But in the meantime - here are a few pics from the other day, when they were very entertained with headbands & sunglasses. This duo cracks me up!
I think Lil's got the hang of posing for the camera, don't you??
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Headbands
These girls are really enjoying dress-up ... I think we may need to get more dress-up clothes!
But in the meantime - here are a few pics from the other day, when they were very entertained with headbands & sunglasses. This duo cracks me up!
But in the meantime - here are a few pics from the other day, when they were very entertained with headbands & sunglasses. This duo cracks me up!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Go Talk
Last week at school when Ruby had the audiologist visit her class, she didn't like it. How do I know she didn't like it? Because she told her teachers.
When they put the headphones on her, she used the "Go Talk" device - and pushed the button to say, "I do not like this." She cooperated - but she wanted to let them know, she was not a fan of wearing the headphones.
I think it's similar to this Go Talk device, but I haven't actually seen it yet.
Today, Ruby used the Go Talk to tell her teacher's she had to go potty! So, they took her potty, and she went! How cool is that? She does have the ability to sign "potty" as well ... but it's just nice to see her using a variety of communication.
When they put the headphones on her, she used the "Go Talk" device - and pushed the button to say, "I do not like this." She cooperated - but she wanted to let them know, she was not a fan of wearing the headphones.
I think it's similar to this Go Talk device, but I haven't actually seen it yet.
Today, Ruby used the Go Talk to tell her teacher's she had to go potty! So, they took her potty, and she went! How cool is that? She does have the ability to sign "potty" as well ... but it's just nice to see her using a variety of communication.
Monday, October 25, 2010
November brings - medical procedures
We've known since summer that Lil was going to need to have some dental work done. We were in a wait-and-see pattern with the ENT about her tonsils & adenoids - but they're now deemed to be needing removal.
Can I just say, Lil has the largest, grossest tonsils I've ever seen in real life? I'm thrilled they're coming out. Seriously - the right tonsil comes out ONTO her tongue when she laughs. It's ... gross.
It took a while to schedule - it had to be a day the ENT, pediatric dentist, and pediatric cardiologist could all be present. (The cardiologist just needs to be present in the building - just in case - since Lil does have that pesky congenital heart defect.)
We're hoping all this will help with:
Can I just say, Lil has the largest, grossest tonsils I've ever seen in real life? I'm thrilled they're coming out. Seriously - the right tonsil comes out ONTO her tongue when she laughs. It's ... gross.
It took a while to schedule - it had to be a day the ENT, pediatric dentist, and pediatric cardiologist could all be present. (The cardiologist just needs to be present in the building - just in case - since Lil does have that pesky congenital heart defect.)
We're hoping all this will help with:
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Eating crunchy foods (not a huge fan)
- Disliking drinking - which is improving with a sippy cup - but I'm not sure if this has been a cold drinks hurting her teeth or gagging while drinking issue
- Brushing teeth - she really only brushes her tongue and cries heartbreakingly (and silently) if I attempt to brush them for her.
On the tooth brushing item - I did buy her a vibrating Dora toothbrush, like Chrystal showcased on her blog, and Lil loves to play with it. She puts it on her tongue & giggles - but I'm not going to even attempt to help her brush her teeth with it until after she's recovered from her surgery.
Oh, and a few days before Lil's surgery? Ruby's having new ear tubes put in and her adenoids removed.
The audiologist called from school - the great news is Ru was cooperative for the testing! The not-so-great, the fluid is back, muffling her hearing. We knew her tubes were on their way out in June, and we were set to return to the ENT in December ... so we just moved our appointment up to last week.
Fortunately, we were able to schedule the girls on different days - that didn't sound like fun! And Ruby's procedure has a much shorter recovery time; Lil will actually spend a night in-patient at the hospital.
These good times will be rolling out the first week of November - Ru on the 2nd, Lil on the 5th. Think nice thoughts for them, okay??
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wanna win an iPad?
An (online) friend of mine is adopting a little boy through Reece's Rainbow. (I know, you're probably thinking, "What else is new?") This little boy has Down syndrome, lives in Eastern Europe, and is TEN years old. Ten. He's currently living with a foster family - and facing the institution.
