https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1682729559764-1ZEA7QRPE7NWXIUCCBBZ/IMG_2351.jpg Home https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2026/2/4/the-quiet-magic-of-belonging monthly 0.5 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1770237823745-EZC05NM5JFRBSQ27RJ70/IMG_8143.jpeg Home - The Quiet Magic of Belonging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1770240741516-ELSMGK05LCZ0TR0CIJMS/IMG_2056.jpeg Home - The Quiet Magic of Belonging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1770239693222-CM7US4WPHC4PCBJDWT7F/IMG_6967.jpeg Home - The Quiet Magic of Belonging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1770237823889-T0CN768FUM57UNPH09P6/IMG_8346.jpeg Home - The Quiet Magic of Belonging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1770237826738-B1CEUT0TDFH29AP7GZ3X/IMG_0287.jpeg Home - 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Nine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1752521099414-6XKYRWE3ZEJZZYL2H86L/IMG_7313.jpg Home - Nine. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2025/4/28/3udim2gyxw3dgp31fgfn8ahaczpkk0 monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/380de109-b9e8-4820-8f54-b62222203fe6/IMG_2638.jpg Home - Diagnosis Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2025/2/4/let-her-eat-cake monthly 0.5 2025-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/b66d845b-5621-47f5-9a52-e17fdb89b0e2/IMG_4808.jpg Home - Let Her Eat Cake - Make it stand out MJ on wheels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1739738919778-SC0G8ZFS770JZM15PMY6/IMG_1042.jpg Home - Let Her Eat Cake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1739723134488-7HOHARCFAG3634JNYUOF/IMG_1033.jpg Home - 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In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554262106-05Y1CB8JAA1XTS2RSQNJ/IMG_2745.jpeg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554264684-732AS3DOI506LKGEJ0KD/IMG_5589.jpg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554263732-70GS13O80FJU3MOJ3WZG/IMG_3016.jpg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554263257-D4AS3CAVEA3V7NF3Q0WH/IMG_1098.jpeg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711556040601-22ECUABS0V4JPPU9VICP/Capture.JPG Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554258419-HPNI5H1RYY398HL507YW/IMG_1200.jpeg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711554259238-94AWFVLR45OGE358O5FD/IMG_5977.jpeg Home - In Her Shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1711556032808-HHAPOXRYBHYEYHPTKSS2/LPHM5873.JPG Home - 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Dear Parent Who Just Received a Dwarfism Diagnosis, - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2023/3/15/from-the-heart monthly 0.5 2023-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069032482-SNPJHLNW7WU8CYDHB9WZ/IMG_5203.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069040229-MI5KVM2ONQFZ498PH3WA/IMG_5208.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069042777-74X1XX1I4OEJB97326WW/IMG_5210.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069048580-FIANZMLBRU3G322G4GBA/IMG_5213.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069051053-D1HHGXV6KZ5UKDYDTF19/IMG_5221.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1679069053019-ENZ72COJ2FJCFNWL6UPU/IMG_5211.jpeg Home - From The Heart https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2022/10/17/the-abcs-of-dwarfism monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/64975ba9-68e9-4263-bb63-586c7c9ad1df/IMG_1746.jpeg Home - The ABC's of Dwarfism - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2022/7/14/six monthly 0.5 2022-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/2b302eda-bfc8-4e93-a9ed-8fb59d83f0a1/IMG_9088.jpeg Home - Six - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/61d4330e-35b2-487b-b6b5-a5870ea8e2b1/IMG_9081+2.jpeg Home - Six - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2022/4/28/lifeline monthly 0.5 2022-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/42bdbddb-60b7-4eac-a553-2b0abc331bbf/IMG_5881.jpg Home - Lifeline - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2022/1/13/sotheres-this-drug monthly 0.5 2022-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/f69915c3-9cab-475d-9d59-66785b487b17/IMG_3921+2.jpeg Home - So, there's this drug… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2021/10/7/letters monthly 0.5 2021-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1633691537621-95WP70OBZ8LA7WDS9FL2/Letter+1.jpg Home - A is for Advocacy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1633691567429-D2KX5ONPK1S8RNAPPGF3/Letter+2.jpg Home - A is for Advocacy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1633912184458-YKKROE1P76X9NUTK74OP/0001.jpg Home - A is for Advocacy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1633886580621-O9MANE9W4SDALPSNHY02/IMG_9246.jpeg Home - A is for Advocacy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2021/7/13/five monthly 0.5 2021-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626224109904-LC00GD8NWWN6ZOLRKDRI/IMG_7940.jpg Home - Five - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290586979-O3P0XGX8LAD3KZWD7RHP/KutnerFam62.jpeg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290828322-MYFDKO1ZQTSHE8B4KZQC/IMG_6959+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290760460-KLG7HB2PHVNDWDJAUJ76/dance.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290554003-JY05GM8YUOSPULZLKPF1/bubbles.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290629870-1VNOC5GR1037RWO9X0GB/TJEG3887.jpeg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290692183-93YVCIXAT3ZR5150A246/IMG_7436.jpeg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290892683-AMANS00AL5A9KXUJXSPI/IMG_4779+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626290957760-9ZBEBR7T1TDX8645MZ51/IMG_4906+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626291326267-5YU37IM2TRFXLBJ50XVI/IMG_6070+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626291126085-PODB1BP745NZPKGTHRPX/IMG_6741+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626291015268-X7PDS9XWYH0BAOQ27LKA/IMG_6401+copy.jpg Home - Five https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1626291185931-PBB8MKLP32NNLS9QSC2D/IMG_5515+copy+2.jpg Home - Five https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2021/5/29/dancinggirl monthly 0.5 2021-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1622906059294-CEI2SB34SKKPL9KO8A0J/IMG_6355.jpeg Home - Dancing Girl https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2021/4/11/big-voice monthly 0.5 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1618152790676-T2TO271U9UWKKRQ393O6/IMG_5238.jpg Home - Big Voice https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2021/2/11/sister-sister monthly 0.5 2021-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241135499-N0ZZV245SAG7AOJ3HDW7/IMG_3670.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241140715-HHMMI8UQU16EJ6HUBES7/IMG_6056.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241139103-A5O1CISMPHOZQCQ20Z19/IMG_7644.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241142658-0B51A3JSFBTXRROKSFRC/IMG_2384.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241149056-U15O552E0IZ7W0COU7K3/IMG_9928.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241149025-T03G1O6XQYWJ8FZ494U0/IMG_9746.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241145004-NT9SJJOKSFBQI26A114U/IMG_8372.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241160968-GL9RNUV2Q1IV5QQCL1OV/KutnerFam22.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241171751-CVIWPSI96ZGBBN6YY4YG/IMG_2567.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241176109-QR5ZO32C3J438PKEFWNS/IMG_1622.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241177028-PTEH9FTG17DFNGN1IKJK/IMG_0980.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241167590-AO48KB0SZ0K7FK8YOLMU/KutnerFam40.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1613241411241-RRX3ST47TJF9WPHES9NE/IMG_1801.jpeg Home - Sister Love https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/10/25/dwarfism-awareness-2020 monthly 0.5 2020-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1603649056909-VYDUNZJ3G4KUE94R3UU4/IMG_1038.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness 2020 - DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH October 2020 https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/9/3/the-click monthly 0.5 2020-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1599147245559-SQVNMGPF39Z9Y0EO37UC/IMG_8164.jpeg Home - The Click https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/7/10/four monthly 0.5 2020-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594662862464-J4HGFSYUDX3HNWMQRCE0/IMG_1569.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594662869868-5MYU4AIDMEKJFUUZ7SV1/IMG_1604.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661231647-B96H95CGSM3G1THM3QSL/IMG_5589.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594656267327-87JSYAR1PN2WD1IZBXDE/IMG_4610.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594656340226-KV6C4LKYJETNCNTBKD7T/IMG_3941.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594656270707-GE95ZEPKHG9Y22WGOAV1/IHRD4589.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594656272880-ECIJQHY7L88JWIQF0XAS/IMG_5226.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661034161-S8YRFK36GQ191JXBSIV2/IMG_4259.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661069958-LBKE2FGHBHX11E0SVDXS/IMG_6056.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661093637-DUX8U3MX8TNZ60CQ3HYH/IMG_3549.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661513690-6ME2C8N09AI1JJBLDKEQ/IMG_4570.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661611878-I30Q0BHVSBN5EKZBD1Y8/IMG_5403.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661608253-APKEIVQCULL4H8OZ0JDI/IMG_4993.jpeg Home - Four https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1594661515157-VGIVHTB0WWTZ0E6NN0SM/IMG_1446.jpeg Home - Four https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/6/14/the-season-of-mira monthly 0.5 2020-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1592181780841-8XW4J7DWZRZ54AICHZP2/VFUM7848.jpeg Home - The Season of Mira https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/3/21/find-the-joy monthly 0.5 2020-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1584815313072-YZUQREW78GXKVGM98OFD/IMG_5026.jpg Home - Find The Joy https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2020/1/26/shes-good-to-go monthly 0.5 2020-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581958874698-82CRU59U9XRY57IV8FOB/IMG_1618.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581958972656-C2E5Z6ICRSOSGK6A2E3P/IMG_2770.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581959122970-8OD2JSYST7R1TSYJGBOE/IMG_4827.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581959930340-X4FBXQCV7KZWT2R6J4QV/IMG_3936.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581959933799-YE5P6EQLMNX5IV2SQJ92/IMG_6811.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581959937848-8YQ8TSHQX73N4L9AUSR4/pic%27.png Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581971154396-00BO9A3TCZ3EZG4LGF5T/IMG_9707.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581971162962-D5K6E9Q8XXTTY5TQ21CJ/IMG_7985.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581971156932-YBVMUMCBZS25JJRPH0NK/IMG_9713.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581960282507-2RFPACB8CVZTSF6LFL6W/IMG_4479.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581960285837-I7JD6K7AFJ7RSVYY6IEE/IMG_9712.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1581960287497-DZ1PP46E1G6OUL0RGU3S/IMG_9711.jpeg Home - Modifying For Mira https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2019/11/2/just-say-hi monthly 0.5 2019-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1572709288870-MVTU9E53JAS85YV3CTN6/IMG_5879.jpg Home - Just Say Hi https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2019/9/15/she-can monthly 0.5 2019-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574389591-8XSGZP27DY1CSNJRK7XG/IMG_1842.jpeg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574264453-2C4B8AU6T6S2GJGVR9MT/IMG_5846.jpg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574199599-GH0729K9MH5YUSU50BC7/IMG_1828.jpeg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574205022-3X887M8FNYDGTXOR4GVV/IMG_1833.jpeg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574229290-5G272NRVBB7LJUTUT0BX/IMG_5829.jpg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574519093-X8BNSP59H21DJMYNMXQC/IMG_5808.jpeg Home - She Can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1568574336724-U742KO9AZZ5AS0S906DQ/IMG_5848.jpeg Home - She Can https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2019/6/26/9jszxfkjoel3ux6v9krswebyoxe851 monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561581145773-0O39OS5PNQEVB73IJMUL/Addie2.