Birthday Celebration

We celebrated my birthday this weekend. Yesterday, the kids and I made a cake. Today, we went to a book festival and then to eat at my favorite restaurant. Yummo! It was so very hot we didn't actually stay very long at the book festival but we managed to get 2 books and have them signed by the author. We met some of our Ethiopian adoption gang later (to eat) and got to have a nice visit. Their little boy turns 1 tomorrow! It was a great birthday. I turned 39, ONE MORE TIME!There actually were other people at the restaurant but not many because we got there right as they opened. (Just the way I like it!)

Ahhh, Sunshine

Don't get me wrong. LOVING the rain, seriously. Just, thankful for a little sunshine!





I took mostly videos of the big kids. Ansley is riding her tricycle very well. I think she'll be getting a bicycle for her birthday. (SHhhh...don't tell her) As for the headband, she said,
"I'll wear this to keep the hair out of my eyes" (What do you think? Is it helping?)

Crazy Am I

So, after a week of being Trapped housebound because it was too wet to play outside, I struck out to McD's. (Getting out to the store where they are not allowed to run off energy does NOT count) Just me and 4 kids (under the age of 6). Crazy, no? Someone forgot to reserve the space next to the door for me. So I had to park across the parking lot. The drive through was booming by the way. How to make my way from my car, across the parking lot, through the drive through window line with 4 kids was my mission. I let Ansley and Judson out first and have them stand on the grass in front of the car. I get Sawyer out and hold him in my arms. I then get Turner out and hold him in my other arm. I have Judson and Ansley hold hands and then have Judson hold my finger and we cross the great divide. As I get into the door, Sawyer wriggles out of my arms and runs over several people making his way to the 'play place'. All the while, he's waving his arm and saying "come on". So while 3 are playing, I hold the little one and order.

While I'm filling water glasses, I notice commotion behind me. Sawyer has escaped the play place and making his way amongst the tables greeting everyone. Why? Because that's what he does. He's a people person. FINALLY, I make my way to the table with all the food and manage to get everyone fed. Then I let everyone play some more (rather ordering them to play and run off all the energy that has built up over the last 5 rainy days). I had to teach Turner how to climb the 'ramp' to the little kid slide. After all, it's just not something he's seen or done before. Then, much like his brother Sawyer, he begins to get a boost of confidence and starts 'mingling' with the other people, flashing his 4 tooth grin. Those 2 are definitely people lovers!

Now, you might be wondering how I got everyone back in the car. It was more of a problem than was getting them out. I carried two and held hands with the others out to the parking lot. Then I let Judson and Ansley get in the car as well as Sawyer. None are strapped in, just confined to the car. I strap Turner in next. Then wrangle Sawyer into his seat and strap him in. Finally, strapping in Judson and Ansley. Whew!

I met several curious people wondering about my 4 children. ALL of them were very nice. Ok, I think they all felt sorry for me but that's okay. Not a one had a bad comment. Several asked if all 4 were mine. Gotta say, I may never 'blend in' when going out but I sure won't be boring either. Too fun!

PS. NO Lori, the honeymoon is not over. This kid is awesome. Too fun. It's definitely more challenging getting out with 4 kids than 3 but it's still doable and much fun. He was actually the only one that wasn't antsy to get outside and play. He was content. The other 3 were driving me crazy because they couldn't get out and ride bikes and play. Right now, three are playing contently. #4 is wondering where I am. Still loving the honeymoon!

It's Been A Week

I apologize for the grainy pic. The camera hasn't worked well since Randy got back from Ethiopia.

Our littlest guy has been home ONE week. What an amazing little guy! He has done so well. He is a soft spoken kid, UNLESS you get out of his sight and then he will scream. He is happy 99% of the time. The other small bit is when he is hungry or tired. He laughs a lot. He babbles. He can say Momma and Daddy and he knows what those words mean. (He also likes to tease and not use them when you ask him to) He can sign 'more' (especially when in conjunction with food!) I am amazed as I watch him. His resilience is awe inspiring.

We've taken him out to eat, to the grocery, to school with Sawyer and to Target in the span of 1 week. He took it all in and never had a meltdown. He sleeps pretty much through the night. If he does wake up, you can just tell him to lay down and he'll go back to sleep. He loves playing with the kids, especially chasing Ansley as she runs screaming through the house. He loves to wrestle with anyone who'll oblige. He loves to be tickled and to be kissed. He'll blow kisses too.

