring home, and I will never forget the days I thought I knew better!

As a closing to this post, I want to disclose something I am (and might forever be) insecure about. I added Addie’s wishlist to her birthday invitations. I will tell you, Reader, that I was torn when I made this decision. I felt like I was asking for gifts, when in truth, I want people to know that she doesn’t need anything. There are so many times that I feel personal disappointment in myself. Addie has some amazing friends who have gifted her some of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen. Designer jeans, and name brand sneakers. But she will never wear them.

In my wording on the back of her invite, I stated …due to Addie’s “little” differences. It’s true, Addie’s differences are just in size, but her difference is forever. She can’t reach most water-tables that many friends have at their homes and want Addie to have, too. She can’t wear any shoe that’s even remotely narrow, beautiful clothes from small boutiques collect dust- always plaguing my mind for a chance to be worn just once. But Addie isn’t in those sizes yet, or her body shape (the same small waist and larger hips I grew up with- just on  a grander smaller scale) doesn’t allow for a certain style to fit her. I keep the things that cannot be exchanged because Addie might be able to wear these things one day, and if not, maybe a sister or cousin can. I made the final decision to add the list on Addie’s invite for my own personal reasons. Knowing that Addie won’t wear the items that people spend their money on makes me ill. The economy is killing us out there- this time in our country is a war. It’s a battle everyday to pay bills, and I know that. I want Addie’s friends to come and play, for parents to have a glass of wine and watch our babies interact so innocently, as this is the only time in life they will be truly innocent. If someone wants to bring a gift- I want them to know that we will cherish, use and love them all the same for that purchase. I would be disheartened to see something I gave someone in the box or with tags months later. That’s why mom always made us wear that sweater grandma knitted (you know the one that hideous holiday sweater parties are based on). People put hard work into choosing a gift, and now more than ever, we have to put in more work to be able to afford such a gift. I thank everyone for their support… your gift is your reading, spreading awareness, educating and for loving Addie- all 24 1/2 inches of beautiful (almost one!) baby that she is.

I thank everyone for reading about Addie, educating yourselves about dwarfism and understanding that being a mom, no matter how many blaze the trail before you, is always an uncharted territory left for one lone woman to traverse.

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Filed under #educate, Family Life, Parenting

Perhaps no one is wrong to be right

When a new mother holds her child for the first time, it is a beautiful thing. It is also scary. Those dark eyes, just seeing light for the first time don’t immediately recognize the woman that tenderly carried them for 40 weeks. Small hands grasp for the air during involuntary swings of muscle twitches after all those weeks curled up. This new life is being held by a woman who will do her best to raise this child with poise, grace and dignity. To be honorable, strong, yet kind and gentle. Being a new mother is nothing shy of a miracle.

When I first began this blog, it was a few weeks after I had the above experience. After over 35 hours of labor, most of which was unmedicated, the doctor told me to push my first child into the world. I saw her dark hair and I was a renewed woman. I found strength inside me I knew nothing of before, and I, though a labor of love, delivered my first child. Before anyone could catch her, I reached down and pulled her to my chest where she let out hardy screams and cries. After Dave began to speak to her and we were wrapped up skin-to-skin, she settled into me.

Weeks later, sitting in Hasbro Children’s Hospital, after 2 days had already passed during an unrelated-to-dwarfism admittance, we learned that Addie had Achondroplasia. A skeletal survey had shown positive, but the geneticist drew blood to be sent to Johns Hopkins to be sure. As I sat in disbelief, I wondered if I was the right mom for this child. I had never been more than a few feet away from her in the 9 ½ weeks she had been in this world, and she was inside me for 38 weeks and 4 days prior to that. But, this baby seemed new to me. This baby could not be in a carrier, those really deep breaths that sometimes scared me were a sign of apnea- common to achon children, and all those milestone charts I’d printed out meant close to nothing.

I was scared.

The first time I picked her up out of her hospital bed, I looked into her eyes. She wasn’t dehydrated anymore- she was nursing better and sleeping more soundly, and her irises were becoming more and more blue and bright as the hours passed. She gave me a sideways grin- all drool-y and gummy. I put my forehead against her’s and cried. I sobbed. She let me. We connected those first hours after diagnoses, not with me comforting her, but she comforting me. When my eyes could cry no more, I began to research. The information I came across, though some scary, was not at all negative- sleep issues, hips/knees/ankles, spinal concerns, kyphosis, lordosis, flat feet, fluid in the ears/hearing loss, larger head- awareness of hydrocephalus. The list went on, but it was nothing that I could not handle. I began to research doctors, as well as personal blogs for more answers. I came across two famous LP actors, Peter Dinklage and Danny Woodburn– successful men (Peter is in one of our favorite series- Game of Thrones- and Danny is from Philly- so of course, he’s awesome). I learned about TV shows focusing on LP. As we do not have television, I often miss these things. And then I came across Rosie [O’Donnell] and Chelsea [Handler] talking about LP. I won’t say much about it, Google it if you want, except that while having a fear of the unknown is perfectly OK (it’s what makes us human), dehumanizing someone by speaking about them as though they are a deviant, both sexually and in society is a sad, sad thing. There were many comments made, and discussion about giving LP jobs out of sheer pity- but I had to stop watching the YouTube video that was tearing down a community that my daughter was now a part of.

