tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56706027718273795862024-03-05T01:30:09.769-08:00The Sanchez SixLiving life one day at a time as a family of six...3 busy and bouncy boys and 1 Ukrainian princess. Our third son Joaquin was our unexpected blessing who came to us with a little something extra called Down syndrome and inspired us to adopt Sofia an orphan we fell in love with through Reece's Rainbow. We hope that our story will help open people's eyes to the beauty and gift that ALL children are. We are all more alike than different!The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-11120091885422134602012-08-27T16:21:00.001-07:002012-08-27T16:21:40.155-07:00A Family Snapshot in TimeIt's been WAY too long since I've posted on our family blog. Life as a family of six is so very busy! Here is a photo of our family taken at Diego's First Holy Communion this year and I also promise to be more active now that all four kids are in school!<br />
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Hector and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this May. Diego is 9 years old and just started 4th grade. Mateo is 7 years old and just started 2nd grade. Joaquin is now 4 years old and in 5 days a week of preschool and Sofia is 3 years old and in 4 days a week of preschool. We also have two amazing Australian Labradoodle babies Rocco 10 months old and Lulu 8 months old!<br />
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<br />The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-14282088752476120842012-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:002012-08-27T16:21:58.928-07:00A Touching NoteI received one of the most beautiful notes today that I think I have ever received. I just have to share, it's too beautiful to keep to myself.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi Jennifer!</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just got finished looking and reading all your beautiful pictures and stories...I am in tears. What a blessing you are and have been given to your beautiful family. I have to say that there is a transfixing beauty in your most precious little Sofia that melts my heart. The Angel in the sky is Our Lord coming to you and yet you are the angel.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Allow me to pass on to you something, something that is not mine to hoard. After bringing our little Raquel home from the hospital (she was in the NICU Unit for 17 days after being born) I was so grateful for her yet I wondered why? Why did God give her to us? To me? I had expressed this (amongst other things) to our priest and soon after was given a vision. There is no doubt that this was the result of not only my prayer but His beloved priests as well. In this vision (not a dream) God and I were walking together hand in hand and I was on His right. I was looking at Him and suddenly His Heart turned into hundreds of beautiful butterflies that swirled around Him. Some sparkled, some were glowing and even iridescent but all were so beautiful! Then God filled me with the knowledge that all Down Syndrome souls are from His Heart. He told me that because I had given Him my heart (I had given Him through an incredible sacrifice, my life, just before we conceived her) that He wanted to give me a piece of His. At that moment He extended His index finger towards me and one of the most beautiful sparkly butterflies landed on it. He then gave her to me and smiled. I came out of the vision at that moment and was filled with the most peaceful, calm feeling and it has never left me (about her). This story is yours too....God has given you two pieces of his heart.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even more blessings to you and your family,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kim</span></i></div>
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The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-40130827139802250772012-02-28T17:04:00.001-08:002012-02-28T17:04:45.885-08:00Our Littlest SchoolgirlGuess who had her first day of preschool today? Oh my goodness, was it ever sweet! She was THRILLED to go to school today. Complete excitement, joy and happiness. Not one ounce of fear! <br />