They JUST found out they will be allowed to adopt him - and they'll be traveling in a matter of weeks.
Please visit their blog to read more about their story - and enter the giveaway for an iPad! They could really use some extra funds - your donation will help bring Axel home.
I have a friend who has an iPad & uses it with her son who is the same age as Ruby - he plays educational games on it, and it's very easy to use! So, if you happen to win it but don't have a use for it, I'm sure we could put it to good use, too ... Ha!
They JUST found out they will be allowed to adopt him - and they'll be traveling in a matter of weeks.
Please visit their blog to read more about their story - and enter the giveaway for an iPad! They could really use some extra funds - your donation will help bring Axel home.
I have a friend who has an iPad & uses it with her son who is the same age as Ruby - he plays educational games on it, and it's very easy to use! So, if you happen to win it but don't have a use for it, I'm sure we could put it to good use, too ... Ha!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Signing Time with who?
At the beginning of Signing Time, Rachel Coleman says, "Come join my friends, Alex, Leah, and Hopkins ..."
and without fail, Lil will look up at the TV & say, "Lilya" and make the sign that Rachel makes for "Leah" ...
She thinks it's Signing Time with Alex & Lilya, and I'm perfectly fine with that!
and without fail, Lil will look up at the TV & say, "Lilya" and make the sign that Rachel makes for "Leah" ...
She thinks it's Signing Time with Alex & Lilya, and I'm perfectly fine with that!
Retro Ruby
This video was first posted from March 2009. I ran across it yesterday while doing something else, and I love little tiny baby Ruby so much, I had to repost it to share.
There are so many things I love in this video - Ruby's little round face, her sweet little haircut, her chubby feet & unsteady walk - where has my little baby gone?? She's really not all that much larger now, but she's definitely more grown up.
So ... enjoy Ruby at almost 2 years old.
There are so many things I love in this video - Ruby's little round face, her sweet little haircut, her chubby feet & unsteady walk - where has my little baby gone?? She's really not all that much larger now, but she's definitely more grown up.
So ... enjoy Ruby at almost 2 years old.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Why Nice Wolf?
When I asked if anyone had any questions - this came up, and I admit, I get asked this A LOT.
Why do the kids call their grandpa (my step-dad) Nice Wolf?
When Karly was little and at my mom's, my mom was telling her a story - I believe it was the Three Little Pigs. While she was telling the Karly the story, she got to the part about the Big Bad Wolf and told Karly something like, "Grandpa could play the wolf."
Well, let me tell you - Little Karly was appalled! "No! He can't be the bad wolf! He's a NICE wolf!"
And it's stuck since then! Isn't that silly? I have to say, if Karly gives you a nickname, it sticks!
Why do the kids call their grandpa (my step-dad) Nice Wolf?
When Karly was little and at my mom's, my mom was telling her a story - I believe it was the Three Little Pigs. While she was telling the Karly the story, she got to the part about the Big Bad Wolf and told Karly something like, "Grandpa could play the wolf."
Well, let me tell you - Little Karly was appalled! "No! He can't be the bad wolf! He's a NICE wolf!"
And it's stuck since then! Isn't that silly? I have to say, if Karly gives you a nickname, it sticks!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Little Ones, Left Behind
it's no secret that this little one is on my heart ... and I try to scheme up ways every day, to bring her home.
Leesia
Jan 2008
But these 3 are on my mind, as well -
Antonio
May 2008
Antonio is such a tiny little peach - I almost wonder if his birthday is incorrect, or if he has a heart defect; he's definitely petite & delicate.
Jackson
Jan 2008
Jackson is radiant & alert, and adorably hesitant with people - like a little flirt! Unfortunately, the camera flash seems to make his eyes cross, but I didn't think his crossing was all that bad in person. I wonder if he's like Ruby - and just needs a little surgery to tighten up those eye muscles?