I sat down in my chair-converted bed in Addie’s private hospital room and I started my first blog post. It was June 23, 2012. I called the few people I didn’t want to learn about Addie’s diagnosis online, and then, on June 25th I posted it at 11:59pm. A is For Adelaide and Achondroplasia.

The response to my first post was overwhelming. As we came home from the hospital and I researched LPA, I saw that we, too, were a part of the community. People were emailing me, messaging me and commenting on the blog. There was support, more support and questions answered. Information about doctors, car seats, adaptive items for the home, new charts and parental tips came flooding into my life. I was relieved that I was welcome into such an amazing group of parents, friends, family of LP, as well as a group in which medical specialists actively participate. Addie’s geneticist, in fact, is on the medical advising board for LPA.

I wasn’t scared anymore. I was, indeed, the mom for Addie.

Above is my long-winded explanation of how we got here. The story about how I came across the pickle jars in December of 2012 is infamous… at least in New England and Minnesota. Again, just Google it. I’m the “crazy pickle lady”. While I don’t object to the moniker, I like to think of myself as “the woman whose initial step into making a change was blown out of proportion by naysayers who are not affected by her cause at all.” But I guess that’s too long.

There was an abundance of negative comments on each article posted online, and a few people responded to them in kindness. There was not one article, in fact, with more positive to the negatives- from what I was told. I stopped reading them after 2 minutes and never went back. The radio shows I went on, both in the US and Canada had DJs that seemed to listen, and then mock me as soon as I was off air- as did their callers. NPR, I was told, did not do this- Addie was in surgery during the piece and I missed it. Sadly the segment didn’t make the website, so I cannot hear it now. Callers into the shows were negative and mean- attacking and insulting me personally, where as I never made an assault against anyone. There were emails sent to me through the blog about the “lawsuit” and “court system”. About my “tirade” and “company bashing”. I answer each with dignity and pride. You are more than welcome to read some of them. I will post them below.

There were also comments shared with me by teenagers who found me via Facebook and blog. They thanked me, admitting to reading the story with tears in their eyes. Children moving into a adulthood who have gotten “gag gifts” of these pickles and other items with the word. People who thought they were being funny, but were, in truth, mocking- looking to injure the psyche of someone with a genetic difference. Let me tell you, Reader: It worked. Over 25 high school-ers, and parents of a few middle school children emailed me. Some wished they had done something the first time their child was hurt. I choose to celebrate their paving the road for me. These parents and I have discussed how they were coming from a place of hurt and anger and were more likely to be reactive and not educate, but vengeful. The pickles don’t hurt our children- the people who misuse the word do. Because of this fact, I asked for a change. The word has been so misused, it’s now more commonly used as a slur rather than an adjective meaning “small”. These same parents have asked when they can shake my hand and thank me. I tell them: their words are thanks enough, and I hope to meet this summer. I am no leader, I am but a lone mom walking the same path thousands of other parents have walked before, looking to make what difference I can in an (obviously) unchanging, due to hate and fear, world.

I will tell you dear readers, I did this out of love for my child. I have always been more of an outspoken person. I was meant to be Addie’s mom so I could advocate for her, and teach her to do so for herself. There was never and will never be a lawsuit regarding pickles. While this change may “cost the company thousands”, so does the sensitivity training, paid for each year, that many choose to provide to their employees. I don’t have a lawyer, nor as a SAHM do I have the means to provide one. There was never a tirade or bashing- I did not call for a boycott, in fact, as someone mentioned in a comment, there is a picture in which you could see I had more than one jar of Cains’ Pickles. Yes, I do. I support them as a company- NOT because they are making a change, but because they opened their minds and hearts for a 3 minute video and educated themselves. I do not ask anyone to agree with me or think I am “right”. Having an open mind and being educated do not indicate that you are going to do what someone suggests, it simply means being open to new ideas. While I believe the m-word to be akin to other words that our society has deemed hateful and slanderous, I respect that others do not. While I respect your right to the opinion that the m-word is not derogatory, I do not necessarily respect you for having it. I made a video encouraging change and offering my support in the process. This company responded positively, and I am currently pursuing other companies and mediums that use the m-word. Please be aware that the FCC has been notified, as of 2009, that the m-word is considered derogatory and slanderous to the LP community.

