{Day One} Seven Days of Giveaways!

Today is the blogs first birthday! One year ago today, the blog made it's debut and it has certainly been an incredible year, no doubt about it.

At the blogs inception, Tennyson had recently turned 2 years old and yet some family and friends still didn't have a clear understanding of what happened to Tennyson, what her capabilities were, and we found ourselves telling the same story. We never mind telling Tennyson's story, but we wanted a way for our family and friends to follow along with her progress. So, the blog was born.

We've "met" many new friends with children similar to Tennyson. We've also been able to stay connected with family on a deeper level, and many feel closer to Tennyson since they get to keep up with her and "see" her regularly.

The blog has given me an outlet to share my emotions - happy, sad, and everything in between. I never anticipated it would be therapeutic to put my thoughts into words and share them with the world. It's a great feeling knowing that I can share an honest perspective of what our life is like with our amazing little girl.

I've received wonderful, heartfelt e-mails from old friends, distant relatives, and other parents with children who have special needs. I've appreciated them more than I can tell you. I've read them all and I've saved them all.

I hope you have a more clear understanding of cerebral palsy along with Tenn's other diagnosis. I hope you understand what happened to our sweet Tennyson, and you realize although Tennyson is different, she is not less deserving of your patience, time, or love. She is incredible, and continues to amaze me everyday with her sweet disposition and resiliency.

In celebration of the blogs first birthday - and to thank our wonderful readers, I'll be giving away one of my handmade crafts each day for the next week. It's nothing like "Oprah's Favorite Things", or "Ellen's Twelve Days of Giveaways", but I hope you enjoy what I've made. I started sewing shortly after Tennyson was born. It was something I could do and not have to think about anything else, and I always have something to show for the time I've spent sewing. I've really only sewn baby and child items, but I've taught myself a lot over the years.

There will be a boy and a girl version of each item throughout the week. For example, today's item is meant for a girl, but there will be a boy version one day this week!

To enter:

1.Just leave your first name and e-mail address in the comments section.

2.If you win, I'll send you an e-mail and get your mailing address.

3.You can also e-mail me if you have trouble posting your entry, and I'll make sure you are entered:

tennsense@gmail.com

 4.Giveaways are open to everyone - family, friends, new readers, faithful readers - everyone!

5. Let me know if you have any questions!

Here is the first giveaway: Diaper and Wipes Case (Girl - colors are gray and light pink)

(Click on the pictures to see a larger view)

A very sweet friend made one of these for Tennyson when she was born. I still use it and carry it in my purse or diaper bag wherever I go. Mom's always need baby wipes! The bag is big enough to carry the wipes case inside, as well as a few diapers, and whatever else you can fit in (a spare onesie, diaper cream...etc.). Many of my friends with new babies have been given this as a gift, since it was one of the most useful and cute gifts I received!

Happy 1st Birthday, Tenn Sense!

Amy

tennsense@gmail.com