Six Months and Picture Galore!

Lucia at her 6 Month Appointment!

Our little lu is going to be 6 months old on Wednesday!!!  She shares a half birthday with her daddy who will be 35, and her grandpa, who will be 88 on Wednesday, so needless to say October 26th is a very special day! Jason and I celebrated his b-day on Saturday night with a night away- his mom and Mario treated us to a night at the JW Marriott (silent auction item won by mario at lu's party) and friends had gifted us Elway's restaurant gift cards- so it truly was a treat!  Mario and Linda insisted on having Lucia stay with them all night as well...her second slumber party there- Lucia is one loved and lucky granddaughter-thank you!  So Jason, myself, and our dogs had a night away.  We know the dogs appreciated being front and center again for a night..   Six months now and can't even come close to imagining life without lu.  Love you so much lu-bird.

Her 6 month appointment went well today. A 16lb and 26 inch long Little Lady Lu-50% on the button!  We also had physical therapy today.  Her therapist did a motor skills test so we could have some 'baselines' to work on and give us some information.  Its a standard test on different physical checks and balances ranging from 0-2 scoring.  We have some improvements to work on and we will do our best.  Love you lu!

Lucia continues to bring us closer with friends and family.  A cousin I had not talked to in years and I reconnected and she sent a beautiful and fun package for Lucia this week.  Thank you Kim and her daughter, Tigi for their spectacular Lucia gifts-more peas, a pink frilly outfit, amongst some other goodies, and just to catch up a bit with them was very nice!

Thank you to so many that donated to the party last Saturday.  We are obviously so very touched by the success but also having post party blues as well :)   Thank you Michael Donnelly, Eschlemans, Redmonds, Ann Marsh, Flemmings, Tom Quirk, Alicia Gilbert, Jeffrey Lind, Aliza and David, John Unruh, Susan Foster, Danfords,  Catherine Kelley, Matthew Zettel, Gardners, Dyers, Manions, Apgars, Dr Guarin and Dr Rusakow, Mercedes and Kevin, Wilsons, Dr. Laurel Benson, Anne Paetz, Fuchs, Dolans, Rosenthals, Maggie and Alistair Miller, McManigals, Deschs, Andersons, Mallons, and a very special thank you to my relative, Joe Marsh for your kind donation and silent auction items.  Thank you also to my dad's dear friend, Bob Klopfer for your amazing generosity.  I know your friendship means so much to my dad, and that alone means so much to all of us..
Jason and I feel so fortunate and continue to be stunned by the overflow of generosity with words, gifts, prayers and more.  Enjoy the pictures...i wish there were more!

Love, Jason, Jules and our little six month old sweet bird, Lu.

Kimmy and my dad!

Lu and her nonie Linda

Marne, Kent, and Marie

me and tonya

Jason's mom Linda and my brother Andy

my parents!

andy, cayla, erin and chris

joey, galo and katie

pretty lucia!

me and mama

tonya and lu

scott and amanda moss and rachelle

Galo and Katie

elyse, me and laura

my mom and gene foster

maura and elyse

me, elyse, ashley and shannon

boys

hosts!

girls!

chris, eric and kevin

lu's pround parents

joe and brian

check in!

jason, ryan, brian and gavin

andy, joey and brad

girls!

beth and lu

group shot!

magan, kirsten, and aimee

Vali's

elyse and andi

funny boys

kim and me

love my lu!

Love my dad!

 THANK YOU ALL!!! XOXOXOXOXO

A for Oxygen!

queen Lu with her George Washington headpiece or stroller head support and no O2 tube!

Still so much to say about last week's events and so many to thank but I'm going to keep it short and sweet as it's been a busy week!

Lucia had an 'in home sleep study' Monday and Tuesday night.  She always sleeps hooked up to a pulse-oximeter to measure her oxygen/pulse levels at night but this study involved the medical supply company coming by and setting up a much more complex machine so her levels could be recorded and reviewed by her doctor, her pulminologist, the lovely Margarita.  As she is always on oxygen,  Margarita wanted to be sure it was enough oxygen and how she was doing...the result... an A! Lucia's average was around 95 and that is awesome (should be between 92-100) !  So, feeling good, I took off that little nasal cannula (oxygen tube in her nose) the next day for an hour and she stayed in the 90's (alert and awake levels tend to be better).  So we kept it out another hour, and another and then another, the whole time measuring her oxygen levels and she stayed above 90 the whole darn day! We did the same today, that's right- no tube in that cute button nose for two days in a row! We've always noticed her big blue eyes and cute button nose but without the tube-so free and cute in the Mile Hi thin air city!  She'll be using oxygen at night for a while, we are told, but if we can lose it during the day-here and there- sweet cherry pie!

