Update on granddaughter Abigail

[Martha]

Some of you older members of the board may remember my granddaughter Abigail, who was born in August 2011. She has Down syndrome, and dysphagia, which is an inability to swallow properly.

Abby is now 15 months old. She still has a feeding tube in her stomach, but she is able to swallow baby food and thickened liquids, so she can get some of her nutrition by mouth now, although eating does make her tired. They figure out how much she has eaten by mouth at each feeding, then give her the rest through the feeding tube. They can only put milk through the tube, of course. Her mom expressed breast milk for a year, and then they were able to slowly switch her to formula. They must have tried every formula known to man! Abby threw most of them up. But they finally found one that she can tolerate.

She crawls really well now, and pulls herself up to a standing position. She doesn't yet have the muscle strength to stand without holding on, or to walk. But we know it's coming. She's a sweet, spunky little girl. Her favorite word is "Nuh!" (Isn't every little kid's favorite word NO?) And last week she tricked her 3-year-old brother out of the iPad by distracting him with the iPhone, and then taking the iPad he was using. She likes to watch the Muppets on the iPad.

It's been a tough year for the whole family and Abby's mom's health hasn't been good, but we are so grateful for the achievements that Abby is making, and the joy that she brings.

Martha

[Kari]

Hi Martha,

Thanks for sharing an encouraging update on Abigail - it sounds like she is coming along nicely. Sending heartfelt wishes that her mom's health improves, as the stress hopefully eases over time .

Love,
Kari

[Gloria]

Thank you for the update, Martha. I'm impressed with Abigail's progress! I hope her mom's health improves. She has a busy life raising children and needs good health.

Gloria

[Zizzle]

That's good news. I'm glad Abigail is thriving. Make sure everyone takes care of mom. I'm living proof that post-baby stress is rough on a mom. We need to do more for our overworked, stressed mothers.

[jmayk8]

Great news, thanks for sharing Martha
Jenny

[Deb]

Thanks for the update, Martha. Abigail and mom and all of you are in my prayers.
Deb

[maestraz]

Martha, I'd been wondering how Abigail was doing. So glad to see your update.

[Polly]

Hi Martha,

I have also been wondering about Abigail's progess, so it's good to hear such a positive update. Best wishes to her mom for improved health.

Love,

Polly

[nancyl]

Hi Martha,
So glad you updated us on Abigail's progress. My daughter's niece spent Thanksgiving was us. She has Downs also and is now 18. She will be graduating from high school. Well, not really graduating, but will wear a cap and gown and participate in the ceremony and is so excited about it. She held our great granddaughter (who would be her cousin) and two weeks old at the time. She kept saying how much the baby loved her. It was so sweet. Actually, the baby who was very fussy fell asleep in her lap.

Nancy

[fatbuster205]

Hi Martha,
I have a warm glow inside me on reading this update! I don't know the full story and I hope her Mum is doing well. My experience of Down's Syndrome children and adults is very positive! I wish I had their joy of life and their way of expressing it! They are very special people and I have been so privileged to be have met DS people! I hope and pray your family continue to flourish!
Anne

[MBombardier]

Martha, so glad to hear about Abigail! I have been wondering. I am sorry her mother is not feeling well, and I pray for renewed health.