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Her teacher said it was as if she had been going to school for years and that she was the hit of the class today singing and dancing. She did fabulous and I cannot wait to see her BLOOM!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can never catch this girl smiling on the camera these days!!!! But rest assured, she was BEAMING! We are so proud of you little Soft Spot!</div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-43048732419867642192012-02-24T22:38:00.000-08:002012-02-24T22:38:30.509-08:00365:Oops!Well, I failed at my one and only new year's resolution! But this might explain things...we've been kinda BUSY!!!<br />
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First there was a little boy who turned SEVEN!<br />
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Then there was a little boy who turned FOUR! (and was SUPER sick on his birthday...SO sad!)<br />
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And then there was a little girl who turned THREE!<br />
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Needless to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY is our favorite song these days!The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-30353158373822093822012-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:57:58.385-08:00365:8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sofia and Joaquin in custom Waldorf doll form!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyPV-gLo-6gJs6axwF9VVfSRH7uo8_HeIztgDurXdrkChVpR0FCO0q6fwcin9JmiPY4cwzzQNUoYULhK8VHKK8iuql-aqRQ0CrAtzu-H5MG5kBk1elJYFp0jlQHFBPeVuaDqe2UKjaQQ/s1600/photo-102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyPV-gLo-6gJs6axwF9VVfSRH7uo8_HeIztgDurXdrkChVpR0FCO0q6fwcin9JmiPY4cwzzQNUoYULhK8VHKK8iuql-aqRQ0CrAtzu-H5MG5kBk1elJYFp0jlQHFBPeVuaDqe2UKjaQQ/s400/photo-102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-61783686623666153732012-01-06T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-07T15:50:15.643-08:00365:6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HAPPINESS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAN5p3m9eeVkNDKvEB_R0Hkv6v2OJBSrHUFtsO0v8_sJvqsXkFJAwyZSctFTQkhthaKa_xgE92t7m6l9B4mAwAx9nJI5X3Y1R0TzgeX3z4KtAprCmlKuUQLAznotylkvzwIcL0V2AvHQ/s1600/photo-101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAN5p3m9eeVkNDKvEB_R0Hkv6v2OJBSrHUFtsO0v8_sJvqsXkFJAwyZSctFTQkhthaKa_xgE92t7m6l9B4mAwAx9nJI5X3Y1R0TzgeX3z4KtAprCmlKuUQLAznotylkvzwIcL0V2AvHQ/s320/photo-101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-53040018454412631082012-01-05T08:40:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:45:55.965-08:00365:5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"What? You wanted me to use the spoon?" Joaquin age 3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcpYcbsU4tlnBY5jytZ9NHh9GRqKjANk1EKf15U1CoT6AeMofOPrslKYM5TsJT0pHhMPjy5iGju0zq3dkzN4Euf8V2chpHFSkUFxiOGGfNtyy7cf-Pq3_vClFHKYoQtO0rtkSY3SuAHs/s1600/photo-100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcpYcbsU4tlnBY5jytZ9NHh9GRqKjANk1EKf15U1CoT6AeMofOPrslKYM5TsJT0pHhMPjy5iGju0zq3dkzN4Euf8V2chpHFSkUFxiOGGfNtyy7cf-Pq3_vClFHKYoQtO0rtkSY3SuAHs/s320/photo-100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-56817051099328557012012-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:45:37.402-08:00365:4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rocco age 12 weeks </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi8HbZmfD_MsyFJVDM2TiKDqxC9qxwWTzcm8HCvcI_36nFKd-RMGU9vGLse3yHnf8DzUj9rBjlZGeU2xSLUHOrzHLJu12FhsnnZCI3cukWzJhVFlTHLXX7ITQ_mx3TtvMgfgnMANmaFk/s1600/photo-99.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi8HbZmfD_MsyFJVDM2TiKDqxC9qxwWTzcm8HCvcI_36nFKd-RMGU9vGLse3yHnf8DzUj9rBjlZGeU2xSLUHOrzHLJu12FhsnnZCI3cukWzJhVFlTHLXX7ITQ_mx3TtvMgfgnMANmaFk/s320/photo-99.