Some tube-free nose time, Beautiful Benefit, Blessings, Amen!  Onward and Upward!  Our Lu-bird's lungs are getting stronger!  Tweet Tweet-So So Sweet!

Nite Nite

Thank you for all the online Lucia Light T-Shirt purchases this week-
Amy Thompson, Leigh and Lizzie Bobilya, Topaz Roberts,  Colleen O'Donnell, Katie Heaps and Heidi Harding!

Thank you Batcha's for the adorable sock monkey and Gigi and Fisher for the Ghost Pumpkin Surprise!

Love you Lu!

St. Lucia White Party

St. Lucia White Party!!

If you are, by chance,  blessed with a child born of special needs, we know that throughout the pain of the unknown, the pain of tough medical moments, the pain of going down an unplanned and different road, there are tulips that bloom along the way.  Along the journey they may bloom bigger and brighter than others, but there are people that will water and nourish the tulips, and help them bloom.  On Saturday night, Jason, Lucia and I danced and skipped along our unknown and different path, holding hands with over 160 of some of these special people, amongst many beautiful and bright tulips.  

Yes, we have only just begun this journey, a little less than 6 months, but after a night like Saturday...we know we are truly blessed, and not alone, indeed.

It was a few months ago that some of our friends asked if we were free on October 15th.  When we said yes, we were given only a few details of what would unfold.  Little by little, we found out about a benefit that was in the works in honor of Lucia.  The St. Lucia White Party honoring Lucia Dawkins, benefiting PKS Kids.  "People want to help, but they don't know what to do" was what my sister-in-law, and matron of honor at our wedding, Kim Hicks told me, and she came up with the idea.   Kim, and four of my good friends, Laura Huff, Elyse Slayton, Megan Gilles and Greta Swanson O'Dwyer, were all a part and it could not have been better.  I would catch wind of a 'meeting night' and that night I couldn't help smiling, tearing up and loving my family, just thinking about the girls doing what they were doing.  The venue chosen was a independent art gallery, that just happened to be owned by Lucia's GI doctor, unbeknownst to the girls.  Countless hours went into the planning, paper invitations sent out, email updates, silent auction and raffle items, who would be when where, guest lists, party lists, music play lists, food lists, a website dedicated to the event and above all details filled with love.  The night was perfect.  

Jason had tentatively planned a 'boys weekend' that weekend but when I told him about the party for Lucia he immediately said they would pick another weekend.  So...he told his friends about the 'change of weekends' and they individually responded with a 'we'll be there, this IS the weekend for our weekend'.  Brian Killea, Ryan Smith, Joe Escheman, and Gavin Curley flew across the country to be by Jason's side.  Brian even said to Jason half way through the night, "if one more person asks me if i flew in just for this party I'm gonna lose it.  YES, i flew in JUST for THIS PARTY-OF COURSE I WOULDN'T MISS IT". We love you Brian.

My parents were also here from Ohio to show their love and support.  Jason's mom and Mario shortened their out of town trip to be back in time.  Jason's dad, Kent,  hosted a golf day on Saturday for all the visiting boys.  Thank you parents for all you did and do. 

"All White Attire" the invitation read, and all that attended were in all white, indeed.  It was so beautiful to just look around the gallery.  White walls with art, beautiful, delicious and gourmet food on white tablecloths (a lot of which was prepared by Kim and my dad), a very long table full of amazing silent auction items, and 'all white attire' dressed guests,  filled the room to show their love and support for our, not yet 6 month old, Little Lu.   

From 7PM-past 11PM Jason, Lucia and I felt the love and saw the tulips grow bigger and bigger with every minute.  We shared a few words to our guests, and I could not have been prouder of my husband, as I listened and fell in love all over again. 

