Mar 29

Mar 29 Mama bear

This stunning photo was taken by our dear friend and photographer, Megan Allen, as part of "a day in the life of Adelaide" photo series she shot for us last month. From the meds, to the syringes they're in, to our nurse delivering them, we rely on our insurance to cover all you see in this photo so that we can give Adelaide, and our family, the best quality of life possible. What would a full repeal of the ACA actually mean for our family? For millions of others? Please read this week's blog to understand why this mama bear is roaring and has no intention of stopping.

Mar 22

Mar 22 Inchstones

Kelly Cervantes

What do Hamilton, developmental disabilities and my motto, “taking life one inchstone at a time” all have in common? They were in full effect last Saturday when, after several months, I once again took our kids to the theater to visit Miguel/Daddy at work. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I’ve written over 30 blogs posts (yes, I counted them) and I have yet to do a deep dive explanation of my own motto. I can tell you are clearly as shocked and appalled by this as I am. So let’s get to it!

Mar 15

Mar 15 Hunting hope

Kelly Cervantes

Life with a chronic incurable illness is hard AF. Societal standards tell us to downplay our struggles for a variety of reasons, to focus on the good. Somedays that's just not possible. Recently we've found ourselves in a rut with Adelaide's care and honestly, I'm just really tired. When there is no light at the end of the tunnel how do you hunt down hope?

Mar 8

Mar 8 What about CBD?

Kelly Cervantes

After watching this week’s “Seizing Life” podcast episode on CBD, I felt the need to breakdown my love/hate relationship with this seizure treatment. It’s, um, complicated. I love the attention CBD brings to epilepsy but I hate the misinformation that comes along with it. This post reflects our personal experience and may be a little rougher around the edges than usual. What can I say, I’m nothing if not honest 🤷‍♀️

Mar 1

Mar 1 Mast cell 101

Kelly Cervantes

It should come as no shock that Adelaide's body likes to keep us on our toes. Just over a year ago we added a new rare disease to Adelaide's growing list of diagnosis: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. With Rare Disease Day shining a light on so many conditions yesterday, today seemed like the perfect opportunity to share a little bit about Adelaide's other not so fun disease. Who's ready for mast cell 101?! Don't worry I explain it all in typical Kelly fashion: a little bit of science with a lot bit of sass.

Feb 22

Feb 22 The Adelaide effect

Kelly Cervantes

At the end of the day I’m a woman who is a mom with a child that happens to have special needs. Those descriptors should make us more interesting not make those around us uncomfortable. This week I discuss how as Adelaide gets older, and in turn her disabilities more visible, the way people treat her is changing. How do I recommend you interact with a caregiver and her child with disabilities? Read on to find out!

Feb 15

Feb 15 Chatty Addy

Kelly Cervantes

As Adelaide grows more alert she is starting to communicate with us again. After months of near silence from her, I feel like a new mom getting to know my baby... except she's three and a legit medical mystery. During a recent hair drying sesh she let us know she was still herself by giving us some classic Miss A side eye... she's just much, much, louder.

Feb 8

Feb 8 The epilepsy tightrope

Kelly Cervantes

We are thrilled that Adelaide is thriving off oxygen support but unfortunately, her seizures are getting worse. The epilepsy tightrope act, AKA the seizure control/quality of life balance, continues. This is a common theme in the life of so many with epilepsy. Adelaide's flair for the dramatic (she comes by it naturally), tends to take it to the extremes.

Feb 1

Feb 1 Cautiously pessimistic

Kelly Cervantes

Notice anything different about this photo of Miss A? Anything missing? This week Adelaide showed off and started breathing on her own without additional oxygen support resulting in my own highly unexpected emotional regression. It's been a week folks and I'm holding the polar vortex partially responsible.

Jan 25

Jan 25 Once upon a smile

Kelly Cervantes

This is the last photo I have of Adelaide smiling. It’s from Sept 30th, 2017. Of all the inch-stones she’s lost, I mourn her smile the most. In this week’s post get ready for some the sweetest smiles you have ever seen and giggles that could warm even the coldest heart.

Jan 18

Jan 18 It's in the bag

Kelly Cervantes

Anymore, Adelaide does not leave home for much more than doctors appointments and maybe the occasional lunch date with mom and dad. One of the big reasons is due to the amount of STUFF that has to accompany us. As her condition has worsened the list of supplies and equipment that must always be with her has grown. This past Christmas Miss A received a duffle bag to replace the backpack we had been using. But what in the world does a little girl need that requires a duffle bag to contain it all? Who is ready to play the Adelaide Cervantes version of “what’s in her bag?”. Hint: no fancy eye creams here but I do have some lube if you need it!

Jan 11

Jan 11 That hospital life

Kelly Cervantes

While chilling at the hospital with Adelaide for three days last week, I was struck by how comfortable we have become during these stays. Now, to be clear, being home is always better. Adelaide is more alert at home, I despise our family being separated and there is a special place in hell for hospital showers. But like anything you just get used to it all. Dare I say it, but there are even some aspects that I, <gasp>, enjoy.