Tis the season!

As I was out today looking around for last minuet gifts(I know I am one of "THOSE" people) I started to realize how much of Christmas has been lost in the madness of gift giving! Now usually I try to keep my blogs about Remington but tonight I am going to talk about a person who made my childhood Christmases merry and bright!

left to right:
great grandma Lula, cousin Dani, Tiff, Grandma marian and me! 

Decorating the tree!

Now I remember when I was little my Grandma Marian would throw the greatest Christmas parties in the entry world! I can remember being so excited for November to come just to help my Grandma get the house decorated(which usually was never finished until the week before Christmas)! My Grandma would make the inside of the house look like Santa's workshop! My grandpa would make the outside look beautiful!  They had this Christmas star you could see from the road and I can remember being so proud knowing that star came from their house!  Grandma had the greatest stories about her meetings with Santa and how he told her he knew if we had been good or bad! 

Christmas with grandma!

I was probably on the naughty list more then I was on the Good list(somethings never change) but I always loved hearing about the magic of Santa. In fact I remember when I stopped believing in the "Jolly old guy" I was scared to tell my grandma, in fear it would break her heart forever. So I did what any child at age ten would do,  I fibbed! I think she thought I believed until I was well into middle school(sorry grandma)!  My Grandma knew every Christmas song there ever was. She always had music playing through the Holidays and she was always singing along(or her best attempt at singing anyway)! In case some of you are wondering...this is where my BEAUTIFUL singing voice comes from! I remember that she would go all out on her grandchildren for Christmas! As an adult I can appreciate how this must of set her and my grandpa back each year but that never mattered to them. She was determined to make Christmas everything to us kids and she always did!

wise man Whit!

 I remember being very young and getting dressed up in my grandma's night gowns to put on a nativity scene for the adults. I am sure my big sister was the ring leader in this because she always had us doing nerdy things like this!  Yet this is one of my favorite pictures to look back on as a child! We always had so much fun with my grandma any day of the year but there was just something about the Christmas holiday that brought out a new light in her! Now some might find this ironic but I find it perfect and fitting her entails are M.C.( Merry Christmas) and her name when said fast almost sounds like Merry Christmas( for her privacy I wont put her name on here but if you know her try this out)! Now I can not tell you many of the gifts I received over the years but what I can tell you is every second I spent helping my Grandma and being with the family is what made my Christmas.  My Grandmother instilled in her grandchildren the true joy of Christmas! We not only learned of the great magic of Santa and the gifts we were sure to receive but that the Holidays were about getting together as a family and making memories together! Thank you grandma for making my childhood Christmases all that a child could dream of and more! You have given me something to look up to as I raise Remington and his siblings to come and someday my own grandchildren.  I love you grandma and thank you!

(I could not resist putting some of the picture of Christmases growing up!)

My first Christmas!

My cousin Dani, Sister Tiffany and I on Christmas!

Christmas at Grandma's...gotta love my hat!

Look at all those presents! I have always been a show stopper!

So like tiffany to sit why I clean!

Getting big

So thanks to my lovely sister Tiffany and her constant reminder that I have not wrote on my blog for sometime now and me not being one to finish something I start...HERE I AM(which happens to be the title of my latest favorite song)! So much has happened since my last entry and I do apologize for keeping you all waiting, so lets get started!
POST SURGERY:

before the surgery!

Remington is doing so well since his surgery. Although my sweet little Super Hero is still on his special juice(oxygen) at night, we now know why he is and the problems that we know stand ahead to fix it! Remington has a few problems in his airways that are causing the the breathing difficulties. The first is that his adenoids are very enlarged and will have to come out eventually(they like to wait on this until they are about two but will do it sooner if needed)! The seconded is that his epiglottis( which is the little dangley thing in the back of your throat) is shaped more like a horse shoe and it needs to be more flat. We hope that this will fix itself but if not they well have to fix that. Our ENT( Ear, nose, and throat doctor) says that he thinks that this will most likely fix itself. This is also the reason that Remington makes that funny sound that sounds like a seal(which in a way would be sad not to hear because it makes him, him)! The third issue is probably the most concerning, every human body has two holes in the lung to let air out. These holes are usually quit large, Remi has one that is usual size and then one that is very little. The ENT thinks that this is because he had so many troubles at birth with his lungs. He is hoping that this will fix itself but is unsure if it will. If not they will have to go in and widen that hole because it will make it very difficult to breath when our Hero starts walking! All of these issues ARE fixable and that is the very best news a mommy wants to hear. We will be going back when Remington is One to check these things again. So keep your fingers Crossed! Remi also had his cute little ears checked while we had him under. He had tubes put in and we are already noticing how much better he can hear. Every time we are out in loud places, he gets very jumping and scared. Although my voice does not seem to bother him and I would not say I am a quite person to say the least!

post surgery!

