tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76187871343512025462024-03-13T12:32:19.900-04:00Keepin up with the ContesWelcome to the Conte family blog. This blog was established to keep our family and friends "in the loop" as the days and years pass between our visits. As always, feel free to leave your comments on each post!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-44412525223824819352017-10-18T13:18:00.002-04:002017-10-18T13:20:03.580-04:00To get an update on Kate and our families' journey, go to <a href="http://www.promisetokate.org">www.promisetokate.org</a>. We have made a Promise to Kate to provide research, care and support and it is through our Foundation, Promise to Kate, that this promise has become a reality. Still striving to live one day at a time, love generously and laugh often!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-24891811057757598302011-04-01T08:18:00.005-04:002011-04-01T08:32:42.152-04:00Kate Walking and Dancing<OBJECT id=BLOG_video-f4e7548cc02dda68 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="f4e7548cc02dda68"></OBJECT><br /><br />For over a year after our daughter was born, we watched her very, very slowly develop...then, a month after her first birthday, our little girl decided she just wasn't ok with laying around anymore. She became a fighter and has worked so very hard with her therapists and us to sit up, crawl, stand, squat, kneel, communicate, dance and finally walk. She still has a long way to go to become independent, but we are rejoicing in every moment that leads us there. Enjoy!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-33030468497513653162011-03-30T13:52:00.005-04:002011-03-30T14:58:22.924-04:00Promise to Kate TeamThank you, thank you, thank you to all of our amazing family and friends who came out sporting their black and hot pink shirts and raised money for team Promise to Kate for the MDA Muscle Walk this past Saturday. Promise to Kate raised over $4,000 and won two trophies for most walkers and most team money raised. Using her walker, Kate led the team along our short stroll through the mall. She even showed off some of her independent steps as a warm-up for her team! A special thank you to all of our supporters!<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-9c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=ls&il=1&channel=1513209474824182172&site=widget-9c.slide.com" style="width:426px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"/><div style="width:426px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ls&at=un&id=1513209474824182172&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9c.slide.com/p1/1513209474824182172/ls_t021_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ls&at=un&id=1513209474824182172&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9c.slide.com/p2/1513209474824182172/ls_t021_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ls&at=un&id=1513209474824182172&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9c.slide.com/p4/1513209474824182172/ls_t021_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div><br /><br />PS- I think Kate really enjoyed the walk. She took 39 independent steps in a row on Tuesday at her PT session. She was trying to get the cuddly bear that mommy was holding with Ms Penny following behind her to brace for falls....only she didn't fall, she regained her balance all by herself each time she wobbled and made it across the house and down the hallway! A HUGE accomplishment for her and she hasn't been able to replicate it for daddy, but I know it is only a matter of time. I think it is fair to say that she LOVES her Physical Therapist, Penny...she will do anything for her!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-47055084198550651532011-01-17T11:35:00.002-05:002011-01-17T12:29:51.770-05:00The ClubI am a member of a club here in town. It's priveleges aren't that great, they don't serve you food and they keep it a little too cool in their rooms, but, as my MawMaw says, "It beats the alternative!" <br /><br />I became a member after Kate was born and apparantely, will be a member for the rest of her life. Memberships to this club aren't sought after and cannot be bought, only earned by your experiences. Through each of my experiences here, I have watched the other members come and go... carrying laundry, snacks, babydolls and trucks...up and down elevators....often wearing the same wrinkled clothes...always looking tired. The most common attribute they carry though is stress. It's painted on their faces and even when they smile, the worry is still visible.<br /><br />The levels of membership here vary and I am relieved to say that my level isn't nearly as advanced as other members I have seen. I THANK GOD EVERY DAY FOR THIS! I watch as the more "advanced" members rock their non-stop crying child to ease the pain, kiss their baby before he leaves for open heart sugery, or walking their balding toddler down the hallway, making sure the iv pole stays within reach. I'm as sensitive as they come and it is always very hard to watch all of these other members worry so visibly, all the while carrying my own smaller level of stress. <br /><br />During our visits to "The Club," I lay awake at night and listen to the other members' babies cry and moan and whimper. I listen to mothers singing sweet lullabies. I listen to beeping....lots and lots and lots of beeping! I listen as doctors and nurses explain and console other members.<br /><br />I learned that some members don't come to the club and stay with their child. They are invited, but for whatever reason, their child lays here 98% of the day and night alone. The nurses and doctors are far too busy to hold their hand or sing soothing songs all night. They must tend to everyone's needs. Ouch...this really hurts to watch and hear!<br /><br />I'm not sure this is something I'll ever get accustomed to watching, listening and feeling, but I can tell you that these experiences always make me...GRATEFUL. I tell myself often, "it could always be worse" and my MawMaw is very right..."This beats the alternative." While my baby often gets sick and every now and then, really sick, she has so many days of being healthy and happy. I get the privelege of loving on her and playing with her every day. I get to hear her call me "Mama" and hold her sweet head against my chest and tell her that everything is going to be ok. I get to rock her every night and sing sweet lullabies, telling her that Mommy, Daddy, Bubba, Jackie, Jesus, G, Grandpa (the list could go on for days) all love her so much. I tell her that she is a strong little girl and that she can fight for her health, muscle strength and place in this world. I tell her that she can do anything she sets her mind to do. And day by day, I expect to see her do things that continue to make me laugh and love her even more. (Secretly, I even tell her that I fully expect her to challenge me during her teenage years.)<br /><br />Yes, I am a member of The Club here, but I wouldn't trade my daughter for anything else in this world. So, I proudly and often tiredly wear this badge of honor as her mother and will always be grateful for the precious gift God has entrusted in my care.Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-65719210023126819322010-12-08T15:38:00.004-05:002010-12-08T16:27:44.523-05:00The Blog Running Inside My HeadIt's quarter to four, my house is quiet....just the sounds of a snoring dog and the rhythmic breathing pattern from my two sleeping children (yes, Charlie is actually taking a nap!), so I decided this would be an opportune time for me to blog. I could update you on everything that has happened since Kate's party in May (the last time I blogged), but have decided to share with you my feelings about our life.<br /><br />Like any mother, wife, employee and woman, I am constantly making decisions that affect not only myself, but those I love. Decisions about working, decisions about schools, decisions about spending, decisions about caretaking, and last but certainly not least, decisions on dinner every night. I have always been a rather laid-back, easy-going person, so decision making is tough for me. Sometimes I love the decisions I make and other times I hate them. Such is life! <br /><br />I made a decision about a week after Kate was diagnosed with Congenital Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. I decided that I would not let this diagnosis "beat up" my family. I decided that we would take on a family motto of sorts...to live one day at a time, to laugh often and to love generously. Now, I don't wake up ready to live, laugh and love every morning, but I make a conscious decision every day to strive to live, laugh and love. In order to accomplish this, I have had to let go of many things I once deemed important. I've turned down numerous offers to "get away," decided that wearing the same old clothes day after day is not so bad, lost touch with some circles of friends, turned my dining room into a dining room/playroom/therapy room, live in a messy house and love my dog (through my children's eyes...unconditionally), even though he sheds more than any other dog I know.