Trevor can't get enough baseball this year (I think he just really wants spring to arrive, notice the big dirty snowbank we still have!) and asks Josh to go out and practice hitting and fielding every day, he does really well :)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
DS in the media
In case you missed these recent articles pertaining to Down syndrome in the Boston Globe, please click on the links below.
The first, Late game heroics for Lawson, Norwell is an inspiring article by Boston Globe Staff Writer Monique Walker, about Andrew Lawson, a high school senior with Down syndrome at Norwell High and a member of the Norwell High School Basketball team:
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/basketball/articles/2008/02/15/late_game_heroics_for_lawson_norwell/
Another great piece on Andrew Lawson by Ann Silvio and Bill Greene of the Boston Globe:
http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/tn/1/featured_videos.htm?bctid=1453536171
Lastly, read A 4-year-old ambassador against fear, featured in the Boston Globe on March 2, 2008 by MDSC member Beverly Beckham, winner of the 2007 MDSC Media Award:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/03/02/a_4_year_old_ambassador_against_fear/?p1=email_to_a_friend
In case you missed these recent articles pertaining to Down syndrome in the Boston Globe, please click on the links below.
The first, Late game heroics for Lawson, Norwell is an inspiring article by Boston Globe Staff Writer Monique Walker, about Andrew Lawson, a high school senior with Down syndrome at Norwell High and a member of the Norwell High School Basketball team:
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/basketball/articles/2008/02/15/late_game_heroics_for_lawson_norwell/
Another great piece on Andrew Lawson by Ann Silvio and Bill Greene of the Boston Globe:
http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/tn/1/featured_videos.htm?bctid=1453536171
Lastly, read A 4-year-old ambassador against fear, featured in the Boston Globe on March 2, 2008 by MDSC member Beverly Beckham, winner of the 2007 MDSC Media Award:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/03/02/a_4_year_old_ambassador_against_fear/?p1=email_to_a_friend
The Gym Dandies 3-27-08
Trevor and I had the opportunity to attend a Gym Dandies show at the high School last night. The Gym Dandies are a very unique group of Children's circus performers exclusive to our town. The Children are in 3rd-8th grade, and perform acts such as unicycling and juggling. They perform all over the country including the Macy's parade and in Washington D.C. We had to leave a little early for Trevor's 8 oclock bedtime, but it was REALLY fun. I took LOTS of video (so Josh could see it too, he had to stay behind with the little ones.) Pause the music below and Enjoy!
Trevor and I had the opportunity to attend a Gym Dandies show at the high School last night. The Gym Dandies are a very unique group of Children's circus performers exclusive to our town. The Children are in 3rd-8th grade, and perform acts such as unicycling and juggling. They perform all over the country including the Macy's parade and in Washington D.C. We had to leave a little early for Trevor's 8 oclock bedtime, but it was REALLY fun. I took LOTS of video (so Josh could see it too, he had to stay behind with the little ones.) Pause the music below and Enjoy!
What's new (this week).....
So I decided to start a new weekly Friday post. Just a little journaling to help me keep track of things, life and milestones. The kids change so fast! Anyone want to join me in the weekly post?? (Mom, Irene, Jayne?)
So I decided to start a new weekly Friday post. Just a little journaling to help me keep track of things, life and milestones. The kids change so fast! Anyone want to join me in the weekly post?? (Mom, Irene, Jayne?)
- Lucas took 3 steps unassisted
- Breanna figured out how to open the baby gate at the top of the stairs (YIKES!)
- Lucas learned new words- Blueberry, Thank You and Trevor
- Gas is up to $3.39/gallon and I had to fill up both cars this week
- I started using the reusable grocery bags (and I LOVE them!)
- Trevor learned how to hit a baseball
- We saw the Gym Dandies for the first time.
- We're getting MORE snow!
- Lucas doesn't like sleeping (at all!) which makes for tired and cranky parents.
- Lucas started climbing (Everything!)