Remington did so good in his surgery that we were able to take him home. This was supposed to be and over night stay surgery. This is just one of the MANY reasons that my little wonder never stops AMAZING his mommy and daddy of his true bravery and will to be healthy! We are so proud of Remington for all he has accomplished.

SLEEP DEPRIVED MOMMY AND DADDY:
Okay since we brought are little monster home he has been one of the greatest sleepers! Well that was until he got his hearing back and now wakes up at least two to three times a night! Some nights my little guy does not want to go back to sleep and because I am a weak mommy I put a movie in and we cuddle and watch cartoons! Then he ends up sleeping with me, which is kind of ironic because I have ALWAYS been the one that says " Babies sleep in there cribs!" I guess its different when it is your own and there is space on the bed for him! Remington makes me want to break all the rules. He just has away of making me do whatever he wants. YES our kids have COMPLETE control of us flocks! We have but no choice then to let them win! That is if we value what little sleep we are given and believe me when I say I VERY MUCH DO!

cuddling with daddy!

GROWING BIG:
Our little super hero is now saying "DADADADADADADADADA!" although I worked on mommy for months Dallen still got the first word! I tell Dallen all the time it is just because it is easier(it makes me feel better) but in away I am so happy it was his first word! Dallen will KILL me for saying this but you should see his face every time Remi says "dada" He just lights up! He seriously is such a proud daddy! Plus I get so many first that only mommy's get and so I guess I can give him this one....BUT...the next word better be mommy! He is also sitting pretty much on his own these days(with the occasional tip over)! He is eating baby food and has a strong love for Squash and Carrots. He has a strong hate for most fruits( I know odd) Green beans and Peas! If you choose either of these green devils, you better be ready to doc and cover because he will spit them back at you! Remington is getting so big it is crazy to me. At his six month appointment our little man was weighing in at a whooping 17 pounds and 11 ounces(which might be normal for average babies but for a baby with DS it is AMAZING! To put this into perspective a usual 18 month old DS baby weighs about what Remi does right now) Remington is also 27 and a half inches long which is also AMAZING! The other day we actually were shopping and a father with a nine year old Ds boy, stopped to talk to us about Remington(this happens a lot, the DS community is so loving and opened)! He was so was amazed at how big and healthy Remi looked! This made Dallen and I smile, it is always nice to hear from others how great your child is ha ha ha!

Spiting peas!

SUPER HERO TRAINING:
Rem's therapist Sue is doing lots of new things with Remington! He now has a ball that he sits on and bounces! We also practice our Superman flying tactics by laying on our bellies and rolling on the ball. While mommy holds our feet! He usually loves this but is not really a big fan of the sitting and bouncing. This is to help him to have better balance and to build that upper body core. I am going to have one buff baby on my hands. I have to tell you I feel so blessed to have the medical team that we have for Remington. Sue being at the top of that list!

SILLY BUTTERFIELD DAYS:

I thought I would end this entry on a high with some of the funny things that have happened in the past couple weeks. I am sure most of you have heard by now my story of how we get Remington to be quite in the car these days but for the few that have not heard I will go ahead and tell the story anyways. Remington has acquired and strong dislike for the car rides. One day I was driving home from work and he was just screaming. I had pulled over tried to clam him down and nothing was working. So I did what any mother on her last thread of normalcy would do! I turned up my music and tried my best not to think about the baby crying in the backseat! It just so happened that the song on my ipod was an old high school classic "There it go (the Whistle song)!" I know embarrassing but it gets me every time! Remington also was very touched by the song! He went from screaming to a peaceful sweet ray of sunshine! I thought maybe this was a mistake so I changed the song and he started crying again. So needless to say we drive around town these days rocking out to the "Whistle song!" Dallen is very worried we have produced a little "RAPPA!"

"GANGSTA REM!"

This story is very gross and should probably not be told but when have I ever been one to keep a good embarrassing story of myself under raps? Remington has a hard time going number two, so we have this whole process to get that crap(literally) out! One day we had been at it for almost thirty minutes and I was sure he was done. I got him all dressed and ready to go when what to my wondering ears...he is still working on some more! I seriously could not believe he was still going to try and poop some more! As I was taking his diaper off I said are you serious...I had my mouth wide open and my beloved child peed right into my mouth! I was so shocked I sat there for a half a second trying to calculate what had just happened then I ran off to the bathroom and threw up! Dallen could not stop laughing and refused to kiss me for about four days! Gotta love my boy!

Well that is a pretty good idea what is going on around our place and what we are looking forward to in the future. We love all of you so very much and are so thankful for all your love and support that you show to us each and every single day!
Remi's Mommy!

Moving on up!

