Sweet Summertime

We had a busy and fun 3-day weekend!  While it’s technically not summer, the temperature outside says otherwise.  Austin LOVES to be outside. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’d stay outside all day long if I let him.  We love to swim and go to the park. 

Here are some pictures from our Memorial Day Festivities.  

                                           

Our Precious Abby

Last year, we had the amazingly wonderful experience of meeting Abby and her beautiful mom, Jenn.  The Down syndrome community goes beyond being local. We’ve formed close friendships from all over the country thanks to the Down syndrome group on Baby Center. Jenn and Abby live in Michigan, but visit McKinney about once a year to see family. Last year, we met up at my our very favorite mall in Frisco. 

                                                Abby and Austin (MARCH 2011)

 This year, Abby did not accompany Jenn.  While we missed seeing Abby, it was SO good to visit and catch up with Jenn. For those who don’t know, Abby has an incredibly rare blood disorder. It doesn’t even have a specific name because it’s literally unique and one of a kind to Abby. The only thing I can compare it to is Leukemia?  The only exception is that the Doctors don’t really have any answers or solutions. Every stuffy nose or spiked fever can be life threatening for Abby. Jenn explained that Abby doesn’t even cry anymore when having her blood drawn because she’s used it. It’s heartbreaking! Abby is such a little fighter. You’d never know by looking at her that she has this rare disorder. Jenn also said, “It’s not Down syndrome that poses challenges- it’s this rare blood disorder.” Of course, Jenn is SUPER MOM…and I’m pretty sure she knows MORE than the doctors do at this point concerning Abby’s blood disorder. She’s constantly researching, but it’s still frustrating when the doctors still don’t have any answers.

We spent a few hours at The Cheesecake Factory catching up with each other, laughing and venting about stuff only WE can understand. As our visit came to an end, we decided to make Austin and Abby matching bears from Build-A-Bear.

Please keep Abby in your prayers. She’s such a smart, beautiful and miraculous little girl.

WE LOVE YOU, ABIGAIL!!

Shrine Circus 2012

We went to the Shrine Circus last weekend with our good friends, Rachel and Mr. T (Miss T's awesome big brother.)

I have a confession to make: I had NEVER been to a circus before. I grew up in small town in the Texas Hill Country. The only “attractions” that came to town were those creepy carnivals in the mall parking lot.

I wasn’t sure WHAT to expect from the circus?  However, I was excited for Austin to experience it. It also helped that Mr. T was a circus veteran- so he showed us the ropes!  We had SO MUCH FUN!  I wasn’t sure how Austin would handle it, but he LOVED it! Needless to say, I will keep my eyes out for tickets next time the circus is in town.

Playing with his circus toy!

He was SO EXCITED!!

Eating a snack and waiting for the show to start!

The animals are SO BIG!

                                             

Happy World Down Syndrome Day

Today is VERY special. It’s WORLD Down Syndrome Day! Why 3/21? Well, every individual born with Down syndrome has 3 copies of his/her 21^st chromosome. Those of us that were not born with Down syndrome only have 2 copies of the 21^st chromosome. Individuals with Down syndrome have an extra copy. I’m pretty sure that extra chromosome is all the extra good stuff-sprinkled with an extra dose of STUBBORN. 

Austin has opened my eyes to a completely different world. It’s a beautiful world with acceptance and love. He has made me more aware to the fact that those with disabilities have strengths and weaknesses just like all of us. Disabilities (in general) have far too many stereotypes. People don’t understand. Therefore, this different life that we lead must be filled with heartache, sadness and grieving the child I thought I would have. In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, I would like to set the record straight. Our life is anything but sad. It’s busy and some days are crazier than ever- but I still wouldn’t trade my sweet boy for anything. Would he have the same sweet laugh without that extra chromosome? Would he make silly animal noises without that extra chromosome? Would he be the smart little boy who tries to use his cute smile to get out of working during his therapies? The truth is that I don’t want to know what he’d be like without an extra chromosome because he wouldn’t be Austin!

He was fearfully and wonderfully made. The traits of Down syndrome that some see as “imperfect” are beautiful to those who love him. Most of all, they are beautiful to his Lord and Savior. We get a lot of “second glances” while out in public. Most of our encounters with other people are pleasant, but there’s always the occasional not so pleasant encounter. You know, those dreadful looks of pity or even sadness.  If they only knew…I don’t need pity or sadness. In fact, I feel sorry for those who are so misinformed and uneducated. Our life is much more “normal” than you would ever guess.  Most of all, we are so thankful to God for making Austin extra special.  I’m not really sure that HE is the one who faces more challenges in this world...perhaps it’s those around him who are misinformed? Get informed! Educate yourself!

Happy World Down Syndrome day to all of our friends with an extra chromosome. We are so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends brought together all in the name of that sweet chromosome.

Austin's 2!

Austin turned 2 on Friday. My sweet boy had a big birthday bash at The Ark (part of First Baptist Church in Coppell).

This was taken at Austin's Birthday lunch with Nana and Mommy :)

I saved the best for last:

WE HAVE A WALKER!