Oh, Happy Day 31 for 21, day 8

Today is my day of birth, birthday…what ever you want to call it. I remember when 26 seemed so far away that I couldn’t even picture myself being “that old.” It seems like the time goes by faster each year. Unfortunately, I’m still mistaken for a teenager on a regular basis. This might be flattering when I’m in my 30’s, but now? It’s anything but flattering. Don’t even get me started on the judgmental looks I receive from the “older” population when I’m pushing Austin in the stroller. It happens more often than you’d think. What else can you do but laugh? It really is funny.

That’s all for today.

The Wisdom of a Duck, 31 for 21, Day 7

The weather has been AMAZING lately. I decided it was far too beautiful outside to waste the day away indoors. Austin and I decided to visit a park near our neighborhood this morning. He had a lot of fun. I pushed him on the swing, which he loved! We strolled around the park and he observed the people and of course, the dogs. Austin LOVES dogs! I can already tell he’ll be a dog/animal lover like his Daddy and I. After we finished playing, we strolled down to the giant pond and fed the ducks. Austin watched them intently as they devoured ate the bread we tossed out to them.

Ducks always remind me of my beloved Grandfather, “Papa.” Papa played golf every Saturday and Sunday. When he was finished playing golf, he’d go home and relax in his grey recliner while watching professional golf . There were very few events that could take the place of an important Golf Tournament on television. His nickname on the golf course was “Stud Duck.” I can’t recall the exact story behind the nickname. There’s a memorial on the golf course where he was a member. There’s also a respectable duck figurine next to it. When I was in second grade, I remember Papa sharing a story he had seen on the news. It was December and children were writing letters to Santa at school. One little girl with a disability asked Santa to please give her one day where no one made fun of her. Heartbreaking...just heartbreaking. After he shared this story, he reminded me of the importance of not making fun of others because they’re different. I don’t remember the specifics of our conversation that day, but I do know he felt strongly about what he was conveying to me. He passed away in 1995.

I know Papa would've loved Austin. His words on that December day mean so much more now than ever. I know Austin will face challenges because he‘s different. Let’s face it, kids can be cruel. I can feel my heart breaking each time I think about him having to deal with bullies. All kids will deal with some sort of bullying in their life. I don’t want Austin to be a target for bullies because he has a disability, yet I know it’s inevitable. You don’t even have to have a disability…you just have to be “different.” I just feel instinctively overprotective when it comes to Austin’s feelings. I think any parent can relate to that. Is it ridiculous to dream that bullying will be a thing of the past when Austin starts school? All I can do is pray and have faith.

Woohoo, week one is completed of 31 for 21! Many more to come. :)

Blessings,
K

With Love, With Patience and With Faith, 31 for 21 Day 6

...For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones...

- Psalm 37:28

...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint...

- Proverbs 14:29

...And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them...

-Romans 8:28



31 for 21: Day 5 Puppy Love

The past 24 hours have been crazy at our house. Austin isn't feeling too well and was up a lot last night. My poor little guy was so restless. We took him to the doctor and it looks like he has an ear infection. Hopefully his antibiotics will kick in soon.

Austin was crying so hard last night...to the point where he was inconsolable. Ryan and I took turns holding and trying to comfort him. He finally fell asleep in our bed around 8. Now, I normally don't allow Cagle (our dog) to be alone with Austin. It's not that I think Cagle would ever hurt him, because he's SO good with him. I guess I'm just a typical paranoid mom. We kept our bedroom door open while we were watching the news before bed and so we could hear Austin. Ryan and I encouraged Cagle to stay in the living room with us, but he refused. He just HAD to be at the foot of our bed, near Austin. He's so protective of "his boy." Austin loves Cagle...he's always reaching for him. He smiles and laughs when Cagle licks him.

                                                               Austin's about 2 weeks old in this picture.

Austin's 3 weeks old here.

                                                                           Always looking at his pup:)



No Down syndrome facts today. It's been a LONG day, my friends. I'm going to bed.
Blessings,
K



UP SYNDROME 31:21 day 4

I accept that my son has Down syndrome. I accept that he’s different and will accomplish milestones in “his time.” However, I don’t accept limitations. I refuse to put limitations on him. Am I being too optimistic? I don’t think so. MANY years ago, doctors recommended all babies born with Down syndrome be put in an institution. They didn’t believe they would ever walk, communicate, read, potty train and do things that “normal” children do.  I don’t think any of us would’ve learned to read or write without encouragement and guidance. Moreover, we probably wouldn’t have learned to crawl, sit, stand,walk and feed ourselves without the encouragement and guidance of our parents and caregivers.I don’t think any of us are capable of thriving without encouragement and most of all, LOVE. I refuse to accept that Austin won’t do all the things that typical children do. It might take him a little longer to do all those things that most of us take for granted, BUT HE WILL do them.


Down syndrome doesn’t come without struggles, that’s for sure. Life doesn’t come without struggles and parenting certainly doesn’t come without struggles. Down syndrome means that my son was born with an extra 21 chromosome. He has 3 instead of the typical 2. It’s named after John Langdon Down. He’s a British physician who discovered this Genetic disorder in 1866.


There’s nothing “down” about having a child with 47 chromosomes. Life is exactly what you choose to make of it. I could dwell on the fact that my son is different, but what good would that do any of us? So…it might take him longer to crawl and walk? So what? It might take him longer to learn and comprehend new things? Again, SO WHAT? We’ll work on the delays, but we won’t let the delays define who he is. Austin is so much more than that! I have a beautiful son, who is truly the light of my life. I see nothing “down” when I look at my him. In the beautiful documentary, Deedah, a mother asks her son with Down syndrome, “Jonathan, what kind of syndrome do you have?” Jonathan enthusiastically responds, “UP SYNDROME!”


That’s right! If only all of us could have a little piece of “Up syndrome”…the world would be a much better place.