One of our family pictures

One might say that I have been a little preoccupied the last month and have had no time to write, while another might say I was just to damn lazy to stay up after putting my little monster down for the night to write. I myself would probably lean more to the second but hey who is judging?!?!
Things have been going so super great lately, we are in our new place and I have spent most of my days decorating and getting things put in there right place. You might say I have a problem, I actually get anxiety over where I should put things! I fear that it is becoming a giant issue because I actually keep losing sleep at night thinking about where things should go! Dallen is probably going to kick me out if I wake him up one more time to tell him I know where we should put something! I know what you are thinking this is drastic but like I said I have a very BIG problem! Dallen has been so super about it all though, he will move things around a million times to satisfy my strange decorating troubles! Truth be told he is probably to afraid of the "pink hulk" (which he commonly calls me in times like these) to say no but I love him anyways! I have not had time to take pictures( well really I have not taken pictures due to the fact that I am not done) but when I do I will be sure to blog!

so sweet!

Other then this Remington is doing so great getting big and talking like it is going out of style! I think he might look like his daddy(which I am finally starting to accept) but he has mommy's personality. You cant stop Remington from a good conversation! He and I have had a lot of quality time lately and I am proud to announce Remi loves my dancing! Makes him laugh so hard he almost starts crying(not really sure what to think about that)! We took him to the doctor on Friday because he was not feeling very well and he is weighing in now at 16 pounds 1 ounce and 26 and half inches long! Pretty soon I am not even going to be able to hold him...he will probably be holding me! He is pretty much sitting up by himself these days and starting to eat rice cereal(which he hates) and sitting in his high chair while we eat(which he also hates)! He is a big fan of our fans in our living room, I think he thinks they are the greatest thing since ham fried rice! We had some trouble the first couple night in our new house trying to get him to sleep! He was not used to the sounds,smells and looks of his now room but he is doing a little better now! Still not my sleep through the night baby, that I have come to love but we will get there!

what a sweet face(not) he hates his mush!

As many of you might already know Remington is having a surgery on November 14th for his ears and airways! Nothing to serious, they are just putting tubes in, checking how extensive the hearing lose is in his right ear and exploring his airways to see if something is blocking of his air path while he sleeps! This might be why he sounds like a seal when he cries and why he is still on oxygen at night! It will be at primary's and should be no more then an hour long! I am hoping all goes well and we can bring him home that day but they are telling us to expect at least an over night stay! Not exactly where we wont to be( brings back lots of bad memories) but we will not be admitted to the NICU so that is a plus! Also we should actually be able to stay over night with him and this will make it lots better on us! Dallen is looking forward to eating at the Rainbow cafe which we came to love the first time we were up there! I know odd but we have learned to appreciate the small things!

loves pumpkin guts!

We are still so thankful to all you guys for all your love and support for our little family! Without all of you these little bumps in the road might seem more like pot holes! Love you all!
Remi's Mommy!

Hunting thoughts of super powers!

Remington doing his tummy time!

When you become a mother there is nothing in this world you would not do for your child, you know from the moment you find out you are pregnant you will do anything for the health and happiness of your baby. I remember sitting on my bed when I was about seven months pregnant promising my unborn baby that there is nothing I would not do for his health and happiness. I sometimes wish there was more I could do to make this promise come true for Remington. I know that he has such a long road ahead of him and sometimes I find myself focusing on all the things that COULD happen to my baby, all the things that COULD take my sweet child away from me and sometimes these thought over power all the good roads that lay ahead. I always feel guilty for feeling this way but sometimes I just would like to know why this should be Remington's life(even though I know he is a gift from the lord)! Why should he have to bear such a great burden.

best cuddle partner!

 Tonight as I sat here holding Remington watching my favorite t.v. show (Parenthood) lots of thoughts started to come into my head. How come Remington has been given to us? What did we do so right to be given such and amazing spirit? Why does his life have to come with so many challenges? What will happen if Remington ends up getting something serious? Can we go through this again? What can I do to stop any pain my child might have to go through? Even though I try not to let the "What if's" thoughts bring me down sometimes they get the best of me! Now do not get me wrong the thoughts of all the fun we will have and already have with Remington out weight the bad thoughts by along shoot. Yet as any mother would,  I do fear what lays ahead for my baby. I sometimes have a hard time putting him down in his crib because I never want to let him go in fear of what tomorrow might bring. Sometimes I cover him in kisses just in case someday I don't get to give him anymore. I sometimes wonder what I will do the first day that Remington figures out he is just a little different. How that conversation will be handled by Dallen and I, that thought puts me in tears every single time I think about it. What mom or dad ever wants to tell there child they are different? Yet I know he will be smart and he will figure it all out for himself.  In our eyes Remington is the greatest thing since ham fried rice!  We will always do our best to make his life the very best we can, even on the rough days! I know that time will help prepare us for this challenge and all the challenges to come. I just wish I could have a glimpse into the future to prepare myself for all that might lay ahead for Remington. Although I know this is how I would be even if Remington did not have Downs syndrome. Dallen would call me a worry wart. He might be right but lets not let him know I admitted that, he would get a big head!

