My name is Nicole, and I am
Naomi's mom.
Naomi is a joy. She was born December 31, 2004. She is now 3. We live in Israel.
The first months and years were a trial, as with most WS kids, and they seemed to last forever. When she was diagnosed at the age of 18 mos., it was both a relief and a blow. She has a moderate aortic stenosis, which seems stable in the meantime (knock on wood).
Every accomplishment is a joy and we are so proud of her. Naomi faces it all with a smile and joy which affects everyone around her. She can be very stubborn, has a very strong character (good, she will need it) and has seemingly endless supplies of energy. She now sleeps full nights in her own bed, counts in Hebrew and English until 10, brushes her own teeth, eats and swallows solid foods (still rejects mushy foods such as puree, yogurts, and soft cooked foods), started speaking in full sentences, and is sometimes startling us with a sentence that is so correct, clear, and to the point that we can't help but laugh -- which she enjoys immensely.
I am quite hopeful for her future, as she is eager to learn and experience new things. Our biggest concern is to provide her with the best environment to allow her to reach her potential and to flourish. I love to read about other WS kids, their experiences, thoughts, trials, successes, and even disappointments because it helps to read about it and makes me so proud of all.
-- Nicole