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye - Addie 18 months Addie 18 months old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561596257389-8U89GG5WJU3NRKHOBFPA/IMG_7985.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye Mira Joy, September 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561594822344-KLYS0K4E6ASUP6GAHPIH/IMG_9837.jpeg Home - A Golden Goodbye Marco Island, December 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561581197292-WUKSKT081VKF9C8YU359/addie3.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye Addie, 3 Years Old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561635250437-1VXKUUEB6IF1Z1BGPGJZ/IMG_0334.JPG Home - A Golden Goodbye Logan, 2 Years Old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595869565-7HHCJ3UEOUSRB3POPI9N/IMG_7839.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595866220-KVOF0266Z2DYX9DJB9OF/IMG_8598.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561642212607-9JRFHIIT18PCK17MQ0SM/IMG_8481.jpeg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595863091-EKLYAGQNNOBYLOI9IHRL/IMG_0091.jpeg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595860189-5RB133YVVO9C57WE8TF9/IMG_8753.jpeg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595863584-IQPSJEF37U7GXE0T9AD3/2.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595866699-M4DK9BV1B8O1ES7ASTUI/IMG_8019.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1561595868900-PCWNSS4SW2NS5JY483BQ/IMG_8304.jpg Home - A Golden Goodbye https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2019/7/13/three monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1563054749099-9MRS1G5Y02U65CKANVCL/IMG_0581.JPG Home - Three https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1563145808005-LBW6SRYBRLD07LR893LZ/IMG_1055.jpeg Home - Three https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1563145892157-P0OPCJCYX04W08XMVXR7/IMG_0796.jpeg Home - Three https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2019/3/16/where-we-are monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552824832176-EXLEC4PI2TVGI38OVGRH/IMG_7941.jpeg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825544919-8XMD0A9Z5FSOS26J1I8R/IMG_1238.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825447732-8HTNU3I9PZYMBSS1NVI3/IMG_7848.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825493274-7QCOVXGINCGZOB2T3JUP/IMG_8562.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825455839-ZDJOFT97JCHAYQ3CGJSS/IMG_8261.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825462607-LSMRT1S99KQWLURCUU0M/IMG_9174.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825469356-47GK5UU6OKYZ4FTCAFDE/IMG_9581.jpeg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825480775-VHVU3UUPH7TOUQS14PXX/IMG_9691.jpg Home - Where We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1552825523727-YXKESDP4S2713NEPGWBI/2.jpg Home - Where We Are https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/11/2/dwarfism-awareness-month-a-recap-1 monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171818051-XP6SI31XH2H6ZTQET1OG/42306111_1018728538310084_5292785336498793417_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 1 October 1st begins our 2nd annual month-long dive into our story and Mira's journey. For us, dwarfism awareness month is a way for us to encourage the celebration of differences, to teach others about dwarfism and to share our story. It's a story that begins with the heartbreak of Mira's lethal diagnosis and evolves very much into one of the greatest love stories my family will ever tell. This month we are opening up about our lives and getting real about all of the challenges we face, and the amazing lessons we've gained along the way. I encourage you to follow along (Instagram only) this month and please tag a friend if you think they would like to follow along too. Looking forward to sharing with you this month! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171823446-QGVW9TB7SFIFD0GP22M2/41885933_328146334402499_5691672643339148814_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 2 One of the first questions we are asked when people find out that Mira has Achondroplasia is “Is that genetic?” The answer to that is yes, it’s a mutation in the fgfr3 gene that happens spontaneously at conception. But, I’m wondering if what they are really asking is if it’s inherited. Achondroplasia CAN be inherited IF a parent has it, but 80% of people with achondroplasia have average height parents. In our case, as 2 average height parents, our chance of having a child with dwarfism was 0.004%, that is nearly 1 in 40,000! Our doctors told us to play the lottery with those odds, but what they don’t know is that we have already won. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171833300-69A9ST229GAVWI8BBPNL/41834645_297794484158323_7005752951056935983_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 3 On April 28, 2016 I was 28 weeks pregnant and lying on an exam table for a routine growth scan. It was during this scan that the ultrasound technician picked up that the baby’s femur bones were measuring behind. I will never forget the look on the doctor’s face when he asked us to come into his office, a place that after 5 years and 2 pregnancies I had never seen before. At this point I had no idea what it could be. A part of me thought that perhaps the technician had got it wrong. Turns out, she didn’t. We left the office and were sent to a high-risk specialist, and 2 weeks later down to Philly to a even higher risk specialist at CHOP. Several hours of testing later, we found ourselves at a small round table surrounded by specialists where we were kindly told our baby girls condition “wasn’t compatible with life.” Unfortunately - that is how the journey to having a child with dwarfism begins for many. The specialists take the measurements, crunch the numbers, plot them on a chart- and tell you that your baby can't possible survive. Not with those bones, not with that chest and those lungs. Sometimes they are right. Often, they are wrong. On July 14th, at 11am, our mighty Mira arrived with a force weighing in at 9 pounds, 15 ounces. She was breathing, She was chubby. She was perfect. She was ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171837496-Z8P1W5AC7JKYM2RF0ME3/42004219_2172435156337045_9133040282920139932_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 4 Dwarfism isn’t: • An intellectual disability. A person who has dwarfism is typically of normal intelligence. • A disease that requires a “cure.” Most people with the condition can live long, fulfilling lives. • A reason to assume someone is incapable. People with dwarfism go to school, go to work, marry, and raise children, just like their average size peers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171841116-S0KY0E1UR5BL33ZKDHHN/42078564_275186763104000_8563718389049469892_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 5 Every Friday during Dwarfism Awareness Month, I would like highlight one of Mira’s buddies from all over the country and the world! These are the children of parents who have nothing and everything in common. Some of us have met, most have not. We are all spreading awareness this month (and throughout the year) and I am honored to introduce you! Meet Beautiful Miss Evie, 18 months old from Seattle, Washington! “Evie was diagnosed with Achondroplasia at 7 weeks old. She has taught us more than we ever could have imagined and has shown us that her diagnosis will never define her. It is simply one piece of the puzzle that makes her the amazing person that she is! Some things that make Evie the awesome girl that she is are her joyful personality. She is a social butterfly and loves everybody. There isn’t a stranger she won’t wave and blow kisses to! She also gives the BEST hugs. She loves music, dancing, and “reading” all the books. Dogs and airplanes are her current obsessions and she is so close to taking her first steps! We love our baby girl to the moon and back!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171845222-5I6IVBAGHX5NO83FMLL1/43284770_958952094302376_8829296040930625462_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 6 Short stature is the one quality all people with dwarfism have in common. After that, each of the many conditions that cause dwarfism has its own set of characteristics and possible complications. For example, some babies with achondroplasia may experience hydrocephalus (excess fluid around the brain). They may also have a greater risk of developing apnea — a temporary stop in breathing during sleep — because of abnormally small or misshapen airways or, more likely, because of airway obstruction by the adenoids or the tonsils. Occasionally, a part of the brain or spinal cord is compressed. In just 2 years, Mira has undergone spinal decompression surgery (10 months), a tonsil/adenoid surgery (18 months), and ear tubes (23 months). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171857728-PEUOCCO1T330H4E8N4MI/43087033_166506944281652_3266540124925625212_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 7 Some children with dwarfism have delays in their gross motor skills. Mira is one of them. She was unable to sit unassisted until after her first birthday and began to pull to stand just after her second. You may have noticed Mira's new walker lately. This was something Mira's physical therapist suggested we get for her. We just so happened to have friends with a daughter who used the same walker, and no longer needs it, so they very generously passed it on to Mira. From the moment it arrived on our doorstep, Mira took to it. She loves her new independence, and gets a great workout from using it! We have already seen such a difference in her posture and overall strength since she got her new wheels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171858415-7C8RCCLQTM8VIIARWI7H/42422210_2218010935102353_2452635441315577207_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 8 I get asked a lot how we have explained Mira’s dwarfism to Ellie and how we would recommend explaining it to other children. Children are undeniably curious. They ask a LOT of questions. (Ellie averages about 50 a day). It is so important to teach our children to accept and embrace what makes everyone different. I think there is this idea that you shouldn’t point out the differences and talk them through with your kids because then you are drawing attention to it. But, avoiding the subject altogether creates a divide between them and others who may not be exactly like them. If you are looking for the right words, I would suggest these: Mira was born with something called dwarfism which means her bones are small and don't grow as fast as yours, so she will always be smaller than other children. Mira will still be able to everything you can do, she will just find a different way to do it. We are happy to discuss what makes Mira different. We want children (and adults) to know that there is so much more to Mira than her size. This is a picture of Mira with her neighborhood buddy, Gio. Gio is 3 months younger than Mira and they have known each other since they were born. I love watching these 2 interact. Mostly Mira plays hard to get. My girl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171860039-JGGYH9M3HDWF43O0NXCG/42416141_320687015177721_991756602299870408_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 9 This warm October week makes an appropriate segway to this interesting fact: Children with Achondropalsia run a higher than average body temperature than their average height peers. and in their first few years may experience increased