The St. Lucia White Party, a night of so much planning from five very special girls,  a night of love, light, celebration, and thankfulness.  Over $20,000 was raised for PKS Kids.  Some people have told us, 'special children choose their special parents'..well we do believe that God gave us Lucia for reason, but we do know that He had all our friends and family in mind when Lucia 'chose us' because she chose you all too.   Thank you for adding your water, nourishment and love to support Lucia and other PKS Kids Bloom to their most brightest and most beautiful.  

Thank you to all the business' and individuals (listed below) for their silent auction and raffle contributions.  A special thank you to the O'Donnell boys and Brian Diessner, who were not able to attend,  but for their silent auction donation of the grand San Francisco weekend.  And to their parents, we were sorry you could not attend Bonnie,  our love and prayers go out to you and Dick.  More thank yous and more pictures to come...

With so much love amongst a field of tulips, 

Jason, Juliet and our most shining light, Lucia

Me w/ the Hostesses - Greta, Megan, Elyse, Laura, and Kimmy

LUCIA! adorned in lucia t-shirts as a last minute sales pitch-with an amazing 11PM smile!  

Jason, Brian, Ryan, Joe and Gavin, enjoying a silent auction wine purchase late night...before they fly out the next morning. 

Silent auction festivities...

Again..more thank yous and pictures to come..thank you Andy Slayton for photgraphing the night..

ST. LUCIA PARTY FOR PKS KIDS

in honor of LUCIA DAWKINS

THANK YOU to the individuals and businesses for the generous donations to the St. Lucia Party auction and raffle.  All proceeds will be donated to PKS Kids and are greatly appreciated.  Thank you Paper Lady for the invitations

THANK YOU in advance for your participation!

3 nights at Ceiba Del Mar in Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya + $500 voucher towards airfare

1 night at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

1 night at the JW Marriot in Cherry Creek Denver

1 night at the Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast in Crested Butte

1 week stay in Hilton Head, South Carolina

A San Francisco weekend – 2 night stay at The Fairmont on Nobb Hill, boat trip, $200 dinner + $600 voucher towards airfare 

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail – 1 round of golf for 4

4 Club Level Tickets to see the Colorado Avalanche on November 28, 2011

4 Lower Bowl Colorado Avalanche tickets – any game

Authentic Colorado Avalanche Jersey signed by Matt Duchene

Angela Beldy Photography – 1.5 hour Family Photo Session

Crazy Merchant – Little Girl’s Birthday Jewelry Party

Mannheim Steamroller tickets at the Buell Theater-Joe Marsh

Lord of the Dance tickets at the Buell Theater- Joe Marsh

Earl’s Restaurant – Chef’s Table Tasting Party for 8

Table Six – $100 Gift Certificate

Tables – $100 Gift Certificate

Elway’s – $100 Gift Certificate

Cherry Creek Grill – $50 Gift Certificate

Pary’s on 28^th Restaurant – $50 Gift Certificate

Oblio’s Pizzeria – (2) 1 Large Pizza and a bottle of wine

Tony’s Market – $40 Gift Cards + 8 steak temperature skewers

Saucy Chef – Personal Chef “Breakfast in Bed” basket for 2 delivered to your home

2 bottles of 2004 Etude Cabernet from a private collection

2005 Silver Oak Cabernet and 2003 Domaine Mazilly Pere & Fils Burgandy from a private collection + leather wine carrying case

Framed Colorado Nature Photograph by Stan Hill

Framed Red Rocks Photograph by Jay Scherer

Artwork from Sarah Cotten

Spinelli’s Market – Dinner for 4

Ciji’s Pet Store – $50 Gift Certificate

West Elm – $75 Gift Card + Throw Blanket

Garbarini – BCBG snakeskin clutch

Lululemon – Yoga Starter Kit

Stella & Dot Jewelry & Accessories from Kirsten Vali

Spa Vital Facial at Pura Vida

Lattise and Botox Package

Hair Cut and Highlight from Jaque Lord, Juliet’s hair stylist

Private Yoga Class with Blair Vaughn

PURA VIDA:

- (2) 1-month Memberships

- (5) 1 hour private Pilates class

- 1 private 30 minute Kinesis class for 4

- 1 private 30 minute Pilates & 30 minute Kinesis class

- (2) 1 hour personal training session

10 pack to Sacred I yoga studio

Lia Sophia from Liz Hicks

RAFFLE ITEMS (must be present to win)

