Our Christmas Celebrations 2009

We had a long and eventful Chrismtas...kind of glad to be back to a normal routine, but it sure was fun while it lasted. We had our own family Christmas the Saturday before to make sure we didn't get rushed. Kamalee really enjoyed the wrapping paper :) We bought her a furreal puppy that barks and his head moves when you rub his back. I was so excited. I thought she would just love it since puppy is about the only animal she is familiar with. So much for that...she was scared. It was so funny. For the first couple hours she spent most of her time trying to enjoy her other gifts while keeping one eye on the pup. Somehow he kept getting close to her when she wasn't looking...(naughty daddy). Finally after we finished and just let her play, she made her way to him and started kissing him. Next we found her throwing him across the room. A little love hate thing going on her. One minute she is smooching him the next throwing. Silly girl.

Then we all met early at my sister's for my family's Christmas. We had about 30 people staying at one house for 2 days. That was quite interesting but ended up working out.....with 0 casualties! Christmas day we had to postpone Chrismtas with Justin's mom due to the weather, but it allowed us to rest up a couple days before starting again. We finished up our Christmas celebrations with Justin's Mom and Dad on Sunday. All in all it was a really great Christmas. We were so Blessed to be able to be with all of our family, at some point. Here are some pictures of the celebrations...

Miss Ashlyn taking my picture Kamalee opening her box finding the money inside.

LOVE the wrapping paper.

Kamalee's new Horse! Thanks Gram Cindy....she loves.

Sit and ..... HOLD ON!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

Christmas Cards

Since Christmas is here (and almost over)....I thought I would share with you some Christmas Cards I was able to do this year! They were so much fun creating all of the designs for everyone. New lights came this week so now I am thrilled to redo my studio and get things in order for a new year!

I will try to post some pictures of our actual Christmas soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We wish you all had a truly amazing Christmas and will have a blessed new year!

(Inside print of card, for you that I forgot :)

The 12 Months of 2009

In the first month of 2009, our true God gave to us…One new adventure.
In January, Amy started out in the self-employed world by creating designerGENES photography. To learn more about the name on how her adventure has been going, visit www.designergenesphotography.com.

In the second month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Two small repairs.
Right before her six month birthday, Kamalee underwent open heart surgery. She was born with one larger and one smaller whole in the valves of her heart. With the God’s grace she came through like a star. Expecting a hospital stay of 7-10 days, we were able to come home after only 5!
Also in February, designerGENES got its name started by shooting their first wedding!

In the third month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Three sisters (and their hubbies) a night out!
March gave Justin and Amy a chance to create one of very few memories from high school that they didn’t get the chance to do. Along with two of Amy’s sisters, they enjoyed a Second Chance Prom at the casino, benefiting the Cancer Center. A night of eating and dancing was a great enjoyment!

In the fourth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Four fun hours in a car.
The month of April was busy for the Ulschmids. After a fun Easter celebration, Justin and Amy took a trip to Minneapolis for the weekend. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary and Justin’s 25th birthday by going to a Minnesota Twins game. Twins win, so it was a great trip.

In the fifth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Five Gold Rings!
Ok maybe not, but Amy did get to enjoy her first Mother’s Day as a Momma! She may not have got five gold rings, but she did get a beautiful gold cross necklace.

In the sixth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Six Dweebs.
Justin’s employer (Watertown Ford Chrysler) had won the President’s Award last year and they threw a big bash, in June. We celebrated with a ton of food, blow up slides, games for the kids, go-kart races and The Dweebs! They were great. Justin and a few of his buddies were invited on stage to perform as The Village People. I just have to say I am glad they didn’t need back up dancers or they may have hired Justin.
June also let Justin celebrate his first Father’s Day as Daddy. And Kamalee got to enjoy her first rodeo.

In the seventh month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Seven ladies a ‘singing.
In July, Amy celebrated an upcoming wedding with her cousin at her bachelorette party. It was a great time and the night ended with seven ladies singing, “If you’re happy and you know it!” This is for those seven ladies.
We also celebrated at a wedding of Justin’s cousin, in Minnesota.

In the eighth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…the eighth month craziness.
August proved to be crazy again and very busy. It started with Amy enjoying her 22nd birthday accompanied by a gallbladder surgery. After a week of rest, she was able to photograph her 2nd wedding. Justin and Amy spent 4 days relaxing at the Niobrara River, while Grandma spent 4 days with Kamalee. I think it was a toss up as to who had more fun. No time to rest and it was back to work. Amy was able to photograph a 3rd wedding, for her cousin.