levels of sweating. This is certainly the case with Mira. It was hard to tell at first since she was born in July, but once her first Fall crept in, we noticed just how hot and sweaty she would get. We have learned to accommodate this for the most part, trying to keep her environment as cool and comfortable as possible. We take a portable fan with us on extra warm days, keep her bedroom cool and we never ever overdress her. Things that don't work for Mira: fleece, footed pj's, blankets, winter jackets, Jersey humidity. Things that work for Mira: AC, ice-cream, Antarctica, ceiling fans, being naked, shade, swimming, the Jersey shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541171864726-PUWVJAIJ04KBYXPOXCE1/43171186_2171942799714198_2061574433995427900_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 10 At just 2 years old, Mira is an innocent toddler. She hasn’t had to block out nasty, ignorant comments. She hasn’t had to prove herself to anyone. She hasn't had to walk up to someone who’s just snapped a photo of her and demand that they delete it. It breaks my heart that one day Mira will ask me why people stare at her. I have no doubt that Mira will face adversity in her lifetime. My biggest fear is not that it could happen, it is that when it does, I have not fully prepared her. As her mother, that is my responsibility, as it is my job to educate others head on with knowledge and empowerment. So while this month I will be sharing the true beauty and triumphs of learning from and about Mira, I am also going to share some experiences we’ve encountered along the way to help build awareness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172093972-D0S3M5HXBVZ4YM2ZMZRZ/42651873_325506101544445_1609207678393383257_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 11 I was watching an episode of Parenthood the first time I heard the number. The ridiculously high, scary number. You know, the one that says that 80% of couples with special needs children will get divorced. Ouch. Except, thankfully, it’s not true. That likely explains why I could never find any hard data to back up that statement. Because believe me, I tried. I googled every possible word combination I could think of. Nothing. That’s not to say that couples with a child with a disability don’t face extra challenges, pressures and stress. They absolutely do. All marriages have ups and downs. Tossing in kids can intensify whatever strengths or weaknesses are already there. Add a kid with a disability, and well, the stress is amplified. Even though they love their kid like crazy, the worrying and advocating and fighting with insurance companies or schools can wear parents down over time. But just because a marriage is more difficult doesn’t mean that it can’t become as strong or even stronger. People tend to equate more difficult with worse. Also not true. We aren’t all that different from parents of “typical” kids. We struggle. We laugh. We love. We pay a mortgage. It isn’t always beautiful. Often, it can be messy and sometimes scary. But we never doubt the love that we have for our kids or each other. It is fierce. Just like our girls. Happy 9 baby. I love you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172108201-J43VW6001ZBAEJN64WB6/43820726_125383575099567_4529876620055537736_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 12 Every Friday during Dwarfism Awareness Month, I would like highlight one of Mira’s buddies from all over the country and the world! These are the children of parents who have nothing and everything in common. Some of us have met, most have not. We are all spreading awareness this month (and throughout the year) and I am honored to introduce you! Meet Handsome Leo, 14 months old from The North Island of New Zealand! “Leo is 15 months old and has achondroplasia. He may be little but his personality is huge! Hobbies include; dancing, waving to EVERYONE in the supermarket, harassing the neighbors cat, chasing his big brother around the house, but more than anything he loves cuddles from Mum. We adore our Little Lion.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172114397-O8CE24SAG50GS475WED7/43203916_2218053345103441_881466072857521256_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 13 Children with Achondroplasia typically run behind schedule in reaching the "usual" developmental milestones. This is due to an overall decreased muscle tone, and larger head size, especially compared to rest of their bodies. In addition to her very own growth chart, Mira has her own developmental timetable created for children with Dwarfism. She has physical therapy sessions twice a week to aid in the development of her gross and fine motor skills and build up her strength. We were fortunate to find a local therapist with experience with Achondroplasia. Mira really looks forward to her "playdates" with her therapists and zooming down the hallways with her walker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172117068-0MXL3VVMDT1MIF2IWPVC/43466185_318199432304145_7948305432835061106_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 14 Today's insight is for anyone who is just starting their journey, not just with dwarfism, but with any form of disability or difference. When we first received Mira's diagnosis, we were devastated. I was struggling to come to terms with the fact that the family I had created in my dreams was not going to turn out how I thought it would. The word "dwarfism" sat in my throat like a lump that couldn't be swallowed. My visions of our future began to blur. Then I read this very famous poem "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley and her words struck me instantly, the blur began to clear, and I began my long personal journey of clarity and perspective. It took me awhile to fully understand, but now I know that our family is EXACTLY who we are meant to be. Even better than my dreams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172124015-RFF966QN004XWNVEFWLN/44195518_143989449890576_7800432432553811021_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 15 Halfway through Dwarfism Awareness Month, and I think it is time to address “the word”. Did you know that the word 'midget' is highly offensive? Midget is derived from the word “midge," meaning a small, blood-sucking insect. The word traces back to the circus sideshows of the 1800s, when it was used to refer to short-statured performers for public amusement. Freak shows. Imagine for a second your own child being compared to an insect, or a freak show, simply because of one chromosome in their genetic makeup. Simply because God made them small. If this is a word you use, even as part of a joke, even to casually refer to things that are little, I am PLEADING with you to stop. If you find yourself around someone who uses this word, tell them to do the same. Remind them this is hurtful, degrading language and is not acceptable. This is not about political correctness, only simple human decency. I want you to think about Mira. Think about the journey we have been on and the challenges she will face in her lifetime. Think about how hearing that word would make her feel. Why does she ever need to hear this word and be made fun of for her physical appearance? I am teaching you in case you didn't already know about this word. And if you didn't, it's ok. Really. This is not an angry rant. I am not judging. This is what advocacy looks like. This girl in the photo is why I do it. If you know me, if you have read our story, if you have a place in your heart for my daughter and for her future, your future, your kids' future... I’m asking you to teach about this word. Teach your children that there is no place for this word in our world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172134171-GA6B50W9DL86U7OSXQMS/43383492_331088161044169_1325214604882214742_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 16 Mira is about 30 inches long which is almost the height of an average 10-month-old. She weighs about 28 pounds. Her head is slightly larger than an average 2-year-old. So, because of her shorter arms and legs, it’s hard to find things that fit her. Most shirts/pants/shorts are too long if I buy her size based on her age. But if we buy smaller sizing, it usually doesn’t fit over her head or it’s tight on her belly. I bring this up to help others realize how hard it can be to find adaptive clothing. Thankfully a few companies are coming out with a more adaptive clothing line for kids with all types of disabilities. Thank you @Target, @Zappos @TommyHilfiger. More companies should follow your lead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172141092-41L6HHXEGW85K45I3T3T/41866893_2006946265993952_3850676067797701260_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 17 Look at those gorgeous little star fish hands Mira's fingers are shorter and stubbier than other children's, her middle and ring fingers have a naturally wide separation sending them in the opposite way of each other. Her fingers don't go straight and instead make this cute little starfish shape. This is called trident hands. Despite the shorter fingers, Mira has really good fine motor skills. She already loves playing with her sister's toys, coloring and of course, holding her very own mall smoothie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172144652-SUBKI9EP8U6Q0WBSVHVU/43057019_177957546461693_3774942486616625267_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 18 Skeletal dysplasia is an umbrella term for a group of more than 200 genetic conditions that are characterized by differences in the size and shape of the limbs, trunk, and/or skull, all of which can impact stature. Although individually rare, collectively there are a significant number of individuals with the various dysplasias. It is estimated that 14,000 to 27,000 babies in the United States are born each year with some form of skeletal dysplasia. The Skeletal Dysplasia Program at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware is one of the world’s foremost centers in the treatment of skeletal dysplasia, offering expert, state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for children with dwarfism. More than 250 children from around the world travel to duPont each year to receive treatment at the center where Dr. Bober, Dr. Mackenzie and their remarkable teams work. It’s the busiest pediatric practice in the country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172167222-E15JV3QLJIEKFPIJC7DO/43666842_258740421498108_2485588680628901038_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 19 Today we did our routine 180 mile round trip to Wilmington, Delaware. We have made this trip roughly a dozen times over the last 2 years. This trip was scheduled, months ago as part of the bi-annual check in of all things Mira. Measurements are taken, x-rays updated, conversation, observation. It's usually a series of back to back to back appointments that feel somewhat like rushing between connecting flights. The destination: a good, uneventful report. These appointments are as much for us, as they are for Mira. They are important. They are intense. They are reassuring. They are exhausting. At the end of the day, Mira is still just a 2-year-old, who would rather be doing just about anything other than sitting around a table listening to adults talk about her body parts, and discussing her progress or lack thereof. I'd say all in all, we landed safely at our destination. We have a lot we need to work on, both with her and for her, but we have a truly incredible support system guiding us along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172172835-XKLPOW765C3MT6UJY9GZ/43660150_2247202181987841_5105580998587476312_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 20 Every Friday (ok, I missed yesterday) during Dwarfism Awareness Month, I would like highlight one of Mira’s buddies from all over the country and the world! These are the children of parents who have nothing and everything in common. Some of us have met, most have not. We are all spreading awareness this month (and throughout the year) and I am honored to introduce you! Meet gorgeous Eden Olivia! She is 2 years old from Jacksonville, Florida. "Eden Olivia is a free spirited toddler. She enjoys climbing and leaping... and everything else forbidden. Masha & Bear, her iPad, and water table are among her favorite things. She would live outside with her Moana Doll if she could. Most of all... she loves her Mommy and Daddy, snuggles and bedtime stories. " You can learn more about Eden and follow her mom, Missy's incredible advocacy journey at @edenolivia.com. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172406189-ATM709WVVNFY5Q0G55FN/43686652_113611866206174_3376330949284217259_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 21 Little People of America is a national nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. LPA has more than 6,000 members across the United States. LPA is comprised of 13 Districts and 70 Chapters. Districts are made of one to five states. Chapters are more locally based and are comprised of an area of the state or county. LPA offers information on employment, education, disability rights, medical issues, clothing, adaptive products and the many stages of parenting a short-statured child - from birth to adulthood. Over the weekend, we attended our second LPA regional event in PA. We met some pretty incredible people, all with different stories, some even like ours. While Mira's social skills need some find tuning, and I'm pretty sure she ran over about 15 sets of toes with her walker, I know LPA will be an invaluable resource for her during her lifetime. I also think it is very important for Ellie to be exposed to other children and adults with dwarfism. Last night, she ran around with a mix of kids and didn't think twice about anyones size. She now looks forward to the "Dwarfism Dance" every year.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172414292-ENFVER6O32QUBLU6EHBX/43914715_330627157518255_67279470639145888_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 22 Today was a hard day. We have them from time to time. I don't want to gloss them over, because it defeats the purpose of advocacy. We have hard days. Days where we spend hours on the phone. Days where my fingers are sore from the emails I have to write. Days where I don't understand the law, but I know it is there somewhere. I know it has to protect Mira. Today I am exhausted, but I am also thankful. Thankful for the conference call feature. Thankful for friends willing to help where they can. Thankful for the receptionist in Outpatient for telling me that Mira makes her Monday's brighter. Thankful that I get to hang out with this girl, with the wild hair and the smoothie covered face every single day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172420314-6TQHX00N0S64M1E2L3FZ/43914890_1917292455017814_5478041908581555113_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 23 Those absolutely delicious rolls on her arms and legs that Mira has had since birth aren't "fat rolls." Although she certainly hasn't lost all of her baby chub, the majority of what you see, isn't actual fat. Since her bones are the only part of her body that grow at a slower rate than the rest, this results in extra skin with nowhere to go. Mira actually has all of the skin, ligaments, and muscles necessary to be average height! Her extra skin will smooth out as she gets older, but for now we are enjoying loving on it every day and cleaning piles of sand out of her thighs after a long day at the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172425830-T84XF0XW0LQ50IV07C3A/44508068_709051506140221_8421636534016949280_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 24 October 25th is World Dwarfism Awareness Day. Tomorrow, people with dwarfism and organizations around the world that support little people and their families unite to promote awareness and show pride. We show support by wearing green, the official color that represents Dwarfism Awareness. Thank you for following along and helping to educate others about Achondroplasia and our fierce little lady. Special thank you to @littlest_warrior for the amazing shirt for our warrior girl! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172433682-H2XMNGBB8Q5HNF87M6KN/44277893_319526622207632_710190898718280326_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 25 Today is Dwarfism Awareness Day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172440979-299QVZOMW5W3U2KV9AG5/43433613_512111892594528_3498596371131236105_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 26 As I consider what to share this month, the realization is not lost on me that, in the not so distant future, this will no longer be our story but Mira’s to share (or not, if that's what she prefers). With that, I fully understand that how we walk this phase of our journey with her today is going to shape her future steps tomorrow. So, thank you for following along, sharing our story and opening your hearts to us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172444101-YB731VI41YK0GQ4RUCL1/43726859_1873111146105606_765488891840158162_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 27 After the horrific and tragic events that occurred in Pittsburgh today, I have decided to share some historical information. The Ovitz family was a family of Romanian Jewish actors/traveling musicians who survived imprisonment at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Most of them were little people. They were the largest family of little people ever recorded and were the largest family (twelve family members from a 15-month-old baby to a 58-year-old woman) to enter Auschwitz. When the Nazis came to power, the Ovitzs were doubly doomed: under the Aktion T-4 euthanasia program, the Germans set out to kill people who were physically or mentally disabled, whose lives were considered “unworthy of living”, “a burden on society”; and, as Jews, the Ovitzs were a prime target of the "Final Solution." Once in the camp, the Ovitz family attracted the attention of the German camp doctor Josef Mengele (known as the Angel of Death), who collected "curiosities" for pseudoscientific experiments on heredity. Mengele particularly wanted to prove that Germans were genetically superior to the groups being killed at the concentration camps. His “proof” stemmed from collecting “evidence” that Jews, gypsies, and other ethnic groups possessed degenerative DNA and its subsequent physiological traits. He considered dwarfism one of these indicative traits. The Ovitz family quickly became his pet project. He saved all of its members from the gas chambers. But only to force them to endure a series of horrific and humiliating experiments. They were eventually freed, and were the largest living family to survive the Holocaust, while most other little people were killed, along with many others with various disabilities. The Ovitz family is an example of the atrocities little people have endured throughout history, and their story should be told and never forgotten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172449734-QU88AOA58STVO108H5DR/44371527_283826449133931_3917669917258271527_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 28 One of my first fears upon receiving Mira's dwarfism diagnosis was for Ellie. What would it be like for her to have a sister with a disability? Would she be jealous of the attention she receives? Would she even understand what dwarfism is? I could have never imagined what life would actually be like with these two. It is magical. Ellie embraces Mira's differences and is happy to talk to just about anyone about them. She is her biggest cheerleader and is unbelievably proud of all she has achieved. Every single night, as we head upstairs to bed, Mira slowly makes her way up the stairs as Ellie waits patiently at the top, cheering her on. She will not move until Mira has climbed the very last step. Ellie loves Mira in a way I wish everyone could/should. She never sees her as different, as disabled, as less than. She is Mira's biggest advocate, protector and best friend. Watching these girls fall madly in love has been one of the greatest joys of my life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172464943-XII130CB03TUDEIEC6TH/43779233_282648785710259_471729666331119733_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 29 It's important to note that while we don't consider Mira's dwarfism a disability, she is fully covered under the ADA (American's with Disabilities Act). The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172469687-CJHZEWZH8S6DM5WDBA1C/44824101_740584456295069_7600542589135537644_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 30 As Dwarfism Awareness Month nears its end, I wanted to use this post to thank you for following along. It is my hope that you have learned something about Mira and have a better understanding of Achondroplasia and the journey we have been on. You have shown our family endless love and support and we know that with this army of people cheering her on, this girl is going to move mountains. Although October is almost over, we hope that our message continues to be heard. Like all parents, we want nothing more than for our daughter to feel included, accepted and treated as an equal. It really does take a village, thank you for being a part of ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1541172473035-ZE4Y5ES2TF4U51M2NNZA/42999519_305023517010101_8729924459178364130_n.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - 31 Dear Mira Joy, This past month was all for you. I hope you can look back on this and smile knowing that there are so many people out there rooting for you, loving you and being changed by you. That NICU doctor was right about you. You ARE a revolution. I know in my heart you will do incredible things, you already have. I love you to the moon and back. You are our very own super girl. Love, Mommy https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/10/25/world-dwarfism-awareness-day monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1540513646873-DGF0RMP9HIUD6F1PLD6V/IMG_8481.jpeg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Day Special thanks to my best bud Lizzy for the awesome shirt! (My Mom Advocates So Hard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1540513676333-XMFYSX9K3ZP3YGMGYT8U/IMG_8469.jpeg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Day https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/9/23/i-dreamt-of-a-walking-mira monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1537725560480-IR3WYCVA97PWSJY1OE6F/IMG_6168+2.jpg Home - In My Dreams https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/7/14/two monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531573072586-CLKIEWCVZU542EUGYW0Y/IMG_0301.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572295487-QZH13FA1IJ38JPPRCY7K/IMG_1427.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572301660-3RTD10KO2YIG2FFKOAJP/IMG_0934.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572605699-6TWNN02KQPZVO24KWB3G/IMG_8225.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572615927-0H0STOMOQGBZMUN2QR5Z/IMG_0086.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572640639-RHTVB615203RNLBU7FF6/IMG_9602.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572653424-T14JQM17R8MSH6HE0314/IMG_2383.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572664696-IWXX08Y0GKSM9BHXRYB0/IMG_2878.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572680030-E2RF1AOD1R0OMMZ8UTU7/IMG_3600.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572798578-ZZ7DI03Y5MZPZF7RKB35/IMG_3737.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572822506-2R7JDAPB079EBJAPI203/IMG_4297.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531572851147-JIL2S1IXUTIR7FRJBT9K/IMG_4779.jpg Home - Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531573010835-KJYNCMPN8IHYT4FWG2ZT/IMG_0286.jpg Home - Two https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/6/14/little-big-girl monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1529022872624-RQQ6UIXKCGHBX18AY9ZB/IMG_4402+2.jpg Home - Little Big Girl https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/4/30/april-28th2-years-later monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106510531-IIS1UKG8BSY2PS7GW7LH/IMG_0029.JPG Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106532173-NRDXI9O8DJ9YVIPDNTCG/IMG_3467.jpg Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106540003-S54ZK8XV2C5IBGJORAWL/IMG_0292.jpg Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106543248-CDQQJ2CEJNSTEU66O8UL/IMG_0314.jpg Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106548949-4V0PHGQIN51BRM8VUTPU/IMG_3740.jpg Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1525106550517-JAAKT7FM0XYZ3D1BNYRV/IMG_3607.jpg Home - April 28th...2 Years Later https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/3/29/69qvrwh3z1dtdntbifspvicahexlfs monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1522955376483-OSCNZP3ZKKYEE79Y51KA/IMG_2956.jpg Home - I Became An Adult At 34 Adulting on the floor of the Ronald McDonald House, while Mira naps in our room. