Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Down Syndrome Is...

*Fun*

*Silly*

 *Adventurous*

 *Athletic*

 *Helpful*

*Smiles*

 *...And sometimes frowns*

 *Creative*

 *Brave*

 *Rewarding*

 *Proud*

*Small moments*

 *Fiesty*

 *Messy*

*Love*

 *Good friendships*

 *Family-centered*

*Exciting*

*Smart*

 *Independence*

 *Down Syndrome Is Beautiful*

Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day.  The day was chosen to symbolize the three copies of the 21st chromosome that make our children so special.  With the hopes of bringing people together and raising awareness about the capabilities of the millions of individuals with Down syndrome across the globe, this day was established. 

But after the pictures, and blog entries, and you tube videos, and facebook posts have slowed down, please don't forget the heart of the cause.  Opportunities for people with Down syndrome today are endless.  Teenagers with Down syndrome are attending proms and getting drivers' licenses; it is not unusual for a person to graduate with a college degree and hold a job; independent living, marriage, and long, fulfilling futures are not out of the question.  I have these expectations for my son, and fully anticipate that I will not only attend his high school graduation, but his college graduation as well, and will dance with him at his wedding one day.  Down syndrome has come a long way, and has a completely different definition than it did 30, 20, or even 10 years ago; it is up to us to ensure that these possibilities continue to grow, not just today, but every day throughout the year.  The future is bright for our children!

So happy 3/21 to my Ty-guy, and all of his little friends near and far who make me smile on a daily basis!!!

The Second Birthday Celebration!!!

Introducing the newest two-year old around!!!

Ty's birthday began with lots of hugs and kisses bright and early in the morning from his proud Momma!  Here is the first picture of the brand new two-year old, a little startled in his bed!

Ty celebrated his birthday with the help of his family and a few of his little toddler friends from his playgroup.  It was a nice, relaxed afternoon in good company!  Naturally, Ty's party theme was "ABCs", being one of his greatest interests right now! 

Though he wasn't up for eating his cupcake, he was very interested in the candle!

Being such a big boy now, Ty received his first set of golf clubs, and his first lacrosse stick from Mom and Dad!  He knows exactly how to use both, and spends a good portion of his days playing his new sports in the playroom!  Daddy is very-much looking forward to having a golf-buddy this summer!

Ty also received a new set of wheels, which he has put a few miles on since his birthday!

A tired little guy after his big day!  Next year, there will be a fourth family member joining this picture!

Thank you again, to everyone who helped to make Ty's second birthday so special!

Happy 2nd Birthday to My Little T-Bug!!!

*When I look into your eyes*

*It's like watching the night sky*

*Or a beautiful sunrise*

*There's so much they hold*

*I see that you've come so far*

*To be right where you are*

- Jason Mraz

 

Birthdays are extra-special for parents of children with Down syndrome.  Not only is it a time to celebrate the day the child was born, but it's a day to celebrate how far our children have come, how many odds they've defied, and how bright their futures are...all of the things that were feared wouldn't happen before they were born.  For us, Ty's birthday is no different.  Come January, I start thinking about how we'll celebrate his special day, and I also start thinking about everything he's accomplished since his last birthday.  It grounds me, forces me to remember what a birthday is really about, beyond the balloons, and cake, and gifts.  

 

This year, I have 366 exciting days worth of accomplishments to reflect on.  I'm astounded at the little boy Ty has grown up to be.  Every day has brought about something that is picture-worthy, something that makes me say, "ooh, I need to remember this!"  It's been an incredibly rewarding, and just plain fun ride. 

This is the year that Ty learned to crawl, learned to walk, and learned to speak his first words in both sign and spoken language.  He conquered the spoon and fork to become an independent eater.  New adventures included his first parade, first swim, first day at the beach, first apple picking outing, and first sled-ride.  He learned how to say "please" really, really slowly with a smile, to get exactly what he wants.  Graham crackers became his first love.  He learned the joy of watching a movie, and learned how to read many new sight words.  He can complete a puzzle independently, and build a tower out of blocks.  Hugs include wrapping both arms and legs around your body and holding on for dear life.  And he learned the excitement that independence can bring.

So happy 2nd birthday, Ty-Ty!  You make your mommy and daddy so proud each and every day.  We could not have asked for a more perfect first child and cannot wait to see what your third year of life will bring! 

March's Surprise

Exactly a week ago today, I was in total spring-mode.  The kids and I were getting outside to play in the afternoons, I was thinking about what plants would be going in our gardens, and we tentatively started planning the deck we would be building out back.  Today, on the second day of March, I'm staring out my front window at a sea of white.  The grass we were playing on last week is buried under a foot of snow, and the trees barely stand out against the ground, as the branches hold several inches of powder as well.  It's beautiful, actually.  It's like nature gave us one more shot to enjoy its gift of the winter season, even if it is several months late. 

In true New England fashion, I busted out all of the winter gear...snowpants, jackets, hats, mittens, boots...and undertook the challenge of outfitting a toddler for the snow (thank goodness he's still in diapers).  Ty was not thrilled with the process.  Getting his snowpants on involved laying him flat on the floor, while simultaneously shimmying the pants up his legs an inch at a time.  It eventually was successful, after several loud rounds of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" to distract him.  I was also impressed at my ability to get mittens on a crawling child.  After realizing how nearly-impossible it is to slip the thumb into the slot on the mitten gracefully, I'm pretty sure we will not be moving on to 5-fingered gloves anytime in the near future.  Nonetheless, I accomplished what I had set out to do, and my boy was ready for a snow adventure (though not entirely able to bend at the joints!)

We had a blast.  Ty explored the snow as best he could, and spent a good deal of time with his tongue in the air, catching snowflakes as they fell.  Sledding was a bit tricky in the deep snow, but Ty did take a couple of spins around the yard, which he thoroughly enjoyed!  I think by next year, with a few inches on his height and with much more refined walking skills, he'll be a full-flown snow bunny who will be impossible to get inside!

A little warm milk to help thaw out!

Though it's not exactly how I pictured March to go, I'm glad for this last taste of winter, and the opportunity for Ty to experience true snow!  Now, in a few days, I'd be glad for a week of sun and warmth to melt it away so we can get on with our spring plans! :-)