Bringing Andriy Home-The Big Push

I originally published this on Sunday August 14, 2011 but I am making it this week's Forget-Me-Not Friday Post as this family, The Taylor Family is in desperate need of funds.  As it stands, they have just enough to fly to E.E., but they have no funds to return with Andriy stateside.  They are expected to travel in a few weeks.  


Which brings me to 1. their story and 2. their exciting fundraiser with great giveaways and an angel offering to match donations at 50%!!!!




What you may not know, is that I am close to cyber-buddy Christie.  I am going to tell there story in my humble words:


It is often said that "adoption is not for the faint at heart."    

Andriy
April 2010

Committing to adopt a child is a big decision, but the decisions do not end there.  Household changes need to be made. Supplies/furniture/gear for the new member of the family are needed.  This is no different than having a new baby.  However, home study fees, notarizing documents for a dossier, passports, travel fees, orphanage donations, and whatnot are adoption-specific and those costs add up.  

My dear friend Christie and her family (the Taylors) made the big leap to adopt many months ago.  Their adoption journey has been filled with many twists and turns.  While their homestudy moved swiftly and many documents completely quickly, other issues have arisen.  Unfortunately, the family's need to fund raise has returned and it is most urgent for you see, the family is going to receive a travel date within the next few weeks. 

To read the full details about the Taylor Family's journey, click here, here, and here.

The Taylor family was called to adopt after viewing a video of a little boy in Eastern Europe [EE] named Alexander.  This boy’s picture was put with another child’s information. You see, there were TWO “Alexanders” in that orphanage.  Both boys  are the same age.  One boy has already been transferred to an institution while the other Alexander in the videos and pictures remains in the baby orphanage.  

In a part of the country where gathering accurate information is difficult to come by due to a paper-world instead of electronic media, a HUGE miscommunication occurred.  You see, the little boy in the video, the little boy that was listed on the RR page, the little boy that the Taylor family committed to is NOT currently nor has he ever been available for adoption.  His mother still has parental rights. 

Over the past few months, the staff at the orphanage and members of RR have diligently been trying to track down Alexander's birth mother.  She has moved to another town and they have now located her; however it is unknown IF she would be willing to place him up for adoption and when the meeting to discuss this will even take place.  

The Taylor family is ready to adopt a child. Their documents are in place. A travel date is coming.  Reece's Rainbow has offered to allow the money in the Taylor's FSP (family fund) to move to another child listed on RR. To a little boy that is available for adoption now.  Little Andriy.

Andriy

Andriy--totally rocking those knit booties

However, not all funds can be transferred for this adoption.  A fund of $7,837 will remain with Alexander in case he does indeed become available.  This is money that was in his grant fund, not the FSP fund.  What that means is the Taylor family $6,500 short because in committing to Andriy they have gained his grant in the mount of $1425.  That kind of money equates to airfare, lodging, transportation, food, health care, etc all while in E.E.  This money is needed and soon.

As Christie states: "I am so sorry, I have no grand gifts to offer; I am simply a mom asking for your support, your prayers and for you to share our story please."  

So here I am, also as a mother, but also as a friend asking you to do the same.  If you can please pray for all involved.  If you would like to donate, please click link below.  If nothing else, please pass on this request because together, I know that we can turn these mountains into molehills.

 

www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsortaylor-2

http://www.taylorvillethree21.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: this post is by no means meant to slander anyone.  A terrible mistake was made due to communication difficulties--communication between countries with different languages and different modes of communication.  Two “Alexanders” born the same year and both with Down syndrome in the same orphanage.  This is not a typical occurrence.  It is a blessing that this was actually discovered prior to the family traveling.  Please look past all of this and see that it is a child's life that is at stake here.

More Exciting News! Vote for Ellie

This evening, after a long day of Ellie Bear antics and lots of renditions of Steve Tyler & Robert Plant screaming performances, I sat down to read my email.  What a pleasant and very exciting surprise to see that The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear has been nominated for:

A big thank you to who ever nominated us!  It is so very much appreciated and I danced the happy dance.  Of course, you all know that now I will be harassing peppering annoying asking you to vote for The Bear.  So, please please pretty please vote for Ellie!  The link is on the right of the blog. 