<br /><br />Sure, it would be nice to go to work somedays, make some money, have nice clothes, take "girl" vacations, buy a bigger house (that comes with a Roomba vacuum), but in the end I have decided to BE HAPPY IN THE NOW. It's not easy to live one day at a time, laugh often and love generously, but I know that this is the decision I must make on a daily basis to ensure that my family comes out victorious. I also don't want to find myself years down the road, looking back at these days, realizing that the busy, fast-paced days of life kept me from truly enjoying the moments. <br /><br />I'll leave you with this one side note...I received a note from one of my former students today. It said, "Dear Mrs. Conte, You have been my best teacher I have ever met. When I first met you I was really happy. You have taught me alot and I hope you do the same to other people. Love your best student." Well, little friend, you made my heart smile today. Thank you for reminding me to live, laugh and love. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGwJcYcGfvyGP572PxJj0zMAdwBtXwvEoMn3QnrBJXwiE1lSuPWm12vyNui54p9qizsW9o8Ym0-8FBjzn97-4QF0ygTEK_kzTPlRNJUx5UpypgGnAjM_u_6JTbKISe_pliS5n2l9rO6dd/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGwJcYcGfvyGP572PxJj0zMAdwBtXwvEoMn3QnrBJXwiE1lSuPWm12vyNui54p9qizsW9o8Ym0-8FBjzn97-4QF0ygTEK_kzTPlRNJUx5UpypgGnAjM_u_6JTbKISe_pliS5n2l9rO6dd/s200/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548426163630840818" /></a>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-88178818597552170732010-04-22T14:28:00.023-04:002010-04-28T23:32:59.967-04:00Happy Birthday Grandpa & Kate and Thank YOU!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzRSQrzIv5odJw1N22l8Q5nNcRaOA6S_Fh97weoiA2cG505wsWOXFuiDYhrrTV70dJNChRz2wcNMAmr6ji95rgfmpdQH_HXxR_scXlyuGHTx05NAwCWsa4E4mmuM8bK2mb9CKh33gvh1I/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463043329598538626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzRSQrzIv5odJw1N22l8Q5nNcRaOA6S_Fh97weoiA2cG505wsWOXFuiDYhrrTV70dJNChRz2wcNMAmr6ji95rgfmpdQH_HXxR_scXlyuGHTx05NAwCWsa4E4mmuM8bK2mb9CKh33gvh1I/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" /></a> What a celebration Saturday night! About 200 friends and family members joined us for an evening of food, laughter, tears and even a little education, as we celebrated the 70th birthday of my father, Lansing J Roy, and the 1st birthday of our baby girl, Katherine Elizabeth. It was a very emotional night for us and we felt so much love and support. From the 30 or so children dancing and eating cake to the lifetime friends of our families, we enjoyed seeing so many friendly faces. In lieu of gifts, we asked guests to make a charitable contribution to the <a href="http://www.myotonic.org/">Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation</a>, with 100% of this being earmarked for research. We were completely blown away when our final tally was done....we raised over $13,000 for research! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! We are hopeful that by the time our Katiebug reaches her 18th birthday, that great research advancements will prevail and that she will have every chance at a promising, strong future!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463044766082865042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ5sNBMzhYwH2hfMfhVJgEzW6WRZLRbW6jGXLAf6wFgLsEAKN3LLPFOPcnyW-phhn9JmBhhrQdFQ4A4xtLuKluLEbTsaZCLK94AaM1g8Br4NnrBrPGHW1wEIWwcY-B4pUvr-q3vSCzoSc/s200/DSC00139.JPG" /> <div>Our Myotonic Dystrophy specialist, Dr. Tetsuo Ashizawa, of the University of Florida (Shands) in Gainesville, attended and served as our guest speaker, educating our guests about Myotonic Dystrophy and research progress. We were thrilled that he, his wife and precious daughter were able to join us for the party. A special thank you to Theo Kouremetis, our friend and chef, who whipped up a fabulous spread of appetizers and gourmet dinner. Delicious! Special thanks also goes to Haley Alvarado for photographing the event and <a href="http://http//www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bridaldayfilms.com%2F&h=13d2e">Jeff Green</a> for recording the program. We would also like to thank our friends and family members who helped up set up, cover the children's room, borrow decorations, create a well-wishes book, run for ice, serve drinks and clean up! We couldn't have done it without you.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>For those of you that know me, I am teacher by trade, and many of my teacher friends were in attendance. If you are interested in reading a blog from the "teacher" perspective of the event, check out <a href="http://timmonstimes.blogspot.com/2010/04/birthday-wishes-for-kate.html">dayle timmons' blog</a>. She was and still is my teaching mentor and truly has a way with words!</div><br /><div></div><div>Many of you had other obligations and missed the party. We will be posting a recording of the program on this site as soon as it becomes available. If you are interested in reading the poem "<a href="http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html">Holland</a>" (that I tearfully read during the program) we will have a link on here as well. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><p style="VISIBILITY: visible"></p></div></div><br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-73.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-73.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2666130979436985715&site=widget-73.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2666130979436985715&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-73.slide.com/p1/2666130979436985715/ms_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2666130979436985715&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-73.slide.com/p2/2666130979436985715/ms_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2666130979436985715&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-73.slide.com/p4/2666130979436985715/ms_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br />We aren't able to announce the details about our future annual fundraising event just yet, but stay tuned....Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-10972776893879516162010-03-25T15:40:00.007-04:002010-03-25T16:29:52.922-04:00One Day at a Time<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ErdgOayEyIo3DTWHNqY8y92WAmSqDJpv1YoVBiLOIv2rf3A80uFP2E85Q-t5v66h8Kpb4_hbmLKGud6yJi0IvgW9HICcvQ1A3psbB02QfC7Z8ktcE2vusoDlPUF8CbKXObgSLIs2JsaA/s1600/100_8503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452669222689330034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ErdgOayEyIo3DTWHNqY8y92WAmSqDJpv1YoVBiLOIv2rf3A80uFP2E85Q-t5v66h8Kpb4_hbmLKGud6yJi0IvgW9HICcvQ1A3psbB02QfC7Z8ktcE2vusoDlPUF8CbKXObgSLIs2JsaA/s320/100_8503.JPG" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We are constantly reminding ourselves to live one day at a time. Sometimes this is easier said than done.<br /><br />In February, we finally got to see <a href="http://www.myotonic.org/about-us/advisory-committee/">Dr. Ashizawa</a>, a neurologist who specializes in Myotonic Dystrophy, new to the University of Florida in Gainesville. We found him because he serves on the MDF board of scientific advisors. So, Dave, my sister Jenny, Kate and I headed to his clinic on a Friday afternoon, while Charlie played at Glamma & Jack's house. While I won't get into all of the specifics of the appointment, I can say that we left with a real sense of having just talked to an EXPERT...the first doctor that knew EVERYTHING about this disease. The appointment was filled with honest information, some of which was hard for us to hear, but we left with great hope for our family's future. We could tell this man was dedicated to helping the Myotonic Dystrophy community and to finding a cure.<br /><br />About a week later, my dad's DNA test results came back with a positive diagnosis for the disease. While we were glad to find the source of the gene, it was still difficult to come to the realization that my dad had it and that I had it too. We are ever so grateful that my dad's symptoms are minimal and that is a big thing since he turns 70 in April.<br /><br />Soon after this, we decided that we would unite as a family and fight back against this disease! So, we have decided to throw a BIG BIRTHDAY BASH to celebrate "Grandpa's 70th Birthday and Kate's 1st Birthday" and put a fundraising purpose behind it...Research dollars for the <a href="http://www.myotonic.org/">Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation</a>! We are so excited about this kick-off to our fundraising adventures and can't wait to celebrate with all of our family and friends on April 17th. If you would like to make a <a href="https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=17263">donation</a> to our cause, we would appreciate it! </div></div><div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452670512781370834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSCbPlipe1ghyphenhyphenEhswl9_ZoRBjMA_aa3-XR4QWQPdx1dzLXSOENd4Wkm62-OrlThGmZImfT7CbJptvZ1QRrGLjtrUzM0P_LfXs7jj3trkLP9cLM_NnbFePfqYS1R1dkDolt_AHL61GCaAU/s200/IMG_0020.JPG" /><br /><div>So, here we are....trying to live one day at a time, but still planning for the future!</div></div>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-77189205548358997272010-02-06T22:33:00.005-05:002010-02-06T23:04:00.807-05:00How about those Contes?<p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-45.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-45.