 I know right now it might seem that I am out for a pity party but I am not looking for anyone to feel sorry for us because there nothing to feel sorry about. Remington is the greatest baby in the entire world and I am one blessed mommy. Yet the fear of the unknown does keep me up at night sometimes and I know this is normal(even though it makes me feel guilty)! I want this blog to be about the real side of raising a child with super powers and through that I want to be real about the thoughts that go through a parents mind each and everyday. My hope is that someday someone going through something similar to us can read my blog and find peace knowing THEY are NOT alone! 

We love everyone so much and are so thankful for all the love and support everyone is always showing to us. We know that Remington is going to have a great life and will make it through whatever is tossed his way. We know that we are not alone and are not given anything that can not be handled. Remington is such a great example to us all. We feel so blessed to have him in our lives!

Remington's mommy

This is a fortune cookie I got a week before
Remington was born, Just barley
found the picture on my phone!

  

Baby vs. Crib!

Then battle begins!

Asleep in mommy's arms!

When we brought Remington home from primaries we were still so scared he would stop breathing on us that we set up his pack-n-play next to our bed.This is where he has slept for the first three months of his little life and it was all fine and dandy until about a month ago when he would start waking up at his daddy's snoring! Dallen would say that he does not snore(who is he really trying to kid)! So because I can't rightly put a pillow over Dallen until the snoring stops( in fear that he will stop breathing), we decided to put Remington in his bran new crib! A crib that we HAD to have before he was born, that up until last week had never held a baby! In my defense... I was going through nesting and I wanted to have his room all ready for him to come home( how was I to know that Remington would have such a start)!
 So the first night we put him in and settled down for our nice usual sleep through the night(I know I can not really complain because Remi has always been such a great sleeper)! Remington on the other hand decided that sleeping in his bed was not really an option( he maybe a little head strong like his mother) and because he knows he makes the rules was sure to show us this by getting up every hour on the hour the entire night! So we did what any parent would do on their last thread of sanity.  We put the pack-n-play back up and let the little guy win! As soon as we did this Remington took one great big deep breath and fell asleep!

Remington one...Crib zero!

My worst enemy!

The next day Dal and I both felt so defeated, how could a baby have so much control?  Dallen just kept saying "why would a baby choose to sleep on that hard pack-n-play mat rather then his nice comfortable bed!" So me being a little on the stubborn side myself, decided that there was no way Remington was going to win this battle! I mean he is just a baby how hard could it really be?! So we got Remi all ready for bed, gave him his bottle, read his little story(the therapist says it will help with his speech), sang him his night-night song and rocked the little guy into a deep sleep. I was sure that he was going to at least sleep for a couple hours but I was wrong! We laid him down, got our comfortable cloths on and just sat down to watch Planet Earth(I know we are nerds) When what to my wondering ears do I hear but a little voice coming from the baby monitor! Remington had decided that he was not ready to stop playing with mom and dad. I could not help but laugh because he was being so darn cute. For those of you who don't know I am a weak mommy, Remington just has to smile and I will be sure to do whatever it is I think he wants. Due to this I grabbed him out of his crib and for about two more hours the little guy watched Planet Earth with us! Then we once again put him in his bed got him all nestled in. He was doing great for about four hours and then the DAMN monitor we put on him to check his saturation levels while he sleeps started going off! Not because Remington was having any trouble breathing but because the probe had fallen off his foot. So we had to wake him up to put that darn thing back on(I have a love hate relationship with the monitor)! So once again holding on to the last of our pride, we put the pack-n-play back up! Wouldn't you know it Remington fell into a nice deep sleep for the rest of the night!

Remington two.....Crib zero!!

Remington proving to daddy..
there will be no CRIB!!

Now Dallen and I are both starting to feel like it is a never ending case! Remington had no intentions of ever sleeping in the nice comfortable crib! He would probably be in his teens before he was going to for go his pack-n-play for a bed! What do we do because neither of us are ready to take away the one thing that makes our baby sleep through the night? At this point the pack-n-play was a life line of our sleep! So we did what we do best kept the pack-n-play up for what we both now needed... a good nights sleep!

Remington three....Crib ZERO!!!

This last Saturday Dal and I made a packed that we would not let Remi win, he was going to sleep in that crib if we had to stay up all night long! I am not sure if Remington was understanding us making this packed or if he was just loving the sight of his parents losing their minds to a none sleeping baby but we slept probably about a good two hours the whole night! Remington was sure to show us that if we were going to make him stay in that Crib he was going to give us hell! Yet even though we spent the most part of the day in our beds...Remington did not win the battle of the Crib he slept(or laid) in his own bed the whole night! We both had such a since of accomplishment! 

Remington three....Crib one!!!!

Asleep in his own little bed!

Sunday afternoon we put that pack-n-play all the way away and promised it had seen its last night! Sunday night we stuck to our guns and I am happy to announce that Remington slept through the night in his own room and even slept until about eight-thirty! 

