We made the trek out of Duluth to North Dakota this morning to visit my sister & her fam, so Sammy’s post is going to hold off until tomorrow. In the meantime, here are a few photos from last week! Miss Ella’s school had a Harvest of Literature on Halloween, so she dressed as Madeline, one of her favorite book characters. After school, we went on a Target date and then headed home to get ready to trick-or-treat. Sammy was a Minion (he LOVES The Minions movie) and Ella was Scarlet Overkill from the same movie. We have a lot of fun getting dressed up! Our new neighborhood is amazing for trick-or-treating, so the kids had buckets filled with candy in no time. Then we returned to our house to pass out candy, which Ella took very seriously. What a fun night!
It’s nearly time to wrap up Down Syndrome Awareness Month here on the blog because we’re breaking all the rules and have gone right on into November! Tomorrow we’ll end our celebrating with our very own Sammy. But first, I want you to meet five-year-olds Reese and Hazel – also adorably known as Reezel. I love following mama Nicole’s posts on Instagram and seeing the relationship between her four girls. And you must go watch the signing videos Nicole posts! Seriously, I melt with every single one and am always super inspired to learn more signs with Sam. Click over to @mizzoumum to follow. Another family made complete by adoption. Oh, I just love it!
First, what are some things the girls really like to do? Reese loves to dance, sign, swim, play with our personal/foster animals & love on her baby dolls. She also loves church, storytime at the library, parks & school (most of the time đ ).
Hazel loves to eat, dance, play on the iPad, listen to music, jump on the trampoline, ride on mom’s shoulders & watch Signing Time. She loves puzzles, learning & being challenged. She takes great pride in accomplishing new things & has been described as a “workhorse” by her teachers. She was known as “little hero” in her orphanage – she loved helping the staff with the younger children & various chores. I see so much of that in her personality.
Who are their favorite cartoon characters? That’s tough. Reese is currently obsessed with princesses. Fiona (from Shrek), Rapunzel (from Tangled) & Elsa (duh) are favorites. Harper (the girls’ little sister) introduced her to Peppa Pig & it’s definitely her new favorite cartoon. Hazel hasn’t really gotten into movies or cartoons yet but basically idolizes Rachel, Alex, Leah & Hopkins from Signing Time!
If the girls could do anything for a day, what do you think they would do?
Reese would alternate dancing to Justine Timberlake, Prince & Dolly Parton while Hazel would watch Signing Time on repeat while eating unlimited pretzels & hummus.
What have the girls taught their sisters? What have their sisters taught them?
After Reese was born & we received her diagnosis, I was flooded with emotions & worry. I remember thinking, “How will this impact Reagan (their big sis)? What will their relationship look like?” I’m so thankful Reagan was only 21 months when Reese was born. We never had to explain Down syndrome to her or watch as she processed the news. It has been unconditional love & 100% acceptance from day one. Reagan does not see disability. Her heart has been molded to accept & value everyone, regardless of ability, just by doing life with Reezel.
When Hazel came home, we had to figure out the best learning environment for her. After carefully weighing her unique learning needs, we decided to send her to a school other than our home school, the place where Reagan attended kindergarten. We were told siblings could transfer to this new school so we gave Reagan the option to switch. Without hesitation, she chose to transfer so she could be with her sister. We reminded her this would mean leaving the friends & teachers she met last year to which she replied, “That’s fine. I’ll make new friends & then I’ll introduce them to Hazel. I’ll help her on the bus & say hi to her in the halls. I hope I can play with her at recess. Her teachers can come find me if they can’t figure out what she’s saying or signing. It’ll be fun.” I think that perfectly sums up Reagan’s feelings. She’s a nurturer & teacher and is fiercely protective of her sisters.