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2522015791355922245&site=widget-45.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2522015791355922245&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-45.slide.com/p1/2522015791355922245/ms_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2522015791355922245&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-45.slide.com/p2/2522015791355922245/ms_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2522015791355922245&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-45.slide.com/p4/2522015791355922245/ms_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br /><br />Back to blogging again...finally! Dave and I had a date night tonight and went to see the movie "Extraordinary Measures." This movie was about a family with two children with Pompe's Disease, a serious muscular dystrophy, that in recent time has had a major scientific breakthrough in the treatment of the disease. We cried through the whole thing, but left with a sense of HOPE and renewed effort to not let Kate's diagnosis beat us! <br /><br />Having said that, we also felt it was time to post our Christmas/New Year family letter. It's a little quirky, but hey, so are we and you know....it truly captures us in real life. So, if you are up for the read, continue on and enjoy! (Just keep in mind Dave's saracastic sense of humor as you read.)<br /><br />Hello to all of our friends and family. With the holidays and everything else we realized we have not updated our blog recently. We know you all are dying to know more about us. Heck, we can’t get enough of ourselves so we figured you all must be dying! In theory this can be counted as a sort of belated Christmas letter but only posted on a blog and not mailed to you. We learned over the holidays from some very good friends (or maybe not….hmmmm….may need to reevaluate that) , that Christmas letters about your family are very narcissistic and that no one really cares. Soooo, we stopped writing ours at that point and are just now picking up the pen again. We will only post on the blog so as to not assume that you want to read about us, but if by some chance you are at that point in life where you are sitting on the couch looking for something to do and your options are to stick a fork repeatedly into your eye or read this….well, we are now giving you the option. <br /><br />As a family, we have grown larger and closer this past year. We were blessed to welcome our little Katherine (Kate, Katie, etc…) Elizabeth on May 11th, making us a family of 5 (counting our dog Jack of course.) Kate helped us make the gender number even while throwing off the balance for the grandparents (4 boys & 5 girls for the Roys and 2 boys & 3 girls for the Contes.) And speaking of the Roys and Contes…we have spent LOTS of time with them this year and have LOVED it! We spent a week in June with the Roys at the beach and a week in July with the Contes in the mountains this summer. We took a multitude of pictures and shared them on our family this blog site.<br /><br />Dave is currently the Chief Technology Officer at the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership. When he isn’t working or fishing, he can be found wrestling and playing all kinds of things with Charlie, who simply adores his daddy. (In fact, when Charlie’s teachers ask him what he is thankful for at school before they pray, he ALWAYS says “my daddy.”)<br /><br />Elizabeth (or Bissy for all you Keystone folks) is busy being a stay at home mother and loves her time at home with Charlie and Kate. As you many of you know the Doctors appointments and therapy sessions for Kate take quite a bit of time, patience and juggling. The hope is that with time the medical demands for time will decrease. In her spare time (yeah-right!), she has been teaching some online courses.<br /><br />Charlie turned 2 in February and started preschool in September, attending 2 mornings a week. This has definitely been a year of “adjustment” for Charlie, learning how to be without mommy and share mommy time with his baby sister. He just adores Kate though and is such a good helper. He often asks to hold her and loves to sing and talk to her. He is ALL BOY and full of boundless energy, so he really looks forward to daddy coming home after work to PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! Charlie has excelled in riding his tricycle throughout the house at full speed narrowly missing walls, dog and toes. Now, there are times he miscalculates his speed and distance which can lead to disastrous results. In typical Charlie fashion he gets a bit of a stunned look with the occasional whimper. At first you think it’s because he is scared and possibly injured but no, generally it’s because he is in shock that he didn’t make the turn (or that his last minute braking is ineffective when combining wood floors and plastic wheels). In Charlie’s head he lives and dies by the “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again until you do.” We just fear the tricycle wipe outs are only going to lead to more dangerous adventures as he gets older. <br /><br />Now, Charlie really is a neat kid (seriously, just ask his parents but whatever you do don’t ask Uncle Dana. He is glad he’s not his ;-)! What we as parents are trying to figure out is where on earth did he get his sarcasm, shit-eating grin and well, most proudly, his foul language. We are stunned and really investigating this matter. Must be school…right? OK, it’s his mother! We are really trying to nip the foul language part. Dad just has to stop hurting himself with tools and watching FSU football in Charlie’s presence. We are looking forward to a wonderful life with Charlie as our son and can only sit back and join the wild ride that we are sure he is going to take us on. <br /><br />Katherine has just turned 8 months old and is such a sweet, gentle baby girl. Many of you know that she had problems at birth and was diagnosed in August with Congenital Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition with no known cure. Her muscle tone is low, causing developmental delays in her movement and feeding progress. She sees a physical therapist, speech therapist and many medical specialists who are keeping a close eye on her progress. She just loves to watch Charlie as he bounces around the family room. She does on occasion give us her own special smile when she wants. <br /><br />Upon learning of Kate’s condition, we were shocked, stunned and in partial denial but rebounded after about a week and decided that this wasn’t helping Katherine. We decided to attend the Myotonic Dystrophy Family Conference in California in October, where we met other families, learned what to expect in the coming years and learned a great deal about the exciting research being done at present time. <br /><br />Katherine has really started to show herself lately. Aside from her obvious current physical limitations she truly is the kindest, gentlest soul. We really have fallen in love with her and know that she totally follows in her father’s footsteps. His ability to be gentle and kind shines though in Katherine. We are hoping that it will eventually soften her mother up a little. All joking aside, we know that once Kate works through her early struggles in life she will go on to lead a very influential and caring life that will make this a better world. <br /><br />The rest of the Conte family is plugging along. Jack continues to run scared from Charlie wishing he could just be left alone. Elizabeth and I are just enjoying our time with our family and making plans for our family’s future. We are hoping to start an annual fundraiser to support the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation by year’s end. We would ultimately like to do two different annual events but will start with just one. We are knocking around a couple of ideas right now that are different than the typical golf tournament. In Jacksonville that effort has played itself out. We are always open to ideas so if you have any, please shoot them our way. We will also be looking for any volunteers that may be needed for the events so when the time comes and if you are interested please let us know. We are thinking for the announcement of our event we will do something small like a fireworks display downtown with rotating spot lights and maybe a small musical act like Garth Brooks. Stay tuned! <br /><br />Lastly we want to thank all of our family and friends who have been by our side the past 8 months or so. We are truly the luckiest family in the world and without people like you in our lives we would be lost. Your support has been AWESOME!!!!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />David, Elizabeth, Charlie, Katherine and of course JackDave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-2188248705411323162009-11-02T23:26:00.001-05:002009-11-02T23:30:20.008-05:00September & October Pictures<p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-4f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-4f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3314649325780030031&site=widget-4f.