 Remington three...Crib two!!!!!

I am hoping that by writing this blog I am not jinxing a good thing but I am just so proud that Dallen and I made it through our first battle with our child! Look at us... we might actually make it through this parenting thing after all!

Remington's mommy!

Day by Day!

Getting ready for church!

Everyday brings on it's own challenges, adventures, and most of all FUN!! Remington has brought such a new light to our lives! We seriously have so much fun figuring out all the little things that come along with being parents! Remi is getting so big, he is now three months old! He is making GREAT progress he makes me so proud to be his mommy! He is sitting up (with help of course), He has also found his cute little chubby toes and it is the greatest thing watching him try to figure out how to put those things in his mouth! Remington is also laughing and smiling more each and everyday! He can turn my whole day around when I see his little smile! Usually when I get home from work he will smile when he sees or hears me come in! I just love this it makes me feel so needed! It is now football season and Dallen had Remington on his lap watching football bright and early Sunday morning! Remington was born into being a Colts fan his daddy would not have it any other way! They both look so cute watching football together in their colts jersey's!

  Remington has had some trouble passing his hearing test in his right ear so they are thinking he will need to take a brain steam test to see how serious the hearing lose is! We will be doing that soon and I will keep everyone posted as soon as we have more information on that. Its kinda hard to hear this kinda stuff about your child but I know that it could be so much worse! We are so thankful and feel so blessed to have Remington home and doing so well! We know our heavenly father is looking out for us!

Laughing and smiling!

   Other then this we are now on a crazy schedule! Dallen is now working nights and sleeps during the day(well that is when he is not going to school) Dallen is seriously the greatest husband and daddy in the world! I know everyone always says that about their husbands but Dallen seriously works so hard to give us a great life. We are so blessed to have him in our lives! 

 Being back to work has been really nice but hard to be away from my little guy! I sometimes start counting down the seconds until I can get home to him! I have to say it is the hardest thing in the world to leave him everyday but I know he is in super good hands with his gobby (Traci)! I have a new respect for those moms that leave their children after being up all night with them and go to work all day! You Ladies ROCK!!! 

 We are hoping to be in our new place in less then two months and I have went crazy buying decorations and furniture to make it so cute! Dallen has been on honey do shopping trips for the last two months and I am sure he cant wait to just be in the place and have it all decorated! He is such a trooper though and is always so supportive of all my creative adventures! My sister has also been pretty supportive of my decorating, we have been on countless trips to Roberts and Hobby lobby in the last couple months( she might kill me if I suggest to go there anymore)! I honestly find so much joy and relaxation in doing my crafts( I know I am a craft nerd)! Our home will be so cute and I cant wait to start putting things together!

 so cute and ready for church!

 Well that pretty well sums up the last couple weeks for the Butterfield family! We are so looking forward to the up and coming Holiday season and I am sure we will have lots of stories to come. We love you all and are still so thankful for all the love and support you all show to our little family each and everyday!
Love,
Remington's mommy 

Summer fun!

Dallen is the best daddy!

One of my very most favorite times of year is Summer, I love all the fun exciting things that you can do when the weather is good. Dallen and I are both very outdoorsy people so with that being said we like the weather to be nice and sunny! This summer was one for the record books! Not only did we have our sweet little Remington(who came with his own set of adventures that I don't think we are soon to forget) but we enjoyed many days out at the pool, fishing, riding the rhino, bbq's with family and we can not forget my ultimate favorite the FORTH OF JULY! So with an effort to hold on to the summer I thought I would recap all the fun we have had!

Lots of fireworks!

 Once Remington was home and doing well the party really began, we started off the summer with the BEST parade anywhere(the Riverton parade) and a Butterfield family bbq(also one of my personal favorites)! The forth of July weekend is right up there with Christmas for me! I just cant get enough of the fireworks, family bbq's and carnivals! Although both Dallen and I were a little disappointed in the Riverton carnival this year! I was a big fan of the fireworks and it was all Dallen could do to keep me from buying every firework known to man kind! Needless to say we had some really good firework shows this year! I enjoyed showing of some of my ultimate dance moves for family and little do they know that was the most I had laughed in weeks. I dont think they really know just how much it meant to me that they could bring out my silly side! I love you guys!

Ready for some sun!

 Then all the pool parties began, with the pool located in Dallen's parents backyard it is a hot commodity for the summer adventures. I truly enjoyed getting to know some of Dallen's family that I had yet to really be around! Remington was introduced to the pool and he LOVES the water, before we know it he will be doing the breast stroke!