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-38579930018407258202012-01-03T19:06:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:43:06.365-08:00365:3<div style="text-align: center;">Sofia age 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-FupLVmv935PBwLnFTAzrz8SF3R0vvEVi7ZxcPrCPWBUIhrZJKKzn3MbMjC-jg0cVLbDnzXzxjeq2BMtaAw6A1EESqI94YnPkOOg6N2qkg8y_iXRUO-X-fGu5T1jw_TyanH-5v411LE/s1600/photo-98.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-FupLVmv935PBwLnFTAzrz8SF3R0vvEVi7ZxcPrCPWBUIhrZJKKzn3MbMjC-jg0cVLbDnzXzxjeq2BMtaAw6A1EESqI94YnPkOOg6N2qkg8y_iXRUO-X-fGu5T1jw_TyanH-5v411LE/s400/photo-98.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-66837235721665770262012-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:42:42.186-08:00365:2<div style="text-align: center;">The Sanchez Six at Bishop's Farm </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRmuPemdpweqxKGZHUnVDI_VyRtHN82UqwCwTQeCK7DOdEm9yM2X2Y3TNpzGpmkyiMruF-fVzKlzKtYkIP5Gm4TxP1Ezne0yaUYdwjgGZz1W1rzUW1hntplLo_4I2zU0a57O0WFJOVhs/s1600/IMG_3011-Edit-Edit+%2528ZF-8672-37442-2-001%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRmuPemdpweqxKGZHUnVDI_VyRtHN82UqwCwTQeCK7DOdEm9yM2X2Y3TNpzGpmkyiMruF-fVzKlzKtYkIP5Gm4TxP1Ezne0yaUYdwjgGZz1W1rzUW1hntplLo_4I2zU0a57O0WFJOVhs/s400/IMG_3011-Edit-Edit+%2528ZF-8672-37442-2-001%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-15314940254915831262012-01-01T20:39:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:42:00.029-08:00365:1 A Challenge for 20122011 was a wonderful year but OH SO BUSY. So many wonderful things happened this past year and I had very little time to reflect and share on this blog. I've decided to challenge myself this new year and try and document each day with one photo per day for the ENTIRE year. So, to start it off right, I should post our most recent family photo. Cheers to 2012! HAPPY NEW YEAR and may everyone be blessed this year with health, happiness and good fortune! xo<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Sanchez Six at Bishop's Farm</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5ofwCH82WL1sCHxcJrOvvHtirQizNs0J2kVsz3wmzdts-fTODKTphGTRQXq8M_zHIeLmyQYraQ3krWIoLGby33WhdEoIH77adwtxE0uoXuGsGnwk8Ze61pKruGt4xHWX1eLG4xTKpNU/s1600/IMG_3220-bwedit_16x20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5ofwCH82WL1sCHxcJrOvvHtirQizNs0J2kVsz3wmzdts-fTODKTphGTRQXq8M_zHIeLmyQYraQ3krWIoLGby33WhdEoIH77adwtxE0uoXuGsGnwk8Ze61pKruGt4xHWX1eLG4xTKpNU/s400/IMG_3220-bwedit_16x20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-86257101977949496012011-09-29T22:47:00.000-07:002011-09-29T22:47:36.002-07:00A Day at Bishop's Pumpkin FarmIt might be time to update our blog header with a new family photo! Check out a few of the lovely photos from <a href="http://mbymphotos.photographyblogsites.com/2011/09/the-sanchez-family/">Memories by Michelle</a>. Thank you Michelle McDaid for capturing the spirit of our family...we certainly are a "wacky" group and we had a lot of fun with you on that lovely 95 degree "fall" day!!!<br />
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Check out our photos <a href="http://mbymphotos.photographyblogsites.com/2011/09/the-sanchez-family/">here</a>!The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-62606633271936091292011-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:002011-08-24T10:26:03.968-07:00Wordless Wednesday...The Men in My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5otUwJ242Z7pX89p_rDd7z4v0WuC0-nDtCBUetABIBnWRq5VCMKwQEkPXwWeQC7MdYHVlBqLaQiZhosHmK_6oEstIIXPnzbIrsrtxvFFW2BID5I6jvBVkOZ_6buO-gAuTUaYt2YCnko/s1600/293120_10150264982977374_547107373_7854086_5266200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5otUwJ242Z7pX89p_rDd7z4v0WuC0-nDtCBUetABIBnWRq5VCMKwQEkPXwWeQC7MdYHVlBqLaQiZhosHmK_6oEstIIXPnzbIrsrtxvFFW2BID5I6jvBVkOZ_6buO-gAuTUaYt2YCnko/s640/293120_10150264982977374_547107373_7854086_5266200_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-70194820295051334272011-08-24T05:56:00.000-07:002011-08-24T05:56:34.403-07:00Just a Small Rant......About Prenatal Testing and Eliminating Imperfection<br />