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/2/11/i-got-this monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354644581-SY2FVYIKCYJ8NBT76FX7/IMG_2761.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354650930-L8GF5KLD2SF7TKYN4MMO/IMG_2763.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354745626-RB2XY2RCTSPL3I1HE41X/IMG_2764.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354747621-ZZHZV1GLIY5LUWPWSQWD/IMG_2753.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354666695-ORI7AAW7EAH7U4M3ATTP/IMG_2270.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354662427-XAMBAYAAQMKRUBF98XIE/IMG_2784.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354672645-A4TZ35MV7W5WLWCWE0KE/IMG_2791.jpg Home - I Got This https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518354676014-PSBT3Y2J6M9D76K18SOZ/IMG_2797.jpg Home - I Got This https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2018/1/4/the-kindness-of-strangers monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1515077938751-UVSC7NPFH8SZJ6O4VY4M/IMG_1581.jpeg Home - The Kindness of Strangers Mira's Custom Scooter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1515097590243-FBTSS9J49QTIPRIN7842/IMG_1611.jpg Home - The Kindness of Strangers She likes it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1515097641282-OT6WZU3CJRSR755KCW2A/IMG_1631.jpg Home - The Kindness of Strangers A lot. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/12/22/the-greatest-lieshowman monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1513972706089-LKTQVF5ZT94CIYRYGO44/jackman-barnum.jpg Home - The Greatest Showman/Deception Jackman & Barnum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1513992006955-9PDX89G53QWTNTGLORSA/01-the-greatest-showman-hugh-jackman-vogue-september-issue-2017.jpg Home - The Greatest Showman/Deception Barnum (Jackman) and his "Cast of Oddities" https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/11/23/first-blogiversary monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1511491272995-V6QQPRUZTVZ9Z4UU93UX/IMG_1015.JPG Home - First Blogiversary https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/10/26/dwarfism-awareness-month-a-recap monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050473170-2EGVL44NA3GV5KKFJ9TZ/1.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 1: Introduction October is Dwarfism Awareness month. Lately it seems every cause has a month to raise awareness, and I am sure most of you reading this have several that are meaningful to you. For us, this month is a way for us to encourage the celebration of differences, to educate others about Dwarfism and to share our story. I have made a commitment to opening up a window into our lives so that everyone can see Mira's challenges, triumphs and everything in between. For the next 31 days, I will be posting once a day about living with and learning about Mira's form of Dwarfism, Achondroplasia. What sets Dwarfism apart from the other important causes out there is that no cure is needed, however acceptance and understanding most certainly is. I am not an expert…not on Dwarfism, advocacy and certainly not parenting. However, I know it's best to just keep it real. Openness and honesty are rare, just like our sweet Mira Joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050475866-LDHHUPDF3PXVCTU29AR3/2.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 2: Ultrasound This image represents the beginning of our journey with Mira's diagnosis. It was taken during my routine 28 week ultrasound. The ultrasound technician discovered her long bone measurements were falling several weeks behind her gestational age, while her head measurements were several weeks ahead, both a cause for alarm. I get asked a lot if this could have been detected earlier. The answer is an unequivocal no. This is a condition that does not show itself until well after the more common 20 week ultrasound. I just happen to be a patient of an OBGYN practice that checks in (via-ultrasound) at the 28 week mark. Most of the women I have met along the way did not receive a diagnosis until the very end of their pregnancy, if at all. Some of them received it at delivery, some weeks later. I think a lot about which would have been easier for me, getting 3 months, or 3 minutes notice, but what's the point? The baby in this image turned out to be Mira, and Mira, turned out to be remarkable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050475656-NTK617DNSS2LNC2XJNFQ/3.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 3: Starfish Hands One of the first details I noticed about Mira when she was born was her chubby little fingers which she continues to be fascinated by today. She is constantly playing with her fingers and staring in awe of her hands. Trident hands (also called starfish hands) is a characteristic almost exclusive to Achondroplasia and can be seen when the fingers are fully extended. The pinky and ring finger and the index and middle finger sort of diverge, giving the hand a three-pronged, trident appearance somewhat resembling a starfish. Take a good look at those beautiful hands and those tiny fingers. There are several people wrapped around them. I am one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050475968-3LKFOP4WNKAGQU3MTU3T/4.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 4: Stats The first question people usually ask me is: Does dwarfism run in your family? The answer is no, and chances are it doesn't run in yours either. Only 1 in 25,000 babies are diagnosed with Achondroplasia, ours just happened to be one of them. 80% of babies born with dwarfism are born to average-height parents and are the only little person in their family. If Mira chooses to have children, her odds of having a child with Achondroplasia are much more likely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050476335-W2LSW7TQBVZ7D9YPOHHQ/5.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 5: PT with MJ Children with Achondroplasia typically run behind schedule in reaching the "usual" developmental milestones. This is due to an overall decreased muscle tone, and larger head size, especially compared to rest of their bodies. In addition to her very own growth chart, Mira has her own developmental timetable created for children with Dwarfism. After receiving clearance by her surgeon post-decompression surgery, Mira began a weekly physical therapy session to aid in the development of her gross and fine motor skills and build up her strength. One month in and she is rocking it. She loves the new environment, fun new toys and especially her therapist Megan's sparkly necklaces and upbeat renditions of "Old MacDonald." We were fortunate to find a local therapist with extensive experience with Achondroplasia. Most importantly, Mira approves of her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050476382-VNH5Y57XJYSU1MX6L4Y8/6.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 5: Meet Lizzy Meet Lizzy. She is 3 months older than Mira, lives in Washington D.C with her mom and dad and loves ice cream, her doggies and giving lots of kisses. Lizzy's mom, Kathryn and I were strangers not too long ago. Somehow, we managed to find each other and became friends. We are both raising daughters with dwarfism (who look happen to look remarkably alike). We have our own stories, our own challenges and our own triumphs. We also have each other, and that, is pretty special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050479157-ASJ5FWNN7OXNS6UCUMRP/7.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 7: Sweaty Betty Today's 85 degree October day made an appropriate segway to this interesting fact: Children with Achondropalsia run a higher than average body temperature and in their first few years may experience increased levels of sweating. This is certainly the case with Mira. It was hard to tell at first since she was born in July, but once her first Fall creeped in, we noticed just how hot and sweaty she would get. We have learned to accommodate this for the most part, trying to keep her environment as cool and comfortable as possible. We take a portable fan with us wherever we go, keep her bedroom cool and ceiling fan on and we never overdress her. Footed pajamas and fleece are the enemy. Mira's happy places are: oceanfront with a breeze, my parents house (where it is always a crisp 63 degrees) and floating around in our pool for hours on end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050476873-DAI1TBDV58GWKQX1K3IS/8.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 8: Daddy-Do-All During those first few weeks after Mira's arrival, Evan and I discussed the ways in which we could make our home a more comfortable environment for her, by providing as many adaptive accommodations as necessary. We were told to just take one day and one situation at a time and that has worked in our favor so far. Something else that has worked in MY favor is having a husband who is creative, innovative and can tackle any household renovation with a YouTube video and a trip to Home Depot. Any "issue" we have run into he has been able to solve with everyday household items. We call it "Mira-proofing." Above, are just a few examples of his handy work for Mira. 1.) When you are born during a sweltering summer, but can't quite fit properly into a float. Enter Daddy with the inflatable bathtub/towel/umbrella/pool float combo and you can snooze/float peacefully in the shade while the rest of your family enjoys the pool. 2.) When you love sitting/eating in your high chair, but your lack of head control and overall poor muscle tone have you sliding all over the place. Enter Daddy with some non-stick shelf liner, a scissor and some duck tape. Viola! 3.) When you sweat profusely in the carseat (see yesterday's post) and you frequently take an uncomfortable 90 minute drive back and forth to Delaware. Enter Daddy with a dryer hose and some painter's tape and you have your own personal AC for the ride. While I realize these modifications will get increasingly more complicated as Mira gets older, I am confident that our family will do everything we can for her. Even if it involves duck tape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050479308-K1MZOUOR7UMVJDOG0LNA/9.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 9: (No)Sleep Studies There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central, both of which are common occurrences in children with achondroplasia (and other forms of dwarfism). Mira has obstructive sleep apnea (the more common one), which means something is partially blocking her upper airway. Her doctor's think her blockage is related to a combination of low muscle tone and upper airways that are smaller than average. To diagnose and treat sleep apnea, a sleep study must be done every few months to stay on top of it. Mira had her first sleep study in the NICU, her second at 3 months old and her third back in August. While the pictures look awful, it is not a painful procedure, just not very comfortable (for any of us). The set up includes: a sensor that measures oxygen placed on the toe , small plastic prongs at the nose that measure exhaled air, cloth belts for the the chest and stomach, stick-on electrodes on the face and chest to measure eye movements, heart rate and muscle tone during sleep and finally about 15 more electrodes are glued to the scalp to measure stages of sleep. The whole set up takes about 30 minutes, and then you just sit back and pray she sleeps.We are currently consulting with the pulmonary department at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital and Mira will go for her fourth sleep study next month. We are hopeful for better results. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509050474449-E71K2PAZNYJGH01FR6NS/10.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 10: Smart Cookie Mira is no different, cognitively speaking, from her peers. Dwarfism does NOT impact a person's intelligence. This is one of the most widely misunderstood facts about Dwarfism. In fact, little people often develop a sense of ingenuity because they often have to find clever ways of doing things in an average-size world. We are already seeing the innovative ways in which Mira moves her body, feeds herself and plays with her toys. She's a smart cookie and we love watching her learn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119736714-8OFK3EYAH5ZYJDNO31OV/11.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 11: Vows Today is our 8th wedding anniversary. We let Ellie stay up late to watch our wedding video. We watched every moment together. Ellie's favorite part was "hearing mommy and daddy read to each other." Our vows. I remember saying "while I don't know how our story would unfold, I knew that with you in it, it would be a great one." I think about that sentence a lot, especially as it pertains to Mira. Our journey with her, our story, is one that we could never have predicted. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Parenting a baby with complicated medical needs is really really hard. I have 1 simple fact for today. I made the smartest decision of my life when I married that guy. Happy Anniversary baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119738085-MP4OXFH6CG2OROJ7MAPG/12.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 12: LP on TV "Do you watch the little people shows?" A question I got today over lunch. I've been asked this several times and the simple answer is yes, some of them. But, after having Mira, my feelings became more complicated. At first, shows featuring little people were interesting, educational and compelling television. The American public didn't get much exposure to the life of a little person outside of what was seen in movies (think Verne Troyer and his pinky). But with each subsequent series, it becomes less about learning and plummets into, "Look, little people doing stuff!" We really only needed one show (a toss up between The Little Couple and Little People Big World) to guide the viewer through the world through the trials and tribulations of how little people live their lives. Did you know that since 2006, there have been over 10 shows about little people in the US alone? Each subsequent show feels slightly more exploitative to me. My hope is that the "trend" of little people on television can lead to a more permanent re-positioning of little people in mainstream society. Nothing stays "in" forever, especially when it comes to media, but hopefully the awareness will be permanent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119738584-TMAWBFQX5G7CHO00S2IB/13.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 13: Dress Code Dressing Mira can sometimes pose a bit of a challenge. Baby clothing companies are pretty straightforward with their sizing. Most children are either right on target with their age/size, or slightly behind or ahead (like Ellie who is a 5T, but not quite 5 yet). Over the past year, I have learned what works well for Mira (onesies, capri pants, 3/4 length shirts, large neck openings, breathable material) and what doesn’t (jeans, 2 piece outfits, small neck openings, footed pajamas, fleece). I've also learned what brands work: Carters, Cat & Jack (Target), The Children's Place, The Gap. I've also mastered the sleeve/pant roll. We have a slight advantage with the dozens of bins of Ellie's old clothing we kept organized (thank you #evansocd) so we can experiment with sizing and mix and match pieces. Just shy of 15 months, Mira wears a 6-12 months top, with a 3-6 month bottom. styled by The Gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119740553-PF2LDNMCJKBHDUIMXL7G/14.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 14: Flexibility Achondroplasia causes incredibly flexible AND rigid joints simultaneously. The joints of the knee, for example, are capable of extending beyond what would normally be considered their regular stopping point. On the other hand, the elbow joint is very rigid and difficult to control when this condition is present. Mira enjoys pulling her feet straight up with little to no bend at the knee. It is pretty amazing to watch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119740554-TEHXY8LV5FC6NSJPGJMW/15.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 15: The M Word The 'M' word. Did you know that the word 'midget' is considered highly offensive? Midget is derived from the word “midge," meaning a small, blood-sucking insect. The word traces back to the circus sideshows of the 1800s, when it was used to refer to short-statured performers for public amusement. Freak shows. Imagine for a second your own child being compared to an insect, or a freak show, simply because of one chromosome in their genetic makeup. Simply because God made them small. If this is a word you use, even as part of a joke, even to casually refer to things that are little, I am pleading with you to stop. If you find yourself around someone who uses this word, tell them to do the same. Remind them this is hurtful, degrading language and is not acceptable. This is not about political correctness, only simple human decency. I have no doubt that Mira will hear this word in her lifetime. My biggest fear is not that it could happen; it is that when it does, I have not fully prepared her. As her mother, that is my responsibility, as is my job to educate others. I want you to think about Mira. Think about the journey we have been on and the challenges she will face in her lifetime. Think about how hearing that word would make her feel. Time to end the word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119743377-U496CW0BVEV9VBIRVU2S/16.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 16: Sisters Ellie has grown to be well aware of Mira's diagnosis. We don't really know to what extent, but we certainly don't shy away from the subject. Evan and I decided early on that we would never lie, sugarcoat or speak to Ellie as if she wouldn't understand. She understands everything. She is bright, inquisitive and very protective of her little sister. We have several kid friendly books about Dwarfism that Ellie asks us to read to her as she loves learning about what makes Mira different. It's been a wonderful opportunity to instill in her that people come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Above all, Ellie sees Mira as her adorable baby sister and nothing else. She calls her "bubba", loves feeding her, kissing her, playing blocks with her and makes her laugh like no one else can. I truly believe Ellie was born to be a big sister to a very special girl. She is loving, compassionate, kind and I have NO doubt she will be Mira's biggest advocate, protector and best friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119742339-P54P4EU1VV4KZ6XHWM72/17.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 17: Pizza Obesity is something that both children and adults with Dwarfism have to be careful of. Many experience obesity as their height plateaus. A person with Dwarfism has a regular-sized torso and shorter limbs, but the same size stomach as an average-sized person, which means the same size appetite with not a lot of space for the weight to go. So far, Mira has been on target with her growth & weight hasn't been an issue. She's an incredible eater (maybe a little too incredible) and will eat anything you put in front of her, so we will continue to be diligent about watching her growth curve and giving her the healthiest options possible. With that said, every so often, a girl's gotta have her pizza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119743275-0F8MMOF8VBHMIWAQGZ84/18.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 18: Rolls Achondroplasia is caused by a mutation in the gene that affects the formation and growth of the long bones, but all bones are affected. Muscles, skin, hair, internal organs are all the same size as they would have been in a body that did not have the gene mutation. That is why babies with Achondroplasia have those delicious rolls in their arms and legs. They are not necessarily fat rolls, but skin and muscles that have nowhere to go to be stretched out. I love on those rolls every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119745861-DNDE4TRHC3MW63D1QL6A/19.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 19: Skeletal Dysplasias Two months before she was born, Mira was diagnosed with a lethal form of Skeletal Dysplasia called Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, or RCDP. Her life expectancy was heart-wrenchingly unclear; minutes, hours, maybe weeks? Several weeks later, we were blessed with our miracle when the original diagnosis would prove wrong and she was determined to have Achondroplasia, the most common and non-life threatening form of dwarfism. "Skeletal Dysplasia" is the medical term for what many people refer to as dwarfism. It’s an umbrella term that includes over 300 different types that affect bone and cartilage growth. Achondroplasia accounts for about 70% of cases worldwide. Mira has dwarfism, but dwarfism won’t be what defines her. I know that while she will be small, she will impact the world around her in big ways. She already has. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509119744122-7L5V6R02400YL7K2E6W6/20.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 20:  Delaware Many pediatricians lack the experience to properly care for children with skeletal dysplasias. Only about a half-dozen clinics in the country treat children with dwarfism. More than 250 children from around the world (including some of the well known ones on television) go to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington Delaware, one of the best facilities in the world for skeletal dysplasia diagnosis and treatment. We feel very fortunate to have Mira in the care of this incredible team of doctors and nurses. We also feel fortunate that we live about 90 miles from the hospital. Most people travel much, much further. We work with coordinators to consolidate multiple appointments into the same day, so we don't have to spend TOO much time on the Turnpike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120182369-LLBJL8YJE5EDXALDLSVD/21.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 21: Questions? Full disclosure: I can't focus on anything during this Yankees game, let alone string together a rational thought about dwarfism awareness. So, I will just say thank you for following along this month, for your comments and messages and for your unwavering support. Also, if you have any questions about Mira or Achondroplasia that I haven't addressed yet, comment below or dm me and I am happy to answer. Also, Mira likes pumpkins. Let's Go Yankees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120183227-EICRS82BLX4L8JP96KOS/22.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 22: Just being honest To sugarcoat our story would be unfair. When we received Mira's diagnosis, I was terrified, angry and riddled with guilt. I had no idea what to expect and no one to confide in. I was grateful for my friends and family and of course, Evan who offered up endless love and support, but at the end of the day, I was the one carrying this baby and what felt like the weight of the world. For the first time in my life, I felt alone. I remember telling my mom "I can't do this." I have to be honest about the these parts because I know there are people reading this, people who see pictures of a happy baby and what I hope are positive, inspiring messages. Like many stories, especially ones on social media, there is another side. A side filled with fear and sadness and unanswered questions. It's a side that is vulnerable and raw, but very real. Glossing over these parts paints an inaccurate picture of our journey and I want others to know they are definitely not alone. Over the past year I've learned I can do this. I am doing this. I was blessed with someone very special to show me the way. We call her MJ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120184088-PJLWPVZONB2RTHUTWZ9P/23.