While you are over there voting for us :) check out the other nominated blogs because some of these mama's are buddies of mine and they are quite the bloggers!

It is my hope that as this blog continues to grow, so will awareness about Down syndrome, sensory processing/integration disorder, and special needs.  Additionally, increased exposure will hopefully mean more support for causes like Reece's Rainbow and Stop Disability Slurs.

Ellie Bear is sporting a fabulous outfit made especially for her by Cathy Designs aka "Auntie Cathy".  I am striving hard to convince my dear cyber buddy that she needs to sell her creations!  Thank you Cathy for all that you do and all who you are!

Forget Me Not Fridays: Forever Hopeful and SDS

The blog hop is on hiatus this week due to summer vacations, but that doesn't mean I am not thinking about those sweet angels who are living out their days in an orphanage or an institution.

Tabitha 15H

Not a day goes by that little Tabitha with the chunky cheeks and wispy red hair doesn't pop into my head.  Not a day goes by that I do not pray that she finds a home.  Oh how I wish I could be her mama.  Oh how I thought I was her mama.  Instead, she will be the daughter-of-my-heart.  The little girl that I cannot physically rescue.  However, I have made it my mission to find her a family.  A forever family that loves her as much as I do.  Maybe, sometime, I will actually get to hold her.  Until then, she needs a family.

Every day I check my angel Tabitha's Reece's Rainbow page hoping that she has been moved to the "My Family Found Me" page and every day my heart plummets as I see that her family has NOT found her.  Another day sentenced to the life in an orphanage.  My heart cries.  Do people not see what I see?--A beautiful little girl with lovely eyes and chubby cheeks that look like acorns might be stored in there?  Do they not see how beautiful she is?  Do they not see how much she yearns to be held and loved in those soulful eyes?  She is worthy.  She is worthy of love.  She is worthy of life. . . of a life with a parent.

Yes, I am begging you and pleading with you to circulate her photo.  Please help me find Tabitha a family.

How can you not fall in-love with this face????

Last month, I pledged to donate $1 for every follower of my blog up to 150 followers (read here).  At the end of last month, I donated $92 for my 92 followers (read here).  Thank you followers!!!!!  Jane at Flight-Platform Living matched my donation and we had a few more donors who raised her grant money.  Thank you!!!

My wallet is still recovering, but I vow to hold this pledge again.  Little Tabitha needs a home.

My August Elden's Change for a Change is currently going strong.  I have scoured the cars, drawers, and Andrew's desk for loose change.  Yes, I am stealing Andrew's money.  I am placing all coins I receive during a transaction into my special "Change for a Change" container for Elden.  Pennies may be only one cent, but it all adds up.  Can you imagine how much money would go into Elden's fund if all of my followers and your friends saved your change for the next 2.5 weeks?  Small deeds = Big Change.

Elden 14G

Announcing the orphan for September's Change for a Change (in case you want to get a head start):

FRANCINE!

The following are orphans who need families:

Ilya

Daniel 2H

Sasha
ALREADY TRANSFERRED!

The following families are working hard to bring their children home.  

Albina's Forever Family:  Huge give-away that includes a kindle, $100 Target giftcard, jewelry, and many other goodies.

Liam's Forever Family (Lucas):  This little boy is almost SEVEN!  That is far to long to be without a family.  They will be traveling soon to rescue him and funs are still needed.

Olga's Forever Family (Abell):  This wonderful and fabulous family has been waiting TOO LONG to bring home Olga.  Please follow their journey.

Paisley's Forever Family (Tam):  Large give away including iPad, Nikon SLR camera, giftcards, jewelry, crafts.

Peter's Forever Family (Kehm): They are getting very close to traveling.

Phoebe's Forever Family (Smith): American Girl give away.  Hurry-ends 8/23!

Shannon's Forever Family (Sphak): Shannon's 5th Birthday One-hundred Wishes Fundraiser.  Revealing of the name Dot Fundraiser

Shawna & Lindsay's Forever Family (Eubanks):  They are striving hard to bring home two little girls. They are expected to get a travel date soon and funds are still desperately needed.