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3314649325780030031&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4f.slide.com/p1/3314649325780030031/ms_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3314649325780030031&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4f.slide.com/p2/3314649325780030031/ms_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3314649325780030031&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4f.slide.com/p4/3314649325780030031/ms_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-6501642368700580152009-11-02T21:34:00.004-05:002009-11-02T23:02:37.325-05:00Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Conference in CAIn the beginning of October, Dave, Kate and I flew out to LA to attend the Myotonic Dystrophy Family Conference. We were excited, yet nervous, about being confronted with the disease so directly, but know we definently made the right decision to attend. We met many wonderful families, got "best practices" from experienced parents and learned all about the latest research from the experts.<br /><br />One of the biggest things that we walked away with was the fact that there is no "road map" that tells us where Kate is headed or what to expect. We know that she will continue to see specialists for eyes, heart, digestion, orthopedic, neurology and genetics as well as physical, speech and occupational therapists. We still don't have DNA-tested answers for our family genetic situation, but we aren't rushing into this area since I and Charlie are symptomless. <br /><br />One of the most exciting parts of the conference for me was getting to meet Lisa Vittek, the Director of the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) and mother of Kayla, a 4 year old girl who also has CMMD (Congenital Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy). The day that Kate was diagnosed, Lisa found my announcement post on this blog and left a comment for me, reaching out her hand in support. When I discovered it later that night, I cried and closed my computer. At the time, I just wasn't ready, but a few days later, I realized that this diagnosis wasn't going away and I needed to learn everything I could to help my daughter make progress and stay healthy. It was so nice to finally meet her and her family at the conference and spend some time talking. I even got a hug from Kayla the night before we returned home. We also met a sweet little girl, Raina, and her family. Raina had the same start that Kate has had and is now 7 years old. She is walking, talking and has the most adorable face. I've posted some pictures of the families we met.<br /><br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-96.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-96.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3098476543666263958&site=widget-96.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543666263958&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-96.slide.com/p1/3098476543666263958/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543666263958&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-96.slide.com/p2/3098476543666263958/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543666263958&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-96.slide.com/p4/3098476543666263958/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br /><br />Even though this was a "medical trip," Dave and I really enjoyed our time. Kate is such a laid-back baby, we even took her on a tour of Hollywood. It was fun to see the stars' homes and visit all the iconic sights. Charlie had an awesome time with Glamma, Uncle Luke, Aunt Karen, Cousin Grace, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Tommy and Cousin Josh....thanks for making his time away from us so special and fun!<br /><br />If you are looking for more information about this disease or how you can help, check out www.myotonic.com, the website for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. Dave and I are talking with MDF about how we can be involved. Check back soon for our plans!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-84040767898955555952009-09-18T08:24:00.008-04:002009-09-18T10:33:34.268-04:00Busy Times<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382814181341682498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KBHLw9a0hhCRU1LR4fHcvJxIaios6MXNrcCv8X8CmOeFLEJQISWoiLh1zlxpaSMO6lRytANJaXhxFOZFEPDUZus2uHnhLGCTE99pv-dbqrdDTSR6J-EHt5IrZ7SQjCz4RhhJ7gsc1Drf/s320/100_7745.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2iYujNmnbcXeVCdRlRdWnJont3s4I2A4HvcL3OrKyFrcAQj4KeBsUGJCf8LGztPvZntFZDHeUBnD1QI3HeYJe9LrHMUkeqpJXAmg7MFebZn9g3MKn9lbrKzdcxw3T-SrXxVQwOmiLu00/s1600-h/100_7784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382814185829409570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2iYujNmnbcXeVCdRlRdWnJont3s4I2A4HvcL3OrKyFrcAQj4KeBsUGJCf8LGztPvZntFZDHeUBnD1QI3HeYJe9LrHMUkeqpJXAmg7MFebZn9g3MKn9lbrKzdcxw3T-SrXxVQwOmiLu00/s320/100_7784.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthhhiyfL2GEsIxF09Q6dP8fPnqF20nZyNehxqrRnSg3pbkDLBcfpu1OsjSH1jiBulWVvtHXMectP1u3YOUjBzp16jqc1ZgfokaXypGY4PoCyzNVDviBPGD6D3u2Bwhncp0Q_YIUX3D_NM/s1600-h/4+month+smile.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382814171460176066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthhhiyfL2GEsIxF09Q6dP8fPnqF20nZyNehxqrRnSg3pbkDLBcfpu1OsjSH1jiBulWVvtHXMectP1u3YOUjBzp16jqc1ZgfokaXypGY4PoCyzNVDviBPGD6D3u2Bwhncp0Q_YIUX3D_NM/s320/4+month+smile.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's been a busy month in the Conte household.</div><br /><div></div><div>Dave and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4th. We got to spend a little time with Deeks and Dianne when they came to visit and stayed at Marriott Sawgrass. Charlie loved the pool time and the playground! Kate was content hanging out in the shade. We even ran into our good friends, the Davey family, out there. That same weekend, Aunt Jenny and cousin Jordan came to visit. Charlie was SO sad when Jordan had to leave...he hugged her tight and said "Jordan stay."</div><div></div><br /><div>Shortly after Kate was diagnosed, we learned that my dad had kidney cancer. This past Tuesday, he had surgery to remove his affected kidney. He is now at home and recovering well. The surgeons said everything else looked good, so they are hopeful that he stays cancer-free.</div><div></div><br /><div>Charlie started 2 year old preschool twice a week and finally had his first day with a"no tears" goodbye. He turned around, smiled and blew me a kiss....now, I wanted to cry! </div><div></div><br /><div>Kate turned 4 months old and has continued to get good results from all of the specialists she is seeing. She is making great gains in Speech (feeding) therapy and can now take a bottle almost like a normal baby. She is working hard at physical therapy and her PT now comes to the house twice a week to work with her. Kate responds very well to her and her strength is improving. She actually lifted her head off of the floor by herself for the first time! Her little foot has decided it wants to continue to turn in (even after casting), but we are hopeful it will correct before she is ready to use it to move around. She is such a sweet little girl and LOVES to look at faces. She is growing and has reached the 25th percentile...hooray Kate!</div><div></div><br /><div>October 1-5, Dave, Kate and I are attending the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Family Conference in Manhattan Beach, CA, so we can learn everything we can about this disease and how we can help our little Baby Kakes grow and prosper! Charlie has a date with several relatives while we are away so he can have some fun!</div><div></div><br /><div>It's been quite the whirlwind since Kate's diagnosis in August and I know many of you are wondering how we are doing. The best way I can explain it is this: it's a grieving process. We have been through several stages of this process already and have basically come to the conclusion that no matter what, Kate is our baby girl and was born into our lives for a special reason. We will do whatever it takes to get her the best possible care and love her as much as we can. Learning that she got the disease from me has been quite unsettling, but even more concerning is knowing that there is a chance that Charlie might have it as well. This is a wait-and-see disease, so only time will tell. Having said all this, we still have our moments when we mourn and have a good cry, but overall, we are doing great. We are taking one day at a time and trying to live life as normally as possible. We love spending time with our family and friends! </div></div></div>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-55277268738391270482009-09-01T12:03:00.005-04:002009-09-01T12:27:26.065-04:00First Day of 2 year old Preschool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Auj5iz68AR2Wr26BBQBQrvY58QeJuJeZ16DYzaG5oA8bbeUX59rKwNrQL8v4rXFiGEC5LO-O_i5HaGU3nD7IIEpCy8WKZbDg0yXbHYWXUq-NPpSWFYRxGYMWiADpgrwD4fN9ZJH5O9J/s1600-h/100_7737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376536086399922258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Auj5iz68AR2Wr26BBQBQrvY58QeJuJeZ16DYzaG5oA8bbeUX59rKwNrQL8v4rXFiGEC5LO-O_i5HaGU3nD7IIEpCy8WKZbDg0yXbHYWXUq-NPpSWFYRxGYMWiADpgrwD4fN9ZJH5O9J/s320/100_7737.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376534226965095218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55dWD50jcZ9YRP0NwYg4fVIsKeS6Z_yA4Aff4JUHvBbbVS9S8LaRizC-VMIrmmhuUZ6RN6CgRkyOKTbZBpHMrAWpfcT7FKxDfQ-8sy0xpnCFfVZ8ZpbdS-OgfOqDgDkt940U-alp-5fFk/s320/100_7736.