I began this blog in the summer of 2012. It’s full name is not A is for Adelaide, the full name of this blog is A is for Adelaide and Achondroplasia. But I love that it’s blossomed into so much more. There is a lot of information in the archives, and I hope to dig some of that out and reprint it so that new readers can learn, but, in truth, this blog has grown into more because we are more.
There’s a lot to be said about dwarfism, and specifically achondroplasia, which is the most common form, but it’s more. There is more. There are the family moments, good recipes, crafts and projects, opinions, life lessons, stories, products, advocacy work. It’s all intertwined. We are just a family.
The most important part of A is for Adelaide and Achondroplasia isn’t the achondroplasia, it’s the Adelaide (and also the Camille Thea!!!). It’s showing that we are a typical family. I don’t want to fight to be seen as average, everyday people. I don’t want to have to prove it. Quite simply, I just want to live it.
So while many are finding a diagnosis scary and learning all there is to know, please remember that normal, average and everyday are relative. We go to classes, do crafts, have nap time and run around like chickens with our heads cut off just to get out the door. Addie has fits about being told no and Millie wants to eat every hour on the hour. We try to have dinner together every night. I struggle to get the girls in the bath more than twice a week, and myself, too! Our cars need oil changes and our mortgage arrives at the same time each month. Addie also sees an ENT, neurologist, neurosurgeon, geneticist, orthopedist, physical therapist, got kicked out of speech therapy for never being quiet, and of course a pediatrician and dentist. These are just things we do. There are a few more steps in each day, sure, but they’re not steps that keep us behind- just on our toes.
It’s a wild ride. It’s life. It’s a beautiful one, at that.
I have learned SO much about dwarfism from reading your blog. Keep it up, mama!
Thank you for following!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Thanks for helping me understand your daughter better. She sure is a cutie.
Jennifer Sikora recently posted…Give Your Cat the Purrfect All Natural Christmas with Vitakraft Purrk! PLayfuls Toys #FelineSilvervine
Thank you for taking the time to learn more! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I’ve learned so much for you and how you’ve advocated for achondroplasia and just how much you love being a mom and how you take care of your family. I love seeing this side in bloggers!
Heather recently posted…Christmas Parties and Sick Kids On #WordlessWednesday #WordishWednesday
Awe, thank you, Heather!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I love seeing your daughter’s sweet little face. ♥ Thank you for sharing this wonderful note.
Alena Belleque (The Homemade Creative) recently posted…The Homemade Creative’s Christmas Gift Guide 2014
Thanks for stopping by!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I think you need a big red S on all of your shirts, because you are a super momma! I’ve learned so much about little Addie’s condition as well as what moms can do for their kids when the need arises. Keep it up!
Myrah – Coupon Mamacita recently posted…Bath & Body Works – FREE Thousand Wishes Body Care Item With Any Purchase
That’s the sweetest… I’ll have to remember this . I feel like I’m failing sometimes… but I think that’s just being human!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Keep up the great work, I’ve learned a lot from your posts!
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I agree, it’s been some time that I’ve followed your blog and I’ve learned so much. Also, I have grown very fond of Addie, just so you know. She’s a sweetie and through you, I feel like I know her. Thanks for that, and all you write about. Merry Christmas to your family! 🙂
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Skechers Winter Boots
Thanks so much, Tammi!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
You have completely opened my eyes to so much I had no idea was even there. We’ve been really sheltered so I had no idea so many complications were there for those with Achondroplasia. It’s been a fun experience following along with you.
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Thanks for taking the time to read and learn more!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I’ve learned so much form your blog and your journey. For so long, I had no idea that midget was an insulting word. I just walked around saying it all the time!
Jennifer recently posted…Holiday Traditions with Christmas Movies and $100 Giveaway
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Thank you for being so candid about living with a child with Achondroplasia as well as just living with two young kids. We have a child with autism and we live each day to be a family who loves and lives not a family who has a kid with autism.
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AMEN!! Keep it up. Difference don’t define us!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
i watched a show and learned some thing about this, I never knew all the medical issues that can happen. Your daughter is so adorable and I love reading about her!
Thank you! There are issues, but for the most part… we’re just us!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Cracking up that Adelaide got kicked out of speech for talking!
RIGHT?!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
She is such a cutie! I think its great you are advocating for hers and others.
Tammilee Tips recently posted…Daily Diary ~ Celebrating the 25 Days of Christmas in LA
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
If ever there was a super mom, it’s you. I can’t imagine having to worry about my son the way you do about your daughter.