- I made some photo collages with Shutterfly Studio.
- I ordered 3 years worth of photos from Snapfish (can't beat 9 cent prints!)
- I changed my blog header (again:))
- I actually kept up with the laundry
- Trevor read a book to his teacher at school
- Two of Lucas' top teeth have broken through
- Lucas ate pizza and Mum Mums for the first time and started drinking Whole milk.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Acceptance?
Have we really come so far as a society? Read the comments to this article. Kind of sickening.
Have we really come so far as a society? Read the comments to this article. Kind of sickening.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter 2008
Our family had a wonderful and blessed Easter this year. The kids woke up and had a Easter Egg hunt which included candy, cars and one little present each (even though Trevor accidentally saw them the night before!) . I'm going to be so sad when they get to be too big for this tradition. We were so lucky to be able to share the afternoon and dinner with Kevin and Amy and their family and Mom and Dad. We ate good food (ham potatoes and salad), drank good drink and had lots of laughs (as we always do, when kids are involved!) We had our first official KIDS table and at one point all the adults were actually all SITTING down for the meal at once, it was amazing. I have to say after hosting quite a few family gatherings over the past year (which I love doing), I just don't know how Nanny always pulled off those big meals all the time. It is not an easy task having everything done AND at the same time. Luckily, I had helpers. Mom made these AMAZING brownie desserts with peanut butter in the middle (which I hope she posts the recipe on her blog.) and I made a new recipe for scalloped potatoes which included BEER. I wish we could have these gatherings more often (and we especially missed not having Jeff, Irene and the girls there). It was a really fun day. Happy Easter and Happy memories to you and yours:) God Bless~and Enjoy the Pics :)
Our family had a wonderful and blessed Easter this year. The kids woke up and had a Easter Egg hunt which included candy, cars and one little present each (even though Trevor accidentally saw them the night before!) . I'm going to be so sad when they get to be too big for this tradition. We were so lucky to be able to share the afternoon and dinner with Kevin and Amy and their family and Mom and Dad. We ate good food (ham potatoes and salad), drank good drink and had lots of laughs (as we always do, when kids are involved!) We had our first official KIDS table and at one point all the adults were actually all SITTING down for the meal at once, it was amazing. I have to say after hosting quite a few family gatherings over the past year (which I love doing), I just don't know how Nanny always pulled off those big meals all the time. It is not an easy task having everything done AND at the same time. Luckily, I had helpers. Mom made these AMAZING brownie desserts with peanut butter in the middle (which I hope she posts the recipe on her blog.) and I made a new recipe for scalloped potatoes which included BEER. I wish we could have these gatherings more often (and we especially missed not having Jeff, Irene and the girls there). It was a really fun day. Happy Easter and Happy memories to you and yours:) God Bless~and Enjoy the Pics :)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Unbelievable.
Just think what $1350 could get you.....(or how much food that could buy for a starving family in a third world country)
Read here.
Just think what $1350 could get you.....(or how much food that could buy for a starving family in a third world country)
Read here.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happiness is mostly about attitude. We can be as happy as we make up our minds to be. Happiness is a choice. Look for something positive in everything and everyone. Find things to be grateful for. Thanks are the highest form of thought and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder It is only our thoughts that can make us unhappy, not our circumstances. Control our thoughts and we control our happiness.
~GK Chesterton.
~GK Chesterton.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lucas...One year
snapshot of Lucas at 1 year.....
- Weighs 18 lbs, 13 oz , 29 1/2 inches, 18 1/4 inch head circ.(PEANUT with a big head!)
- is done with baby food and eating all table food
- LOVES strawberries, grapes, cheese, goldfish, veggie sticks, cheeseburgers, apples, pears, bananas, spaghetti, ice cream
- can drink from a straw
- cruises along furniture and with a walker and can let go (but needs more balance b/c his head is so big compared to his body!)
