Shillig 4 Family

  Five weeks ago we first heard the news that there was a 9/10 chance that our baby boy would have Down Syndrome.  We did follow up tests that confirmed he would have that extra 21st chromosome.  We are so grateful for all the love and encouragement we all feel.  Here is the message we shared with all our family and friends: We wanted to share some unexpected news with y'all. We have learned (after much testing) that our sweet baby boy, due September 1, 2021, has Down syndrome. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. We feel as if an angel is joining our family and we are asking for all your love, support, and prayers for the healthiest pregnancy, delivery, and baby. We will keep you updated about any issues that may come up and when our baby boy, Jacob Thomas Shillig II, arrives. Ple...

Let's see. I am not a consistent blogger these days so let me try and run down a little of what we've been up to. We had a BIG snowstorm that seems to have shutdown Texas for a week.  We were so fortunate to have power and water the whole time and the Shillig 5 Family came and stayed with us.  Our governor just lifted the state wide mask mandate for Covid, but I'm sure the schools and businesses will keep requiring them.  I love our house and can't wait for summer and SWIMMING! JAKE (turns 39 on March 11) He is working at his law firm, drilling with the guard, up all night with LJ since her sleep has been terrible since our trip to Utah, and he manages to try and pick up all my slack so that I can relax this pregnancy. CAROLINE (turns 37 on Nov. 13, 2021) Pregnant with baby #6 and we recently found out we were having a BOY.  Everyone is so excited to have 3 and 3.  I am nauseous and tired and have had lots of baby appointments now that I'm in a "geriatric"...

  #shillig4parentsinlove 17th wedding anniversary 2004- eloped in Las Vegas, NV 2005- sealed for eternity in Manti, UT 2006- lived in Monterey, CA for Mandarin Chinese at DLI 2007- finishing DLI, headed to AZ for AIT, the fall back at BYU 2008- 2 babies at BYU 2009- pregnant with #3 & a senior at BYU 2010- gold bar recruiter @ BYU ROTC & the boys live with us, move to FL 2011- freshman in law school in Orlando & we gained Zelda 2012- living in the “pool house” in Davenport, FL 2013- deep in law school still living in Davenport, FL 2014- Jake’s a teacher & the girls go to school with him in Florida & it’s our last year of law school 2015- living in Boca Raton, FL 2 miles from the beach with our first post law school job 2016- living in Frazier Park, CA & Jake spent 2 weeks every month in China 2017- living in Vidor with all kids in school & I went to work full-time 2018- we closed on our house here in Hurst after living in a hotel post Harvey 2019 - livin...

The girls have a couple friends (Sophia and Elizabeth) that they have been reading books and then having a "social distance" book club/picnic at the park.  It helped them feel less quarantined during all this craziness.  Getting in some books helped too!  I am so glad they have great friends so far here.  

Since March I have worked for the SBA. Since April Jake has been activated with the National Guard. Since March our kids have been at home 98% of the time. We do a drive thru meal here or there. A Costco run when Jake gets a day off. Otherwise we use what we have or I have Amazon Fresh delivered. I am tired. We are all tired. We miss Jake. The kids are aching for a road trip, a road trip anywhere they say, but mainly the want to see family and go to the beach. Leila Jin gives everyone a serious face as she's grown up in a Covid-era. Aimi Lark is sewing masks and knitting beanies for babies. Mali Su has been crocheting the biggest quilt. The boys are STILL trying to read Harry Potter. Leila Jin is now pulling up on everything in sight. Zelda gets her walks in and loves to sun bathe by the pool. We have been quarantined in a dream home in a safe place and been more blessed than we ever expected. We've had our health, financial stability, and happiness even th...

Overheard at bedtime Malachi giving Solomon social advice: “You like to stand out, I like to stay undercover” I’m like a secret agent, you’re like a clown” “Don’t be boring, be fun, but not too fun” “Be happy” They finally got FORTNITE a video game that is all the rage, but we are about 2 years too late. The boys were so excited. Malachi asked for his birthday (that's tomorrow but we celebrated last week on Jake's day off). I love these brothers. I am so glad they have each other.

The pool. I love this thing and I rarely even get in. I sit outside with my work laptop while they enjoy! The backyard looks like a jungle and someday I want to tame it, but right now I don't even seem to care anymore.  Leila Jin LOVES getting in with them (until someone splashes her) and they just love having her try out new things.  Yesterday, it was surfing she tried out. On Saturday we had SO MUCH RAIN and I was working and had to figure out how to eject the water on my own since Jake is gone.  Good thing I watched him backwash it the last time he was home from Army work so I was able to do it with Malachi's help.  PHEW!  That was intense.  After flooding in Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda at our Vidor house flooding is always on our minds it seems.