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Not everything can be detected in an AFP, a CVS, an ultrasound or an amniocentesis. As far as I know, those tests will not determine if your child will have mental illness, heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, autism and the list goes on. Or do we have tests for these things in the works? Shudder...Those tests can't tell you if your child will be happy or a contributing member to society. They can't tell you if your child will grow up to be a criminal, a serial killer, a child molester or a rapist. They can't tell you if your child will grow up to be bully or a thief. They can't tell you if your child will have motivation or drive or end up being homeless. These tests won't tell you if your child will stand out, or be homosexual, or have a learning disability or be an outcast because he or she is too tall, too short, too skinny, too fat, too pretty, too ugly, too blond, too dark or too anything. I certainly know that the prenatal tests will never tell you if your child will be in a car accident or a near drowning or take a bad fall or have a birth trauma. There is NO SUCH THING as a perfect child and having those tests to rule out the forbidden DOWN SYNDROME or any other detectable birth "defect" doesn't guarantee that you will have that unattainable picture perfect human being. I'm sensitive now, more than ever, to this obsession over early detection for the purposes of eliminating "imperfect" unborn children. There is a push to eliminate children like Joaquin and Sofia. I wish people would understand that "disability" is actually very natural and it's everywhere. People come in all shapes and forms and abilities. I find it impossible to find anyone in the world that doesn't suffer from some sort of challenge or "disability". Wear glasses? Ever had braces? On a diet? Have a bad back? Ever need surgery? Need coffee in the morning? Ever had a headache? Ever need help with anything? Would you say you are perfect? Would you say you are totally healthy? My bet is each and everyone of us has some challenge or special need that they deal with regularly.<br />
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I guess this is my way of saying (and this is ONLY MY OPINION) that I don't think anyone should enter parenthood unless they understand that you take on ALL SORTS of risks, trials and tribulations, heartaches, and disappointments when it comes to having a child and you are signing up for the JOURNEY. Wherever it may take you. It's a huge responsibility. And it's a privilege. So if you aren't up for the challenge, don't have a child. To the medical industry: Let's get off this slippery slope of prenatal testing. Let's be mindful of the direction we are headed. Let's not pretend the testing is to have more "information" or to "prepare". If that were the case, I wouldn't be ranting right now. The abortion rate after a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome is staggering. 92% of babies who are prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are eliminated. That sentence alone says it all.<br />
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OK...rant is over.<br />
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On to something inspiring, amazing and beautiful. Thank goodness for that.<br />
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A link to a beautiful video:<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/5TjQ6Su8_zI">Wonderful Works</a><br />
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A link to the beautiful new ministry launched today:<br />
<a href="http://www.wonderful-works.weebly.com/">Wonderful Works </a><br />
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The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-50255219135689927742011-08-17T22:11:00.000-07:002011-08-17T22:11:27.860-07:00First Day of School Jitters...for the Mama!Joaquin has his first official day of full inclusion preschool tomorrow morning at 8:30am and I'm a nervous wreck. We have been looking forward to this day since he turned 3 in February. This is what we have always wanted for him...to have the same preschool experience that any typical child would have. The same that his brothers had at this age. Joaquin is social, easy going, very flexible, enjoys learning and loves people so why am I nervous?<br />