Harper (their little sister) is three going on thirty & she is the official play mate. She’s their model for interactive play & challenges both of them in the imagination department. I smile when I sit back & watch them play because a) it’s adorable & b) Reezel are active participants & engage appropriately. They are experts at playing house, restaurant, school, hide & seek, duck/duck/goose & tag (to name a few) & I credit Harper for much of that. Harper treats them like she does her own friends at preschool, no babying, no exceptions. She instinctively presumes competence, because to her, there’s no reason to assume otherwise.
I think having siblings has been the #1 most important & most effective factor in Reezel’s development. Gross motor, fine motor, speech, communication, interpersonal relationships, behavior, self care skills – there’s not one area of development isn’t modeled by both big & little sister. They are Reezel’s biggest teachers just by being them.
What is something you want everyone to know about Reese and Hazel? This has been said time & time again, but it’s worth repeating. Reese & Hazel are more alike than different. They want to be loved, included & valued. I think social media has made it easier to spread that message & it’s the reason our Instagram account is public. I think it’s important to show the world that life with Down syndrome is not only doable, it’s quite beautiful.
What have been good resources for you to learn more about Down syndrome?
The Just Like You film is an amazing resource. Our local Down Syndrome Guild created the film & it’s absolutely wonderful! I personally think following other families on social media & reading blogs is most helpful for a new parent. Statistics are fine, but watching families & individuals do life with Down syndrome is the most powerful.
Check back tomorrow as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month or click below to read all of our previous posts.
Today we’re continuing to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness with four-year-old Beaux! I connected with this cutie’s mama, Lauren, a couple years ago on Instagram. I just think their sweet, Southern family is adorable, especially seeing the photos of Beaux with his big brother. You can find them on Instagram as @mrs_w8s and on Beaux’s Adventures on Facebook.
What are a few things Beaux is really good at doing?
Being cute. Making everyone around him smile and strive to be better people. Making us laugh. Making us proud. Working harder to do even the simplest of things that most people ever even think about. Little man is a warrior. He’s been through some incredibly tough things in just his few short years and he has done it all with a smile on his face and in his heart.
What are some things he likes to do?
Playing cars & blocks, singing, dancing, snuggling, looking at himself in the mirror. (and who wouldnt? He’s adorable!) Bubble baths!! Going for car rides. Anything to do with daddy.
What are his favorite foods?
He loves all food, but his very favorite is chicken fingers! He came out of the OR 3 weeks ago asking for chicken fingers right after his tonsillectomy and adnoidectomy, bless it. We were finally able to get that baby that chicken last Wednesday.
And his favorite books?
Pete the cat. He lives animal books because he loves making animals sounds. He cant quite talk yet but buddy can mimic animals!
Who is his favorite cartoon or movie character?
BARNEY! That sweet purple and green magic.
How is Beaux similar or different from his big brother?
Matthew and Beaux are so much alike it’s crazy! Same taste in foods, toys, cartoons, even the same mannerisms, but Beaux has much more energy and drive to do things. Maybe because it’s harder for him to do things or it could be the fact that every time he does anything, he has his own cheer section.
What has he taught Matthew? What has Matthew taught him?
These boys have taught each other so much. Beaux teaches Matthew unconditional love, patience, to always include everyone, how to smile and get through the tough times, to keep pushing, and to enjoy all the small things. Matthew teaches Beaux strength, encouragement, his first real friendship, and of course he teaches him to burp at the table. And we’ve all learned the power and benefits of inclusion on both sides.
What is the most wonderful part of knowing Beaux?
We feel whole. We never knew that we always needed him.
What is something you donât think many people know about Down syndrome?
They’re not suffering! They’re happy and they’re more than capable of living perfect, wonderful, fulfilling lives, and they are an amazing break from the boring old normal.
Check back tomorrow as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month or click below to read all of our previous posts.
