Down Syndrome Myth or Truth?

9 10 2011

Myth: Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized.

Truth: Today people with Down syndrome live at home with their families and are active participants in the educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities of the community.

They are integrated into the regular education system and take part in sports, camping, music, art programs and all the other activities of their communities.

**Most importantly***

People with Down Syndrome, are just like you and me.

Driving with my brother

 

 

 

 





I Bay Bay

1 07 2011

Previously, Miss Carly had earned the nickname Princess Good Good. Recently, she has developed a new nickname, again bestowed upon her by herself.  Her new nickname is I bay bay.

So how did Princess Good Good become I Bay Bay?  It all started when Carly was going through adjusting to a new home and teething at the same time.  She would start to cry (so much for the myth that children with down syndrome are happy all the time) and starting saying “I bay bay”  We would reassure by saying “Yes, you are the baby”  That would usually comfort her a little bit as she is/was able to communicate with us and let us know how she is feeling.  However, when she really gets going one simple “Yes, you are the baby” does not always work.

Mary Jane and I have spent numerous minutes and miles walking the floors of our new place while Carly repeats over and over again “I bay bay”  We have found the best way to get through it is to let her tell us that she is the baby and hold her and hug her.  She eventually gets through the crying then lets out a big sigh, followed by one more “I Bay Bay” before falling back to sleep or having a bite to eat.

As she nears the big 3 (July 17) Miss Carly has already been lucky enough to have two nicknames.  I wonder which one she will come up with next?

 





Carly on the road

16 05 2011

The other day, I mentioned that Confessions would soon have a major announcement and I am happy to say that we are hitting the road.

Carly, and the rest of the crew: Jason (me), Mary Jane, and Brady are headed off to a new adventure in Peabody, MA.  Emma will be our West Coast anchor as she will stay in Sacramento with her mom.

We are excited and a bit nervous at the same time.  I have lived in California for 20 years while MJ has been here 14 years, so it will be a climate change for all of us.  Looking forward to the four seasons and experiencing US history close up.

Next step is getting everything in order for Miss Carly, so the transition into a new educational and support network is easy for her.

Now it is back to the packing and getting ready for a coast to coast move.

 





Here I Grow Again

20 04 2011

Days, months, and years go flying by….

Little Princess Good Good

Our little ones get bigger everyday..

Old enough to ride in the cart

Flying through life..

Flying

Old enough to be a veteran of festivals and Jimmy Buffett concerts…

Asapargus Festival 2011

Yet, still young enough to fall asleep in the car as my sister and brother hang out next to me..

I have the coolest Sister and Brother

Old enough to own your pet Zebra

I call him Steve!

And before you know it……

Old Enough To Drive!!!

Thankfully, I don’t have a picture of this as we still have 13 years to go, of course, those 13 years will fly by…….

So, each night, day, or any time make sure you give your child a hug, a kiss, and take a picture or two.  Not only for the memories but for potential embarrassing wedding pictures as well.

Always remember to Live, Laugh, and Love.

 





Sunny Day at the Park

10 04 2011

Loving the sun and the green grass.





Just like you!

21 03 2011

Take a look at me.  Tell me what you see…

Just like you

 

I am just like you.  I am climbing over each and every obstacle that stands in my way.

Take a look at me.  Tell me what you see.

Just like you

I am just like you.  I enjoy reading a book, especially with my brother and sister.

Take a look at me.  What do you see?

Just like you

I am just like you.  Tired after a long work out and need to do something with my hair.

Take a look at me.  Tell me what you see.

Just like you

I am just like you.  I am happy, full of joy, though sometimes I have my cranky moments.

Please be just like ME and help celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, today March 21, 2011.





Let’s Read!

4 03 2011

Reading time is the best with Emma and Brady!





Party Girl’s Revenge

21 02 2011

The revenge of Party Girl

So, after my last post about Carly and her decisions to take a nap or not, she has decided that nap or no nap she is going to rock the house until way past closing time (2:00 AM).  I have no idea why but she has decided that it is better to enjoy the night life then to let either one of her parents get a good night sleep.

Thankfully, I have been dealing with a bit of insomnia so I have been able to stay up most nights with her.  Party Girl and a steady dose of Battlestar Galactica, thanks Netflix, has made the evenings very entertaining.  Most of the time she just plays on the floor and continues to scoot her little tushy around in a big circle until she finally gets tired and lays her head on the floor and falls asleep.  However, as of late Party Girl has added a new form of entertainment to her routine.  Party Girl became Loopy Girl!

Loopy Girl is a rare breed who loves to move around her crib making all kinds of happy noises, playing with her baby doll, while blowing kisses to the air.  Sometimes I will catch her looking over at me and when we make eye contact she has the biggest grin on her face.  As I type this, she is smiling, laughing at me, all while enjoying her Jimmy Buffett lullaby CD.  A big yawn just escaped into between her loopy noises and I have a feeling that sleep is coming soon.  Nope, pump fake, just a temporary setback for Loopy Girl.  I wonder how many nights this might last and I do know that these are memories that will last a life time.  Much like when Emma was little, I would rub her back for up to 90 minutes while she tried to fall asleep or the temple rubbing and reading with Brady before he fall asleep.

Each of my children has had their own routine to going to sleep and these are one of the many things that I love them for.





Facing Forward

26 01 2011

Yep, I am a big girl now. I am facing forward when we drive. Hey Dad, does this car go any faster?





I can dress myself

15 12 2010

“I can dress myself” Carly says in her own words, smiles and head nods to confirm what she is saying.

You have probably heard the saying “put your pants on one leg at a time”, with Carly that takes on a whole new meaning.  The pants never really make it to her leg, rather she puts them on her head, which she is very happy about.

Shirts don’t make it to to their desired location as well, rather they end up draped across her legs.  Though once you start one of her legs into one pant leg the other leg will try to follow.

Now socks, well apparently they do not go on the feet.  Rather they make an excellent necklace, not around the neck mind you, but rather held up against the top of her shirt and they also make a lovely hat as well.

Jackets, well they go on very easy and they come off even easier.  Carly gets all bundled up and ready to go outside and the jacket stays on.  However, as soon as she gets back inside, the first thing that happens is that jacket comes off and dropped to the floor.

Shoes are merely an accessory that may or may not stay on and somehow have a habit of coming off in the most interesting locations such as grocery stores, Target, or just outside the car door as the door is getting ready to be shut.

Of course, what outfit would be complete without a lovely hat to top it all off.

A lovely hat

Or perhaps blue is not the color of choice, then maybe this will do

Pretty in Pink

Ah, finally the outfit is complete.

My name is Carly, and I can dress myself.