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376534236592569090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTiAr4W2UmgzvU9l9YuqXhsrc3watz3vGioozKCaZHdbpAX13JYF8sf0FYEXh-N6561MpaGt6GznRIsbVgTrJOawJTBXPg9IMbEKplhMHfHcK4kGhIeYVwqIXePjOYPq2YqKTqwvPXz14/s320/100_7738.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty50WFQa3lafMHD6jhTmUYZ7fIZE9xZmUzIHQh_PAiVE_J9NboNVduIePPq3YZY13iRX3wYkD5GU1WTvrY31LYiwE9KnKw94wR0dplQ3whwgmfA3dQ_RtWoaAzdNCy6cO-mJ8VR_3U2p5/s1600-h/100_7744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376534241704321122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty50WFQa3lafMHD6jhTmUYZ7fIZE9xZmUzIHQh_PAiVE_J9NboNVduIePPq3YZY13iRX3wYkD5GU1WTvrY31LYiwE9KnKw94wR0dplQ3whwgmfA3dQ_RtWoaAzdNCy6cO-mJ8VR_3U2p5/s320/100_7744.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Charlie was so excited about starting school that he didn't fall asleep until after 10pm last night. We packed his backpack and his lunchbox, set out his "first day of school" clothes and "school" shoes, and put together his little bag of gifts for his classroom (Lysol wipes and yummy "safety-pops"). He was chanting "school, school, school" on our short little drive to school and walked in all smiles while holding his daddy's hand! When daddy turned to leave though, poor Charlie wouldn't let go. After his sweet teacher pried him loose, we said our quick goodbyes and stood silently in the hallway (out of his sight) until we couldn't hear him crying anymore. No tears from mommy or daddy (we were trying to be tough), but daddy felt really bad!</div><br /><div></div><div>Poor little Kate got toted along on this little outing, but was a good sport. I'm sure Charlie is having a splendid time, playing with his friends Caroline and Ethan and others he is meeting for the first time today. Only 40 minutes until I get to go pick him up...I can't wait! Hopefully Thursday will be an easier goodbye, as only mommy and Kate will be dropping him off at school...we'll see! </div></div></div></div>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-49235876047224057052009-09-01T11:49:00.003-04:002009-09-01T12:02:58.069-04:00"Mac" Truck Boy<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376529517359427074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilkSAct9Na-CWtScdJomvZVOVVHITHA5oYkVS8EtSRGFcaJUU6X3yTNJoZP85JHNTHAlhUPnADc8G50MtnubVCYjlNaDMargbB5cfxbTVdhSwLeSZCSp2tO83_3NdqzTKGhMTvLYFaYPM/s320/100_7732.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD1Gnl50PJlGzuBzvxYuDoDjPI7HxjAG4e1OWnMLIdkZBZg364fVeE77qgbKWrtj1Ikk4dvGKTDp6GH_j3xej5hdEWutex22huICbkgDVRDOZ4f8iuVJ7qfOoXl9d-jiOjw4Bv4X2MoDE/s1600-h/100_7728.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376529541609465522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD1Gnl50PJlGzuBzvxYuDoDjPI7HxjAG4e1OWnMLIdkZBZg364fVeE77qgbKWrtj1Ikk4dvGKTDp6GH_j3xej5hdEWutex22huICbkgDVRDOZ4f8iuVJ7qfOoXl9d-jiOjw4Bv4X2MoDE/s320/100_7728.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksNDWda8BMhyphenhyphenkRFbRFLjG1Km2MBtGbX-ICSUoFTEmrb6nJmudg4fieLoN2pvgurPxX9FfXUDVdkv9YIjY_P0Dy-JDXm-2CB7EFcKglz-FNqaBSRRY9Eo4RreBysUqAqFrfpnbXFBzVRAm/s1600-h/100_7727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376529526901285762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksNDWda8BMhyphenhyphenkRFbRFLjG1Km2MBtGbX-ICSUoFTEmrb6nJmudg4fieLoN2pvgurPxX9FfXUDVdkv9YIjY_P0Dy-JDXm-2CB7EFcKglz-FNqaBSRRY9Eo4RreBysUqAqFrfpnbXFBzVRAm/s320/100_7727.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>Oh, the love of a two year old boy...he is completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">obsessed</span> with "Mac" trucks. He plays with them at home, begs to buy them at stores, looks for them on the highway and complains when they don't have trailers attached to them. Daddy, of course, LOVES this stage of Charlie's and plays "trucks" with him all the time. </div><br /><div></div><div>Well, thanks to my cousin Darin, from Alabama, Charlie got to ride in a real "Mac" truck (it was even red, like Mac in the Cars movie). Darin came to visit the past weekend and brought his truck with him. After a delicious lunch at Aunt Sue's house and a visit with all the Roy/Green relatives, Darin let Charlie ride in his big truck all the way to the truck stop, where he parked it. Charlie was a little nervous, and sat quietly the whole trip, but his eyes were big and full of excitement. Needless to say, it has been the topic of conversations with Charlie and he is already asking when he can ride in Darin's truck again! Thank you Darin for making my little boy's day!!!</div></div></div>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-2519649177295016272009-08-12T12:30:00.010-04:002009-08-12T18:46:38.196-04:00Diagnosis at 3 Months Old<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8uejgbrwaCJOqS9VbViOK0Y_EtdcvE_IIw9_BKLx2IgWV0eXxXamLDcactNRPnxJwlqGgWEI_yZukijKtVG9sFUC04j9Cfbd_ruIvv796xVKjzgAR96MbSfmrJI9lEt_QT-lQOO9wiQv/s1600-h/IMG_4633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369198556040138578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8uejgbrwaCJOqS9VbViOK0Y_EtdcvE_IIw9_BKLx2IgWV0eXxXamLDcactNRPnxJwlqGgWEI_yZukijKtVG9sFUC04j9Cfbd_ruIvv796xVKjzgAR96MbSfmrJI9lEt_QT-lQOO9wiQv/s320/IMG_4633.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mjBatx0io5YlTbX-ZAA5JCDwQPK_BNXAaRhHDgN0TzfQ1gBEE_u6d8aqfRXSe8H2Z1KDJXZXFUDlLADrETweLvtT-v1BJX3hXfO6GhBekBl1RCMnS87TaXz3ROuupyS4Mr0Uf0KYc993/s1600-h/IMG_4635.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369198544319606034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mjBatx0io5YlTbX-ZAA5JCDwQPK_BNXAaRhHDgN0TzfQ1gBEE_u6d8aqfRXSe8H2Z1KDJXZXFUDlLADrETweLvtT-v1BJX3hXfO6GhBekBl1RCMnS87TaXz3ROuupyS4Mr0Uf0KYc993/s320/IMG_4635.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, yesterday Kate turned 3 months old. My sister-n-law helped me take her 3 month pictures in a sweet little dress (given to her by my other sister-n-law) and wearing a cute matching barrette (made by my sweet friend). She looked so adorable and we finally got a picture of her little smile.<br /><br />Today, we finally received a diagnosis for Kate's condition. The Neurologist told us this morning that her DNA test for Myotonic Dystrophy came back "abnormal" and she has Myotonic Dystrophy (DM 1). The emotional stress we have endured today has not been easy, but we are trying to keep in mind the comforting words the Geneticist told us a couple of weeks ago before the results were back....treating the patient and not the disease. He told us to look at the progress she has been making over the past month and not to focus on all of the negative things about the disease that may or may not affect her. Dave has done a lot of reading today (I'm not quite ready for all the scary facts). Since this is a hereditary disease, we will have to see the geneticist for family genetic counseling.<br /><br />I know it will take some time for us to process all of this, but we wanted to go ahead and share her diagnosis with all of you that have been praying for and thinking about Kate and our family over the past three months. We know that God has a special plan for Kate and I feel blessed to spend each day with her. The road ahead may not be predictable, but we will do the best we can to continue our family life as normally as possible. Thank you all for your continued prayers, love and support!<br /><br />Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and "Baby Kakes"<br /><br />PS- Dave sent the message below to his family this morning:<br />As you all know by now we got the diagnosis we have been searching for since Katherine's birth. While it wasn't the one we wanted, it is what it is and we will deal with it. With that said I get a lot of questions as to what is DM1 ( Myotonic Dystrophy type 1) ? Well, I have found 2 links (from the same site) that explain what it is globally and more specifically what hers is. She has what is called congenital DM1. So when you are reading you can sort through what to read and so forth by only reading about the congenital. While there are some disturbing things you will read we are hopeful she will be better than all those. Unfortunately we are left with watching her as time goes and handling the issues that arise one at a time. Enjoy!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=myotonicdystrophy">http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=myotonicdystrophy</a><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=myotonic-d">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=myotonic-d</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-36699931275499518772009-08-07T17:54:00.007-04:002009-08-10T13:35:23.263-04:00Making Progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcixeBkp1mS9kOlhgeXADdEwg9nC_0oWyleyUFyVpRowYILT1S71qz-TU6dhHlX9dXvMNybVPvnUdGtg8KkbxOHjr2_kwGJzFNjIJGeRNBO7w1kDtSAI0H7iEO07Q0ACnEs6AOp37i1UA/s1600-h/July+2009+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcixeBkp1mS9kOlhgeXADdEwg9nC_0oWyleyUFyVpRowYILT1S71qz-TU6dhHlX9dXvMNybVPvnUdGtg8KkbxOHjr2_kwGJzFNjIJGeRNBO7w1kDtSAI0H7iEO07Q0ACnEs6AOp37i1UA/s320/July+2009+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367344190786398498" /></a><br /><br />Our little Kate is making progress and we are so thrilled to watch it all happen. Her muscle tone has been improving some and she is trying to put her hands in her mouth quite often. Her feeding has improved some and at times, she can suck on her bottle with very little help from mommy. So watch out daddy, it is going to be your turn to feed her soon! The feeding/speech therapist told us today that she won't need to see us again until next month...hooray! Lifting her head is still a big struggle for her, but her physical therapist is teaching us new exercises every week to help her strengthen these muscles.