In the ninth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Nine layers of frosting.
All of us were able to celebrate Kamalee turning 1! We threw her a first princess party and Amy tried her hand at a castle cake. For the most part, it turned out great and had lots of yummy frosting.

In the tenth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Ten trips to Sioux Falls.
We began the month by traveling for a Sioux Falls wedding. The second weekend of October tested our families’ strength. Justin’s sister was involved in a serious accident. We spent any free time in October, traveling to see her in the hospital.
In addition to hospital visits, Amy spent some of her Sioux Falls trips shopping for fabric with her sister. They have started yet another venture…you will be hearing more soon about PoshTales Boutique. For now, you get a sneak peek with Kamalee’s outfit.

In the eleventh month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Eleven extra reasons for thanks.
We had a very thankful Thanksgiving this year. We shared in a meal at the hospital with Justin’s family. God gave us such faith and many extra reasons to thank him this year. Justin’s sister doing well was a big one this Thanksgiving.

In the twelfth month of 2009, our true God gave to us…Twelve wonderful months to look forward to in 2010.
We hope that you have found yourself enjoying the holiday seasons in good health. Hug your loved ones tight and take the time to thank God for all you have. May God bless each of you, now and always.

Love the Ulschmids,
Justin, Amy and Kamalee

Decorations and other happenings

Finally...posting pictures of the few decorations we have. This was last week so we do have a few more gifts under the tree now.

In so many ways and so many times...we have been told Kamalee is 'unique'. Some not so nice ways and some in gracious and beautiful ways. Time and time again she has proven herself to be different. Yet again... We discovered she has a MOLAR tooth. I was so shocked when I saw that big tooth up there. She has two bottom teeth but none on top, until now. She is working on getting one on the other side too. While the dentist isn't concerned he seems to thing it is 'unique' to get the molar before front teeth. Turns out I know another mom of a child with DS who had similar teeth, so I guess she isn't completely unique. But I thought it was kinda funny and wanted to share. Here she is after discovering the tooth. She has been chewing on cold cloths this week to sooth her a little.

Kamalee's Knowings

We visited the regular clinic dr. yesterday for Kamalee's 15 month well baby appointment. For the most part, things are looking well. She was impressed with Kamalee's doing and progress. Except, she went down on weight charts instead of up. I reported that she eats continually but is extremely active. Dr. Lenssen was not concerned by it but did suggest that we give Kamalee pediasure once a day as a snack just to boost some calories. She got 3 shots yesterday but thankfully that keeps her current. Meaning NO more shots (other than flu) until she goes to school! SO HAPPY for that....since the flu one must have hurt because she was up all night crying in pain. This morning when I gave her a bath we discovered a bruised little leg. Poor girl!


We also learned that when we made that ER visit a few weeks ago...she did have a 'confirmed case' of H1N1. It was sent to the state and CDC sent a report to our dr. confirming it. Good news, she got it, lived it and survived it without getting too sick...so she should not ever get it again.

Today she tried her hand at self feeding with a spoon. I am proud to say she ate a whole plate of noodles with only a small amount of help from momma. I would put it on the spoon and she could grab it and feed it to herself. We are still a bit messy at this but for only her 3rd attempt she did a pretty darn good job!

What a cute lil mess!

Here she is showing me her spoon!

For the unknowing to sign language.... ALL DONE!!!! =)

To make it even cuter....I kept saying Kami do. Kami do it. Kami hold the spoon and she said KAMI! So funny!

This week has been very busy for my photography. I put in 5 orders for Christmas cards and a Senior order. Hopefully I can share some pictures with you soon (some of you may be getting cards so I will wait a little closer to Christmas not to spoil the fun).

Big news from the big city

Finally, she can do it!

Thanksgiving has concluded

Thanksgiving concluded for us yesterday...unfortunately. We had a great thanksgiving, twice. Our second one finished up the holiday yesterday. We made the trip to SF to have a family meal at the hospital and for one LAST visit with Kathy in the hospital. She will finally be coming home this Friday. The last visit was so joyful knowing that we won't have to see her there anymore but was also very emotional having to say goodbye for one more week.

