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!