As many have pointed out, this first step was to educate a condiment company. Though a waste of time to many, it is important to me as it affects my daughter and, thus, myself. Some have told me that they were injured in war and they choose to call themselves “cripple” to “own it” and not let the stares get them down. While that is all good and well, my daughter was not made different after she went to war as an adult. She does not yet have the coping skills these people have, nor will she make it through childhood or adulthood as an average person. She is, and always will be, different. Trust me, she owns it. She, however, is not required to “own” a word that is a slur. I do not expect many people to “get it”- I myself would not have understood just one year ago. I, however, would like to think I would not have made a personal attack on another person simply because I didn’t understand something. Or attack anyone, period. What posses a person to feel such hate? Whether I would have expressed  my support, I cannot say, but I certainly would not have offered up such comments like this one posted on the YouTube video I made for Cains:

ReverentEternal

Did that make you cringe? Yeah. Me too. But, as an attack on me, I didn’t stop comments. I got an email that said:

Mike LitorisWhile I was shocked and saddened, this person was still attacking just me. And then, the last straw. I got an email alerting me to another comment. The reason I stopped comments on that video:

3asi1y

This was day 1. The same day that what was meant to be a feel-good article, was taken to a level I could not have imagined. What goes through the mind of a parent when they see this? I cannot tell you. My mind was blank. I got hot and cold at the same time. I wanted to make the world a better place and people were wishing harm on Addie. I disabled the comments and I stopped looking at my phone.

When the vibrating wouldn’t stop, I picked it up again. TheXtremeWRATH: “MIDGET PICKLES” and 3asi1y: “your kid looks like a midget” on different videos on YouTube came up as notices in my email. I disabled all comments on videos with Addie.

I read my girl her bedtime stories and we said our prayers. I put her down in her crib and she fell asleep. At 2:30am I was still awake- my heart was racing. I was scared that someone was going to break into my home and harm my child. People were making such vitriolic comments about a 10month old. I truly feared for her life. I crept into her room, lifted her from her crib and brought her in with us. I fell into a pattern of wakeful sleep for 3 hours that night.

Finally, the next morning, emails came flooding in from supporters. Emails and blog comments from strangers who have NO connection to dwarfism, and so many more from people who do have a connection- whether it is a family member, friend or themselves. These people chose to not fight “trolls” on Facebook or another website, but to contact me personally and thank me, support me, or to tell me that while they do not feel the same way- they encourage me to do what I think is right an ignore what they see as personal attacks. Parents, friends, strangers who are inspired to make a difference for what they believe in- things that have nothing to do with dwarfism, and everything to do with being proactive. People have cited this story in conferences and meetings, not to hurt, but to encourage others to seek change. One person can make a difference.

Then there were the few who found me off of these article pages- where on most, I’ve never read one comment- and into my email account. Thankfully, I have a junk email address that I can respond from and so I did. I want you, Reader, to know that I stand by my motto. To not be reactive, but proactive and educate. I will not let someone hurl insults at my daughter. Adult bullying is sad enough, when someone wishes to bully or harm an infant, that’s a whole other psychological issue I am not qualified to respond to. All the people who have commented about my husband, please save it- you’re only embarrassing yourself.  We have been married since 2009. If you’ve ever met Dave, he is a quiet, reserved man who loves his family. He works 7 days a week and provides all the love and support we could ask for.

I have been told I am what is wrong with this country and to focus on important things, like the economy. Dave, a small business owner, now spends his weekdays in a position over 50 miles from home, and his weekends at his shop. Does he want to work 7 days a week? No. But, he has a wonderful job that he got as the economy was crashing down around us, and his business was no longer enough to support a wife and child. I focus on the economy so much, that I am often stressed and lose sleep about how we will have enough retirement, can we sell the house, how much college will be, will we be able to have another baby, or what adaptive items Addie will need that we might not be able to afford, like an adjustable chair that seems like a wonderful piece of furniture for her… at $400 a pop. While there are other items we can get instead, you understand my point. I worry. I do not think the naysayers to my actions are what’s wrong with this country, I do not think I am either… but between some civil comments and some not, I think this will give you a better view- a more personal insight- as to what change I meant to bring, and what was perceived. There were many comments on the blog, specifically on the About page, as well as under multiple posts, including Let’s Change the Worldand The Dust Will Not Settle– you’re welcome to read them and my replies. I am including only the least offensive private messages, as I just bombarded you with the evils of YouTube vernacular. In light of this, actor Danny Woodburn made the remark:

Understanding the origins of words and how they have been used to dehumanize often escapes those that use the word for what they think are other reasons, other identifiers. Acknowledging under represented minorities has historically been a hard won change. I commend her for doing this through open communication and commend Gedney for their understanding. Anyone who can’t see or refuses to see what this means comes from too casual an understanding of this kind of societal indifference.

