Showers of Blessings

"He, who began a good in you, will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6

Hi there and welcome to our family! Joshua was born on Thanksgiving morning 2006; quite a surprise, considering he wasn't due until January 29, 2007! A brief kiss from Mama and off to NICU he went. At one week of age, Joshua was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Along with this syndrome comes a variety of problems, both physical and mental. These past three years have been challenging, heart breaking, entertaining, and breath taking; the latter in the good sense and the bad. But above all, these beautiful days have been filled with my "Sweet little punky!" One never expects their first born child to have such difficulties. Yet daily, I thank my Lord for everything that Joshua is and everything that he is not. God has wonderful blessings in store for him! Thank you for visiting our blog and have a day filled with wonderful surprises!

This is me today, 7 surgeries and 3 years later. I have started prechool and I must say, I rather enjoy it. At first, it was a little overwhelming with the other kids' laughter and screams of joy and excitement. But now, I "talk" and scream right along with them. I have picked a few good habits and one not so good habit. I have learned from one particular classmate that if you scream when you don't get what you want, people pay attention to you and usually give in. Mama is trying her hardest to break me of that habit. Good luck to her!

About Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) was first discovered in 1957. By 1963, 7 more cases were diagnosed. Today, there are more than 1000 cases, worldwide. Some characteristics of RTS include broad thumbs and toes, high arched palate and eye brows, red, flat birthmark on the forehead and undescended testicles in males. These are the physical signs that are present in Joshua, yet there are still more characteristics. Mental retardation is also associated with RTS and can vary in each individual from mild to severe retardation. Many medical problems accompany an RTS child including feeding difficultes, respiratory, vision and orthopedic problems as well as chronic constipation and cardiac anomalies. RTS children are, for the most part, very happy and social people with infectious smiles. No one is a stranger to these children. They love books, water and people and respond to any kind of music. This information has been taken from the "Special Friends Foundation RTS pamphlet" written by Garry & Lorrie Baxter. For more information on Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, please visit the Special Friends Foundation website at www.specialfriends.org.

Showers of Blessings

"He, who began a good in you, will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6

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About Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome