Q & A- Living with Harlequin Ichthyosis.

I've been asked to do a video answering questions about living with Harlequin Ichthyosis. I've also been asked to write an article on being pregnant with H.I seeing as how I'm literally the first person whose ever been pregnant that has this skin disorder. I'm honored to be an educator on this topic but in order to answer questions, ya'll have to ask me questions. I've already received more than I expected but I'm always welcoming more. I've said a billion times, I'd rather someone ask vs. assume.

So ask any question you'd like! Personal is fine as long as its respectfully asked and not vulgar. Aslo, Curt will be answering questions as well. Questions for him? Ask away!

To ask us questions click on our:
Formspring anonymously or add your name. 
Stephs twitter, Curts twitter,
 YouTube Channel, Facebook or as a comment on this blog! 

A mothers love begins before the child is born.

"A mothers love begins before the child is born." I've often heard this quote, liked it but never knew what it truly meant... Until now.

September 21, 2012- My life changed completely. The way I thought, looked at life, loved, appreciated life all changed in an instant. It was almost like God grabbed my face and said "You're gonna be a mommy now, in control of someone else's life. They're gonna depend on you and need you.". As I've said many times, Curt and I both wanted a baby SO bad and we were taking the needed steps to have a baby but it was still such a shock when the two pink lines showed up.

I loved my sweet baby as soon as I knew I was pregnant. I remember asking my momma if it was normal to love someone so soon, we're talking hours after finding out. I fell even more in love with him after going to my first doctor appointment and seeing his bean-butt on the screen. Then my second appointment was even better, I heard his heartbeat! The best sound I've ever heard in my life... So strong, healthy, loud. I wanted to record it, put it on a CD and listen to it constantly, forever. No words to describe hearing my sons heartbeat for the first time. Last visit was my third one, I was 17 weeks. We heard his heartbeat again which was just as wonderful as before but this time we saw him. He went from bean to boy in a few weeks! He's the cutest 17 week old (Currently 19) fetus I've ever seen. No mistaking either, hes all boy. He made sure we knew that! Lol.

I never knew it was possible to love someone so much. I worry about him constantly if hes not moving or if I get a weird feeling then as soon as I get to the point where I'm almost in tears, he'll kick or move and make sure I feel it. Hes already rotten! Kinda like saying "Gotchya momma!" lol. I'm only halfway done (or a week away from being halfway done) but I feel like I know him. Is that normal? I mean, I feel like a really know him. I dont know how to explain it, I guess just really really bonded with him.

He's so funny cause my momma is crazy about him and he'll kick for his daddy, momma and aunt (my little sister) but when my mom puts her hand on my belly he'll quit instantly. I'm telling you, he's a butthead! haha!
Curt will sing to him and talk to him forever... He's an absolute wonderful daddy! He makes sure I'm eating right and often. He gets us whatever we want (or whatever I'm craving), he's amazing! But I knew that before I even got pregnant. :) As soon as we went to my 3rd check up, the nurse took us back to the ultrasound room and we saw his sweet face, hands, feetsies, theeennnnn I heard Curt scream "ITS A BOY AINT IT!?" lmao! Funniest thing ever! The nurse said "Yep, he's a little boy!" we were all crying and laughing.

Little Mason Drake Turner makes me the happiest mommy ever and he doesn't even know it yet. I'm so blessed that God chose to put two of them sweet Turner boys in my life. What would I do without them?

 Meet Mason Drake 9-17 weeks. :)

3.2.1 get ready

Lately I guess I've lost the reason and "umph" that I had to post videos and/or blog. I became so busy with my own life that I quit doing what I enjoy.. I've always wanted to make a difference even in the smallest of ways. When someone new learns about Harlequin Icthyosis because of me, I feel SO accomplished. I don't just mean the basics of H.I but the fact that people with it are just as likely to live a "normal" life as anyone else. Sure, it may not be as easy but who said life was easy? Anyway.... I've always enjoyed putting my life out there hoping someone new (or my dedicated subscribers) view it as a positive thing. Like "no matter what obstacles you're given, you can stay positive." by no means am I saying I don't have bad days or that I have the worst life ever. I have a great life and I definitely do have bad days!

I lost my "umph" until I was on facebook this morning and saw Harlequin Ichthyosis moms ranting about a picture of a H.I baby posted on facebook for "likes". We have enough critics in life without ignorant people exploiting us. I didn't see the picture myself nor the comments but I'm sure they're horrendous, just watch YouTube videos and look at some comments. It's all completely ridiculously ignorant, selfish and just cruel. That picture was someones baby, grandbaby, sister or brother put out on display without any purpose at all  other than to gain attention. The majority of it was negative especially since no one had any information to go on.

Luckily an  extraordinary momma of an extraordinary little girl has a popular blog that she updates regularly. As soon as some people saw that Facebook picture, they commented directing other people towards Blessed By Brenna. I'm SO glad she has that blog and educates so many people. People were saying how they're glad too since thats where they got their information from after they saw the picture.. She's not the only mom who has an educating blog on H.I, De has a great blog as well that talks about her two year old son Evan.

If these women didn't have a blog and weren't up for educating people on they're babies condition, a lot less people would know about it now. Which brings me back to my point, if I up and quit videoing and blogging what am I helping? Nothing AND I'm missing out on doing something I love.

So yall get ready for some blogging and videoing.. Ps. I got a new laptop & that doesn't hurt either. ;)

Sweet Ev-man :)

Ho ho hat Monday

Today I woke up, rushed to get  ready so I could run errands with my momma. I got ready in about an hour which was pretty quick for me, I was getting it! As I was putting lotion on, I realized I left my hair in Curts truck backseat. Betchya hadn't heard that many times? Since it was in the truck, Curt was an hr away at work & I rushed like a mad woman to get ready I wasn't about to just stay in all day. I decided to throw on a hat and go on about my day.

Everyone in my town knows I wear a wig & I'll post pics on social sites without any hesitation but going out in public without it is new for me!.. As a matter of a fact I hadn't done it since 1st grade when I first started wearing wigs.


The day is just starting out, I'll update tonight or tomorrow morning and let yall know how it went. :)


My "ho-ho-hat". :) Pink Realtree camo!