Whitney had her first ballet class on Thursday. 45 minutes, 1 teacher, 17 girls between 3 and 8 years old. I was amazed at the class! The teacher is fantastic, leading the kids through real ballet (I mean real…french, twirls, arabesques, spotting) in a fun way that they were all trying their hardest to mimic. I really like how it was taught. Whitney did okay. ...
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...
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...
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,...
Whitney made a friend at an appointment this morning. A six-year-old girl with Down syndrome entered the room and zeroed in on Whitney, coming over to proclaim her “sister” and sat forehead-to-forehead cupping her face, whispering secrets, and looking into her eyes lovingly. It was precious. I soaked in this beautiful moment of kinship. I’m not usually one to try to make best friends...