Micah
Jan 2009
Oh, Micah is all sweetness & charm - look at that face! He needs a mama to scoop him up & cuddle him, make him giggle. He's had a heart repair, and seems to be doing so well!
These cuties we met this summer; they're all living in the same orphanage Lilya came from. These little sweethearts are currently well cared for, but desperately need the love & care of a family before they get much older!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
PS
As a postscript to yesterday's post about special needs parenting...
Can I just say how annoyed I get by the phrase "Special Needs"?
Don't all people have special needs, unique to them?
I don't have a solution or a better phrase ... but it is hard to explain to my 7 year old son why his sisters have special needs, but that doesn't make him any less special.
Can I just say how annoyed I get by the phrase "Special Needs"?
Don't all people have special needs, unique to them?
I don't have a solution or a better phrase ... but it is hard to explain to my 7 year old son why his sisters have special needs, but that doesn't make him any less special.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Isn't that Special?
When you have a child with special needs, you join an elite club.
Ready or not, you learn things you probably never thought much about. You learn what an IFSP is, and that your child gets an IEP for their education plan when they turn 3. You learn about special needs trust funds, and more about health insurance than you ever wanted to know.
You know what an ST / OT / PT are - and probably know several people of these professions on a first name basis.
In the Down syndrome community, you know what a palmar crease, sandal gap, and Brushfield spots are. You learn about ear tubes and tonsils, low muscle tone, and neck x-rays.
You read a lot of feel good stories - and hear them from people you know. But you also know that the world can be a harsh & cruel place. You cringe every time you hear the "R" word on TV, in movies, or from your friends & family.
You hear that children with Down syndrome are more alike their siblings than different from them, (and that's actually pretty true).
You also hear things about special needs parents - comments like, "You must be a saint" and "I could never do that!" What couldn't you do? Care for & love your child? I bet you could.
Parents of children with special needs are really not that different from other parents, no matter how many times you hear that "only special people get special children" and platitudes like that - but really? We're just parents. We're not special, we're only doing what parents do - providing for our children's needs.
So, when I tell someone that, "Our daughter Ruby has Down syndrome," and their first response is pity, "Oh, I'm so sorry..." I tell them, "Don't be sorry. She's awesome!" And I hope they see that I mean it. (Now that we chose Lil, deliberately adding another child with Down syndrome to our family, I think people have an easier time believing that these girls are not a hardship to us.)
Because while we might wish away some of the hurdles & challenges & discrimination our girls will face in their life, we love them. Not because we're extra-good people or they're special angels - but because they're our daughters, and we want them to have the most fulfilling, happiest lives they can, same as we want for all our children.
* * * * *
And, I figure it's always best to end with cute pics ...
Ready or not, you learn things you probably never thought much about. You learn what an IFSP is, and that your child gets an IEP for their education plan when they turn 3. You learn about special needs trust funds, and more about health insurance than you ever wanted to know.
You know what an ST / OT / PT are - and probably know several people of these professions on a first name basis.
In the Down syndrome community, you know what a palmar crease, sandal gap, and Brushfield spots are. You learn about ear tubes and tonsils, low muscle tone, and neck x-rays.
You read a lot of feel good stories - and hear them from people you know. But you also know that the world can be a harsh & cruel place. You cringe every time you hear the "R" word on TV, in movies, or from your friends & family.
You hear that children with Down syndrome are more alike their siblings than different from them, (and that's actually pretty true).
You also hear things about special needs parents - comments like, "You must be a saint" and "I could never do that!" What couldn't you do? Care for & love your child? I bet you could.
Parents of children with special needs are really not that different from other parents, no matter how many times you hear that "only special people get special children" and platitudes like that - but really? We're just parents. We're not special, we're only doing what parents do - providing for our children's needs.
So, when I tell someone that, "Our daughter Ruby has Down syndrome," and their first response is pity, "Oh, I'm so sorry..." I tell them, "Don't be sorry. She's awesome!" And I hope they see that I mean it. (Now that we chose Lil, deliberately adding another child with Down syndrome to our family, I think people have an easier time believing that these girls are not a hardship to us.)