I could have never predicted that this first week would have gone so smoothly. We're enjoying every minute and could not have asked for any better adjustment so far.

CSI

The Apparatus/Attache`

The VictimThe Recovered "Loot"
The Apparent DestinationThe Perp

1st Doctor's visit

Took Turner to his first doctor's visit. He did fine until it came to the shots. (As if) He is in the 50% on height and the 5% on weight. We have to pork this boy up some.

On another note, Randy had thought Turner's feet were extra wide with an extra high arch in them when he was in Ethiopia. They aren't. They are average with more arch than the other kids but nothing abnormally high. What he does is tuck his toes under his feet when you put his shoes one. He won't straighten them out even after the shoe is on. Weirdest thing I've ever seen.
Even when I put his Robeez on, I have to physically force his toes straight.

Low Maintenance

That's the motto at our house. To that end, I took Turner to have his hair cut today. Here he is!He sat very still and didn't make a peep while getting his hair cut. I guess he likes it okay. I really don't think he has an opinion right now. Judson was disappointed. He liked rubbing Turner's head/hair. On another note, Ansley made note that Turner's skin was 'black' but her skin was like Sawyer's. It's a matter of perspective, isn't it? Before, she'd say her skin was darker than Sawyer's. Now, it's the same as Sawyer's. It's funny what kids notice. It's also neat that it was just an observation. Not, one is better than the other. Just one is different than the other. She loves that Turner has brown eyes like she does. It has always bothered her that she was the only one with brown eyes.

The Honeymoon

I'm loving this honeymoon period. (Except the part where I don' t have time to get ready so I look like I just crawled out of bed...)

Playing outside today(the smiles say it all)

To give you and idea of size. The pants are 12m (rolled up a the waist)
the shirt is 18m
He is tiny


So Debbie, feel free to send up those prayers for energy. I have a feeling I'm going to need them.

Stricklin, Party of 6

OK. Today, I figure I want to get Turner on our schedule so I decide we need to go out and do something. So we decide to go out to eat. Yep, his first full day home and I'm dragging him out to one of our favorite Mr. Ron's (Ansley's word for restaurant). We go into the restaurant and 3 of our 4 kids are climbing all over the booth. The 4th (and newest) is screaming his displeasure about something. I turn around to see the person who is going to be our waitress, roll her eyes. I just had to laugh and apologize before we even got started. She was like, oh no, it's okay. (She didnt' expect to get caught)

Even though we had a rough start, the lunch went well. Everyone ate well, even Turner. Who'd think a kid with only 4 teeth could eat tortilla chips!

Overall, I'd say we were doing quite well. He definitely doesn't want dad to get out of site. If however, Dad is going to be gone, Mom will do (after much screaming). The kids are loving him. Ansley likes the job of 'big sister'. Judson is doing pretty well with the screaming. (When Ansley came home and screamed, Judson would melt down) Sawyer thinks Turner is pretty cool too. So for day 1, I give us an "A"The Great Rift Valley

Sick and Tired

Ansley, Sawyer and I woke up this morning coughing, sneezing, etc. Yep, we have the same thing Judson has had for the past few days. We're SICK!

Randy and Turner/Mesfin are on their last leg of the their journey. They've been in airplanes/airports for about 13 hours and have about 9 more hours to go. They're TIRED!

At least, we'll be together soon!

Buddy Walk-What Happens to the Money

Last fall the DSAA Buddy Walk made almost $150,000 after expenses were paid. Of this, $15,000 (10%) was donated to NDSS, specifically designated for their Washington, D.C. Policy Center. The remaining $135,000 stayed in DSAA and has been used for the following activities:

• Grant to the Emory Down Syndrome Clinic -- $31,250
• Grant to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic -- $23,000
• Funding for the Hispanic Support Group -- $ 4,200
• Launching of Down Syndrome Specialists Project in schools - $ 3,200
  
• Costs for bimonthly DSAA Newsletters -- $ 11,000
• Costs for website maintenance -- $ 3,000
  
• New Expectant Parent and Medical Provider Guides -- $ 25,000
• New Parent Packets and Parent Liaison Program costs -- $ 1,000
• Spring Educational Conference -- $ 800
• Scholarships for members to attend conferences -- $ 4,000
• Bregman Dance for young adults -- $ 1,000
• Winter social and spring luau -- $ 17,000
• Advocacy $ 2,200
• Fall Conference Planning and Publicity -- $ 8,350 TOTAL $ 135,000
  

A Fly on the Wall

Note: Judson has a summer cold right now

Overheard in our car today:

Mom: Judson, we cannot go there today. You are Sick.

Judson: I"m not sick. I"m just a little down in the nose.

First Week of School

Sawyer completed his 1st week of school. It/he was a huge success. Monday when I picked him up, his teacher said, "See you tomorrow, friend". Ah...no. He will only be coming M-W-F. Disappointment was written all over her face. She said they thought he was 5 days a week. No, just check the IEP, should be written in there. So, Wednesday, when I pick him up, first the para-pro approaches me about 5 days per week. Again, NO. Then the teacher says maybe he'd do better with more routine and perhaps I'd like to consider putting him in 5 days per week. Again, NO. We planned on3 plus we have OT on Tuesdays. So today, Friday, who's out there? The principal of the school. SHe's 'in love' with my son, as is everyone apparently. He is such a wonderful little boy, blah blah blah. Perhaps, I would want to put him in 5 days per week.

Now, my son is a charmer. True enough. Plus, this first week he has been on his best behavior and has not unleashed that temper he gets from his father's side of the family. However, is that the ONLY reason they want him in school 5 days a week. I suspect not. There are only 3 kids in his class. Not sure the time frame the other 2 children are attending but I suspect it's hard to justify 1 teacher and 1 para-pro for 3 kids. Alas, I do not want them to lose this program or change it to another school. However, at this point, my son will only be going 3 days per week. Hopefully, as children age out of state early intervention program, more children will be in the class as the school year progresses.

When the Cat's Away

We PLAY:

1) Overheard at McD's play place this week:
Elderly woman: Your children are precious. So beautiful.
Me: Thank You.
Woman: You are so lucky. I wish my daughter would give me some grandbabies.
Ansley (Looking at me all wide eyed and sincere): She can go to Taiwan and get a baby!
Me: That's a GREAT idea!

2) Pictures of our Jumping Fun (while Sawyer was in school) with our friend Luyushu(apparently the roof leaked rain in on this slide. Luyushu was soaked. Luckily, I had some extra clothes in the car, so we didn't have to go home and change or anything)

Ansley thought she was as big as Luyushu and Judson and tried to do everything they did, UNTIL, she got stuck between two jumpy things. Had to be pulled out by one of the other moms. (I didn't know she was stuck)



Judson and Luyushu have been friends for almost 4 years now. At one point, he was her 'prince' and she was going to marry him someday.(Seriously, she told her mom that she was going to marry him) She even told him at swimming this summer that he was 'kinda cute'. However, times change and people change and she found a new boyfriend. I did hear that her new beau 'Dump-ed' her for another girl. So maybe these 2 can get back together!!!! So cute!

Tropic Thunder

I've debated whether to write anything personal about the movie, Tropic Thunder. I believe if you give something credence, then it becomes bigger than it would have otherwise. I don't like giving power to something so trite as a movie meant to make 15-year old boys laugh. (even if it is as the expense of other people) So instead I will tell you about a 3 year old boy whom I love very much and who someday will know what the 'r' word means and will be hurt by it.

He was born with Down Syndrome but that is just one aspect of his life and personality. He LOVES music. Sings at the top of his lungs to Wiggles songs, Disney songs, Josh Groban songs, The Banana Boat song, Avalon's song, Orphans of God, and on it goes. He loves playing outside. He likes sliding and swinging and just being outside. He adores his big brother. If big brother does it, he thinks it's the best thing every. He loves slap stick humor. Falling on the floor and bumping into things are some of his faves. He tells knock-knock jokes. He also will say, "Give me 5" "Up High" "Down Low" "Too Slow".

He cannot stand it when someone cries. (except maybe his sister) He LOVES teasing his sister. (who doesn't?) He can count to 20 and recognizes the numbers 1-20. He knows his abc's and their sounds. He has trouble with his colors. He loves cars and trains and anything with wheels. He needs to work on trunk strength. He loves meat and potatoes. Sweets and Veggies? Eh, not so much.