What scares me are the adults who post and think that I should be “ridiculed and more”. Or the people who think I compared Addie to pickles. What were they reading? There are people who think that the m-word on a jar doesn’t hurt anyone, but from the people who are hurt, I hear different. Just as many people were not hurt by a certain candy name in the 50’s and 60’s, other people were. Finally, please know that the people who want to “sue me” for using the song on the Cains’ YouTube video… I created the video using Animoto’s library, which gives me the rights. Please Remain Calm and Stop Being So Legal-Jargon Driven. I did not “take on” any company. I’m not sure why the attacks, but please read ahead. I thank you, once again, for all of your support (not necessarily agreement).

Lastly, I ask… just because I do not agree with you, does that make you wrong? Didn’t think so…

Thank you for reading.

SeanR1SeanR2

While Sean got a "win", his poor grammar and lack of respect for others opinions, are what led me to end the conversation- not his actual disagreement with me.
Sean’s lack of respect for my right to an opinion, are what led me to end the conversation- not his actual disagreement with me. Abusing the conversation by repeating “midget” and the past will, oddly, not change my mind. Asking an 11 year old to prove your point? You lost me.

Coversation ChrisJ

There are so many to choose from, but two these seemed to be the most gentle. Thank you for sticking with me through this. I will be running a series about other changes and bullying in the next few months. Together, we can make a difference for all children.

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Filed under #educate

The Dust Will Not Settle…

My motto is, and will remain: Do not be reactive. Be proactive and educate.

Just to clarify a few things:
There is not and never will be a lawsuit regarding the recent outrage about pickles.
Am I after the almighty dollar? Yep. We do it the old fashioned way: working and having a birthday every year (thanks, Mom).
I am happily married to the father of my child- his name is Dave and he’s an amazing man.

I have many thoughts about the recent events that have transpired, but truthfully, you already know them, as I have been open and honest. I am thankful to have the opportunity to live in this country where I am afforded the right to speak freely and express concern. In this way, I was expressing concern about a word on a pickle jar… I am also in the midst of writing to other companies about products and speaking with local community centers about not having midget leagues, teams or squads. While years ago (read: 1800’s) “midget” was a medical term for a person of proportionate short stature, and then used and adapted to describe circus entertainment, it has evolved into a mean word, used in mockery and bullying. It is, in fact, not just mean or offensive, it is derogatory. While you may be not offended by it, others are, including myself on behalf of my daughter. I spoke up about it in compassion, offering my support to this company in any way that I could- including to educate- whether they made a change or not.

To everyone who thinks I wasted my time educating and being proactive about something that is very close to my heart, let’s speak to those who have chosen to not just voice an opinion, but to attack… like Gerry (I will not release his last name or email address). Gerry is a 62 year old retired grandfather of 2. He contacted me through this blog. According to his email to me, Gerry is “balding badly and sick to death of all of you politically correct, effete snobs who get offended at any little thing. Maybe I should try to have “bald faced lie” removed from the lexicon?! Or protest all of the “senior memory care” jokes out there?! What a bunch of BS you are.”

I’m not sure what senior memory care jokes are… but if they offend you, I encourage you to write a letter or call your local news station. Gerry informs me that, “I am contacting Gedney next and telling them they have lost me as a customer. I’ll bet you are very pleased with yourself.”

If I am wasting my time simply trying to educate about something that matters to me, what is Gerry doing as he hunts me down through an article, reaches my blog, sends me this scathing email, and then spends more time contacting a company to say he won’t buy their product?

The answer? Wasting his time on something he doesn’t care about, and seemingly doesn’t affect him. Please know that small dill pickles will still be available.

There has been an assault on me, something I do not care to stop, although it does not make me “pleased” with myself. On this blog, I will accept ALL comments about me- good, bad and indifferent. I will even try to respond to most, however I am being inundated by all media outlets- please be patient. I will not, on the other hand, accept negative or threatening comments about my child or husband. I have had to delete only one on this site, but several on YouTube, including thoughts hoping my child would be hit by a bus and that she’s an abomination.  Someone superimposed a picture of my Addie on a jar of pickles with the m-word. Was this meant to be funny? Nope. It was meant to hurt. This word is KNOWN to the public to hurt and demean and this person knew it.

A fellow blogger posted this: From Themomofalltrades

As for the folks who go with the old stand-by that the word “midget” isn’t always used to mean an offensive word for a little person, I ask you this: Did you know that the swastika was originally a symbol that meant life, good luck, sun, power, and strength? Do we still associate that symbol with such things? No. Now, the swastika is a symbol of hate, violence, anti-Semitism, murder and death. How would you feel to walk into a grocery store and see a jar of pickles emblazoned with a swastika? Even if you’re not of Jewish descent, you still probably wouldn’t feel as though that symbol was appropriate. If the company originated hundreds of years ago, when that symbol was still one of good intent, failure to change the symbol when times changed would be inexcusable to most.