Because while we might wish away some of the hurdles & challenges & discrimination our girls will face in their life, we love them. Not because we're extra-good people or they're special angels - but because they're our daughters, and we want them to have the most fulfilling, happiest lives they can, same as we want for all our children.
* * * * *
And, I figure it's always best to end with cute pics ...
Friday, October 15, 2010
October 15
It almost slipped past me this year, even though I knew it was coming. Right in the middle of Down Syndrome Awareness Month is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. A day to remember our daughter with Down syndrome that we lost - Ruby's twin sister, Lydia.
Now, we remember Lydia every day - but I try to make a point to blog a little about her on October 15, what she means to our family.
Lydia's gift to Ruby was perspective. When we lost Lydia, no one cared in the slightest that Ruby had Down syndrome - we were just so grateful Ruby was alive!
And now, this year - Lydia's gifted her spot in our home, her seat at the dinner table, to our new daughter, Lilya. Lilya - a twin who was given up at birth, because she had Down syndrome. I can't imagine. We would've given anything to have our Lydia back - Down syndrome and all - and yet people give up their babies with Down syndrome and other disabilities every day, because they're scared and don't know any different.
So, thank you, once again, for letting me share Lydia's memory with you.
Now, we remember Lydia every day - but I try to make a point to blog a little about her on October 15, what she means to our family.
Lydia's gift to Ruby was perspective. When we lost Lydia, no one cared in the slightest that Ruby had Down syndrome - we were just so grateful Ruby was alive!
And now, this year - Lydia's gifted her spot in our home, her seat at the dinner table, to our new daughter, Lilya. Lilya - a twin who was given up at birth, because she had Down syndrome. I can't imagine. We would've given anything to have our Lydia back - Down syndrome and all - and yet people give up their babies with Down syndrome and other disabilities every day, because they're scared and don't know any different.
So, thank you, once again, for letting me share Lydia's memory with you.
The story of why we chose Lilya.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Scary Moment
Last night, I was making dinner & "the littles" were playing nearby.
Ruby dug a ladle out of the drawer & attempted to 'stir' the noodles in the pot - like I just had. I was standing RIGHT THERE, but was distracted by what I was doing with the sweet potatoes. I didn't even realize what she was doing, inches away, until she said, "Ow! Hot." and showed me her arm. While reaching up with the ladle, she leaned on the oven, which was hot from baking the sweet potatoes.
If that hadn't been hot, and she had continued, she could have feasibly pulled the entire pan of boiling noodles onto herself with that ladle.
These are the things that keep me up at night ... reliving the near misses. If I can't even keep her safe in my own kitchen, how am I going to keep her safe out in the world someday!?
Ruby dug a ladle out of the drawer & attempted to 'stir' the noodles in the pot - like I just had. I was standing RIGHT THERE, but was distracted by what I was doing with the sweet potatoes. I didn't even realize what she was doing, inches away, until she said, "Ow! Hot." and showed me her arm. While reaching up with the ladle, she leaned on the oven, which was hot from baking the sweet potatoes.
If that hadn't been hot, and she had continued, she could have feasibly pulled the entire pan of boiling noodles onto herself with that ladle.
These are the things that keep me up at night ... reliving the near misses. If I can't even keep her safe in my own kitchen, how am I going to keep her safe out in the world someday!?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Heartbreaking
I'm writing this from the floor of Lily & Ruby's bedroom, waiting for Lil to fall asleep. Tiny little fingers keep popping over the side of her bed, with Lil's "I love you" sign - and she giggles when I kiss her hand. I'm so, so thankful she's here with us, and so incredibly thankful for the scar on her chest from when they repaired her heart.
I keep meaning to write more about special needs adoption this month, for Down Syndrome Awareness Month ... and yet, this is not the post I envisioned at all.
When we committed to Lilya, we knew beyond a doubt that she was "the one" - she was meant to be our daughter. But that didn't mean there weren't other older girls with Down syndrome who we would've brought into our family. There were so many little girls that tugged at my heart - girls I knew by name on the RR website as soon as I saw their picture.