4 Denver Outlaw Lacrosse tickets – 2012 opening game

Tokyo Joe’s - $30 Gift Cards

Park Hill Cleaners - $20 Gift Certificate

Mici Handcrafted Italian Restaurant in Cherry Creek – $75 in Gift Certificates

Pasquini’s Pizzeria - $50 in Gift Certificates

Artisan Center in Cherry Creek - $20 Gift Certificates

Park Hill Cleaners - $20 Gift Certificate

Grape Expectations Wine Store - $25 Gift Certificate

Aji Mexican Restaurant Boulder - $25 Gift Certificate + 2 drinks

Mici Handcrafted Italian Restaurant in Cherry Creek – $75 in Gift Certificates

Blu Clothing Boutique in Cherry Creek – $30 Gift Certificate

Moss Pink Flora & Botanicals – Goodie Bag

Outdoor Divas Cherry Creek – Running Goodie Bag

1 Lucia “Light” PKS Kids T

Blessed

the welcome poster to the party

The St. Lucia White Party was amazing, perfect, beautiful, fabulous.  More to come..but thank you to all that were a part of the most special event for our precious Little Lu.  We are so blessed.
Signing off for a much needed night of sleep...dreaming about the wonderful event last night...

xoxoxo

the very blessed dawkins family

You just never know

Lucia in her new bumbo seat with her new friend, Dutchess the cow. 

Lucia had a doctor's appointment today and while we were waiting to see her surgeon, Dr. Rothenburg, another little girl was wheeled into the waiting room.  She appeared to be about 6 years old or so.  I hesitated at first to ask anything and then I remembered how I appreciate when people ask about Lucia.  They care to ask and not just wonder and feel sorry that something might be wrong.  So I asked her mom,  does she have a syndrome of some kind?  I thought for sure her mom would say yes.  However, she responded that her daughter, Mackenzie, had choked on a cracker when she was 18 months old, and was oxygen deprived.  She is now wheelchair bound, can't talk or hold her head up very well, but she smiled and looked very happy.  There are so many different reasons for special kids, some are born with a rare syndrome and some have a path that changes course later in life...you just never know... Whatever the reason, it happens and that little Mackenzie seemed as happy and as sweet as could be.  She even had the cutest purple wheelchair I had ever seen...and I thought if Lucia needs one of those later in life, I would choose that one and believe Lucia would feel sporty and pretty on it.  I do have a very vivid picture of her riding a tricycle too..biking to school..with a basket...and maybe a pink and orange flag.
For now we are working on therapy and this week we introduced an orange bumbo (pictured above)!  Just a little time in that orange bumbo as her neck is not too strong but... little by little..step by step..smile by smile..spoonful by spoonful..we are making progress!
Thank you again for all the work and planning that has gone into the PKS Benefit this Saturday.  My parents arrived yesterday and we can't wait!

Bye-bo and lots of very special love,

the Dawkins

A Giggle and Good News!

When I take little Lu's hands in my hands and pat her little hands on my cheeks she seems to smile and tonight she even busted out a little giggle! A giggle from our girl!  A sweet little giggle! Little Lu let out a little giggle!!  These little milestones are so sweet and special and a blessing, and we'll take them when you are ready to give them out Little Lu!  You can witness it above :)

We sure love Lucia's Pulminologist, Margarita Guarin, especially when she gives us good news!  I shared our excitement about Lu being off oxygen in Ohio and she said, that's good because it means her sleep apnea truly is central.  Central apnea means central nervous system, where obstructed apnea means something is blocking her being able to breath properly.  So....the possibility of a tracheostomy is confirmed to be negative!!  I have always been dreading the next sleep study for fear that they would say it was/is obstructed apnea but No Way Jose! Ah yes, very very very very fabulous to hear that.  She had many nice things to say about Lucia, and she is pleased with what she sees!  Music to our ears!

Thank you Cayla for the oh so fun and so very cute g-button covers!  We absolutely love them- she no longer wears blah medical gauze around that button- she has cute fabric colorful covers-today she is wearing a duck print. www.feedingessentials.com if you have need for a g-button cover!  Tomorrow we are going to share one with a friend who just got a g-button today,  Lexi Skinner.  Thank you Katy Linstroth for your nice card, thank you Aunt Kathy for the beautiful pictures, and thank you Lucy and Lizzie for the Lucia burp cloths!