While people post they “hate” me (a stranger they’ve never met), others have used my personal social media pages to type obscenities about me, my daughter and my husband, from behind the safety of their screens. There have been stories told to me about radio DJs taking sound bites of me out of context and mocking me to the delight of their callers. While you call a mother who meant to make the world a better place “stupid” and an “idiot” (among the most G-rated of many vitriolic comments), I think you are “mean”. That is your right and that is why I do not feel the need to patrol each site to the belittlement of myself, and fight back in comment. I have not hidden from people who wanted to know more. I did not seek media attention, but when offered, I chose to educate. What people have done with the knowledge is their decision. I have, thankfully, had a beautiful, albeit private, warm reception from hundreds of people. To the few who found me on Facebook just to be hateful, there were over 100 strangers with no previous connection to myself or dwarfism, offering their support and kind words to someone just trying to make the world a better place. While the blog has received hate, it has also been an outlet to people who have no opinion, but respect a mother’s prerogative, and others, who downright agree and want to know how to help. I will say this once: help by educating. Do not argue, threaten or blame. My message is one of peace- I simply want to make a change for the betterment of society. Companies, teams, and the like, once using this term simply as an adjective for size, need to be (in my mind) educated to its other definition. One of hate. One of bullying. Derogatory. What they choose to do with this education, is their choice. I celebrate your freedom of speech, and respect your opinion- whether I agree, or not.

In NO WAY do I believe myself to be akin to Rosa Parks, however- she wouldn’t give her seat up on a bus. I’m sure (beyond the fact that it was illegal at the time), her move was considered stupid and benign. But guess what? It changed the world. A chocolate and licorice candy called N*Babies went through a name adjustment to Chocolate Babies in the 1960’s, due to changing times. This word has also been banished from the lexicon, almost entirely.  I am not looking for a word to be stricken from the dictionary, just from common vernacular. Is this going to be a rights movement for LP? Probably not, but if I bring some awareness, I’ve achieved my goal.

I will repeat this, and I’m sure I will write another post about this once the dust settles, but my mission was and remains to be proactive and to educate. Team names have been changed in the past, labels on products, including Aunt Jemima’s (several) changes and the debate over the name Quaker Oats, which have nothing to do with Quakers and seems, to some, like a ploy to get people to think the brand is honest (not my thoughts, just what I read from others), and Albino Rhino Beer. There is a litany of examples I have found and all have met with some, if not a lot of, resistance to the change. Albino, by the way, is a medical term. Midget is not.

I firmly stand my ground. I want the m-word taken off products, sports teams and other items that use it in a casual manner- I believe that its use in this way promotes the idea that the word, in general, is OK. I am not in the business of suing or strong-arming anyone into agreement. I am here to educate.

I agree with everyone who reminds me that many kids, not just my own, will be bullied and made fun of- but does the derogatory word used towards people with the same diagnosis as my daughter also have the be the same word on the pickle jars at our local grocery store, or on the front of her sports uniform, too?

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Filed under #educate, Achondroplasia, Community, Family Life, Parenting

It’s a Marvelous Monday!

I might be the only one, but I love Mondays. It’s the beginning to my week, and what a week it will be- Addie has her ear tube surgery this week and I am nervous for it, but excited for her hearing to be better. Happy 10 months to my baby girl! May her procedure be quick and successful!

Addie 10 months

02.17.2013

Onto MM!

Thankfully, this weekend didn’t present Nemo II. Though there was enough snow to cause some delays in my hubby’s work, we kept our power (and thus) our heat!  So… I guess that’s my thankful for the week! We’re beginning a bit out of order, but I guess that’s OK!

My random is, most definitely, to take this week and slow down. My husband got this lesson this weekend when, after being stuck inside due to the cold and snow, Addie and I decided to take a trip to Target. Dave told me he didn’t have time to come with us- even after I told him it would be less than an hour because Addie had to come home to nap. Nope. No luck convincing him. Dave needed to finish working on an amp (he was working from home due to PVD’s parking ban) and test it before 6pm- he didn’t want to bother the neighbors. OK. He came outside to move his car.  * * * We came back home, and as I was backing into the driveway, noticed Dave’s taillights come on to back in, too. “Did you just get home?” I asked him as he strolled up to my car. I looked down and saw, peeking from beneath the hemline of his jeans, slippers.

“You locked yourself out, didn’t you?!” What I meant to say was, “Karma, jerk.”

He was cold because he didn’t want to waste a lot of gas keeping the car running, but with no jacket in 20° weather, he was worn down. He came inside, carrying the bags, as I laughed at him. I put Addie down for a nap, and he helped me put the new baby-proofing foam on the coffee table in the living room. His eyes looked up at me, though his chin was still down. He said, “I think this was the Universe’s way of telling me I should have just gone with you.” “Yup. You wasted family time trapped in your car. Nice work.”