Dawn recently posted…RSVP for the #MingleNMix Twitter Party
Thank you, Dawn. I think she’s just so tough, she makes me look weak!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Addie is such a sweetie pie! I have learned so much about her reading your blog this year!
Jenn recently posted…How to Make a Trip to the Dentist an Enjoyable Experience For Your Kids
I totally agree! You are the perfect spokesperson for her and you’re shedding so much light on achondroplasia and how it’s just a part of the big picture.
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Thank you ladies! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Awe she is darling, what a beautiful little girl. Sounds like you have done a lot of home work on achondroplasia, i had never heard of this before until reading your blog.
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Beautiful Silky Hair With Suave Moroccan Infusion Shine Products @ BJ’s Wholesale
It is one of the rare-er disabilities. Thank you for reading and finding out more!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
What a beautiful reminder that we are all people with unique traits. At the end of the day, Adelaide is your daughter and loved regardless of any label society puts upon her.
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AMEN!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
She’s always so adorable! You’ll look back and laugh about how much of a ride it was some day!
Liz Mays recently posted…Christmas Decorating Ideas #BestDressedHome
This certainly is a roller coaster!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I’ve learned so much from your blog. I’m so amazed at the struggles you’ve had and how you’ve managed to keep such a great attitude.
Melissa Pezza recently posted…I recommend the Oral-B Professional Care 3000 electric toothbrush Professionally and Personally! #OralB3000 #CleverGirls
Thank you Melissa!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I too have learned so much from reading your blog. I am glad you have such a beautiful family
Thank you so much, Lisa. I love this crazy crew we have here!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a beautiful girl you have! You have such a great and positive attitude that will carry over to your daughter.
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I hope so!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Your daughter is so beautiful and this was such a wonderful post. You always post such great and heartfelt things.
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Thank you so much Stacey!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Addie is so beautiful…I love her little angel face. You have helped to educate me greatly from your site! Thank you!
I am so glad that readers are learning more. I hope that educating others will help the world become a better place for Addie!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I’ve learned so much about Addie’s condition as well as how normal your life is even through all of the struggles. Your family is beautiful, keep up the good work.
We’re pretty gosh darn normal, right?! 🙂
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
She’s a cute kid for sure and it looks like she’s got a momma that is willing to go to the mat to help her out. My hat’s off to you both!
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Thank you, Gabriel!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful family. Keep sharing your journey as you never know who you are helping along the way.
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Thank you for the encouragement <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Your family & blog sound amazing and your daughter is adorable! I loved this post, your positivity and love for your family and what you do really shines through your writing!
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I’m so glad to hear that- thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Both your girls are beautiful! You are blessed to have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous girls! Happy Holidays!!!
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) recently posted…Top 5 Hexbug Toys this Holiday Season
Thanks, mama!!!! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love the story of your daughter you are sharing here. You’re sharing great information too and educating folks. I have learned so much from your blog. Your daughter is precious.
Tiffany (A Mom’s Take) recently posted…Easy Coconut Caramels Recipe #YahooDIY
Thank you, Tiffany! I hope to keep educating as the years go on!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
A is for ADORABLE!
#truestory
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I think you make a great point. Achondroplasia shouldn’t be the defining thing. It is just one piece of your family. I shared on google+ and I think you blog is a fantastic educational resource for others to learn more about all sorts of things- not just dwarfism.
Scarlet recently posted…How To Talk To Kids About Scary Stuff
Thank you so very much, Scarlet! And SO true. Just one piece of the puzzle that is my sweet Addie!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love reading your blog for so many reasons, lately it’s for hope and inspiration. My daughter was born 5 weeks premature and has had a slew of health issues since. We see a nephrologist, GI, cardiologist andthe latest being an ENT and needing a cranial ultrasound this coming week. I enjoy reading all of the positive and awesome and normal things you do. Thanks for sharing.
Stay strong <3 You are rocking this, even on days you're not so sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Christmas Eve Box ~ Our Holiday Tradition
Love this post. All families have their struggles and milestones, and as moms I think we are just looking for others who understand and won’t judge. Like the days when patience is not an option and “the baby” has hit you square in the face with a toy so hard your eyes water. Or the days you get, “Are they twins?” for the umpteenth time and it takes all your willpower not to roll your eyes. At the end of these days, it’s just you and the love you get back in droves that keeps you going. That to me is completely average/ordinary/everyday spectacular. Right on, Chelley!
Millie totally knocked me in the face today. OUCH!
And seriously. The twins comments. I swear wine was created for those days. I don’t roll my eyes, I do the head drop/eyes closed/nice smile/breath hold. Internally, my eyes become lodged in the back of my head.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Christmas Eve Box ~ Our Holiday Tradition