This week is the countdown for the St. Lucia White Party- we can't wait! A giggle, a good report and a party-this is something very very special.  Thank you God for giving us so much!  xoxo

Lucia's cute new fashonista accessory on her g-button!

Fire-No. Firetruck-YES!!

Firemen to the Rescue!!!

Well, Lucia has met firemen and she likes them for a few reasons...they are cute, they are speedy when needed-about 3-5 minutes, and they came to her and her dogs rescue today!

Mommy and Lu started out with a great morning.  Play date with Tonya and Truly McCabe, Occupational Therapy with Kristin including taking little bites of, and playing with yogurt, and a day of catch-up planned from being gone for the last 10 days...then things took a turn...

After several trips, the car was loaded up with all the necessary things for the day.  Lastly, and most importantly mom loaded up the dogs, and sweet little Lu.   She shut the passenger door and immediately heard the ping of the car alarm being set for her LOCKED car!!!  NO- IT CAN'T BE!  Lady Frieda must have put her paw on the door lock just perfectly.  Windows up all the way, phone and keys in car (no spare key available due to Blue eating it a while back) and no mommy!
Panic set in and I rushed to my neighbors, the Casias' to the South, and Aliza and David's to the North...both ended up coming out within minutes.  I stood next to my window with a large flagstone in hand gently trying to bust out my driver's side window.  Aliza calmly suggested that she call 911 and what a grand idea!  I could hear the firetruck within minutes and soon they arrived on Holly Street.   Four firemen surrounded the car with locksmith tools, and within moments they were in!  Baby was calm, dogs were a bit freaked out, and mommy was sooooo relieved.  Before i had a chance to get any digits for my single girlfriends, they were off to the next job.  Jumping Jack Flash!  Not quite the day I had planned..

Whoosh-Bam-Ahhhhh

Time to special order that extra spare key....

Good Night and Good Day tomorrow!

a little yogurt for a little lu! 

Truly and Tonya McCabe

Walk in the Light

Our trip to my parents house ended today.  I love the safe feeling of being at 'home' ...parents watching over you, all sleeping under the same roof, parents loving on your daughter and all their grandkids, home cooked meals, and so many memories...but as they say- all good things must come to an end (who are 'they' anyway?!).  Regardless, Lucia and I were excited to get home to my husband, her daddy, our dogs and our little house on Holly.

The airport didn't feel as smooth as it did on the way out..and mama, AKA me, almost had a meltdown.  I'm not one to get easily stressed or overwhelmed but then again, I haven't really had many reasons to be, but today it just seemed to add up.  Luggage weighed a whopping 5lbs over the limit, luggage was locked and the baggage guy made a fuss about it, rushing to security so I could start Lucia's feeding only to be stopped for while because they forgot to type 'infant' on my boarding pass...  Deep breaths, her feeding was only an hour late, lugging stroller, car seat, baby, oxygen and batteries, diaper bag, and some other schwag through the belt...and not to mention it was H-O-T in that Columbus airport.  I just had a rush of feelings-Lu was sleeping, but needed to eat, some of the people were nice and some just blah... my baby girl didn't look comfortable and she was in her car seat crowded by medical equipment..I just started thinking.. I hope this isn't the easiest its going to be for Lucia, and then I started thinking more and walking and deep breaths and thinking and walking...  I had about 30 minutes until take-off and decided that a glass of wine would be a good idea.  "Pinot Grigio on the fly please".  I sat down, feeling my eyes swell up with tears and then it happened..I looked at Little Lu.  She had woken up and was looking around with her big blue eyes that melt my soul.  Just when you think...you look at little Lu.  Thank you my little Lu-bird.  You swept in and picked me up once again!
The rest of the flight home wasn't bad and getting home to our family was great.  I started to tell Jase about my day and with that I started to get teary again.  It truly was not bad, not bad at all, many great moments, but we sometimes catch glimpses of what MAY be for our little girl and it hurts, we hurt for Lu.
About 5 minutes passed and our neighbors, Kelly and Karen came by with a little gift for Lucia.  I've lived next door to them since I bought the house in 1999 and they are a wonderful family-Karin, Kelly, and and their 2 boys, Emilio and Matteo.  Thank you neighbors for your very special gift and beautiful letter.  I needed a good cry and this did the trick- in a good way.
They gave Lucia a cd they made titled, Red Tail Chasing Hawks Songs for Lucia and here is part of their note, I hope you don't mind me sharing it... it's too beautiful to not.