- can bend down and pick up things without holding on
- can stack blocks
- favorite toys are his dog, Lightning McQueen road ripper and matchbox cars
- he can say Mama, Dada, Ball, snack, football, more (signs), sock, milk, done, poop, hot, bubble and dog (as well as imitating other words)
- Thinks the funniest thing is when you stick out your tongue and he likes to do it too!
- knows where his tongue and nose is
- Has two teeth on bottom and getting 4 more on top
- still nursing and wakes up at night (UGHHH!)
- Just want to play with Trevor and be big, but screams when Breanna (and her non-sharing self) comes near.
- refused to smile for his one year photo (at least he didn't cry!)
- nicknames (given by Trevor): Hammie, Chubbie
- wears size 4 diapers and size 12-18 mos clothes
- gets a buzz-cut
- points to what he wants
- waves and says bye-bye when we get our coats on to go places
- he's so cute!!!
It' s a good day when......
- I don't have to play referee every second
- Breanna doesn't have a tantrum about not watching Curious George after getting home from preschool.
- the laundry is folded AND put away
- I can blog (without nursing at the same time)
- I can take pictures
- I have time to breathe
- we can listen to quiet music at breakfast
- I can drink my tea without reheating it 10 times
- I can go to the gym
- I can talk to a friend
- I remember to give my kids their vitamins
- The fridge is full with good healthy food
- Everyone eats a wholesome breakfast and dinner (together!)
- I get a magazine in the mail (and maybe get to read a little of it)
- Lucas sleeps at night, takes naps and plays without crying too much.
- I get a few minutes of one-on-one time with each child
- We get to play football -wrestle- tackle
- One of the kids learns something new
- I get to tuck Trevor in at night and he wants to have one of our, "talks"
- We all get to read books together
- The kids don't watch too much tv
- we are all together!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Pot of Gold.
Every year on St. Patrick's day a little leprechaun leaves a pot of gold somewhere in the house for Trevor to find. He thinks it's the greatest thing and he even remembers where the pot of gold was hidden last year (in Lucas' drawer). I hope you find your pot of gold today(or maybe just a pint of Guinness), Happy St. Patty's day!
Project 365::77
31 Days::17
These little booties from Robeez have been my favorite cozy little baby thing this winter. Lucas has worn them every day since Christmas.
31 Days::17
These little booties from Robeez have been my favorite cozy little baby thing this winter. Lucas has worn them every day since Christmas.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Project 365::76
31 Days::16
Sweet Dreams My Little One....As I watch you sleep, I want to make time stand still. I will remember your tiny little hands and sweet baby's breath long after the day is done....Long after the years have passed. You are my beautiful child and I will love you forever.
31 Days::16
Sweet Dreams My Little One....As I watch you sleep, I want to make time stand still. I will remember your tiny little hands and sweet baby's breath long after the day is done....Long after the years have passed. You are my beautiful child and I will love you forever.~Patsy Gaut
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Saving this for later......
Your IEP Action Plan
1. Long before your IEP meeting, take some time to step back and think: do you need help with this? The IEP process can be complicated. You don't have to do it all by yourself. Consider hiring a special education advocate. Advocates can take on many roles, from simply meeting with you and helping you organize your thoughts, to accompanying you to the IEP meeting.
2. In the months and weeks before your meeting, make sure your records and documents are all in order. Want to do this the easy way? Buy the new "My IEP Toolkit" at www.organized4kids.com. I just bought one and I can't wait until it arrives! It's a large, high-quality 3-ring binder with sections for every type of document you need to keep - completely organized and all in one place. It's got how-to's and tips galore, and it makes your IEP record-keeping effortless.
3. Keep a running list of all your questions and anything you want to discuss at the meeting. Put it in your binder.
4. About a month in advance, check in with all the teachers and professionals who work with your child. Find out what concerns they may have. You may be surprised to find out something you weren't aware of. This serves two purposes: first, you can address these concerns in your Parent Statement; and second, you don't want any surprises at the IEP meeting!