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 23: Differences Over the weekend, I had an unexpected conversation with a 7 year old on the sideline of Ellie's soccer game. This little girl was fascinated by Mira, drawn in by her "cuteness" and slightly confused by her age. "Why is she so small?" she asked. Even though she wasn't my child, I decided this was one of those teachable moments that I couldn't pass up. I explained to her that Mira was born with dwarfism which meant her bones are small, don't grow as fast and she wouldn't be as tall as other children. "Oh, ok", she replied. "Do you think she will play soccer when she's older?" "Absolutely." It’s so important to teach our children to accept and embrace what makes everyone different. I think there is this idea that you shouldn’t point out the differences and talk them through with your kids because then you are drawing attention to it. Well, guess what? Kids notice. Kids are curious. Pulling them away and avoiding the subject altogether creates a divide between them and others who may not be exactly like them. We are happy to discuss what makes Mira different. We want children (and adults) to know that there is so much more to Mira than her size. If you know someone or see someone with special needs, talk to your child about what makes them different, but also talk to them about what makes them very much alike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120184200-AMK77VF9R0Z587XE011A/24.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 24:  ENT Visit Ear infections are extremely common among children with Achondroplasia because fluid doesn’t drain out as well due to their anatomy. Our local pediatrician knows to always check Mira's ears really well for fluid, and that if she does get an ear infection we need to have her checked a week or two afterwards as well to make sure the fluid is gone. Ear tubes are very common for these kids (upwards of 80% end up needing them) sometimes multiple times. Today we visited Mira's ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) doc in South Jersey. He will check in with her twice a year to monitor her ears as well as her tonsils and adenoids to make sure they aren't contributing to her obstructive sleep apnea. He reported that everything looks great and there is no need for any surgery at this time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120185613-NAI0K1KTUWZ9ITH8EMER/25.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 25: International Dwarfism Awareness Day By now, you should know that October is Dwarfism Awareness Month, but did you know that October 25th is World Dwarfism Awareness Day? Today, people with dwarfism and organizations around the world that support little people and their families unite to promote awareness and show pride. We show support by wearing green, the official color that represents Dwarfism Awareness. Thank you for following along, reaching out and helping to educate others about Achondroplasia and our fierce little lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509120443739-HCNKMDAQCVHQPGVETWWP/26.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 26:  Baby Gear When you have a baby with dwarfism, you are given a long list of "No's": No mechanical baby swings, No umbrella strollers, No jumping toys/bouncers, No baby carrying slings, No Bumbo seats, or similar designs that encourage propped up sitting, No soft backed chairs, No car seats with steep inclines. This list was provided to us by Mira's doctor in order to limit uncontrolled and sudden head movement that could result in serious injury. There are 3 major parts of her body that we need to keep a very close eye on: her head, her neck and her spine. Hard backed items are mostly ok, we just have to make sure that there is plenty of back support. We owned and used most of the above mentioned baby gear with Ellie and were surprised to learn that these items don't offer adequate support and control for a baby with Achondroplasia. Needless to say, our expecting friends and local charities were very happy that we were ready to part with our baby gear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509458110543-T2IN23CIDU4JS86DTFBP/27.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 27: Cooper I couldn't make it through this month without mentioning our first baby, our furry little love, Cooper. We welcomed Cooper into our family the same day I found out I was pregnant with Ellie. I love that he is growing up right alongside our girls. When I was pregnant with Mira, Cooper didn't leave my side. He knew I was pregnant, but he also knew something else was going on. When we brought Mira home from the hospital, I figured his reaction would be "oh great, another one", but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Cooper knows that Mira needs extra attention, and he is always there to give it to her. He has seen her struggle and triumph and he always has her back. Literally. Now that Mira is working on sitting up, but is still a little unsteady, Cooper positions himself right behind her offering her extra support. It is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509458112859-3ZXIX5613KF6T8CWKA3F/28.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 28: Hillary I stopped believing in coincidences sometime after Mira arrived. I now know there is no such thing. It's not chance or luck, it's the universe's way of placing you exactly where and with whom you need to be with. I met Hillary in college. We weren't very close at the time, she was 3 years younger and in a different field of study, but we were in the same sorority, so she was involved in a big part of my college experience. After graduation, we lost touch, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned she had moved from South Jersey to my town, living only a mile away from us. She is also a social worker at the local hospital where I delivered Ellie. Hillary is smart, kind, beautiful and extremely athletic. She was also born with dwarfism, and was the only little person I have ever known in my life up until Mira came along. She was one of the first people I reached out to when we received Mira's diagnosis and has been a wonderful source of support ever since. It was no coincidence that Hillary came back into my life. It makes me happy that I have a friend/sister so close by and even happier to know that Mira has such an incredible woman to look up to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509458112742-XU7WQFL06HW2PJ5E713J/29.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 29: LPA Little People of America is a national nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. LPA has more than 6,000 members across the United States. LPA offers information on employment, education, disability rights, medical issues, clothing, adaptive products and the many stages of parenting a short-statured child - from birth to adulthood. This weekend we attended our first LPA regional event. It was a whirlwind of meals, meetings, introductions and just plain old hanging out. We met some pretty incredible people, all with different stories, some even like ours. While Mira's social skills are currently limited to drooling on others and her two-tooth smile, I know LPA will be an invaluable resource for her during her lifetime. She has already met a few babies her own age and I can't wait to watch them grow up together. I also think its important for Ellie to be exposed to other children and adults with dwarfism. She ran around all weekend with a mix of kids and she didn't think twice about anyones size. It was an exhaustingly wonderful weekend and I look forward to many more LPA events like this one in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509458111980-Q7KQYDUAB1O5V5Y49Y32/30.JPG Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 30: Mira's Village With just 1 post to go, I wanted to thank you for following along for Dwarfism Awareness Month. I truly hope you have learned a few things about Mira and you now have a better understanding of Achondroplasia. You have shown our family endless support and we know that with this army of people cheering her on, this girl is going to move mountains. Although October is coming to an end, we hope that our message continues to be heard. Like all parents, we want nothing more than for our daughter to feel included, accepted and treated as an equal. It really does take a village, thank you for being a part of ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1509543638042-X0Y0YZ4EFDUGGY1MJTZV/31.jpg Home - Dwarfism Awareness Month: A Recap - Day 31: Mighty Mira This October I committed to thirty-one days of awareness. Thirty-one days of advocacy. Thirty-one days of writing about our sweet Mira Joy. With just a few more hours left in October, I'd like to end the month with this thought; Mira is our superhero. She possess strength, courage and grace. She is the sweetest girl with the soul of a warrior. She has already endured so much in her first 15 months, and I know she will push through every battle she faces. Mira Joy, you have truly earned your nickname of "Mighty Mira" and we will continue to be in awe of your extraordinary spirit and your undeniable superpowers. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/10/1/october-advocacy monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1506896109909-OQQ6HSG19AK5IP86CZTY/22195365_10155806188433118_1175290165010833226_n.jpg Home - October Advocacy: Day 1 https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/9/15/14-months-a-medical-update monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1505498330566-61Q9TOW817F1SKO5LV71/Picture2.png Home - 14 Months Old: Checking In Mira's before & after surgery MRIs. The condition called "foramen magnum stenosis", is when the opening at the bottom of the skull is not large enough for the spinal cord to easily pass through. In Mira's case, she suffered from an abnormally small passage, which caused a severe compression to the spinal column (see BEFORE image). The surgeon removed the bone and ligaments from the problem area to make more room for the spinal cord (see AFTER image). Without proper treatment, this could have been extremely dangerous and even fatal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1505503323442-EMHYN4QJFFI9ZONYAB64/IMG_9634.JPG Home - 14 Months Old: Checking In Our star patient with unbelivable patience. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/9/3/life-through-the-lens monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448207509-3AT1WI7VVH2O9LV8YO87/260A4383.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448125817-QEAA0CRMP45CPIM9UMZW/2S0B0996.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448159971-ECT1YTE4LV0273SPTCJM/2S0B1080.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448140431-TQADYIW7FTIM2084PAPP/2S0B1010.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448176118-F7DE5BLPZ4NM4Q3C9VEZ/2S0B1082.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448266130-IDY16Z9EOX444G2YK130/260A4436.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1504448523657-2S4662Y0KAJSVK6Z5ZIL/2S0B1132.jpg Home - Life Through The Lens https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/8/11/the-thief-of-joy monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1502497911296-CPLU1ETPK7YZBEBKLBNP/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Thief Of Joy https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/7/14/happy-1st-birthday-mira-joy monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500073194616-WGQG5Y64I7B9EU2QLPVU/image-asset.jpeg Home - One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500072706640-52J770THTYCGEBUID01Q/IMG_8904.JPG Home - One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500072664244-STG020YAHZKIZXNSO5QJ/IMG_8829.JPG Home - One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500072685379-E60PXUNQLUDB2J3HFVE4/IMG_8928.JPG Home - One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500072696073-SSTTNPI16HVWXEEFZFWO/IMG_8931.JPG Home - One https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/6/18/fatherhood monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497824639012-2A7KM44RHWYTCQUGC7ID/image-asset.jpeg Home - Fatherhood Father's Day 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497784533172-TDYICZSO4EXU16FAR6RN/IMG_1590.JPG Home - Fatherhood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497784087630-KQ5C0X7F8B4AKRM99M7Q/IMG_7144.JPG Home - Fatherhood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497784119280-6ANBV4GEFNCPU704BD22/IMG_4041.JPG Home - Fatherhood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497784092311-Y1RB4VDQJHSEQ535XRSP/IMG_3042.JPG Home - 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Fatherhood https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/6/1/ever-scar-tells-a-story monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364859083-K70BMERTT86L3WDZ0CQ3/IMG_7581.