*If I have missed an orphan or a family who is raising money for adoption, please contact me child's photo and your blog address so that I might include them in the next Forget-Me-Not-Friday post.

**Things are not always as wonderful and accepting in the United States as I would like to think they are.  Recently, a magazine (GQ) and a movie (The Change Up) used very discriminatory language towards people with disabilities.  As far as we have come in accepting others, we still have a ways to go.  The words r*tard, r*tarded, and Downsy are insensitive, ignorant and unacceptable.  They are hurtful.  As the co-founder of Stop Disability Slurs, I encourage you to visit our new website at http://www.facebook.com/stopdisablityslurs and pledge to remove these hurtful words from your vocabulary.  We must have a united front to end disability slurs.  Mission: "Stop Disability Slurs! Do you have the courage? We do not put up with racial/gay/religious slurs so why does this keep happening? We MUST stop our society from thinking this is OK. The Change Up movie and the recent GQ Magazine issue are creating public slurs against people with disabilities.  This campaign starts with you.  Will the media have the courage to speak up and change their ways? We will see. We hope to make a change. It starts with you. "--Gretchen Mather, Founder

An Amazing Ellie Bear Moment

So many months we have been working on this.  So much time, energy, and Baby Signing Time! . . . Then just out of the blue, our little toddler bear surprises us and then there was the big happy dance.

Andrew and I were beaming with pride.

Are you ready?

Wait for it.

.

.

.
She not only signed, but also said "Dada" to Andrew!  Ta-da!  Super Bear!

There will be no discussion as to why Ellie is onto of the IKEA shelf.
I told you she is a climber :)

"Daddy"
Courtesy of www.babysignlanguage.com

Rock on sweet Ellie Bear.  Rock on.  Mama is proud of you and your determination.

There is nothing more precious than Father-Daughter love.

On a side note, Andrew and I were both "mama" for a while.  We would try to correct her and she would look at Drew with this smug little look and say "mama".  Little Stinker.

www.facebook.com/stopdisabiltyslurs

That's right!  We have our own website now and I have been fortunate to become co-founder of this excellent group.  As I write this post, in less than 36 hours, we have 388 followers.  That is three-hundred and eighty-eight people who want to take a stand against people using discriminatory language towards those with disabilities.

We are officially a grassroots movement and we are being heard.  We are making progress.  Just yesterday, the R-word.org issued a public service announcement about Universal Studios and "The Change Up".  You can read fellow founder Gretchen Mather's interview in the article:  R-word.org: Universal Studios and The Change Up's Use of Discriminatory Language

Continued progress cannot be made with YOU.  We need YOUR help.  Please join our group.  Just by the sheer numbers of followers on our website, a statement is being made.  A statement that this type of language will no longer be tolerated.

This is my daughter Ellie, just one of the people you would be standing up for.  There are many many others.  Does she look "Downsy" (I just loathe that word)?  So what?  She IS A PERSON.  She is love.  She is a child.  She is a daughter.  She is a granddaughter, a niece, a neighbor, a playgroup buddy, and a human.  Yes, she has Down syndrome, but that is not who she is.  She is too young to stand up for herself and therefore it is up to me and others to do so.

I beg you, please join us and spread the word.  Changes can only happen if you try.

After all, this movement started with ONE.  It started with Jen from Cowgirl Up!.  I read her blog and posted it on Facebook.  Gretchen read my status and blogged about it.  Here we are with our own website, logo (soon to be revealed), media contacts, and others.  It is all started with one person speaking out.


Stop Disability Slurs
Mission Statement:

STOP DISABILITY SLURS - Launched on August 7, 2011, Stop Disability Slurs (www.facebook.com/stopdisabilityslurs) is a rapidly growing grass roots cause dedicated to stopping disability slurs across the globe. Just as we do not tolerate racial, religious or sexual slurs in our society, we must take a stand to stop disability slurs. This group is for anyone and everyone who supports individuals with disabilities in any way, shape or form and has the courage to stand up for ALL unique and valued contributors to our society - races, backgrounds , religions, sexual orientations and abilities. Stand Up. Do You Have the Courage? Visit www.facebook.com/disabilityslurs for more information, or email stopdisabilityslurs@gmail.com.