It’s true that October is officially over, but we’re going to go with Down Syndrome Awareness posts for a few more days! I decided we really must go into November because TODAY is this dear girl’s very first birthday! Miss Rauri has a very special place in my heart. I introduced many of you to her in September when I shared photos from the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. Rauri’s mama, Alexa, was actually one of my English students 10 years ago when I was doing my student teaching near Duluth. When she posted in our local Down syndrome Facebook group a little over a year ago, I knew she seemed familiar. I was thrilled to have this amazing mom in our Down syndrome community! You can follow these girlies on Instagram as @lexxbarnes, on Facebook, and on their blog. Happy first birthday, Rauri!
How is Rauri similar or different from her older brother and sister?
It’s no secret this was something I lost a lot of sleep over when I was pregnant and it’s probably the #1 thing I can look back at and laugh over already. I worried they would treat her differently. I worried they would notice she was a little different than they were. I worried they would resent me for having to spend time away with her while she was hospitalized on multiple occasions. I worried that they would revolt when she got the attention alone that all three of them needed combined. I worried they wouldn’t take to her. After all, they were used to it being just the 2 of them, doing normal kid things. I worried they wouldn’t be accepting of the many hours a week we have therapists around, the screaming of alarms she was on for months, or the amounts of time I had to devote to doing just typical things with her. I worried and worried. A lot.
And I never should have.
She is their missing puzzle piece. And I thank God everyday for the big siblings Rauri has. They’re amazing to her, with her, around her, and have grown leaps and bounds as individuals because of dynamic we have as a family.
They are the endless possibilities she will have when we leave this earth because they know her potential just like we do. They know her spirit just like we do. They know her worth just like we do. And they want the best for her, just like we do.
What is something you want everyone to know about Rauri?
I don’t think it would be possible to teach someone everything she has taught me in the last 20 months between her life here with us, earth side and my pregnancy with her combined. She has taught Charlie and I and the kids immeasurable life lessons. What it’s like to see SO FAR beyond someone’s differences to the real treasure trove they are. In fact, by now – there isn’t much I notice about her that IS different. Shes our Rauri girl. She has really good days, really bad days, days she challenges me as a mother, days I drive 20 miles around town just trying to get her to sleep, nights she floods the bathroom while in the tub, nights I sit up nursing her in wonder of how on earth we were chosen, how we got so lucky to be her parents… just like I sat up and wondered with London and Nash. It’s really no different at all.
What have been good resources for you to learn more about Down syndrome?
I will give credit to the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network til my dying day. It was the first true place where I felt safe, where I felt like I was on the same journey as those around me, and thankfully, where I have met some of the best friends a girl could ask for.
What is something you donât think many people know about Down syndrome? I have seen a hashtag over and over lately that reads THE BEST KEPT SECRET (#thebestkeptsecret) and it really truly is. If we were able to see into the life of a family with a child with down syndrome, there wouldn’t be such a fear or stigma about it. A Down syndrome diagnosis is really #thebestkeptsecret.
At the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk last month ..
Check back tomorrow as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month or click below to read all of our previous posts.
I want you all to meet three-year-old Benjamin! I first met Benny and his mama, Jamie, a couple years ago on Instagram when I heard about an amazing project Jamie was starting. Jamie had written the story of her early days with her son in a beautiful journal and was mailing the book to other families all over the globe. The Down Syndrome Diary is now filled with stories of families learning of their child’s diagnosis and the hope they have found since receiving that news. I wrote our story in its pages a year ago and am super excited to eventually see the finished project! The project is now gaining momentum and getting international press! Click over to TheDownSyndromeDiary.com to see where the journal is traveling and for updates. You can follow Jamie and Benny on Instagram as @BenThroughItAll and on Jamie’s blog.
What are some things Benny thoroughly enjoys doing?
Benny LOVES music! He is downright passionate about it. He will completely stop what he is doing and bee line towards music if it starts playing at any time within earshot. If someone pulls out a guitar and starts singing, he is in heaven!
What are his favorite games and books?