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364863437-8XJPBVPZVKC8WT0RJQF2/IMG_7575.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364867695-88KQ6MLIXXRZ8A8G38GU/IMG_7606.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364921805-MDVTAV37GQ7MNHQGOB5Z/IMG_7626.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364936844-B7JBBI054IVD240IHOT1/IMG_7645.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364955055-JWWGCVW9DFHPT33BHKXD/IMG_5161.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364967436-5SW1N9TXPRLHJXIFYYRG/IMG_7652.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364977722-4UE8FM7B7SHS3AU7SYVY/IMG_7668.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1496364990089-Q7IWM815K93P5ACQQJU6/IMG_7674.JPG Home - Every Scar Tells A Story https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/5/21/8vy615w55vh0mmeawmewcpaldwj96w monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1495400171107-CNOELOHOLRFRLZ5E41DA/image-asset.jpeg Home - My Heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1495403079084-L7IUXBWBJ8FYO2S84S5F/image-asset.jpeg Home - My Heart https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/4/26/time-perspective monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1493256268530-MLEXDSZ118HLOIW1BMLA/IMG_6759.JPG Home - Time & Perspective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1493256285084-5H2THIKSY95RXK3FH2FH/IMG_6824.JPG Home - Time & Perspective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1493256369887-HGI820QGEGBC1QP8TFXU/IMG_4430.JPG Home - Time & Perspective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1493256289743-IETVKCQKAOOW49RG7TO1/IMG_6501.jpg Home - Time & Perspective https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/3/12/the-word monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1489342325166-345KQ7IL39B3V1WCG3TD/image-asset.jpeg Home - The "M" Word https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/2/10/6-months-old-checking-in monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1486775664294-QFQPQPUT5S3KWC4Q1TCA/image-asset.jpeg Home - 6 Months Old: Checking In https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1486775879376-TFS2DHQB9YV7973COF6Q/image-asset.jpeg Home - 6 Months Old: Checking In 6 Months Old. Our special delivery returns to the Special Delivery Unit at CHOP for a visit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1486776403319-JTTVGWN5ISMTKTPXYEFE/image-asset.jpeg Home - 6 Months Old: Checking In Classic MJ smile https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2017/1/10/to-my-ellie-paige monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098854993-E75R9O9A1KCWLI85QC5Y/image-asset.jpeg Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098316298-SQI36PTFXNEZHGSNMDP6/IMG_2298.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098326088-QK8AVXSFMRD3VAQSDBKT/IMG_3028.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098320476-WNBMKV0DWGU39BLCEODP/IMG_2816.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098331370-931EG687PLOYR6XVAWPK/IMG_3149.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098347013-PUHXHWD8T3VLLSU3O9KG/IMG_4195.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098341039-GTCSFYWZ3D45ECBB19ON/IMG_7049.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098345025-JHVB42IEL78KYE0QVH7H/IMG_3228.JPG Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484098363337-KP3Q99D5VH3FQWBU8MDN/2S0B3980.jpg Home - A Letter To My Ellie Paige https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2016/12/30/new-year-old-pregnancy-announcement monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1483132372796-TKJPUNVWO2D5IJMR7XI9/image-asset.jpeg Home - New Year, Old Pregnancy Announcement Marco Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1483131922143-OJEG3BOSBII2SQV5MS7B/image-asset.jpeg Home - New Year, Old Pregnancy Announcement December 2015. The announcement we never announced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1483132452532-6SS20NOCLF7GMRXPX7YI/image-asset.jpeg Home - New Year, Old Pregnancy Announcement MJ the water baby https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1483132520786-BZEHGXHCM5IJRFCHM14G/image-asset.jpeg Home - New Year, Old Pregnancy Announcement Mira & Ellie https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2016/12/18/maddie monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1482077213809-MVWBNADIO4Q4DSVHZDA8/IMG_3839.jpg Home - Maddie July 2016 https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2016/12/9/whats-in-a-name monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2016/11/26/miras-birth-story monthly 0.5 2017-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1480182254824-718EEJI4C07103OH54X0/image-asset.jpeg Home - Mira's Birth Story One of my favorite pictures from the operating room, just moments after Mira's birth. Of course I love how beautifully chubby she is, but I love even more how it shows some of the doctor's in the background standing around chatting. Doctors who were preparing for the worst, and now had nothing to do! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1480190257228-R7XR1E6W8OZS9ZVLD8LD/image-asset.jpeg Home - Mira's Birth Story 5 hours old in the NICU. 9 pounds, 15 ounces, 18 1/2 inches long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1480182497269-GL32K1V1N00M9G725PEA/image-asset.jpeg Home - Mira's Birth Story We made it my love. You and me. We got this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1480189969575-WT9ZB66X6C3R3TGUMQVK/image-asset.jpeg Home - Mira's Birth Story 5 days old. Headed HOME! https://www.thejoyofmira.com/blog/2016/10/27/soyoure-a-blogger-now monthly 0.5 2019-10-23 https://www.thejoyofmira.com/progression-pics daily 0.75 2018-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158557871-W6J1BNYZW87D4RA320NV/IMG_3341.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158557871-W6J1BNYZW87D4RA320NV/IMG_3341.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158404185-JDEJ7EEBNKXSHUG10STW/IMG_3492.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158412987-QKGWC118CH7EMF2A9VVD/IMG_3577.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158417241-GE3RA49ZOOVYX6ZLFZQC/IMG_3659.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158421321-2K8A5OIW0N5TQF8JKH8Y/IMG_3695.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158440489-VZ7XGI6XP56KATE8BQ3U/IMG_3747.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158449735-X2ZH3HLZ6XXWHI17JN9G/IMG_3861.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158455645-EONGOCS0SPY0MJ04VHG6/IMG_3974.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158459164-P37RF0AA3HL30WCM0QHF/IMG_4023.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158468069-GN09RNB37KUQJELR0XHL/IMG_4091.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158472945-1QSAWAXISEAGQPBAHDOC/IMG_4097.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158475532-MR0M9BMUDYV6W6U9OZZ7/IMG_4174.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158479034-7FBBC9ONNNIUONASHBIQ/IMG_4329.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158487428-107JJ2X9CIRET4Z20YT8/IMG_4366.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158490916-LF3YDL2L51GUZ4M2RYAX/IMG_4476.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1479158494603-EWF0CKCUDXOBVZAF6KOH/IMG_4839.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1481752010257-JH3J8OD2ZDF8IZL6AAZ0/15420854_10154852110188118_4755804250118062315_n.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1484408594830-XJX9T0XN93V6EZN43G8N/IMG_5757.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1487083357832-HPCCXYN888DFDQD35PYW/16684370_10155060204868118_2810749388564419214_n.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1490486534853-HXIZ905L7GOZHKG47OTC/IMG_6483.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1493256038697-JC1TJ6JY7VRH3ICXI5ZT/IMG_6825.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1494791252137-P25XY7I4C63QLV17AJRR/IMG_7224.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1497793218902-XVZ71YEQINZS9J6BZS77/IMG_7937.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1500073639517-QO9NOXNDENSQEEZ9MVOV/IMG_8350+2.JPG Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1518391782431-K0N1VNAZRQEWVIQKJ7VG/IMG_2379.jpg Progression Pics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1531617493432-WJSYQEOP5E0IN3HKLIUE/IMG_4989.JPG Progression Pics https://www.thejoyofmira.com/home-2 daily 1.0 2022-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571459803142-P3850I01M4Z5RJTLEWVO/mira+flower+background+white.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1477183447572-4ZAUU9WVRZD9R7S9W3KG/image-asset.jpeg Home - 2016 brought us our greatest challenge, and biggest miracle ... our sweet Mira Joy. https://www.thejoyofmira.com/frequently-asked daily 0.75 2024-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571785227802-GQEFX14CO7U65J3IXY3W/mira+flower+background+pink.jpg Questions https://www.thejoyofmira.com/home daily 0.75 2016-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1391287286405-92Z4A4R3T2ZSZAKNVS9V/image-asset.jpeg Home - Transient https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394848185-CGDDU4QCIRSO4U1270H3/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394867157-MTQAOAQPKWQ68DDY1HTW/tumblr_mn8b8sLRb61rkz363o1_1280.jpg Home https://www.thejoyofmira.com/updates daily 0.75 2016-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1477183447572-4ZAUU9WVRZD9R7S9W3KG/image-asset.jpeg About https://www.thejoyofmira.com/contacy daily 0.75 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571837252590-9CVKZ8U3R9ASIDU6HXOU/mira+flower+background+pink.jpg Contact https://www.thejoyofmira.com/the-beginning daily 0.75 2019-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571459803142-P3850I01M4Z5RJTLEWVO/mira+flower+background+white.jpg Our Miracle https://www.thejoyofmira.com/achondroplasia daily 0.75 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571785290797-XZPSBBCK2LA94NPY4JM2/mira+flower+background+mint.jpg Achondroplasia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1477678847083-HFWW56KSKY6RT1NCW5P2/image-asset.jpeg Achondroplasia Mira Joy 10 Days Old https://www.thejoyofmira.com/test-page daily 0.75 2019-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1569982221335-VRUMVWOZFNCHIA40RHBH/image-asset.jpeg test page October 1st. For our family, this means the beginning of Dwarfism Awareness Month. My goal is to be very intentional throughout this month to share our story, and what I believe everyone needs to know about Mira and dwarfism. I will open up about what it’s like to parent a child with dwarfism, our ongoing advocacy efforts, our biggest challenges and of course, Mira’s heart stopping victories. We would love for you to follow along. #mirajoy #dwarfismawarenessmonth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571014142075-Y72FK5MX3T5Z4W6T3DS4/image-asset.jpeg test page - sdf sdfasdf sdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571014142075-Y72FK5MX3T5Z4W6T3DS4/image-asset.jpeg test page - s fsd fasdfasdf s adfasd fasdfasdfasdf asdfsdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571014142075-Y72FK5MX3T5Z4W6T3DS4/image-asset.jpeg test page - d sadf sadf sadf sa dfasdfasdfasd fasdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571014142075-Y72FK5MX3T5Z4W6T3DS4/image-asset.jpeg test page - asd fasdf asdf asdf asdfa sdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580ab4b65016e1dbba1c719b/1571014142075-Y72FK5MX3T5Z4W6T3DS4/image-asset.jpeg test page - asdf sdfas asdf asdf asdfasdf