In other words, he's just like your kids and kids you know. He has strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone. It may take him longer to learn something and he may have to work twice as hard as other kids, but he can and does learn. He has feelings like everyone else. So, before you use the 'r' word (or any word that demeans a person or group of people),
DON'T. Plain and simple.

Guess Who? (3rd post for today)

Someone is learning to write her name. I only helped with the "S", she did the rest.
Be sure to check Sawyer's 1st day of school too.

Movie NOT TO SEE

National Down Syndrome Congress

August 10, 2008

Dear Friends,
I am taking the unusual step of contacting you over the weekend, because we have a lot of work to do and a short time in which to do it.
On Friday, our Resource Specialist, Sue Joe, and I attended a special screening of DreamWorks new film, 'Tropic Thunder'. Journalist Pat Bauer also attended the screening and reports on the contents of the film on her blog, www.patriciaebauer. com. So far, we are the only members of the nationwide disability community who have seen the film, though more screenings are planned for Monday for leaders in other cities. To say this film is offensive is an understatement. For me, watching this film felt like sitting through an assault.
The National Down Syndrome Congress is a founding member of a coalition of disability-rights organizations who have been in discussion together -- and with DreamWorks -- about this film. Now that we have seen this movie, there is no doubt but that we must come together to fight what has been characterized as damaging and hurtful hate speech.
Members of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, led by Gail Williamson, will be among the local and national representatives providing informational leafleting and picketing at the Hollywood premiere of this film on Monday. However, we need your help.
If you are in Southern California and can get to Los Angeles on Monday, please contact Gail at gail@dsala.org.
If you cannot make it on Monday, please start planning for Wednesday's nationwide premiere by polling your members for those who might be able to show up at one or more theatres in your area that day to share our message that movies like 'Tropic Thunder' do cause harm, both emotionally and by giving insensitive individuals new ways to taunt children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It would be best to have a large turnout at one theatre than to have one or two people at many, and it is important to involve self advocates.
Lest you think the movie is so ridiculous that no one will take it seriously, Josh Tyler, Editor-in-Chief of CinemaBlend, has already given the film a glowing review, noting that his 'current favorite' quote, 'You never go full retard,' comes from the film.
On Monday morning, we will provide information gathered from various coalition members, to use in your efforts.
In Solidarity,

David Tolleson

National Down Syndrome Congress

1st Day of School

Just a quick note. Sawyer did well when I dropped him off at school. Lots of people, he was in heaven. More later after I pick him up. The picture is when I brought out the book bag before we left. He was not happy then! He wanted to go to "Donalds" (aka McDonalds)

HIGH NOON: Just got a call from the teacher. Sawyer is having a great day! He only cried once when they first went into cafeteria for lunch. Once he figured out the whole routine he was fine and ate like a champ. She says he's doing well.

Picked Sawyer up at 2. He was quite happy and had a great day. He is now back in his room listening to music which is one of his favorite things to do.

Buddy Walk - October 4th

Many of you know, every year we participate as a family in our local Buddy Walk day. This year the day is October 4th. We always have a great time. The kids love the games and music. This year we'll be a family of 6!

If you would like to donate, you may go here. This site allows you make a donation via your credit card directly towards Sawyer's goal of $500. If you prefer, you can send us a check made out to DSAA with Sawyer's name on the Memo line. We'll make sure it gets to the proper place.

As always, thank you for your support. Obviously, Down Syndrome is a huge part of our life. It's part of who we are and we wouldn't have it any other way! If anyone is local and wants to come join us, we'd love to see you there. (Registration fees get you a t-shirt and lunch. Or just show up and enjoy the sites and sounds) If you are not local, I encourage you to look for a Buddy Walk close to you. Last year there were 275 Buddy Walks held in October. They would love to see you and even better, they'd love for you to volunteer. You will be blessed beyond measure, I promise.

Miracle Emma

You have to pop over and read the latest on Miss Emma. Just click the button to the right. "Emma's Hope" What an awesome story!

Update on Emma

Click on the EMMA BUTTON on the right to get the update on her. She is out of surgery and in recovery. All is going well.

Little Miss Emma

Emma is having her surgery on Monday. She needs your prayers/good wishes/good karma and any other good vibes you can send her way. It will be a tough day for her mommy and daddy, so send those good vibes their way too.