Juliet, Jason and Lucia.....
The name Lucia means 'the light' and we have seen first hand how Lucia lights up a room and our hearts.  The Native Americans believe that all 'life' revolves around a universal sequence of rhythms and cycles-from the changing of the four season to the sun's rise at the beginning of each day to it's beautiful sunset marking day's end; and just as the sunlight warms and nurtures the earth, I have witnessed how Lucia's 'light' warms and brightens your world.  Juliet and Jason, your lives have changed and now revolve around little Lu just as the universe revolves around the sun.  
Please accept our gift of the native American music (music that reflects life and love at it's most basic level-nature's music).
.....
"Learn and Listen
Hear what you are missing
can you hear the whispers in the wind, a rain drop fall, the love in someones eyes or the love in a mother's tears."  The Raven
May you walk in the Light,
Always,
Karin, Kelly, Emilio & Mateo
Thank you Casias Family.  This is a perfect gift from your family to ours.  Thank you also for your generous donation to PKS Kids.  I know it was in God's plan to have us beside each other in the universe.
May we all walk in the Light.

Family and an upcoming... St. Lucia party!!

precious little lu-bird 

I usually like to blog after I put little lu down in her crib at night.  Since we've been away, 1 week, she has slept in bed with me and she loves to stay up late-like 1AM!  She doesn't fuss or need to be held but how can you go to sleep with a little Lu bird sitting pretty next to you?  I just want to look into her eyes, hold her hands, read her favorite book-squishy turtle and friends, and love and kiss on her...choosing the dog feels so good!  So, needless to say, blogging has not been happening much!  But we have a LOT to be thankful for and a very special upcoming party that I wanted to share.

Phillip and Anna had a beautiful wedding and Lucia got to meet so many friends and family in her pretty little fancy dress.   It was a beautiful wedding and weekend.  My brother's friend Andy, introduced us to a friend, and after talking with her we learned that is a therapist for a little girl who has PKS!  Craz-EE-this is more than a coincidence..  She could not disclose too much because of her work relationship, but the little girl is in a foster home, is 4 years old and can walk and even talk a bit!  I am trying to get more information on this little angel and will share more when we know more...

Now we are having some good ole family time at home, in New Philadelphia.  Still oxygen free during the day and have even gone a night without!  Although we have no plans of moving from Denver, this sure makes traveling to lower altitudes MUCH more appealing!   As soon as we start buying lottery tickets and win we will most definitely buy a private jet for little lu. 

Next Saturday, October 15th, our special friends are hosting a very, very, very special party in Lu's honor.  The St. Lucia White Party honoring Lucia Dawkins benefiting PKS Kids!  There are still some tickets available and it is going to be a wonderful night.  If you would like to join us, please please do.  The benefit is at an art gallery on Santa Fe Ave, in Denver (which by the way-Lucia's GI doctor and his wife own-and the girls did not know this until Dr. Rosensweig bought his tickets!!!!!!!-Craze-EEE again)!!!  Raffle tickets to all that attend, incredible silent auction items, food, friends and lots of fun all for a truly amazing organization, PKS Kids.  We are so grateful to our friends-they have put so much love and time into this event.  THANK YOU Elyse, Greta, Kim, Laura and Megan.  

If you would like to purchase tickets and/or learn more about the St. Lucia White (all white attire) please visit www.stluciaparty.myevent.com.  Lucia Light -white t-shirts will be on sale too :) ... Tickets sales may close this Thursday, October 6th.  

good night little lu sleeping pretty next to me, in my bed since i was a little girl.  I have thought about this moment of sharing my bed with my child and here it is...here you are...i must go cuddle up next to you now.  I love you lu and we love you daddy and doggies in Denver.   night night, sleep tight

Me, Lucia, and family-Joey, Kim, Jon and Courtney

first family formal affair! i think lu's hat might be a bit tight. 

one of my most favorite pics- my dad and little lu..