As the months went on, I would get so excited each time another of these girls found a family - Ivy! Marion! Alyona! all beautiful girls, with families to love them.
Today, word spread through the Reece's Rainbow group about the loss of a little girl. Instead of hearing "Anne Marie has a family!" we heard she had passed. This little doll, not even 6 years old ... she spent all her time in this world in the care of people who were indifferent about her, and not with a loving family to hold her.
I truly believed someday soon we'd hear Anne Marie had found a family, and we'd get to watch her thrive & walk - and I couldn't wait to see her in pigtails someday! Such a pretty girl really deserved some pretty hair.
This little girl, this stranger to me - I feel like we've failed her. Please, if you're able, consider making a donation to one of the waiting children on Reece's Rainbow's website. Or to one of the families in the midst of an adoption.
Adoption isn't cheap, and it's not frivolous. These are children who need a better life - and a chance to live. We need to ransom all of these children into loving homes.
These babies are wanted. There are families that would take them in an instant, if the financial obstacle was removed, or at least reduced. Heck, I'd be updating our homestudy right now for another child if we fell into a pot of money. It's easy to look away, but these are real children who have no hope for a future where they are right now.
For now, let's not let Anya (Anne Marie) be lost in vain.
I keep meaning to write more about special needs adoption this month, for Down Syndrome Awareness Month ... and yet, this is not the post I envisioned at all.
When we committed to Lilya, we knew beyond a doubt that she was "the one" - she was meant to be our daughter. But that didn't mean there weren't other older girls with Down syndrome who we would've brought into our family. There were so many little girls that tugged at my heart - girls I knew by name on the RR website as soon as I saw their picture.
As the months went on, I would get so excited each time another of these girls found a family - Ivy! Marion! Alyona! all beautiful girls, with families to love them.
Today, word spread through the Reece's Rainbow group about the loss of a little girl. Instead of hearing "Anne Marie has a family!" we heard she had passed. This little doll, not even 6 years old ... she spent all her time in this world in the care of people who were indifferent about her, and not with a loving family to hold her.
I truly believed someday soon we'd hear Anne Marie had found a family, and we'd get to watch her thrive & walk - and I couldn't wait to see her in pigtails someday! Such a pretty girl really deserved some pretty hair.
This little girl, this stranger to me - I feel like we've failed her. Please, if you're able, consider making a donation to one of the waiting children on Reece's Rainbow's website. Or to one of the families in the midst of an adoption.
Adoption isn't cheap, and it's not frivolous. These are children who need a better life - and a chance to live. We need to ransom all of these children into loving homes.
These babies are wanted. There are families that would take them in an instant, if the financial obstacle was removed, or at least reduced. Heck, I'd be updating our homestudy right now for another child if we fell into a pot of money. It's easy to look away, but these are real children who have no hope for a future where they are right now.
For now, let's not let Anya (Anne Marie) be lost in vain.
Good night, sweet girl. We'll remember you.
Who is this tiny girl??
I was skimming through some pictures the other day, and this one caught my eye. It's Ruby & Lil, at the swim lake where Braden had his lessons. So, probably Lil's first week home.
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Ruby & Lilya
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Ruby & Lilya
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I can't believe how little Lil looks here, how she sits like a baby - although, granted, she never sat on the ground at the orphanage, so I was really tickled that she didn't mind sitting in the sand at the beach (although she MUCH preferred wading in the water).
She's growing & changing so much, so fast!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Short Video of Lil
Lil's got a great giggle! This was in our backyard this weekend (BEAUTIFUL weather!) playing with Daddy.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Our day at the walk
After months & months of meetings & planning - our local DS group put on their 1st Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk! Last weekend! I'm a little behind on my blogging ...
We had originally hoped for 800 people - and ended up with over 1,000!
It was a chilly, windy day, but it was sunny & dry - and that's not too bad for Wisconsin in October. We had a bunch of friends & family show up for the day - and hopefully they enjoyed the lunch, petting zoo, carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, clowns, dj - and of course, Signing Time performance!
