Stefanie Settlemire
Stefanie is a wife and SAHM to 4 children, living in Mars. Stefanie and her husband refer to their children as Phase One (Dylan-Age 13 and Alexandria-Age 10) and Phase Two (Liliana-Age 6 and Liam-Age 4). Phase Three is out of the question! Stefanie’s family became a family blessed with Down syndrome when her youngest child had a surprise diagnosis after his birth. Although the family’s initial reaction was shock and fear, they quickly learned to embrace this beautiful journey and they now realize what the term “The Lucky Few” really means.
Stefanie spends her days wrangling chaos. In addition to four kids, her family has 4 large pet rabbits...the more the merrier! In her spare time she loves to embarrass her children by singing show tunes from her musical theater days, come up with messy projects to keep her children busy, chase her children around with her camera, read, volunteer for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, blog at http://www.lexieloolilyliamdylantoo.com and post daily on Instagram (www.instagram.com/lexieloolilyliamdylantoo). Sleep is just a distant memory!
Embracing Life’s Unexpected Blessings
Up until recently, I would have told you that a post-birth diagnosis of Down syndrome was the biggest surprise in my life. I would have said that our son, who is rocking an extra...
For The Love Of Bow Ties
It all began with one tiny newborn outfit. It was the perfect little man outfit for my perfect baby boy, who just so happened to be rocking something a little extra. With that tiny...
The Importance of Inclusion: Why It’s Beneficial for ALL Kids
Before my 4th son was born, I didn't think much about inclusion. When he was diagnosed with Down syndrome a few weeks after birth, I suddenly had a long list of worries, fears, and...
10 Fabulously Fun Free Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer
Many of us are a few weeks into Summer Break, and we still have two months of freedom ahead of us. By this point, your kids are probably getting a bit restless, and you...
Why My Family Is Going To Have An Unscheduled Summer
The end of the school year is just days away for most school districts in the Pittsburgh area. Any parent who has a child in school knows from experience that the last month of...
A Typical Day In The Life Of A Busy Mom Of 4
I'm often asked what it’s like to have four children. Having a big(ger) family is something my husband and I wanted, and overall, it’s very rewarding. It’s not without challenges, but no parenthood journey...
Confessions of an Elf on the Shelf Convert
There's no doubt that The Elf on the Shelf has quickly become one of the most popular Christmas traditions for families with young children! I was anti-Elf for years, but I now consider myself...
21 Ways My Son Who Has Down syndrome Is More Alike Than Different
Today is the first day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Once upon a time, it meant nothing to me. That changed the moment we received our son’s Down syndrome diagnosis when he was a...
Family Fun at Deer Lakes Park: Splash, Play, Explore
We are one month into Summer Break. The temperature is rising and my kids are getting bored. We're looking for ways to stay busy and keep cool, and Deer Lakes Park is THE place...