I just want to tell all of you reading this...I am so very thankful for you! This past year has gone by so quickly but we have gone through so much. I am so thankful the loving family God has given me. Hold your loved ones tight this coming Christmas Season!

Me and my baby!!

Me and my 'other' baby! :o)

Abbey, Kathy, David, Justin
(his 2 sisters and brother)

The kids

Sisters-in-Law
Amy, Jodi, Kathy


At my Mom's, the day of thanksgiving. It was such a great day and we had awesome food!!!!! I forgot to take my camera out that day so I only have a couple.
Fun news of the day: Kamalee got her 2nd tooth on thanksgiving day! YAY!
Cousin Sawyer and Kamalee

She loves to smooch...but isn't so gentle about it.

My pies.

Daddy and his Hunter Girl

Thanks Jodi!

Deer Hunter

My little hunter girl. When I was pregnant I found these bibs at a rummage for like a buck so I couldn't pass them up....I figured if I had a girl I would just put pink with them. And I did. Plus, we had to have the orange hat...don't want to get any tickets, like her daddy!! :)

Kamalee got to dress like Dad this weekend for open rifle season. We all went to Grandma Farley's for a delicious supper that night. Jodi got some pictures of Kam and Dad together in their camo since my camera didn't cooperate...so I will get that here later.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

May each of you truly have thanks in all the good you have. I know our family has really had their eyes opened to God's good work and are SO thankful. We will be having a special and very THANKFUL thanksgiving with Kathy in the hospital on Sunday.
(She gets to come home on Dec. 4. Praise God.)

If you're happy and you know it...

don't mind the singing =)

Recap of the last week

Kamalee is just all over anymore! For not being able to crawl or walk, she sure moves. Sometimes I step out of the room briefly, come back and she has gone MIA! Here are a couple of her stuck moments in the past week that she has gotten herself into. Sorry the pictures are so bad, they are from my phone. She was trying to sit. The table was in her way so she went under it. Trapped, she yelled. When I came she sat up and just bulldozed the table away!

Again trying to sit. She doesn't car what's behind her, when she is ready to sit...she sits.

Last Wednesday, we made another trip to SF for a doc appt. for Kammers. She was supposed to go for feeding clinic. It was a mess of a visit with 3 hours there and her dr. not being there as he was sick. To spare you the unhappiness of my trip I will move forward to yesterday. I called and talked to the doc's nurse to see if he was able to view the video swallow we did. GOOD NEWS! He said he thinks she is ready to try thinned liquids (just regular liquids with no thickener in it) from her bottle!!!!! We had been trying to transition to a sippie but she didn't do as well with that so for now we are quitting that. He said she is still pretty young to even know how to do that. But we are going to try a sippie and straw sippie when we go back in 3 months. Yesterday, her first bottle with no thickener she did ok but had a few times where it went to the wrong pipe. So we are experimenting with 1 package of thickener for double the liquid as normal. She does great with this so I think we just need to ease her into and she will do great. This was exciting news!!!! If she gets all of the thickener away, she will not have an 'unusual' things that she needs to do. This will make it much easier for us to leave her with sitters and family :)

Last weekend we had a fun filled time with birthday parties, swimming, eating and another trip to SF. (I don't know why we don't live there :o) We were able to see Kathy again and she is doing great!!! Rehab is going well and she is becoming very coherent and easy to understand. She still has a hard time remembering things from the past, but it will come. We are so very fortunate that she is here! They are estimating that she may get to go home in 3-4 weeks!

This is Kamalee on the way home. She was becoming restless so I removed her socks to find the best toys ever!

Fun Story

Last week I received a call from a lady in St. Louis, Mo. She said she had come across my website and was wondering my location from Sioux Falls. Confused on why she wanted to know, I answered. In which she responded by telling me her story:

This couple was adopting a boy born with DS and he was currently in the SF NICU. She came across my website when searching for someone to take pictures of a special needs child and discovered that Kam had DS. Long story short...I was blessed with the opportunity to take photos of the this baby with his birth mother, maternal grandmother and his adoptive parents. What a neat story. The adoptive parents have 8 other children; however, I don't know if they are all adopted or not. I do know that they are not all special needs children but they do have at least 1 more. They also had their 4 year old there who had DS as well. Oh CUTE! She was fun. She absolutely loved the baby. BABY! BABY! BABY! My baby?!?!? :o) It was fun to be a part of. Here are a few of the shots we did....