Thank you!



Since our group is currently focusing on "The Change Up" movie and its use of the R-word and specifically ridiculing children with Down syndrome, here is some information:

Ryan Reynolds:Dark Trick Films, Partner
421 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 274 3600
Fax: +1 310 274 3670

Publicist for Reynolds:Meredith O'Sullivan, Publicist
11400 W Olympic Blvd
Ste 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90064
 Phone: +1 310 477 4442
Fax: +1 310 477 8442

The Change-Up's Director:David Dobkin
Big Kid Pictures
9000 W Sunset Blvd
Ste 1010
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: +1 310 288 4300

The Change-Up's Writers:Jon Lucas
Creative Artists Agency
Talent Agent-Literary
2000 Avenue Of The Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: +1 424 288 2000
Fax: +1 424 288 2900

Scott Moore
Creative Artists Agency
c/o Gregory McKnight, Talent Agent
2000 Avenue Of The Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: +1 424 288 2000
Fax: +1 424 288 2900
gmcknight@caa.com

The Change-Up's Distributor:Ron Meyer
Universal Pictures
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Phn: +1 818 777 1000

Stop Disability Slurs! The Change Up

Since writing this post late last night (8/7/11), our Facebook page "Stop Disability Slurs" has jumped to over 107 "likes".  Please spread the word and if you have not done so, mosey on over to Facebook and like our page Stop Disability Slurs: Do You Have The Courage?  Do not forget to spread the word.  We are hoping to drastically increase our numbers.  We need to unite and take a stand.  Please continue to visit our page for updates.  Thank you!

No, I have not seen "The Change Up" staring Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds.  No, I will not be seeing this movie ever.

If I were to say "n*gger", I would be yelled at.  If I were to say "W*t Back", again, I would be chastised.  If I were to say "f*ggot" or "that is so gay", I would be told I am being offensive.  All of the above is completely derogatory, unacceptable, and I would never use those words in jest or in anger.  It is just plain wrong

So how is calling someone "r*tarded" or saying "oh my that is so r*tarded" or "I am such a r*tard"not offensive I ask?  My daughter has Down syndrome, she is retarded in the sense that she has slowed growth or developmental delay.  My daughter is 22 months-old.  She cannot stand up for herself yet.  Therefore, it is my JOB as her mother to stand up for her.

What does this have to do with "The Change Up" ?  A friend of mine brought to my attention that the movie not only uses the word "r*tarded" within the first 15 minutes of the movie, but it also specifically pokes fun at Down syndrome.  For real you ask?  Oh yes.  For real.  In 2011, Hollywood still thinks it is appropriate to poke fun at those with intellectual disabilities.  Those that many not be able to stand up for themselves.

Now, are you ready for the kicker?

RR's character looks at JB's twin infants as says "Are they r*tarded?  This one looks a bit Downsy."

How is that not offensive?  How can I not be enraged?

Now, I know that you do not know my cyber girl Jen at Cowgirl Up! and you know that I have not seen the movie.  How do I know this to be true?--it is also listed in a movie review of The San Francisco Chronicle: The Change Up: Dude watch me mess up your life

This leads me to a fabulous campaign that I am asking you to join.  It is easy.  Really really easy.  If you love my daughter. . . if you love someone with an intellectual disability. . .if you think this is offensive, then please, I am begging you take a stand.  Gretchen at Julian's Journey outlines a series of ways to take a stand.  It is as easy as liking the FB page Stop Disability Slurs!

Stop Disability Slurs! BOYCOTT The Change Up

Latest DIY Project

Looks like our "newish" door is malfunctioning.  It likes to remainder locked even when the dead bolt is turned.  Andrew and little Ellie found this out the hard way when they got trapped outside in 100+ degree heat.  Do not ask about the plywood--that is Andrew's area of expertise.

And in case you missed it:

Many Faces of Ellie: Tuti Fruiti Tutu and Converse

This has nothing to do with the sock snake

The Sock Snake--because this one is just plain funny