We don’t spend enough time together. Dave works 7 days a week, barely taking the time needed to trim his beard or brush his teeth, and never complains about it. He leaves before 7am everyday and is never home before 7pm. He drives over 500 miles a week. He sees his baby for less than 10 hours a week. His baby that will become a teenager before he knows it, and no longer smile at him just for being Daddy. The “we” that doesn’t spend enough time together is the Martinka Family. I am hoping that things begin to come together. That his work will finally offer insurance, and we will have way less of an oil bill after the winter. That maybe I’ll sell a few more bibs, or be noticed for my writing and I can contribute a bit. Whatever it is that gives us a break- that’s what I hope for. Money may not make people happy, but it can alleviate the stress that having none creates. Until then, however, I just need him to slow down- and I need to take a breather, too. I’m sure you know the feeling- it’s 8pm and the kids are going to bed and you spent all day with them, but you have no idea what you did.

All of a sudden, I ask Addie where her head is, and she reaches up and pats her beautiful head of hair. Then she smiles at me and claps her hands to celebrate. These days won’t last.

My request to you this week, my random tidbit is, to slow down and revel in those moments- because, as I am learning, they are so very fleeting.

Lastly, which is usually first, some information about dwarfism! I generally focus on achondroplasia, because that is the most common form of dwarfism- also the type Addie has, but this week I want to tell you about SED. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (read: spondylo: spine, epiphyseal: growing ends of bones, dysplasia: abnormal growth) is the term used for a group of disorders with primary involvement of the vertebrae and epiphyseal centers resulting in a short-trunk disproportionate dwarfism. This type of dwarfism affects 1 in 95,000 babies (acondroplasia is 1 in 20-45,000). As I’ve mentioned before, all dwarfism is not the same. Not even close. With SED, features are very different and commonly include club feet, cleft palate, severe osteoarthritis in the hips, weak hands and feet, and a barrel-chested appearance.

Addie’s friend, Sara, has this type of dwarfism. She is 9, and size is not the only thing that makes her different from other children her age. It’s not just the 30+ surgeries, months spent in NICU, being born less than 5 pounds, the trach, or any other medical differences. Sara holds conversation with adults as though they are peers. She listens intently and asks appropriate questions. When she is excited about a new topic, she talks about it- a lot. In fact, if there is ever a moment of silence, count on Sara to fill it. It’s very impressive, especially because Sara had a trach for much of her young life. Watching her play at the YMCA, Sara builds tall forts, runs around with kids her age and shoots baskets like she’s in the WNBA! When she needs to sit, she simply does… but she doesn’t complain. She asks why and almost makes a that’s not fair statement referring to the bounce house, but I see her brain catch her, her eyes move to a cardboard brick that could be used in the castle wall, and she’s off to get it. Sara is not shy, she does not hide behind her [amazing and dedicated] mom. She’s far more independent than most kids her age, and has two amazing older brothers to watch out for her when her curiosity gets the best of her. From behind her wire-frame glasses, Sara’s brown eyes light up when she sees Addie and she pulls her in close to her body:

Addie and Sara

IMAG2077

When Addie and I first met Sara, we were new to the community. We were unsure and on new ground. It was at a meet-up for our district in Mystic, CT that we found local friends to help us navigate and we are so thankful for them. In truth, Addie and Sara are as different from each other as an AH child and LP. Their dysplasias are not the same and do not effect their bodies in the same way. Expanding our knowledge about dwarfism is a learning experience for all of us, and we are enjoying meeting such wonderful friends as we do! Best of luck to Sara as she embarks on her journey to DuPont for a sleep study, pulmonology appointment, and a knee surgery!

Thank you for learning with me this week. Please ask any questions via the “Contact” tab!

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Filed under #educate, Marvelous Monday

Let’s Change the World

I hope my video made some waves in your life. As you may recall, a few months ago I made a video asking everyone to help make a bit of difference for Addie, and other LP children and adults in the US.

I was hoping to have a few thousand views and that would help us make a difference, but we didn’t get to that goal. Still, I persisted. In fact, I called Gedney Foods multiple times (until I reached the very understanding Peg, of customer service), and plead to them to watch my video and hear me out. That was in December. I heard nothing back, so four weeks later I began my calls again. My message was (finally) passed onto the president of Gedney: Mr. Barry Spector.

And last night, at 5:15, he called me.

In his first few words, Mr. Spector requested I not record the call. I had my video camera rolling, but I stopped the recording and asked if I could take notes. He encouraged me to do so. I felt my heart in my throat. I was scared he was going to be mean and hurtful. To tell me I was being overly-sensitive and ask if I thought the world revolved around me…

But he never said that. He just asked to not be recorded. And so I didn’t record him, although I wish I had. His words would have made you all soar, like me. I feel free, relieved, elated, and most of all: proud. I We did it! As I compiled my notes together to form whole sentences, I wish I had gotten his word on record, but I hold much hope. He did, after all, promise me (multiple times) during our conversation to hold true to his word.