I think that was the highlight of the day, introducing the kids to Rachel Coleman of Signing Time, and watching her perform!
Lil was checking out Rachel, and signing "Signing Time"
We had originally hoped for 800 people - and ended up with over 1,000!
It was a chilly, windy day, but it was sunny & dry - and that's not too bad for Wisconsin in October. We had a bunch of friends & family show up for the day - and hopefully they enjoyed the lunch, petting zoo, carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, clowns, dj - and of course, Signing Time performance!
I think that was the highlight of the day, introducing the kids to Rachel Coleman of Signing Time, and watching her perform!
Lil was checking out Rachel, and signing "Signing Time"
I love Ru's excited little face.
Apparently, she loves giant dalmations!
(when we went to Disney, she absolutely loved the characters in costume!)
The walk started SO COLD, but it warmed up once we turned the corner and were out of the wind. Thank goodness! I'm not sure what Lil thought about those mittens, but she kept them on very well (until Ruby threw hers out of the wagon...)
Along the walk, families had sponsored signs that shared facts about Down syndrome. Our sign says, "Since 2006, Reece's Rainbow has helped more than 300 children with Down syndrome in 26 countries find families." AND, there's the Reece's Rainbow logo & a picture of Lil, with a caption "Lilya, home July 2010."
Braden was called up during the song about feelings - his role was to sign "Silly" - PERFECT! That's his favorite sign!
Lil wanted so desperately to be up on that stage...
Our out-of-town guests were brought on stage to perform the "Silly Pizza Song" with Rachel!
More to come on our guests, soon, too!
Of course, this being Wisconsin, Rachel needed a cheesehead!
(She's even signing cheese here, too cute!)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Fundraiser for Elijah
If you're local ... we're having a scrapbooking fundraiser for Elijah on Friday, November 5th!
Grab This!
Bring your scrapbook supplies (or other crafts) and hang out with us from 6 - 11:30 pm. We're asking people to donate a minimum of $20 to attend, and we'll have food & a mystery raffle. The entire amount will be donated to help Elijah's family bring him home, and is a tax-deductible donation!
Email me if you're interested, and I'll give you the location.
If you're not local, you can still help Elijah's family by making a donation to their fund at Reece's Rainbow. Thank you!!
Grab This!
Bring your scrapbook supplies (or other crafts) and hang out with us from 6 - 11:30 pm. We're asking people to donate a minimum of $20 to attend, and we'll have food & a mystery raffle. The entire amount will be donated to help Elijah's family bring him home, and is a tax-deductible donation!
Email me if you're interested, and I'll give you the location.
If you're not local, you can still help Elijah's family by making a donation to their fund at Reece's Rainbow. Thank you!!
Lilya Pics
Because we're busy, playing with the kids & trying to get stuff done around the house ... here's an easy post for me. Silly Lily Pics!
Dancin' Lil
mid-jump (can you tell that by her hair?)
My favorite sign - this is Lil's "I Love You" sign
Lil signing Stop.
Probably as in, "Stop taking my picture, Mom!"
Dancin' Lil
mid-jump (can you tell that by her hair?)
My favorite sign - this is Lil's "I Love You" sign
Lil signing Stop.
Probably as in, "Stop taking my picture, Mom!"
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tiny Lil Video
It really hit me at the walk, what a wonderful experience Lil's adoption has been. We had such great support from our friends & family - and we've gained such a wonderful, smart, beautiful daughter.
Our dear daughter, had no people of her own, but lived in an orphanage. And still, she's sunshiney and silly, and serious and observant ... obviously, not all at once! She's growing and learning at an amazing pace, and we're so, so very proud of her.
Lil came home not knowing English, and watching the Signing Time DVDs equipped her to communicate with us - in English. She's a sponge, and soaks everything in. She had an absolute blast at the Signing Time performance at the walk, and more than a few people told me how much they enjoyed watching her dancing along.
This little clip ... this is a clip I took, to remember this moment. This made me get all watery-eyed and I had to try really hard not to cry.
