Llama Llama Red Pajama

We gave Johanna the book Llama Llama Red Pajamas for Christmas this year. To say that she's obsessed with the book would be an understatement. She LOVES this book. We read it around a dozen times a day. Of course we read it with tons of expression which she loves even more. She can't say "Llama" yet so she says "Samma" instead. She repeatedly comes up to me and says "Samma, samma" all day until I read it to her. We just ordered Llama Llama Misses Mama and Llama Llama Mad at Mama from Henry's book order so that I can hopefully just read the original a couple of times a day.

If you aren't familiar with these books, you should really check them out! They are definitely cute!

Nella Hampton

I don't remember how, but about a year ago I was introduced to the blog, Enjoying the Small Things. On January 22, 2010 Kelle and Brett had their second daughter, Nella. She was born with Down Syndrome and they did not know she would be. The birth story of Nella, written by Kelle, is probably one of the most beautiful birth stories I've ever read. I've read it so many times and each time tears stream down my face. I've continued to follow Kelle's blog over the past year. She's a talented writer, an amazing photographer and her views of life are inspiring.

Go ahead, read Nella's story, meet their family.

Nella turns one on January 22. Her family is having a big party for her. They are raising money for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) calling it "Nella's ONEder Fund." Kelle's original goal was to raise $15,000. After 12 hours of the fundraiser she changed her goal to $30,000 because of the amazing response. You can read the post about it here.

Won't you consider making a donation? On behalf of Nella (because if you've read her story I don't know how you can't!) or on behalf of any of the other children you know with Down Syndrome? Times are tough for everyone, but even $1 would make a difference.

Nella's ONEder Fund Donation Page