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Well, I wasn't nervous until I went to the "meet the teacher" day on Tuesday. I was greeted warmly by the teachers and everyone was very excited to see Joaquin. The teachers (all 3 of them) said they have been looking forward to Joaquin attending the preschool. I picked up the preschool newsletter and the calendar of activities planned and made sure that Joaquin would be on the roster and we happily went home. I eagerly sat down to read through all the paperwork, so thrilled for Joaquin, and then it hit me. I read that one of the first activities next week is to bring in a photograph of your family to share with the class. Oh my gosh. How is Joaquin going to share with the class? He can't talk. It hit me. I mean sure, he can identify each of us in the photograph with prompting and I'm sure he will smile and point at his family members but that's about it. Typical three year olds talk. Some talk A LOT. But I'm certain every child in that room will be able to talk about their family. Joaquin won't. I get teary eyed just thinking about it.<br />
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I know I'm doing the right thing. I know Joaquin will learn best from his typical peers and he will learn best to TALK from his typical talkative peers. But it's still hard and it hits you.<br />
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Deep breaths as we cross this bridge into new territory. Typical peers. Peers where the difference in abilities will be VERY evident. Painful at times. But it's the best for Joaquin because this is REAL life. Not the safety bubble that special ed provides. Special Ed has a place and a time but I see now how easy it would be to crawl back to the safety net of it. BRAVE. Must be brave. Joaquin deserves this opportunity and I'm certain he will handle it WAY better than I will. Deep breaths.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmousBfdfBLhXZqC2maVDT0kCBme3_8kDMWm-Yf1KOFDZffcKcliBQnXLDjkxrgy4QkLIYqCHcC8u7hfeEiTpwtgWMZdKL7LckDTLo7Xcx5uLMNdT6sKEpPUVI1pLdKbjHuvp-3BYGXQ/s1600/183964_10150246473072374_547107373_7665414_248326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmousBfdfBLhXZqC2maVDT0kCBme3_8kDMWm-Yf1KOFDZffcKcliBQnXLDjkxrgy4QkLIYqCHcC8u7hfeEiTpwtgWMZdKL7LckDTLo7Xcx5uLMNdT6sKEpPUVI1pLdKbjHuvp-3BYGXQ/s400/183964_10150246473072374_547107373_7665414_248326_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-48860776885752886332011-08-17T21:27:00.000-07:002011-08-17T21:27:27.619-07:00Things That Make You Go "Hmmmmm"We're not sure who is to blame here but we got a new piece of furniture and not 10 minutes after the delivery guys left I turned around and saw this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gZpq7Xs7-ltCc3R7bf-3yV3A8iFdOIROS3yIftZwkSiPCh01ihAVp7hgmdxOcP5DG_X9jxPHvZ5cH51ukeF9eGML3BRocur1HKEiadkoTaP1_zEwAfI8wugUA21aNx8lBviQQjYkZro/s1600/286669_10150261599592374_547107373_7820643_132648_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gZpq7Xs7-ltCc3R7bf-3yV3A8iFdOIROS3yIftZwkSiPCh01ihAVp7hgmdxOcP5DG_X9jxPHvZ5cH51ukeF9eGML3BRocur1HKEiadkoTaP1_zEwAfI8wugUA21aNx8lBviQQjYkZro/s400/286669_10150261599592374_547107373_7820643_132648_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Yes, that is Sofia inside a glass cabinet. She was all giggles and smiles and Joaquin was one foot away from it...hmmmmmm...The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-42056421882373122402011-07-26T13:29:00.000-07:002011-08-19T22:51:25.236-07:00The Healing Smile<i>A post from Hector:</i><br />
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sanchez-varanini.com/Weddings/Zach-Molly/i-PkS2GmC/0/M/zachandmolly-209-M.jpg" width="190" /></div>This morning when I woke up I went to check my email and there was a message from a comment posted on Sofia's old blog. It brought tears to my eyes, it read:<br />
<div style="padding: 15px;"><q><br />