<br /><br />We met with the Geneticist last week, and had a great 1 1/2 hour conversation with him. He was very positive with us, which helped us walk away feeling positive. He basically told us that even if she ends up being diagnosed with something down the road, that it is not a "sentence," but rather some insight to help her. He told us that we need to focus on the progress she is making and gave us many examples of patients who have exceeded the dignosis' expectations. So, with that said, we are still a little nervous about our appointment with the Neurologist this coming Wednesday, where we should find out the results of the Myotonic Dystrophy DNA test, but are hopeful that she continues to improve. <br /><br />The orthopedic doctor had us try some special shoes attached by a metal bar to help correct her positional club foot, but they gave her a bad blister. So, at our visit last Thursday to Nemours, the doctor casted her left leg/foot. She will wear this cast for the next three weeks. We are hopeful this will do the job! <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLz9AeUTJDlR4gkgYoHE96ExRtGPSMO8D-RGF4V7V2ytk40ADr4nYWFCj19tU7XY4kTSTogVgj8OdePym1c0DfmpDFqQb7KfoWpd_xG5fF9QXACQYzJAD3UeZgbd8Ijp5obeU6untcBV4/s1600-h/July+2009+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLz9AeUTJDlR4gkgYoHE96ExRtGPSMO8D-RGF4V7V2ytk40ADr4nYWFCj19tU7XY4kTSTogVgj8OdePym1c0DfmpDFqQb7KfoWpd_xG5fF9QXACQYzJAD3UeZgbd8Ijp5obeU6untcBV4/s320/July+2009+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367344200371628722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwXbJOCUtOi4tltohaEOzzRJI_6KEdFjvfpo1AscAsd9EqOVrtLZu1Vpt4jw6q4gi1W9oFB3V4lNmK-Pfb6SLOHjGchCOhnIZLdKgBwzDn8nMoiusos5cHlJmQizz9aY-NGyCdZ-fmzBt/s1600-h/100_7682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwXbJOCUtOi4tltohaEOzzRJI_6KEdFjvfpo1AscAsd9EqOVrtLZu1Vpt4jw6q4gi1W9oFB3V4lNmK-Pfb6SLOHjGchCOhnIZLdKgBwzDn8nMoiusos5cHlJmQizz9aY-NGyCdZ-fmzBt/s320/100_7682.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368389304863472386" /></a><br /><br />Grandma (my mom) and Glamma (Dave's mom) have been helping out SO MUCH with Charlie during all of these appointments for Kate, and we are so grateful that they live near and have flexible schedules. Last Thursday, we all got to go to Chik-fil-A together. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVauNHr2V_WTdcZiXKhsVRuTjbM_p7eS8-IccjfwHcJWeSCXA7Rm4It6SWYDDTd-Cu1QQ_7UHTfx2RoiTlarhE3Ti7LNQwYXFzorTi-sn45fJtw5QRP95P96JPdSH4m0JstdRN58GVrsq/s1600-h/100_7681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVauNHr2V_WTdcZiXKhsVRuTjbM_p7eS8-IccjfwHcJWeSCXA7Rm4It6SWYDDTd-Cu1QQ_7UHTfx2RoiTlarhE3Ti7LNQwYXFzorTi-sn45fJtw5QRP95P96JPdSH4m0JstdRN58GVrsq/s320/100_7681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368388897452629650" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thank you all for your love, support and prayers!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-44256468271270893352009-07-17T09:26:00.003-04:002009-07-17T09:51:12.702-04:00Good News!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGcqm9OEmpGwNdWFO6x9cZgKd6fE4Uo1hnH9jfF4plenqM-nNxQ28yTSjiJ5Eo-gpDlBe5KM6vDa1pvFgCBTK55Pc0lzuBsZyaeTgtPq37LqhVjEEWvfXmTVMjc59qkFoCm_Rsxie7rcN/s1600-h/100_7652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGcqm9OEmpGwNdWFO6x9cZgKd6fE4Uo1hnH9jfF4plenqM-nNxQ28yTSjiJ5Eo-gpDlBe5KM6vDa1pvFgCBTK55Pc0lzuBsZyaeTgtPq37LqhVjEEWvfXmTVMjc59qkFoCm_Rsxie7rcN/s400/100_7652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359420874859915778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamBkt-gDFOwS0ZeOm5Ig1q3RAD6XNO1r5KTpAH2SJeV2IOH6Oraz9UMbO5INeEG1-mqrVY7CeQRIvJeJgW4j1bHsZrahwhbvkGsj1h2W9sy1nHlSP9Uxhf_dFB7jiyyRhRmvQlAXtwiiW/s1600-h/100_7650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamBkt-gDFOwS0ZeOm5Ig1q3RAD6XNO1r5KTpAH2SJeV2IOH6Oraz9UMbO5INeEG1-mqrVY7CeQRIvJeJgW4j1bHsZrahwhbvkGsj1h2W9sy1nHlSP9Uxhf_dFB7jiyyRhRmvQlAXtwiiW/s400/100_7650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359420864325021346" /></a><br /><br />We finally received the call we have been anxiously waiting for since Tuesday....and good news- Kate's brain scan was normal, so no surgery needed. Hooray! We also received news that the DNA test for Prader Willy came back negative, so we are very relieved. Kate's therapists also feel like she has shown some improvement in her feeding skills as well as her muscle tone. She got her new orthopedic shoes and brace yesterday, so she is now sporting a new fashion trend (well, I don't think anyone will want to copy this trend) and she doesn't really like wearing them. We are now waiting on results from the DNA test for Myotonic Dystrophy (which we don't expect to get for at least a few weeks) and her thyroid blood test. <br /><br />Our BIG celebration at home has been that Kate has become a little more alert and active and even gave Mommy 3 smiles in a row after her 5am feeding the other day. Mommy was so excited, she cried! Oh, Katie-bug, we have been waiting to see that beautiful smile...thanks for finally sharing it!<br /><br />We are getting a true lesson in the virtue of patience! For now, we will continue to go to Kate's weekly therapy appointments and doctor appointments, swimming lessons and playdates for Charlie and try to be a normal family. We have such supportive friends and family, which makes this journey we are on right now go a little more smoothly. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers! We are hopeful that we will continue to share only good news from now on!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-38256521110026734702009-07-08T22:13:00.002-04:002009-07-08T23:00:47.054-04:00The Latest on KatherineDave and I have decided that we need to start keeping everyone updated on the latest "Katherine" news through our family blog. This will help us share the news on a timely basis without repeating ourselves over and over.<br /><br />At her neurology appointment on Tuesday, the Dr. decided to do further testing based on his observations of her. They are completing 2 DNA blood tests to test for Prader Willy and Myotonic Syndrome. We won't know the results from these 2 tests for a few weeks. She will also be having an ultrasound on her head/brain this coming Tuesday as they are concerned with the increase in size of her head and lack of closure of the soft spot. We should get the results from this test relatively quickly. On a positive note, she has continued to gain weight. <br /><br />In the meantime, she will continue her weekly physical therapy appointments and her bi-weekly speech (feeding) therapy appointments. Poor Charlie thinks that every time we leave the house, we are going to the doctor. We are trying to live one day at a time, even though our parental instincts push us to google for the latest information or take our thoughts to what the future might hold for our little baby and our lives. We have taken a couple of vacations with our families this summer and are attending as many playdates as our schedule permits, so that Charlie gets to have a little fun.<br /><br />Please know that while many of you will ask us "how are you" or "what can I do to help" our general response will most likely be that we are "ok" right now. This is only because we are just trying to live life the best way we know how right now...by continuing to be a family and spend as much time with our children, friends and family members as possible, hoping to find some normalcy to carry us through this stage of our lives. This roller coaster ride has been full of ups and downs and it has been very helpful to know that we have so many caring family members and friends surrounding us with love, prayers and support. We ask that you continue to pray for baby Kate, wisdom for the doctors, and peace for Dave, Charlie and I.Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-4208992897049899302009-06-17T14:52:00.001-04:002009-06-17T14:55:25.839-04:00Our Family Picture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmAswOYlPj9o8RPJSiA5_XNJzLYapcWysMbZC4bp6qwTwKK-QPpGnqwDqXcVZxLfx2umvpflJU-nUY62Oh7vu7tIpCXHRa3WdHIAss-jU6fllxDh6ku0JuEh-oo53h0hMgaHslcW1jxo3/s1600-h/100_7542.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmAswOYlPj9o8RPJSiA5_XNJzLYapcWysMbZC4bp6qwTwKK-QPpGnqwDqXcVZxLfx2umvpflJU-nUY62Oh7vu7tIpCXHRa3WdHIAss-jU6fllxDh6ku0JuEh-oo53h0hMgaHslcW1jxo3/s400/100_7542.