My mom, sister and I

 I had lots of time to spend with my sister and mom(who always know how to make me smile) its amazing just how close the three of us really are! My sister is probably the best friend I have without her example I don't know how I would have been ready to be a mommy! Kayson(my nephew) is truly in love with Remington he is always telling me how to raise him! He thinks he knows more about babies then I do...he is probably right! The other day I was changing Remington's diaper and Kays told me "Whitty when the diaper gets big like that you need to change it...that means its pee soaked!" He is such a five year old!  Corbin(My other nephew) is not really sure how to take Remington he is just started to warm up to him but this took time because he now has to share his whitty! After Remington was born he kept telling me he did not know me! I think he was a little jealous of the baby. I think that my sister is truly loving being an auntie to Remington. It's always easier to spoil and send home when they get fussy!

Kylee, Dallen and Teegan at Silver lake!

 We went to Silver lake again this year for Dallens birthday! He managed to not break his back this year which is a plus. Dallen and Hugh both caught a few fish and Trevor managed to get his warms taken by some crazy people. Jen caught her very first fish, I was super excited for her, she was a trooper stayed on that rode all day! I thought it would be a great idea to take ice cream....don't know what I was really thinking! It was more like a shake by the time we ate the cake and ice cream! We had so much fun though and were so glade that everyone was able to come up with us! I know now that when you invite people you must NOT say"You guys are more then welcome to come!"some people might take that as they are not really invited ha ha ha...thanks Carrie and Heather!

Carrie, Ashley, Dallen, Tira at cherry hills!

 We went to cherry hills twice this year both times were great! Dallen says he is done with it for a year...I could go at least five more times. I think this is the kid in me coming out! It was super fun to spend sometime with my family at cherry hill! It truly brings back so many memories of when we were all little! I wish we got to see each other more! My great grandma would want it that way (JoJo dallen says he really wants to come riding with you and mikey next time we make it down to Spring City)! Tiffany and I almost killed a little girl on the water slide. We might just be a little to old to go down together! Let me tell ya we were ZOOMING down that slide! I think all the young kids were wondering what those old ladies were doing!

The family at the Zoo

  On my birthday we took the baby to the Zoo! My sister and her boys came, My dad and Les came and so did Candice and Joel and their little boy West! I was VERY impressed by Cand...she is eight months prego walking the Zoo! There would have been no way you could have got me there! I can honestly say I love spending time with all of them! I just cant believe we are all grown up and have our own little families! I scored some cotton candy out of the deal though! Candice told me if I ran up the giraffe hill with the stroller, she would buy me some cotton candy(somethings never change)! So me....being me...never being able to back down from an offer like that...I ran that damn hill with the stroller and all! That cotton candy was the best I have ever tasted!
 Well that is pretty much our summer! We are enjoying every minute of our new little boy and all the joy and fun we have been able to share with him! Everyone that has helped to make this summer grand is great and we love you all so very much!

My sweet husband and I

Standing outside the fire!

This will be me with Remington! I pray my son will grow up knowing there is nothing, no matter what anyone says that he can not do!

Stinging words!

Our little SUPER HERO!

As the precious weeks unfold since the day that Dallen and I learned just how much our heavenly father loved and admired us(enough to send us such an amazing warrior spirit like Remington)! We have been faced with the challenge of letting everyone know just how special we are! Now please do not take these words to think we are not happy about Remington because this is far from the truth. In these last couple months I have learned just how much love I am capable of. Remington is the GREATEST gift that I have ever received and I know Dallen feels this same exact way. What I mean by facing the challenging task of telling people about Remington and his special extra chromosome(down syndrome) is that reaction you sometimes receive from people! I know everyone means so well but it is a hard thing to hear and everyone handles the news different. We have received so much comfort and support from close family and friends but sometimes we receive a somewhat more discouraging response to Remington having super powers! "Oh I am so sorry to hear that! how are you handling this?" "Well how did that happen?" "Didn't you take the test?" "Well he might not get to be normal but you will love him anyway!" and my ultimate favorite "You will learn to love him!" (All said by people that don't really know us very well)! Even though these are meant in the best of intentions they are so VERY hurtful! Remington IS and ALWAYS has been the BEST thing that has ever happened to Dallen and I, we feel so blessed just to be in his presence! We have always known that this is not a "I'm sorry" situation and it never will be! I kinda look at it as a "Wow congratulations!" situation because we get to be around such an amazing, beautiful spirit that will never be anything less then wonderful! We just truly want everyone to know that there is nothing about Remington in our eyes that is not PERFECT!!! He is the most amazing baby and he is such a strong spirit and you feel it just having him around. He Truly makes you want to just be a better person! We know that he is a gift from the most high power possible and we are embracing ever little bite he has to offer us! We all have so much more to learn from Remington then he will ever learn from us!

Such a cool dude!