<i>hello, my name is Michelle and I saw you (Jen) today at the twelve bridges park. I was having a hard day thinking of my miscarriage and how I would be having the baby any day if nothing had happened. Your little joaquin looked at me and gave me a beautiful smile that just melted my heart. I heard you call out Sofia's name and something rang a bell. I thought maybe I had read an article about you guys on kidaround. I went home and looked you up! How amazing that little Sofia is now with you guys! You guys were a ray of sunshine in my sad day. I know God sent you guys to that park today, and He showed his love to me through your angels!</i><br />
</q></div>Every day when I wake up in the morning or I get back from work at night, Joaquin's smile melts my heart as well. He has that effect on people, he demands hugs from mostly everyone known or unknown. I still hold my breath for a second or two when it happens with strangers, and every time his smile wins, and he will not let anyone off the hook that easy. Moms will want to hold him until he's had enough, dads will do it for a minute or two and then as they try to put him down he will hold on for a little bit more. He needs to rub his hands on their cheeks and feel the prickly beard on the back of his little hands. And most of the time they give in to his request to be held and enjoy this little baby bear cub embrace. And I have to tell you, it is the most wonderful embrace you've ever known.<br />
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Some of you know about the GQ fiasco that happened recently. I did my part and sent a letter to the editor expressing my opinion and telling him I won't be patronizing his magazine anymore unless they made things right. I've been a subscriber for many years and I asked them to issue a public apology and write an article or have special coverage on Down syndrome. How about Joaquin on the cover? I understand that as part of the Down syndrome community I am constantly on edge about insensitive remarks and the use of the "R" word, but my outrage about what was printed goes beyond sensitivity. It was probably the worst insult I've ever heard. It would take me a thousand pages to describe how wrong it was, but I'm over it. It is obvious that the guy who wrote it has never known someone with Down syndrome. Or perhaps he is plain and simple an insensitive asshole.<br />
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Joaquin and Sofia's story along with all the beautiful children of The Sisterhood and the many more we are blessed to know are changing lives one smile at a time.<br />
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And now some eye candy...<br />
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<center><br />
<img src="http://www.sanchez-varanini.com/Children/Coldfish-creek-hike/i-Zj5PrxD/0/L/coldfishcreek-32-L.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 10px;" /><br />
<img src="http://www.sanchez-varanini.com/Family/Blog/i-XK7VRMw/0/L/sofia-L.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 10px;" width="650px" /><br />
<img src="http://www.sanchez-varanini.com/Holidays/Spur-Ct-Fourth-of-July-2011/i-tNdqMHD/0/L/spurctfouth-107-L.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;" width="650px" /><br />
<img src="http://www.sanchez-varanini.com/Children/Sofia-turns-2/IMG5070/1207846021_b7mir-L.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;" width="650px" /> <br />
</center>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-25406733426436300442011-07-12T14:25:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:25:58.646-07:00I Hope You DanceHere is Sofia with my dad, her Grandpa, at my brother's wedding this weekend. All our kids ADORE music and dancing so we love a good wedding!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHV0QJBXbNFSfIl5d-9b1rLINctr3XO0ROhfWQVHDPdmChATU_a-8zsIvNXFzOxs404DsmkYf1QTgXixSbqcwvVMbiiAqJrbSSPxVdI7QtNcxjQFfSZZ2TUYFxTfRxW5R9rOldf5ejwI/s1600/zachandmolly-196-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHV0QJBXbNFSfIl5d-9b1rLINctr3XO0ROhfWQVHDPdmChATU_a-8zsIvNXFzOxs404DsmkYf1QTgXixSbqcwvVMbiiAqJrbSSPxVdI7QtNcxjQFfSZZ2TUYFxTfRxW5R9rOldf5ejwI/s640/zachandmolly-196-L.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br />