Benny LOVES to do board puzzles these days. He is obsessed! Books are big on his list of fun things, too. He loves Curious George, Mama Llama, and his favorite books ever are the That’s not my Puppy series!
What would he do if they could design his own day?
Benny’s self-designed day would consist of lots of snacks and delicious food, a park with swings and slides to climb on, his whole family there to play with, and a personal band playing music just for him!
What are a few things he’s really good at?
Benny is a great sleeper and eater…just like his Mama!!! He is also great at making people smile! He’s a super friendly little dude. Oh… and he’s REALLY good at getting his picture taken. He will smile the SECOND anyone takes out their phone or camera!
Who does Benny love to spend time with? What do they do together?
Benny’s favorite people to spend time with are his Abuelito (Grandpa) and his sister Ellie. He and Abuelito love to play with different things they find around the house. With Ellie, they like to listen to music and tickle each other.
How is Benny similar and different from his little sister?
Ellie is 8 months old, and is definitely starting to rival Ben in the speech category. Benny is a quiet little guy, and still isn’t speaking any words or sounds consistently. Ellie is already saying Mama, Dada, and Bruh-Bruh (brother) while she reaches out for big bros hugs! I see her learning from him by watching him play with his toys, and he is enamored with the sounds she makes.
What is something you want everyone to know about your son?
Benny is an extremely intelligent, easy going, and capable little dude. He may have his own time frame for things, but he ALWAYS gets there!
What is the most wonderful part of knowing them?
The most wonderful part about knowing Benny is having the opportunity to make him laugh. When Benny laughs, his whole body shakes and his shoulders jump up and down. His little laugh is gonna change the world!!!
What have been good resources for you to learn more about Down syndrome?
My favorite place to learn has been through other parents. I love hearing and learning about Down syndrome from those who know how amazing it truly is to have that extra chromosome in their lives. Life is all about perspective, after all!
What is something you donât think many people know about Down syndrome?
I don’t think many people know that people with Down syndrome are often of average or slightly less than average intelligence. They can do just about anything anybody with only 46 chromosomes can do!!!
Check back tomorrow as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month or click below to read all of our previous posts.
I’ve been looking forward to having Way on the blog all month, and today is the day! Four-year-old Way is similar to my Sammy in many ways, making the chats I get to have with his mama, Lindley, so encouraging and real. You can find Lindley and her family on Instagram as @OurMorningGlories and on her blog Our Morning Glories.
What would Way do if he could design his own day?
If Way could design his own day, it would definitely include a trip to the park to play on the playground and swings. Probably followed up with a trip out to the store (he loves running errands with me because he is a social butterfly)! Then, I think heâd choose going to hippotherapy, where he gets to ride his fave horse, Gwinnie, or to music class (he loves music)! Or maybe the library or storytime, because he canât pass up a good book! Weâd have to include time to play with his brothers, too. And to top off his day, heâd vote for a bubble bath for sure!!
 Who does he love to spend time with?
He absolutely adores his 3 big brothers and the feeling is mutual!
What does he do with his brothers?
They love to play together, which often involves big brothers making up crazy songs and encouraging Way to repeat them! Big bros love to read to Way and help teach him how to do basic tasks! They have a contest every morning to see who can go into Wayâs room the fastest—itâs playtime before they head off to school!
What is something you want everyone to know about them?
I want everyone to know that Way and others born with Down syndrome are fearfully and wonderfully made! God makes no mistakes and that includes ALL of us! Way brings joy to everyone who interacts with him and loves so fiercely itâs unbelievable!
What have been good resources for you to learn more about Down syndrome?
For me, the technical books havenât had as much of an influence as I thought they would. I expected things to be so different when we found out about his diagnosis while I was pregnant with him. However, Way truly is more alike than different!! So the best resources for me are often the ones I find in relationships. Meeting people in town who have loved ones with DS and the Insta community as well have both been very helpful!
Check back tomorrow as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month or click below to read all of our previous posts.
