For my military peeps...

When we were still living in the DC area after Playette was born (President's Hospital, represent!*), I did a lot of research about available services and programs. It was at that time that I first heard the word "respite." We're fortunate here in CA that we can access great child care via the Regional Centers, but in DC? As great as everything else was? Not so much with the respite.

I read one day that the military was offering up to 40 hours per month, but when I called to follow up, I learned that it was Army and Marine Corps only. It was odd to me that we couldn't join in because usually, especially in DC, what is available to one service is available to all.

I was happy to find out today that the Navy has stepped up their game in this department.

Maybe one day, we'll be able to take advantage of this wonderful benefit. I'm sure it will be especially helpful when BD is deployed in a couple of years.

If you know of anyone eligible, please do share this info with them.


*Something to note:

When I was pregnant, I was really looking forward to getting Playette's newborn photo taken. When we toured the hospital, it was mentioned that we'd have the option of receiving these pictures for free and the novelty of having something different and free than the typical newborn pic, I thought was kinda cool.

But then she was born and Ds entered our lives. I never went to get the photos taken before she was discharged.

It's making me sad just to think about it. I've honestly never revisited this before just now.

Anyway, so because she wasn't gaining weight and I was struggling with breastfeeding my sleepy baby, I made many trips to see the lactation consultant. She was great. Besides giving us as much time and materials as we could ever ask for, she had an adult daughter that had cognitive delays and, as a result, this woman was the most understanding, compassionate person I could have asked for during that time.

One day, while at the hospital for an appointment, I decided that it was time to take the photos. I think Playette was close to two weeks old by then. As you can see, she had on baggy unisex pajamas, not a cute little outfit. I hadn't even started putting bows in her hair yet.

So, anyway, that's the story behind that photo.

We've come such a long way since then.