My Name: Karen. I’m a working mom of four little boys, one of whom has special needs. My husband Mark (who has his own blog) is a full-time stay-at-home Dad. We live in rural Central Pennsylvania.
Name of Child with CdLS on whose behalf you participate in this list: Benjamin. Ben has three brothers who don’t have CdLS: Isaac (8 years old), Jonathan (5 years old), and Nathaniel (6 months old).
Books currently on my nightstand: The Lord of the Rings (I am re-reading it – last read it when I was 18 years old). Boy, is it taking me a long time to get through it! I also recently read the seventh Harry Potter book – that one fortunately took about 3 days to finish.
Favorite TV show(s): CSI, Iron Chef America, Law & Order, Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Oh yes, I am ashamed to admit I also enjoy “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance”! I also really enjoy the “Avatar” animated series on Nickelodeon.
What’s the car radio tuned to? XM 157.
Last movie seen in a theater: “Ratatouille”. Mark and I loved it, Isaac liked it but did alot of lap shuffling between me and Mark. Jonny was bored and had to be distracted with his Gameboy. Ben was happy and content the entire time.
Dream vacation: I would love to go to Europe one day.
Grew up in…. Trinidad and Tobago.
First job: Worked at a bank.
Favorite Quote: “It is always better to ask forgiveness than permission.”
One interesting thing about me you might not know: I love role-playing video games! My two older sons and I play “The Legend of Zelda” together on our Gamecube (they kick my butt on the Four Swords adventures), I absolutely LOVE to play “The Twilight Princess” on our new Nintendo Wii!
Contact me at: benandhisbrothers@yahoo.com
October 21, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Hi Karen,
It is a joy to know your family is well, healthy and happy.
May God Bless you all.
Love,
Felicia
October 21, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Your mom sent your blog to me. The boys have grown a lot since I saw pictures of them. your mom keeps me posted on everything.
I wish you and your husband much luck with Benjamin. I know with the love you both have for each other and for your boys, he will be ok.
Your extended family in Trinidad will always be there for you.
I had the pleasure of meeting your parents and sister when I was in Trinidad in Dec. 2004. Lovely people.
Good Luck again to all of you and I will keep checking your blog. Benjamin will grow up to tackle his brothers, I am sure.
with love
sonia in Toronto
October 27, 2006 at 1:48 am
This blog is really very neat. Now I can stay here in Trinidad and know exactly what is going on. Ben seems to have grown since I last saw him, which was just 2 weeks ago. Why didn’t Mark prepare that lovely meal when I was visiting? Anyway, happy to know that all is going well. Lots of love to the big boys
Grandma
October 30, 2006 at 8:13 am
I like Jon’s new hair cut and Isaac’s scary teeth. I was scared out of my wits even from this distance.
Grandma
December 12, 2006 at 9:40 am
Hey Karen,
This blog is great!! It’s so good to see pictures of everyone. The boys are sooo big! It’s been a few YEARS since we have seen them. I wonder if Isaac and Israel would even remember eachother. You guys sound like your doing great and we are so glad to hear that. Take care and give the babies kisses for us.
~Stacey from good old Williamsport
December 20, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Karen, I loved your blog. Thanks for your Christmas letter. I am praying for you. I understand a little of what you are going through.
Robin
January 5, 2008 at 1:32 am
Hi, My name is Robin, and i’m a mother of a CdLS child. My daughter’s name is Samantha and she’ll be 6 yrs. old in March. If you would like to talk, share stories, anything at all. please feel free to contact me anytime… I also use msn messenger… my contact for msn messenger is the same as my email address… mikedwschick@yahoo.ca
November 17, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hey Karen
Shannon here a friend of your mum’s from Australia….I am due to have my baby friday if not before – he is being stubborn lol…..and your mum sent me your blog. I love it – it is great! Cute boys!!!!
Take care, Shannon.x.
May 28, 2009 at 5:58 am
Hi Karen, I also from Trini yuh know! I find yuh site by chance jes surfing de net. Ah have ah blog (food and fun) which ah would like yuh tuh visit too. It is written in German, buh it easy tuh understand. Leh meh know wah yuh tink bout meh blog. Ah find yours interesting and yuh have ah nice family! Count yuh blessings!
peace and love tuh yuh an de family.
Don
August 9, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hi Karen,
Just been to the cdls world conf in England. I have been following ‘ben for nearly two yrs now’. My aaron has cdls and is two since April 2nd so just twelve months between them. I also have a 4yr old girl and 4 month old girl. Aaron is doing very well, eating and drinking orally, quite vocal, but not sitting by himself or standing/walking yet. How is Bens sitting/standing? Aaron’s ptosis is quite bad too so need to get that checked out as I feel it is hindering his progress. Your website is excellent. Keep up the good work.