Still Not Sweatin' It or My Way of Sharing World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) or Our Trip to the Zoo

Why am I not sweatin' the petty stuff or pettin' the sweaty stuff?

Grayson didn't want to turn around to take the picture.

 Because I am beginning to learn that I just shouldn't. I have spent the last 2 years in a state of worry. I've spent them in a state of woe or even mourning, but I don't think that is the true description for it. I've just been different. Not myself. Sometimes I didn't even like myself. I would be in the moment, not being myself, knowing I wasn't being myself, and yet I still acted not myself! It was frustrating. I cried to Drew about it, my mom, my close friends. Why couldn't I just be me again? What happened to me? Is this what I was going to be like forever? Is this what a stressed out mom, teacher, parent of a special needs child, and wife acted like? I lamented who I used to be, I grieved over who I was becoming, and I longed for the old me.



Me preggers with Grayson and really really a Blondie!

 But I am slowly coming to realize that I will never be that person again. A lot has happened in my life in the past two years. I had Marloe, got pregnant with Grayson 6 months later while still learning how to be a mommy, then found out at birth that Grayson had Down Syndrome. I can't be the same person after going through all of those life changing events in less than two years. I am just now realizing that a year and a half later. I am beginning to accept who I am now, in the present.




The lamentation over the past me is slowly staying where it should stay...in the past. I like this newness. I like the feeling of accepting where I am in life...Finally! I feel fresh, excited, like anything is possible. Bring it on Spring! I welcome your growth. I am going to grow with you.

March 21st marks World Down Syndrome Day. This is a day to raise awareness for people with Down Syndrome. But for me, every day is Down Syndrome Day. This is my life.  I want to raise awareness every day. I want to tell my story to the world. That's why I started this blog. Its been so therapeutic to just get my thoughts out and maybe someone, somewhere is learning more about people with Down syndrome because they clicked my link or found me in this great big "web." I hope so. I know reading other parents of Down syndrome children's blogs like Noah's Dad, Pudge and Biggie, and The Bates Motel has helped me. They have inspired me to share our life. Of all the resources, books, pamphlets, and websites out there on raising children with Down syndrome, other parents' stories have been the most helpful.

I have a special needs son, a typically developing daughter, and a wonderful husband who I share my crazy life with. I have a great supporting community of family, friends, and co-workers. And yes, Grayson has delays. He has therapies. Yes, I have to explain to strangers and acquaintances why he isn't walking yet or what living with a child with Down Syndrome is all about. But I don't care. I want to do that. I love talking about my children. Above all the diagnosis and chromosome counting, Grayson is my child, my son. He is my wonderful, curly haired, blue eyed, funny, stubborn, snotty, slobbery, and loving son.

And now more pics of  Our Trip to the Zoo

Marloe giving tokens to a wildlife project.

Grayson watching tortoises.

Family Shot with Nana (my mom)

Nice people offered to take one of all of us.

Now if only we were all cooperating...Marloe!

Taking a break on the playground.

Such a Little Sweetie!

Hopefully I will post my Wordless Wednesday and make a post on 3/21, but if not
Happy World Down Syndrome Day! I'm loving all of my world Down syndrome days for the rest of my wonderful life! 

Could Grayson be a ToysRUs Model?

So I received my monthly NDSS newsletter in my email yesterday. For those of you that aren't familiar, NDSS stands for National Down Syndrome Society. Their page and organization offers up to date information about Down Syndrome resources, advocacy, support, ways to give, Buddy Walks®, as well as great personal stories. I am also part of their blogger button campaign to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2013.

I look forward to receiving my monthly email and reading all the great stories. This month had an interesting casting call. Here's what it says:

NDSS is pleased to announce that our corporate partner, Toys“R”Us, is looking for models for their 2013 Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. The Guide gives parents and friends of children with disabilities an easy-to-use resource to find toys that offer them the best opportunity for fun and learning. They are seeking children age 12 months to 10 years to model for this year's guide. 
A digital version of the 2012 Guide is available online at http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3261680 and printed Guides are available in Toys "R" Us stores.
View the 2013 Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids flyer.
Fill out the casting form application.

So I have decided to complete the casting form and send it off with two pictures of an up close and full figure shot. It can't hurt and all it costs is postage, so I say give it a shot. Here are some pics of the little camera hog. These are from last September for his one year photo session. I am thinking that I should get some more recent shots to turn in by the April 19th deadline since he has grown and his hair is longer.

This picture was a surprise that Drew set up while
I was in the bathroom with Marloe since Grayson couldn't stand
or walk on his own. He still can't, but we know he will when he is ready.

Yeah, his hair is much longer now.

This is one of the only up close shots without
the signature snot coming out of his nose.

Had to include Little Sweetie as well!

Hope you all have a great weekend!