Coolest girl ever.

Ok. So lily tells me that this is the cutest character on the show Kickin'It that her and Ian watch.  

I'm confused because she likes him over.....

I think I might have the coolest girl ever. 

OT Impression

We had our 2 week OT visit yesterday and I was happy to see that Si Guy impressed her!  He's been working so hard, so I was so proud of him.  He was very tired when she came so he didn't even do his best.  He almost rolled from his back to front.  He's also been putting some weight on his legs.  I was remembering a site that I had read when he was first diagnosed... or maybe before... but it said that Downs Syndrome was filled with milestones and how much more exciting it was for families with Down Syndrome babies when you hit those milestones.  I thought that was a little crazy-positive at the time.  But I know exactly what they mean now.  I notice the smallest things about Si's development.  And it is so much more exciting with every bit of progress that he makes...maybe because I can see him working so hard or maybe all the focus that we put onto each bit.  All I know is that he is the perfect baby for me.  I love goals, short term or long and it's so fun to watch him and work with him.  I look forward to the visits from Jessica, his OT.  We have new exercises most weeks and have new goals to strive for.  I love how proud he looks when we all clap and praise him.  He's so freakin' awesome! I can't stand it!

Bursting through my door at 12 am....!

"Mom, am I having a dream or is there a polar bear in the neighbor's yard?" - Lily

Ian's Decision

I am proud to tell you about Ian's decision to be baptized last week.  We were happy that my parents happened to be there to see it and we shared the moment with many friends.  

I pray for Ian and his walk in Christ.  He is very special and I know he has already been used by God to do great things for His Kingdom.  We are proud of him and the gifts that God has given him.  He has a heard for history and the Old Testament and I can't wait to see how God uses him in the future.  I pray for his life and that he will stay faithful to God and that he will resist temptations that come before him.  I'm thankful for his family and for his friends and school that I know will prepare and help him every step of his Walk in Him.

He's so happy!

How I see him.

There's been a few strange things about adjusting to life with my Si.  They are little, but I'm kind of an awkward person, so it's big for me.

The more time I spend with Si, the more I see his characteristics of Down Syndrome...but also the less I think of him to be "a Baby with Down Syndrome".   A lot of times I wonder when we meet someone new or if an acquaintance is meeting him for the first time...can they tell he has DS?  It doesn't matter except that don't know if I should blurt it out or what?  The only reason I want them to know is so they don't find out then they've already said something they could be embarrassed about or regret.  I just don't want anyone to feel weird or uncomfortable...I want everyone to feel the way I feel when I lay on the couch and he smiles at me.  I desperately want everyone to experience the joy I have when I look at him.  That's impossible, I know... that would be weird, I know.  I am "the mom" obviously.  But I just want everyone in the world to know how sweet he is.  I want them to see that he is just like my first 3 babies.  He smiles, he laughs, he loves to be talked to and he loves to puke on my shoulder every time I pick him up.  

Being a photographer, all of my kids get photographed like crazy.  Believe me when I tell you that every stage is well documented.  Same with Si, but his stages are lasting longer and I am having trouble capturing how I see him.  Most pictures I take, it is obvious of his diagnosis.  They are just not quite him.  I love the pictures, that are 1 in 50, that are completely him.  These 3 pictures are him.  This is my baby.  My sweet Si that loves to smile and be talked to for an hour.  I guess it's not my problem who can tell how special he is.  This is how I see him right now... and if you don't thing he is adorable... that's ridiculous... I know you think he's adorable.  

Smile Guy

My favorite

I've been searching the web for ways to support the Down Syndrome community... this doesn't support anything, unfortunately, but would bring awareness, I suppose.  Anyway, it has been my favorite for siblings.

I might have to make one myself. :)

I did find a great site that employs people with Down Syndrome and helps find employment.  I bought a car magnet, hoodie and hat for Rob there.  The merchandise is sold or packaged by someone with Down Syndrome.  I'd love to find new sites like this one, if anyone comes across one.