 One thing I have already learned from Remi is that words can hurt even when they are not meant to! I just ask that all our family and friends make the effort to not use words to anyone that could sting or make them feel not as important to this world. I have to admit that at one point I was the VERY worst with what I now call the "R word" these days. Which those of you that are not understanding what I am saying is Retard(which hurts my heart to even write)! I know that to most people this is just a word that means nothing. More or less it is just used as slang but to some it can mean so much more! These words are not meant to be hurtful but can be VERY harmful! Now I know this is not a perfect world and no one is perfect. Dallen and I have both been guilty of these words and we know how easy they can be to use. We just ask that  through Remington we can all  be a little more mindful of the way we are using our slang words! That we make everyone feel comfortable with the things we say and that we stand up for those that might be a little different because truly we are all just a little different! We all have our handicaps in this life. Weather they be bad hair, temper, or more underlining issues such as Down syndrome! My goal in this world is to prove to my family that EVERYONE is equal and that we all have little imperfections. Some may just be easier to spot then others! I am so glad that age 24 my son who is 2 months old is already teaching me one of the greatest life lessons! To truly love everyone no matter who they are or what their challenge in life is! I love you all so much and know that nothing has ever been said to hurt!

Remington laughing!

The following entry is a letter that Sarah Palin wrote to her family and friends to let them know about her little boy Trig having down syndrome. It is supposed to be written like Heavenly Father is writing the letter! As I read it I began to cry because this is just how Dallen and I both feel and we know this is exactly what Heavenly father would say to us if he really was writing a letter!

Here is Palin's entire letter:

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up.

Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be 'Trig', because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news - that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days - just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palmas look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days_ you all really like cake.) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for.

At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that.

I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you... I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters.

The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect°.

You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will he born along with Trig.Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did.

And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for_in fact Trig will - in some diagnostic ways - always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family.

Many people won't understand_ and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts- for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me - now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator, Your Heavenly Father

Playing catch up!!

My Beautiful little family!

Well as you all now after the crazy birth Remington spent two weeks at Primary's! That was such an emotional roller coaster ride! We learned just how much you truly can give for your child! Looking back Remington's experience in the hospital, truly helped bring Dallen and I to a whole new level in our relationship, as well as how we parent our little boy! I truly know I could not have made it through those weeks with out all the support of Dallen and our family and friends. Primary's has such an amazing sprite about it. I can honestly say I always felt at peace there and felt like one of the lucky ones that my baby was going to be able to come home. We were so thankful for all the help we received on shifts with Remi! My mom would go up every morning early to be with him. Then Dallen and I would take the day shift and at night Traci and Hugh would come up! We truly have the greatest family and friends and we feel so blessed to have you all!

Sweet little man!

  NOW Remington is home and doing EXTREMELY well he is off of the oxygen during the day and at night he is only on 1/32 of a liter. Which is barley anything above room level! We have been meeting with the early intervention therapist, her name is Sue and we LOVE her! She says Remi is doing AWESOME she thinks his muscle tone looks great! For those of you that might not know muscle tone is usually very low in Down syndrome babies but not our little guy he is a big ROCK STAR! Sue will probably be coming at least once a month until Remington is three years old! Remi has all these little exercises we do during the day to help him on his road to greatness! I have to admit I just love when we get to meet with Sue she is always so sweet with Remington! She always has so many positive things to say about my super little boy!

Little Feet!

 Other then that Remington has started laughing and smiling! I have to say it is the greatest thing in the world to hear him laugh! He has the cutest little smile it just has a way of bring up your sprite on a rough day! We have enjoyed our summer with Remington! Dallen and I have been able to take him to the zoo(which he slept through) it was a lot of fun! Remington will probably enjoy it more when he is older! Dallen could not wait to take Remington on his first trip to Cabela's! He showed him all the guns that he will someday own and of course the Remington shotgun was on that list! He has done a lot of shopping with me and does not seem to be a big fan of the mall! He cries every time we go in! I think his dad has him trained pretty well! He is sleep through that night(most) of the time and when he does wake up it is only once! I know...I am one lucky mommy!

Remington Hugh Butterfield!

  Remington has brought such an AMAZING light to our new little family! He has a long road ahead of him and I am sure he will have some rough bridges to cross! Yet I already know just has strong he is and I know he will push through! Dallen and I have made up our minds that Remington is to be treated the same as any one else. He will be raised to know there is NOTHING that he can not do. We will not let his disability become his handicap! What ever in this world that Remington wants to do he will do! We want him to live his life to the fullest! We will take the steps necessary for him to enjoy all the things this world has to offer! We know that Heavenly Father has given us this great gift and we can not wait to help him succeed!
Remington's mommy!

Remingtons arrival!!!

Remington Hugh Butterfield!

When you are young and you dream of being a mother, you imagine the stork bringing your baby down in a little white sack(like on dumbo) and dropping off your healthy baby. As we grow older we learn the concept of the stork and the little white sack with the baby inside is not really accurate but our thoughts never detour from the idea that our babies will be healthy! Then as you start to watch your baby growing inside you all the precaution are taken to insure the "healthy" baby concept. You stop drinking soda, you do not eat sea food more then once a week, you stop taking all medication that could possibly cause any damage. We make sure we do not miss a visit to the doctor who shows us just how healthy our babies are by listening to the strong heartbeat and showing you pictures of your "healthy" baby! The thought never comes across our minds that something, against all odds could still be wrong with our little wonders!