The song Rachel is singing is about Family, and this is the last few lines. The lyrics are "In a house, in a home, there are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and there's me, me, me."
Watching Lil, so happy, so loved - signing "mom" and "dad" and "me" throughout the song? Well, I still have a hard time not crying, and the clip is only 18 seconds!
Our dear daughter, had no people of her own, but lived in an orphanage. And still, she's sunshiney and silly, and serious and observant ... obviously, not all at once! She's growing and learning at an amazing pace, and we're so, so very proud of her.
Lil came home not knowing English, and watching the Signing Time DVDs equipped her to communicate with us - in English. She's a sponge, and soaks everything in. She had an absolute blast at the Signing Time performance at the walk, and more than a few people told me how much they enjoyed watching her dancing along.
This little clip ... this is a clip I took, to remember this moment. This made me get all watery-eyed and I had to try really hard not to cry.
The song Rachel is singing is about Family, and this is the last few lines. The lyrics are "In a house, in a home, there are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and there's me, me, me."
Watching Lil, so happy, so loved - signing "mom" and "dad" and "me" throughout the song? Well, I still have a hard time not crying, and the clip is only 18 seconds!
1 Question, 1 Answer
First the question. What ARE these things?!
We got these in our CSA box yesterday, and I'm stumped. They're tasty (apparently not knowing what it is doesn't mean I won't eat it!)
We got these in our CSA box yesterday, and I'm stumped. They're tasty (apparently not knowing what it is doesn't mean I won't eat it!)
And my first answer to my blog reader comments: Yes, "Anonymous" I do want to go see HP7 with you! I'll buy the popcorn, too, since it's practically on your birthday!
Not that this post has anything remotely to do wtih Down syndrome ... but, such is life! Our lives don't revolve around DS, it's just a piece.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Any Questions?
These days are so busy, chasing the kids around, I might not have a great idea of my own about Down syndrome until Christmas. If you have any questions about Lilya, Ruby, DS, or our family in general, please ask!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Braden, on stage at the walk
I apologize, this is probably the wobbliest video to ever hit the Internet, but it's all I've got. At the walk, Braden was picked by Rachel to come on up & help sign during the song about feelings - his sign was "Silly!" which is totally appropriate for him, and one of his favorite signs. He's 2nd from the left, with the blue hat on.
I love this video, because he just dances his way through the song, but still totally pays attention. This absolutely made him sooo happy! It made Lil a little frustrated, since she couldn't figure out how everyone else was getting up on the stage, and she was still down below. She didn't get too upset, though - she was too busy enjoying the show.
I love this video, because he just dances his way through the song, but still totally pays attention. This absolutely made him sooo happy! It made Lil a little frustrated, since she couldn't figure out how everyone else was getting up on the stage, and she was still down below. She didn't get too upset, though - she was too busy enjoying the show.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Lil's Sign
Along the walk, families had sponsored signs that shared facts about Down syndrome. Our sign says, "Since 2006, Reece's Rainbow has helped more than 300 children with Down syndrome in 26 countries find families."
AND, there's the Reece's Rainbow logo & a picture of Lil, with a caption "Lilya, home July 2010."
AND, there's the Reece's Rainbow logo & a picture of Lil, with a caption "Lilya, home July 2010."
Ru, pointing out Lily's sign
Lil, checking herself out!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Down Syndrome Month
In honor of October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month I'm here to tell you I'm too busy to post!
We have guests coming in from California (I'm SO EXCITED!) and our local DS group has their First Annual Down Syndrome Awareness walk tomorrow - with Rachel Coleman of Signing Time!
Hopefully I'll have all kids of wonderful pictures to share with you after the walk ... and if you're local, but forgot to register for the walk, you can still show up & register at the event. (Email me if you need details!)
We have guests coming in from California (I'm SO EXCITED!) and our local DS group has their First Annual Down Syndrome Awareness walk tomorrow - with Rachel Coleman of Signing Time!
Hopefully I'll have all kids of wonderful pictures to share with you after the walk ... and if you're local, but forgot to register for the walk, you can still show up & register at the event. (Email me if you need details!)
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