Weddings always remind me of what is most important in this life. To love and embrace life...to dance. Life is so busy right now and hectic and stressful. Raising four kids (all under the age of 8) is a lot of work but I'm not complaining. We feel so blessed. We have four healthy and happy kids and we will never take that for granted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-6317301354257367652011-07-03T20:26:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:26:10.247-07:00Rub a dub dub......three boys in a tub!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymPV1YZoFweY9mXaseW_dYeRJPtma2sOZRxTNKVQitOH1y_5EjI6U6iIzEbBRIYSvYbsL1WWY90PWhDLxvi5hwVVXyQNQbMkU0yl7L5xBM55oWa9z0lYswSHpYNItkHwurEeB5-B1Dig/s1600/271191_10150225075552374_547107373_7442366_1821467_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymPV1YZoFweY9mXaseW_dYeRJPtma2sOZRxTNKVQitOH1y_5EjI6U6iIzEbBRIYSvYbsL1WWY90PWhDLxvi5hwVVXyQNQbMkU0yl7L5xBM55oWa9z0lYswSHpYNItkHwurEeB5-B1Dig/s640/271191_10150225075552374_547107373_7442366_1821467_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-82440621226916300262011-06-27T17:53:00.000-07:002011-06-27T17:53:21.981-07:00Summer Buzz Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lcLNvMT1Ktoz20waxAjBUbpnfLjVasgvgMva3D9x9eMRbqYmNEdPmPBlhy0AmG7v6IDZk7fCPmSwyoRF1gJ03zrUmWu4WOyr3yGSPMdEpyMaEIkKjF3mCHapD4TuaIySOpOBWT8ueYs/s1600/265684_10150219495492374_547107373_7372480_308968_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lcLNvMT1Ktoz20waxAjBUbpnfLjVasgvgMva3D9x9eMRbqYmNEdPmPBlhy0AmG7v6IDZk7fCPmSwyoRF1gJ03zrUmWu4WOyr3yGSPMdEpyMaEIkKjF3mCHapD4TuaIySOpOBWT8ueYs/s640/265684_10150219495492374_547107373_7372480_308968_o.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
Every summer I BUZZ the boys...it's so hot in Sacramento and I secretly wish I could do the same with my own hair. We even got Diego and Mateo's best buddy Chandler in on the action!<br />
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Best of all, check out Joaquin's straight eyes. The surgery was a success with only some residual "outward" turning of his right eye when he is tired which should correct itself in time. That eye was probably overcorrected during surgery but it's minor at this point. His vision remains excellent so no need for glasses. It was interesting that Dr. O'Hara relayed to me during our post op appointment that they have done psychological research on how people perceive eyes. When people see a strabismus (cross eyes or a turning in of the eyes), people immediately assume the individual is not smart...in fact she used the word "dumb". For eyes that turn outward or are straight, that assumption is not made. Interesting? Anyway, this is sometimes why people push for the surgery to straighten the eyes. This wasn't our primary reason for doing the surgery. Our primary reason was based on Dr. O'Hara's recommendation that Joaquin was a good candidate and that he could have improved depth perception. But I will admit that the secondary reason for having it done was for social acceptance and cosmetic reasons. Whatever the reason, the surgery worked and Joaquin recovered beautifully and we have no regrets.The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-18214993226330299402011-06-14T17:28:00.000-07:002011-06-14T17:29:46.111-07:00Annual Checkup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgeBPL2cyBYx-Lw11mSJRtJBB1RLHMhcv67fr_yDPyhIjhsKkeb471AerMKDGxeEfRkSMpx3juHOri-hXfdYSlW1To46fliEYNxinbwq60jxbaNTnAOA1wzpjFz2jIwWbGCKGZeidp6Q/s1600/photo-66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgeBPL2cyBYx-Lw11mSJRtJBB1RLHMhcv67fr_yDPyhIjhsKkeb471AerMKDGxeEfRkSMpx3juHOri-hXfdYSlW1To46fliEYNxinbwq60jxbaNTnAOA1wzpjFz2jIwWbGCKGZeidp6Q/s400/photo-66.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was time for our annual check-up and we are happy to report that we are growing and thriving! Only 3 pounds separates the two of us (despite being almost exactly one year apart!) so we are often mistaken for twins. We LOVE each other so very much and get into constant trouble around the house! Thank goodness one of us is in school almost every day otherwise mama would be going crazy by now chasing and cleaning up after the two of us.<br />