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348371961016419842" /></a>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-1517106617001748062009-05-27T22:00:00.002-04:002009-05-27T22:13:03.828-04:00Charlie & Kate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP-y_gtet4962kjkMxG4hRNZkKi8FtyJleb0UODaON6eP6VU65syTdtuHz1E_621f4ZzwZqGnI3ng_EOSN5Off5dw3D1CYPu9Cze3-zmmAL5FNWe5O7zb_aiyVQlxA8Gp6LDkXhspeyb6/s1600-h/100_7142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP-y_gtet4962kjkMxG4hRNZkKi8FtyJleb0UODaON6eP6VU65syTdtuHz1E_621f4ZzwZqGnI3ng_EOSN5Off5dw3D1CYPu9Cze3-zmmAL5FNWe5O7zb_aiyVQlxA8Gp6LDkXhspeyb6/s320/100_7142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340691907991945698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGSliAjcwQw6T8vi2hapWOcTrPrrMAct65wFevIjRIYnhvKfGBq0cd1bUYO60NQmT3ivCbjY_z7L1y_bEze3vA4bZkGiKnlZwOQMiFqB0ancr6MpZGwL3uKYnCXx66YtVXvCrsTxglr5_/s1600-h/100_7154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGSliAjcwQw6T8vi2hapWOcTrPrrMAct65wFevIjRIYnhvKfGBq0cd1bUYO60NQmT3ivCbjY_z7L1y_bEze3vA4bZkGiKnlZwOQMiFqB0ancr6MpZGwL3uKYnCXx66YtVXvCrsTxglr5_/s320/100_7154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340691905486975698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkp8kyeEHw8WhKeGPorNawIV_pAeulV_W4lUBrxFW13OOVwnorKDAdvKkpDzCW_N1tXss4J5JmcPUIKaWrQF-Xs2X6TpESWTtod5393UabdQ7BMWKAbxX-gAmGtVFaHJvinkOEvNMq8t4/s1600-h/100_7145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkp8kyeEHw8WhKeGPorNawIV_pAeulV_W4lUBrxFW13OOVwnorKDAdvKkpDzCW_N1tXss4J5JmcPUIKaWrQF-Xs2X6TpESWTtod5393UabdQ7BMWKAbxX-gAmGtVFaHJvinkOEvNMq8t4/s320/100_7145.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340691897535067842" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRkIRC35d6dRbKSK7jU1t_kZgjVi9O_JMXxvfpRkUxKCOQDpN3EXQoKnU4aVzREXnzDq8P9FH_yic0Zc2kA8mKu9Cq1nhrD3TQuonWXCiqY7WNzYKDV_8HekMujNumhR7AlZPD_K1mOZG/s1600-h/100_7140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRkIRC35d6dRbKSK7jU1t_kZgjVi9O_JMXxvfpRkUxKCOQDpN3EXQoKnU4aVzREXnzDq8P9FH_yic0Zc2kA8mKu9Cq1nhrD3TQuonWXCiqY7WNzYKDV_8HekMujNumhR7AlZPD_K1mOZG/s320/100_7140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340691893698028418" /></a><br /><br />We brought Kate home from the NICU on Friday and Charlie was very happy to finally have his sister at home. Of course, we have spent a good bit of time teaching Charlie that Kate cannot eat chips and poptarts, drink juice or be covered from head to toe with a blanket. He has been a great helper by telling mommy when she is crying and needs to be picked up, assisting with diaper changes, wanting to pour water on her during bathtime and covering her toes with her blanket. Mommy got permisson to drive from the doctor now, so we went on a little "date" (just Charlie & Mommy) tonight to Publix and bought a special treat from the bakery (a big m&m cookie). He even told the cashier as he held his cookie box "special treat Charlie." It's amazing how grown up he seems to us now that Kate is home. How time flies!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-78286465956323406002009-05-21T22:34:00.002-04:002009-05-21T22:39:49.489-04:00Katherine Elizabeth Conte<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bD_XoTM1JhZ4YQDpM2wrmtcBjAwvoZ8P-3_9hM4MIpFOc6aXGum4ZsLW2Gj-UoTNx7jU7-Af1KozVJby60ej12iWtBypVSE4wPSZ_GQ_89tD3iMCEGOjJEHJp14gu1O0QIIvN9XHWvXj/s1600-h/IMG_3948%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bD_XoTM1JhZ4YQDpM2wrmtcBjAwvoZ8P-3_9hM4MIpFOc6aXGum4ZsLW2Gj-UoTNx7jU7-Af1KozVJby60ej12iWtBypVSE4wPSZ_GQ_89tD3iMCEGOjJEHJp14gu1O0QIIvN9XHWvXj/s400/IMG_3948%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338472475834758482" /></a><br /><br />Well, folks, sorry it took so long, but here she is...<br /><br />Our precious baby girl, Katherine Elizabeth Conte, was born on Monday, May 11th at 8am, weighing 6.5 pounds and measuring 19 inches. She has been through quite an ordeal since that time, but we know that prayer works and hope that she will join us at home very soon!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-17060341242558069132009-05-09T23:52:00.002-04:002009-05-10T00:32:59.978-04:00Spring Time Fun<p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-a5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-a5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3026418949610303397&site=widget-a5.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3026418949610303397&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p1/3026418949610303397/ms_t043_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3026418949610303397&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p2/3026418949610303397/ms_t043_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3026418949610303397&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p4/3026418949610303397/ms_t043_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br /><br />I haven't posted any new pictures in a while...much to my husband's dismay. He begged me to PLEASE update the blog and NOT facebook. So, here are some pictures of what we Contes have been up to this spring. With only 2 days to go until Katherine's arrival, I decided now was the best time to stay up a little late and check this "to do" off of my list that never ends. <br /><br />By the way, you'll have to visit the blog again soon so you can see some snapshots of our baby girl whom we cannot wait to meet!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-56192380730964176292009-03-17T14:00:00.004-04:002009-03-17T14:30:02.883-04:00Choo-choo!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcAKPb5_kQSK_zgw_dVsolgT9TsFa2TA_hgrnIwHhDeg4x-DzxricjWzd3AsRookfa-Urd8NicOtxLkvkgsIUk69STZoVcDZmW-nx-jISVIz5Kv8wNg2Mca_VrZp-ix4rKbk4ykTZnw9G/s1600-h/100_6802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcAKPb5_kQSK_zgw_dVsolgT9TsFa2TA_hgrnIwHhDeg4x-DzxricjWzd3AsRookfa-Urd8NicOtxLkvkgsIUk69STZoVcDZmW-nx-jISVIz5Kv8wNg2Mca_VrZp-ix4rKbk4ykTZnw9G/s320/100_6802.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314222945163901122" /></a><br /><br />We decided to take a "last hoorah" trip this past weekend. We wanted to have one last special memory of just the 3 of us, before Katherine arrives and makes us a family of 4. So, we decided to thrill Charlie by taking him for his first real train ride. We traveled down to Parrish, FL (just south of Tampa) to the Railroad Museum and hopped aboard for a steam engine ride. Of course, Charlie was thrilled and loved it when the engine whistled and let off steam. <br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-7e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-7e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3098476543643063934&site=widget-7e.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543643063934&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7e.slide.com/p1/3098476543643063934/ms_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543643063934&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7e.slide.com/p2/3098476543643063934/ms_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3098476543643063934&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7e.slide.com/p4/3098476543643063934/ms_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br />We topped off our weekend with a visit to see "Deeks" and company in Tampa, where Charlie had a blast playing with Diane's 2 girls, Emma and Olivia, and particularly all their girly toys! We couldn't convince him to play in the bounce houses at Jungle Bounce, but he had fun just running around in circles and playing with the water fountains.<br /><br />On our way back to Jax, we stopped by Glamma's house for a delicious dinner with Glamma, Jack and Maw Maw. We even got a great view of the space shuttle launch in the colorful sunset sky. Charlie, of course, barely noticed the shuttle launch, as he was busy devouring his St. Patty's cupcake Glamma got for him!Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-78330561100446792022009-02-19T14:13:00.008-05:002009-02-19T14:58:15.976-05:00I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy!We are still trying to figure out who was the most traumatized...Charlie, Mommy, Daddy or poor Jack the dog...<br /><br />Tuesday night around 7pm, Charlie took a very hard fall on our kitchen tile floor. He was amped because he had just waved hello to daddy in the front window and was running to greet him at the door, when he and our dog Jack crossed paths. Neither Dave nor I saw it actually happen...all we heard was a very loud THUD and nothing more. I ran from the sink to see what happened and found Charlie lying on the tile floor on his back...his legs and arms motionless and his eyes and mouth wide open like he was trying to scream, but had to get his breath first. I immediately held my arm over his body to keep him still, not sure of what kind of injuries I would find. I waited for the scream to come out, but instead, his eyes rolled back in his head, his face got pale white and he was out. I screamed for Dave (who was coming through the door...hearing the THUD himself). He ran and picked up Charlie's limp body in his arms and told me to call 911 and that Charlie wasn't breathing. I followed instructions, starting rambling on to the operator about the whole ordeal until she yelled, "MAM...I need your address first!" I followed instructions again, rambling out our very long street address, spelling it 3 times and the next thing I heard was Charlie screaming and crying...THANK GOD!!!