Mr. Spector began telling me that the person or people who named the pickles never meant harm, it was just a word when the marketing was done for the pickles. He agreed that in these times that same word is offensive, and he and the company would never want to offend anyone. Because of this, he sent my video to the company’s board who voted to… CHANGE THE LABEL! There’s about 6 months of stock already packaged and labeled, but the unused labels are going to remain as such: unsued. New labels are be designed now- currently waiting on a new name. Mr. Spector pointed out some companies use “baby”, but he didn’t seem sold on it. I think “lil’ bits” would be fun, but I didn’t say that! He did promise to send me the new label in goodwill! I am SO excited to see it! I plan on buying one jar now to a) get them off the shelves faster and b) have a comparison for the future.

I want to brag: I am proud of myself.

Mr. Spector noted that he realizes consumers have more power over companies (I’m assuming he meant due to social media outlets, etc.), and that he, like every company, needed to listen and respond. I was shocked he had said that. Many companies don’t listen to their consumers, especially if it’s not something that personally touches them. Many times, a company simply doesn’t want to change- they think there is too much cost and hassle, but not this one. This company assures me that change is good and keeping with with the times is important to them.

Gedney owns their own brand, as well as Cains’ and Del Monte. I do hope that all of these brands will be renamed, but we did not (regretfully) discuss that. As a final closing, Mr. Spector said (AND I QUOTE VERBATIM) “I promise, what I’ve told you is what we’re gonna do.”

M-word pickles, BE GONE! But, the tiny gherkin lives! (Vlasic brands their pickles as Sweet Midgets; tiny, sweet, crunchy. That just sounds kind of gross to me. “Midgets” are defined as unusually small people according to Webster. Who sells a pickle under the guise of a sweet small person. CRINGE)

0005410001270_500X500

I guess this means I have another company to educate…

I wanted to write all this last night and celebrate a better tomorrow with Addie and Dave, but after a litany of incoherent text messages from my hubby and one voice mail, I hopped in the car with my MIL and FIL and made the 50+ mile journey to Dave’s work to pick him up. A list of ailments included numbness and tingling in the arm, at which point Dave felt it was a migraine and took Excedrin. Then he felt strange and we spoke a few times, but he seemed confused and disoriented. After not understanding him in a cell phone conversation, I called his desk and spoke with his co-worker. He checked on Dave, who was resting, and agreed he sounded “confused”. Then, I panicked. Not having health insurance, I knew that Dave would not agree to calling 9-1-1, so I asked him to smile in the mirror and make sure his face was moving on both sides. I asked him a few questions (dates, names, places). I made him say “The sky is blue”. His speech was slow, but seemed to be becoming more coherent with time.

When we got to work, he was half asleep, the president of his company came out to greet us and told Dave to work from home (pending blizzard!) tomorrow, if he could, but to call him no matter what, and let him know how he was feeling. Dave’s boss (also a Dave) is a wonderful man, and truly cares for our family (if only the company offered insurance!)- for this we are truly blessed. I know that Dave will not be docked salary for the day, or for the snow day- Dave (boss) is just that kind of guy.

All-in-all, I wish we had a chance to celebrate last night, but when I said to Dave, “Remember I had that call today?” He looked up at me from under his blankets and pillows. I continued, “We did it.” He raised his hand weakly for a high-five.

We all did it. Thank you Gedney Foods, Barry Spector and each and every one of you out there who have read and supported. We hope to remove the m-word from more products in the next year, too, but I will always remain forever grateful to the man who recognized that my little girl, though only one, means a lot in this world.

Hearing a total stranger tell me, “You did a good thing for your daughter,” gave me a warm glow sure to last me through Nemo!

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Filed under #educate

A is For Adelaide. Book One.

I am so excited to read this to Addie every night, and I want to share it with you. It’s no great classic, but it’s all my love for Addie rolled into this book… and I hope it’s just the beginning. No, it’s not copyrighted or published anywhere, yet… please share this post, but please respect the thoughts, ideas, words and photos are mine. Thank you for your support in my endeavor to write this book.

P.S. I’m really terrible on camera!

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Filed under #educate, Community

Search for what?

2012 was amazing.
I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl:

Blessed Beginnings, photo

Blessed Beginnings, photo

She was diagnosed with dwarfism, and we became a part of a wonderful organization we consider extended family:

LPA

LPA

And I began this blog with all of you amazing readers and followers!
IMGx_7853And so, as I recap my year’s stats, I look to the search terms and I am SO excited to see many of them. Many people landed on my site searching for charts, medical information and generally looking for A is For Adelaide. I am so proud that people came to my page when looking for milestone and growth charts- it’s why I made a page specifically for these things. I want people to get the basic information they need, quick. As a parent, when we received Addie’s diagnosis, I wanted information, and I wanted it in an easy fashion. While I hope that parents come back and read my blog, I want them to get the answers and info they need without having to read about Addie to get it.