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Mama says she PROMISES to be better about posting! Life sure is busy with 4 rambunctious and very busy kiddos! Having three boys ages 8, 6 and 3 is a handful and add one feisty 2 year old princess and well...we have a FULL house.<br />
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Check back in again soon! So many new things going on with the Sanchez Six (yes...mama and papa round us out to 6 silly Sanchez family members!)The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-31378683497699816232011-04-11T20:32:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:20:52.560-07:00So Far So Good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjRhTNhv5IucgelILWT-MjYhuZ4TwnWH9PG9ysQppeZceL_dsnsWhyphenhyphenzgeMyL1clzB70_oYFxeU4PEtqP5GOlAUjgk6T7rcxDoxRzqOADJ7DUnDZ4jVkfOysg9E469bOELtdMeUkZ_-KY/s1600/215439_10150259636138975_745378974_9153698_7854153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjRhTNhv5IucgelILWT-MjYhuZ4TwnWH9PG9ysQppeZceL_dsnsWhyphenhyphenzgeMyL1clzB70_oYFxeU4PEtqP5GOlAUjgk6T7rcxDoxRzqOADJ7DUnDZ4jVkfOysg9E469bOELtdMeUkZ_-KY/s640/215439_10150259636138975_745378974_9153698_7854153_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />Here is Joaquin moments before surgery. He was in SUCH a good mood and as charming as ever. FULL of grins and giggles. Surgery went smooth and quick. Both eyes were done and now we let it heal and wait and see how successful it was. They sent him home without any special medication and no patches or guards so I'm a nervous wreck about it. The only precaution is for 2 weeks we need to keep him away from playground sand and putting his head underwater. His eyes are really swollen, sensitive and totally red. I can barely look at his eyes without it totally hurting me and making my stomach turn. We know that this was a procedure totally recommended by his doctor/eye surgeon and that there are many benefits to doing it but there is a teeny tiny part of me that feels like I am messing with my boy and his beautiful eyes. They are one of my most favorite things about him. His beautiful eyes are the windows to his soul and I just don't want to do anything to hurt him or those precious peepers. I can't tell yet if the surgery worked. They look pretty good but it's really deceiving with all the red on the eye. We will know in 6 weeks. We have a quick post op appointment tomorrow morning and then in six weeks we go back to evaluate the results.<br /><br />Thank you everyone in blogging land, text, facebook, phone and in person for being so supportive. We love you all. Now back to snuggling my boy and helping him heal!The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-80214444400158639152011-04-08T14:56:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:20:52.561-07:00Eye Surgery on MondayJoaquin is scheduled to have eye surgery on Monday and check in is at 6:15am at UC Davis Medical Center. We are hoping and praying that the surgery to correct his strabismus is successful and that he has no complications and that this will be the only surgery for his eyes that he'll ever need.<br /><br />We welcome prayers and good thoughts leading up to the surgery and on the day of surgery! We hope he heals quickly and that his eyes are straight therefore giving him better depth perception. We have every confidence in his eye doctor/surgeon. It is an outpatient procedure and he will be able to participate immediately in all his activities except for playgrounds with sand and underwater activities for 2 weeks.<br /><br />PRAYING all goes well!The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670602771827379586.post-25723446502453868262011-04-04T21:25:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:25:16.805-07:00Bring Kirill HOME!Be a part of something BIG....be a part of HISTORY!<br /><br /><a href="http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com/2011/04/7-day-blitz-for-kirill.html">BRING KIRILL HOME!</a>The Sanchez Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02193773268823617205noreply@blogger.com0