Rock Star

Wordless Wednesday

A haircut and a half birthday.

I meant to stop by and post these pictures yesterday, but my night was spent comforting a sick Charlotte. She ate ice cream that had gluten in it by mistake; poor kid was up late vomiting. I felt awful, as it was my fault she had it; I didn't look closely enough at the label and thought it was a flavor which I knew was gluten free (FYI: Edy's Mint Chocolate Chip and Edy's Mint Cookie Crunch look identical on the label). This is only the second time this has happened in the year since she has been diagnosed, and both times she had the same reaction. Crazy to think that such a small amount of gluten can make her so sick. Poor kid. She was feeling much better after an hour or two and it was all out of her system.

*****

Yesterday, I took Charlotte for a haircut. She loved it and keeps walking up to us and saying "haircut pretty?" while touching her hair.

It was also Jack's half-birthday. We usually don't celebrate half-birthdays around here, but this one was special as there have been days during the past 6 months that I didn't think I would make it! But, we did, and so when Katherine asked if we could make a cake for Jack, I agreed (however, it was a spur of the moment decision, so we settled for GF brownies).

Happy half-birthday baby Jack! We love you!

Wrapping it up.

31 posts in 31 days. 31 for 21.

Is anyone still out there (besides my mother, who informed me that she waits for these posts every night, hah!) and not bored to tears?!

By posting about the every day happenings in our lives, I hope I have illustrated how normal out life is. How at times Down syndrome does play a role, it isn't the main focus of the chaos around here.

Down syndrome awareness isn't just important during the month of October, and hopefully you will be back to see what we are up to in the months to come.

Now, for a few last pictures from the month.

Happy Halloween, y'all.

Inclusion...done right.

I am am whole hearted supporter of inclusion...done right. Inclusion in the special ed world is a huge buzz word these days. It is a word that can mean many different things depending on the ideas of the person using the word. An older post (pretty sure I have shared this before) on one of my favorite blogs encompasses so much of what I feel about inclusion; you can read it here.

We pushed for Charlotte to be in a typical preschool. We wanted her in a class with typical peers, some whom she will someday go to elementary school with. We believe this is the best choice for Charlotte, and for her peers. Inclusion is not just beneficial for children with special needs, it is beneficial to ALL kids. It teaches acceptance, tolerance, and appreciation of difference.

This video has some good information about Down syndrome and inclusion. I particularly liked the teacher interviewed at the end.

I am incredibly grateful we made the choice we did. Charlotte is in a good spot, with wonderful teachers and peers who are flexible and accepting.

The Grinding Years.

A wise man once told me (and continues to tell me) that ages 30-50 are the grinding years. Meaning that during this time of your life you work the hardest and play the least. Not to say that you don't enjoy life, but at times responsibilities may seem incredibly overwhelming.

When I complain to this wise man about the craziness of this life we lead, he often responds with, "You just got to grind it out, it will get easier."

I know he is right, and I try not to wish time away in order to get to an easier spot. I have talked often about how hard the past 6 months have been; though I don't want to overshadow the fact that even though it has been hard, it is worth every sleepless night and minute I devote to raising my children.

Today I blew off my entire to-do list. The laundry I started last night still sits in the washing machine and will need to be run through again tomorrow morning. I have work emails piling up, messages to respond to, and there is more toothpaste on the kid's bathroom mirror then there is in the tube. Nothing got done today. No grinding for me.

Kate and I bummed around the mall while Charlotte was at school this morning. We picked up Panera for lunch. I spent the afternoon watching "The Chew" and holding Jack while he slept, rather than putting him down for a nap and doing the above mentioned laundry. With the exception of taking Katherine to her piano lesson, I really didn't attend to any of my regular responsibilities. Mike made dinner while I was gone at piano, and when I returned, I quickly gathered up Jack and went and to meet my mom and aunt for dinner. While the conversation wasn't exactly uplifting, it was nice to have a change of pace from regular activities.

Tomorrow I go back to grinding. We all deserves a break every now and then.

Writer's block.

I  have got nothing tonight. Eek. Hoping a good night's sleep with help me come up with something creative tomorrow.

"What?! You have nothing left to say?"

"Oh no!!!"