While that’s all heart-felt and just what every blogger wants (readers who come to their page just for what they’re looking for), we too, rely on accidental traffic. Hoping people stop by accidentally and stay on purpose. I know this happened from a few readers who have contacted me to say they their family member was diagnosed, and they searched random things until they came across Addie’s page. Now- they’re hooked on her. I love hearing how other parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends are watching Addie grow up and using her medical information and daily life to navigate their own.

Twenty-three people came to this blog searching for these terms: beautiful people with dwarfism, beautiful people with achondroplasia, miracles with achondroplasia, cute baby with dwarfism and cute people with dwarfism. I have to say that Addie is, indeed, all of these things.

Then, there are those terms that make you go… WHAAAAAAAT? As in, what did you mean to search for with these terms? Things like tall beauty big breast belly tattoo, cute tattoo’s on there’s your hand, and baby hands out of shirt. I just scratch my head. These three terms led to four hits on the site. Hmmmmm…

I was elated when I saw that there were numerous people searching for craft projects that also come to AisForAdelaide! I have a broader reach- hoorah! I was also puzzled when I saw lots of hits for Adelaide and different foods. Then I got it… people were searching for food stores in Adelaide, Australia. HA! I hope to take Addie there one day… and if I ever need frozen cranberries in Adelaide, I will not search on this blog!

Lastly, the top 7 strangest search terms, in no particular order, bringing in a total of 20 total hits:
1. sexy sweat
2. sweat
3. my sexy mom
4. sweat sexy
5. exiled mothers
6. sexy mom
7. sexy mom runner

I couldn’t make these up if I tried. But, I’ll take the last one as my own description, please 🙂

I hope 2013 brings more searches for the good stuff, the “meat”, as I like to call my more-medical information. But I also hope that people come looking to learn about Addie. To see that a child with dwarfism is just like their child in many ways, and not in other ways, too. I hope people come looking for a new crock-pot recipe, what movie moved me to tears, if there is a new toy that their child needs to have, or to see if I’ve gotten my butt in-shape for another half-marathon. I hope family across this country keeps coming to see this little beauty grow up. I hope friends keep coming to share the experience of parenthood with me. I hope, most of all, to keep educating through my experiences, about dwarfism.

Lastly, I hope when you search for true love, happily ever after, or miracle you see AisForAdelaide at the top of your search.

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Filed under #educate, Community, Parenting

Marvelous Mondays!

In the spirit of starting new things for the New Year, I am starting Marvelous Monday! This will be my weekly thankful/educating post.

I found that during the month of October which is Dwarfism Awareness Month, I was posting facts about Addie and dwarfism, and people were amazed and eager to know more. This is  a GREAT thing, as I feel super excited to begin the year helping everyone learn! I have always loved teaching and tutoring, and I adore my baby girl- what better way to spend my days? For more info in the meantime, please visit Understanding Dwarfism on Facebook or on the web.

I also spent November thinking of things I was thankful for each day. While it is simple to find things I am thankful for, because I was only listing for 30 days, I wanted them to be spectacular and “deep”. Things like: I am thankful for Dr. Bober and his team at A.I. DuPont in Delaware. But, I also want to shout: I’m thankful for Sharpie markers. Those things are great for everything from labels to marking hands at a show (cheaper than paper tickets). And so, each Monday, I will share my thanks.

Lastly, as much as I LOVE my baby girl and she is my whole world (Dave and Carter and Morgan, too), I would love to have another baby someday and I don’t want to be so focused on Addie that another babe would feel sadly blog-less. I love this site and I hope to grow my followers and readers, thus I will also add one “random” thing in each MM post. Something like an awesome new recipe I tried, or great news, or a good movie I saw (I never go to the movies, so don’t count on that!).

I am hoping that my Monday blogs are something other bloggers may want to join in on, too! I truly want to give a light start to everyone’s week, while offering up some information about something people don’t know a lot about: Dwarfism.

If you have a child or family member you want to spread the word about, or some facts and information the public needs to know, I ask you, fellow bloggers, to share! Anything from autism to dementia, a charity you think needs a shout-out or a dog that needs rescuing. The young, old and everyone in between.

I hope everyone is having a Marvelous Monday! First post next week… and I already have a topic in mind!

If you have a question about dwarfism or Addie, please post in the comments or on Addie’s Facebook page. I will be answering weekly in my MM posts.

Please… keep sharing:

I am still not in contact with Gedney Foods, but have no fear. I have BIG plans for this project 🙂

Addie is thankful for snowsuits!

Addie is thankful for snowsuits!

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Filed under #educate, Achondroplasia, Community, Marvelous Monday, Parenting