<br /><br />After I hung up the phone, I held Charlie on me and waited with Dave in the driveway for the rescue vehicles to arrive. Charlie, who LOVES firetrucks, especially with sirens and lights, didn't move to look at them...just laid his head on my shoulder. He softly whispered, "truck." The 5 or so large men surrounded us, asking questions, taking his vital signs and feeling for a bump on his head. The only problem was that we couldn't find a bump at all. The rescue crew told us that his vitals were good, but that we would need to wake him every hour or so to check him through the night. <br /><br />We went back inside as the firetruck and ambulance played their lights and sirens for Charlie. Of course, I immediately called my sister, a Pediatric Nurse at Shands in Gainesville, and mother of a boy who constantly hit his head when he was little. She confirmed my feelings...Charlie needed to be thoroughly examined and have a cat-scan done to make sure he didn't have a serious head injury. We were concerned that the bump didn't come out.<br /><br />We headed off to Wolfson's ER downtown in our van. After 8 hours in the ER, a lot of crying and screaming, an IV, sedation for Charlie and a cat-scan....Charlie was pronounced HEALTHY and we crawled into bed (yes, Charlie in between us) around 4:30am. <br /><br />I can honestly say that we have never been so scared in our entire lives! The actual thought of losing Charlie is unbearable and this incident has left its mark on us. Charlie is back to being a normal boy now...running, jumping, climbing and scaring his mommy all day long. So, I guess we've earned another survival parenting badge...we just pray that it is the only one of its kind that we will ever earn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGupCl0f9QtEhiV_phSEBV7w0ttdS_cZqk_KI5FMP8KXnttuKxxcKGJ3LsW57IVGOkBeda2oaJ8xTfXcr71ay0H8EFLlkP5_jeZrr_6DC4pl4uMIbPaWJpVucijdBWgynxZUAtSKcqf4wL/s1600-h/100_6778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGupCl0f9QtEhiV_phSEBV7w0ttdS_cZqk_KI5FMP8KXnttuKxxcKGJ3LsW57IVGOkBeda2oaJ8xTfXcr71ay0H8EFLlkP5_jeZrr_6DC4pl4uMIbPaWJpVucijdBWgynxZUAtSKcqf4wL/s320/100_6778.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304599852302468770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd2m9nQJAzqggSP3xgicbG75QmhB4an8KQu5PaOAgcj78noU3Cph_D8QpighxIlJRita1O9-Z7QRhVDN3vmOw1kP0uSB_J4hh7KddX1E44yOKbK5DtO4KGvOGvXP0bkij2IuM5zD2qIrn/s1600-h/100_6777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd2m9nQJAzqggSP3xgicbG75QmhB4an8KQu5PaOAgcj78noU3Cph_D8QpighxIlJRita1O9-Z7QRhVDN3vmOw1kP0uSB_J4hh7KddX1E44yOKbK5DtO4KGvOGvXP0bkij2IuM5zD2qIrn/s320/100_6777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304599847858764786" /></a><br /><br />PS- in this cell phone era, 911 does not automatically know your home address. Should you ever need to call 911, use your home phone or remember to tell them your address first.Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-76035517559182946492009-02-05T14:37:00.007-05:002009-02-05T15:38:31.837-05:00Happy 2nd Birthday Charlie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayX9o0UhMvEB8snV5RMn4EjVSjkga1fD2p6b6lOf8TUVkSxSIrvP_WqakuFrQhRLFhanhRb1qM80js0RLHwFCi_ilob5Viha5I17dM3_7-6B9plUWv_2QMpLNxtUvZmBfwZloHGALTuNg/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayX9o0UhMvEB8snV5RMn4EjVSjkga1fD2p6b6lOf8TUVkSxSIrvP_WqakuFrQhRLFhanhRb1qM80js0RLHwFCi_ilob5Viha5I17dM3_7-6B9plUWv_2QMpLNxtUvZmBfwZloHGALTuNg/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299414489310355554" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_Z2BM764nXN-kou4cfSPkDCJQGHE1TxXKBRpMfBXASgKTf9Gb2zhc-HhPmEehmAi7HoZRoLuRyJA-fxdk5YPNJYRz_65deiPT-gA2U3ZEpSjun4U4emFwoiikWuhwVxILmhr5HubfvTJ/s1600-h/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_Z2BM764nXN-kou4cfSPkDCJQGHE1TxXKBRpMfBXASgKTf9Gb2zhc-HhPmEehmAi7HoZRoLuRyJA-fxdk5YPNJYRz_65deiPT-gA2U3ZEpSjun4U4emFwoiikWuhwVxILmhr5HubfvTJ/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299414483933315634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq4lt-C-sr5cnHhw379AJVZATTr4vEzhOZrLZw97VkPQLsiayQABAznEgOO9W2_Ju7szPvKEp7vvyrHgS5TwV_bHTxlb2dQhHFaF6Kzy8LM8VOQkyv0tZDY4YK9SU8OtuBf-Kr4rGah8A/s1600-h/DSC_0050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq4lt-C-sr5cnHhw379AJVZATTr4vEzhOZrLZw97VkPQLsiayQABAznEgOO9W2_Ju7szPvKEp7vvyrHgS5TwV_bHTxlb2dQhHFaF6Kzy8LM8VOQkyv0tZDY4YK9SU8OtuBf-Kr4rGah8A/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299414485723250690" /></a><br />Oh, how the time flies...I am thrilled and saddened that our little Charlie is now 2 years old. He has become such an entertaining little soul who now loves to make you laugh, try your patience and climb everything in sight! As parents, Dave and I are trying to soak up every little bit of him at this age...he loves to wrestle with daddy, get "cozy" with mommy, chase his dog Jack, keep up with his cousins, high-five the seafood guy at Publix and fake-cry to exagerate his ouchies! He really doesn't understand that he has a little sister on the way, but knowing him, he'll have an opinion on the matter! :-)<br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-9b.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-9b.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3530822107864686491&site=widget-9b.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107864686491&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9b.slide.com/p1/3530822107864686491/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107864686491&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9b.slide.com/p2/3530822107864686491/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107864686491&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-9b.slide.com/p4/3530822107864686491/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p>Charlie had a blast at his party this year (much better than his 1st birthday, where I'm not even sure he smiled!) He wore a train balloon tied to his pants and you could see him bopping all over the place. Even though he got REALLY sick with strep and a double ear infection right after his party, I'm sure he wouldn't trade all the partying for anything! He thought all the presents were "CCOOLL!" and wanted to keep playing so long that he actually fell asleep in daddy's arms in the ballpit in the backyard. Oh, to have the energy of a 2-year-old and the ability to fall asleep anywhere!<br /><br />He is truly a blessing to our family and are grateful we have been given the opportunity to watch his little life blossom before our eyes.Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618787134351202546.post-21001028414250089412009-01-06T14:14:00.005-05:002009-01-06T14:43:17.427-05:00"John Fly"<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFv0e_h0Eeq9tcAGQ3UxrDXQD0fcBLJKeOqKkcFDmESfm_19ePtDQOax74huDwtm9c0Ho9ZjYdeYR0EbbUMglaHj6eXi6T800b9JB5EaHeJhdpBOqHlcoZp7rdpxA8mR-M_SDLgxowydv/s1600-h/100_6665.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288267162329196994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFv0e_h0Eeq9tcAGQ3UxrDXQD0fcBLJKeOqKkcFDmESfm_19ePtDQOax74huDwtm9c0Ho9ZjYdeYR0EbbUMglaHj6eXi6T800b9JB5EaHeJhdpBOqHlcoZp7rdpxA8mR-M_SDLgxowydv/s320/100_6665.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Ok, so anyone who knows me well, knows that I am very attached to my youngest brother John. Growing up, my brothers, sister and I always knew he was the "favorite" in the family, not only because he was the baby, and not because he had Down Syndrome, but because he had an endearing quality and love of life that made you want to be around him. We grew up being comfortable with having a Down Syndrome brother. I would take John places and wonder why people would stare at him or even worse, I would listen to comments made while I waited for him to come out of a public bathroom and sat there enraged at the smart-allecky little punks who dared speak ill of such a sweet guy. Some years later, my husband (to-be) pointed out that kids that had not grown up around someone like John were uncomfortable because they weren't sure how to treat him. I then made it my motto that my children would grow up knowing and loving their Uncle John and never be one of those punks I had encountered so many times.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288267177299124914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJrW4iXQwOjNtdZkFfJO8rv8sPzGodJA-x0JWCUF3hFKWrMd1EqLAxPEYjMaIVKI6TCtXqi1NDU7ZOWNzynqA3juTGw2lsU6N7xIUI4XKUQiDd_lPGhbBb3Lau5wmh5jd0IDMG0rbFIvq/s320/100_6667.JPG" border="0" /><br />So, it is with great pride and emotions that I tell you that Charlie knows his Uncle John and really loves him. John came home to visit over Thanksgiving and Christmas break. He spent a lot of time at our house and Charlie loved having his Uncle John here. He would wake up in the morning and want to go to John's room to see him. He wanted John to play with him in the play room and watch "Choo-choo" with him. Every time he left to go visit with my parents or siblings, Charlie would cry, "I want John." And finally, when we took John to the airport and accompanied him all the way to the boarding gate, Charlie cried out "bye John" and "John fly" until his airplane took flight. As I pushed Charlie in his stroller through the airport on our way back to the parking garage, Charlie started crying "JJOHHHHNNNN," which broke this mother's heart. I fought back the tears myself and knew at that moment that my son really KNEW his Uncle John and LOVED him. Since that day, Charlie still talks about his Uncle John and says "John fly" as he puts his arms out to fly like an airplane. I know this mission of mine is not over yet, but I will continue to do my best so that my children will always hold a special place in their hearts for their Uncle John.</div></div>Dave, Elizabeth, Charlie and Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16330062234947947442noreply@blogger.com3