On oxygen in nursery!

On June 6th 2011 my little wonder Remington Hugh Butterfield was born at a whooping 8 pounds 1 once and 22 inches long! We were both so excited to see our little man for the first time and were so relieved to hear that first cry! Remington had the cord wrapped around his neck three times and was very purple! They told Dallen and I that he would need to go to the nursery and be put on oxygen as a precaution and would soon be in our arms! So without even getting to hold my new baby he was taken away! Dallen of course could not take his eyes off his new baby boy and was not about to leave his side(such a good daddy right from the start)! So I was given something to make me sleep while they stitched me up from the C-section! I closed my eyes with the thought that soon I would wake to my baby and husband and our family could all see this beautiful little baby that Dallen and I had created! When I woke up the nurses advised me that Remington was still having a hard time breathing on his own so he would need to stay in the nursery for awhile longer! Now because I am still under the grasp of  the "healthy" baby concept it truly never crossed my mind that Remington was not going to be just fine! So I laughed and joked with my nurses and even posted a picture of the little man on facebook! Soon my legs were no longer numb and I could not wait to see my new little baby! Okay being honest my legs were still pretty numb but I could not stay away any longer! Up to this point I really could not even tell you what Remington looked like because I had only been able to see him for a short second before he was sent to the nursery! So if you can imagine I was very excited to be with him! I was only able to stay in the nursery for a short while because my little white lie became pretty clear to the nurses and to my loving husband! The nurses told me to get some rest and soon Remington would be in my arms safe and sound! For the second time I woke up not to a baby crying, but to a Doctor who had come to talk with Dallen and I about Remington's condition! She began telling us that Remi was not doing well breathing on his own and had aspirated bacteria during birth! He would need to be transported to Primary Children's Hospital were they could properly treat him! My heart sank to my toes! As I sat there trying to catch my breath the "Healthy" baby concept left and all I wanted to know is if my little man would be okay! The Doctor who was not the best at giving bad news began advising us that if he was not transported he might not make it through the night. My heart began to beat even faster as those words came out of her mouth. I think this is the point that I really started to understand the severity of the situation. Then she began to drop and even bigger bomb on Dallen and I, she told us that Remington was showing some signs of a chromosomal defect. She was fifty percent sure at this point that he had Down syndrome! I sat there fighting back the burst of tears as she explained why she was under this impression! I looked over at Dallen and could see in his eyes the tears being fought back too. He and I in that moment knew just what being a parent truly meant. I just wanted to wrap my arms around my baby and take away all his pain! As soon as the Doctor and nurses had left my room, I sent Dallen and Papa Hugh down to give Remington a blessing! Everyone left with them and soon I was all alone. How could this all happen? What could I have done to make this happen? I am a bad mom because my baby is sick and that had to come from me...RIGHT?!! All these painful thoughts came through my head all at once! Soon I was crying so hard that I finally feel asleep! 

Before he was taken by life flight!

 Once again I woke to not my baby crying but the life flight people preparing me for what my baby would look like when they brought him in. I soon saw the sight that will be imprinted in my mind forever! Remington was pushed into the room in a big tube with cords and tubes all over! As a parent this is just the worst possible thing you can ever imagine happening to your babies! I sat there holding his hand and just praying to Heavenly Father that he would pull through! I did not want to let him go because I knew the moment I did he would be pushed away and I would once again be without my baby! I could not stop hating myself for doing this to my baby! Soon the doctor told us that he needed to go so after taking pictures as a family(our first family picture) I watched as they wheeled my new baby( still without getting to hold him) out of my room! That night I prayed to Heavenly Father to be with Remington and Dallen! To help them both to make it through this and to help me to understand why this had all happened! I feel like all of this is pretty private and want to keep this part to myself but I received plenty of understanding that night as to why this had happened. I was comforted to know that my family would soon be whole and we could start our new lives! 

My poor baby!

first family picture!

  I want to end this entry by saying that I truly knew that day there was so much more going on then anyone could see! I know through this experience my testimony in my heavenly father has grown and I know that Remington was sent to us for a reason. Remington was diagnosed with Down syndrome about a week later at Primary's. Dallen and I both know that this is a great blessing from the lord and are looking forward to all that GREAT adventures to come. Remington in a few short weeks has taught us so much about ourselves, life, love and the grace of god. We know that through his life here on earth he will do more teaching us then we will do to him. I am so blessed for my little boy and look forward to all his great accomplishments in his life! Thank you to all you who have supported my family. We truly feel so blessed to have friends and family who care so much!

Remington's Mommy!!