Happy Balentime’s Day, Everyone! (as Dylan would say it). “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.” – a Moulin Rouge favorite (originally from a Nat King Cole song) I’ve learned a bit about love over the years…this year some of love’s lessons and moments drove a little deeper than usual. * Love is a risk. When...
The day is here. Whitney needs to get glasses. She’s far-sighted and has astigmatism. Actually, her vision hasn’t changed since last year, but her optometrist said that with the amount of school she’s in and her activity at this age her eyes are working really hard and glasses would alleviate extra strain the eyes are going through. Seeing clearly is important. People with Down...
MAS CHRISTMAS! (we had 4 to be exact…this is the 3rd, we’re almost there). Christmas with my Parents. Not sure what it was about this year but I went all susie-homemaker on the gifts for my family…thank you Pinterest. A giant ruler measuring-board for my sister-in-law. DIY tie pillows: Lion and an Octopus for two of my nieces. Dragon Tails for my nephew and...
It seems Whitney is thriving at school! I’m especially appreciative of how her communication is improving as she attempts to speak more words. She loves singing along to songs with the few words she can remember. Today she had two fairy stickers on her hand for successful pee pee in the potty. Woo hoo! I get along with her teacher very well. I’m contemplating...
Every so often in conversation with people who know Whitney, someone will say something along the lines of “she hardly looks like she has Down syndrome,” or “you can’t really tell that much.” While I know that the heart behind these words is pure and sweet, and it’s meant as a compliment, I also find myself struggling with what’s said. Let me first say that...
Whitney’s Down syndrome was not a delivery room surprise. We found out late in the 2nd trimester. I wanted the delivery to be as normal and natural as possible, Down syndrome or not, birth is birth. Monday morning, and the room was buzzing with medical staff in anticipation. Buzzing because baby has Down syndrome and a known heart condition, and buzzing because Mama was...
Early Start……starts early. Try as I may, I can’t seem to ever get us all there on time with shoes on and diapers clean. I’m starting to think the pigs might fly if I did. Nevertheless, we have a packed three hours of development fun twice a week. Here’s a little window into Whitney’s Early Start days. WORK TIME. When we arrive, we grab...
In my second trimester with Whitney, about a week before I had any idea anything might be “off,” a friend just happened to send me a link to Kelle’s blog (Enjoying the Small Things). It was the delivery room story of finding out her daughter, Nella, had Down syndrome, and it was REAL, very touching. I bawled my eyes out. After finding out about...
We participated in an exhibit called Testify at our church that showed this morning. Our story and the image they used are below. Delighted laughter and the thumping of dancing bare feet sound from of our backyard deck. Our eyes meet and the familiar twinkle says what we don’t have to: we love our kids. Praise God, for life is good. If feels good...
Let it be known that I’d like to be done with hospitals and funerals for a while. While I’m at it, I’ll add breakups and unemployment to the list. Done. Thank you. The mess of things gone south for those close to us is enough to make one wonder if it’s contagious. Nevertheless, the importance of the shadows in life is not lost on...
Having Down syndrome automatically qualifies Whitney for government funded early education services. Since birth she has met with a teacher and/or specialists each week through the county’s Early Start program. Over the last month or two we have been preparing to enter the public school system. (!!!) When Whitney turns 3 she “graduates” out of the county program and into a pre-K special classroom. ...
Before surgery I was afraid and saddened by the thought of Whitney’s scar. I thought of what it represented, particularly of the trauma that her little body went through. It made me sick. I mourned the loss of her perfect soft skin on her chest being blemished with a gruesome mark. The other day I thought again about her scar. Yes, it’s quite large,...