5. Three or four weeks before your meeting, start writing your Parent Statement. You will want plenty of time to re-read it and revise it before the big day. Make copies of your Parent Statement for everyone who will be attending -- and put the copies in your binder.
6. A few days in advance, figure out what you want to wear. Make sure you've got groceries in the house, and enough laundry done. Do anything ahead that will make the morning of your IEP meeting go smoothly.
7. Decide in advance what you want waiting for you when you get home that day. Have your favorite CD ready to play, a favorite food prepared, a set of comfy clothes to change into ... you get the idea!
8. Also in advance, block off a little bit of down time right after the meeting for you. When you give yourself some time to recover, the rest of your day will go much more smoothly.
9. You may also want to plan ahead to do something fun, relaxing, or rejuvenating within a day or two of the meeting. You'll have something to look forward to - and an antidote to that drained, overwhelmed feeling that sometimes comes along during IEP time.
10. And while you're looking at your calendar, set aside some time during the days following the meeting in case you need to follow up on ideas and suggestions from the IEP team. The time it takes to make phone calls, send emails, and do research can really add up!
11. Eat a good dinner and go to bed early the night before, and eat a good breakfast the morning of the meeting.
12. In the hours before the meeting, take several "time outs" to close your eyes and breathe deeply.
13. Bring water to the meeting, and sip every few minutes.
14. During the meeting, ask all the questions you want, and don't be afraid to ask people to repeat or rephrase. It can be hard to take it all in at once. Be sure the meeting progresses at a pace you're comfortable with. Jot down notes during the discussion for anything you want to clarify or follow up on.
15. Immediately after the meeting, look over your notes, fill in any incomplete information, and add anything you know you're going to want to remember. Put the notes in your binder, then put it away for at least a few hours. Go for a walk, even if it's just for a few minutes.
16. Ideally, make dinner ahead, so you can give yourself a break that evening -- less kitchen work and more time to sit and eat with your children -- and enjoy them just the way they are.
Your IEP Action Plan
1. Long before your IEP meeting, take some time to step back and think: do you need help with this? The IEP process can be complicated. You don't have to do it all by yourself. Consider hiring a special education advocate. Advocates can take on many roles, from simply meeting with you and helping you organize your thoughts, to accompanying you to the IEP meeting.
2. In the months and weeks before your meeting, make sure your records and documents are all in order. Want to do this the easy way? Buy the new "My IEP Toolkit" at www.organized4kids.com. I just bought one and I can't wait until it arrives! It's a large, high-quality 3-ring binder with sections for every type of document you need to keep - completely organized and all in one place. It's got how-to's and tips galore, and it makes your IEP record-keeping effortless.
3. Keep a running list of all your questions and anything you want to discuss at the meeting. Put it in your binder.
4. About a month in advance, check in with all the teachers and professionals who work with your child. Find out what concerns they may have. You may be surprised to find out something you weren't aware of. This serves two purposes: first, you can address these concerns in your Parent Statement; and second, you don't want any surprises at the IEP meeting!
5. Three or four weeks before your meeting, start writing your Parent Statement. You will want plenty of time to re-read it and revise it before the big day. Make copies of your Parent Statement for everyone who will be attending -- and put the copies in your binder.
6. A few days in advance, figure out what you want to wear. Make sure you've got groceries in the house, and enough laundry done. Do anything ahead that will make the morning of your IEP meeting go smoothly.
7. Decide in advance what you want waiting for you when you get home that day. Have your favorite CD ready to play, a favorite food prepared, a set of comfy clothes to change into ... you get the idea!
8. Also in advance, block off a little bit of down time right after the meeting for you. When you give yourself some time to recover, the rest of your day will go much more smoothly.
9. You may also want to plan ahead to do something fun, relaxing, or rejuvenating within a day or two of the meeting. You'll have something to look forward to - and an antidote to that drained, overwhelmed feeling that sometimes comes along during IEP time.
10. And while you're looking at your calendar, set aside some time during the days following the meeting in case you need to follow up on ideas and suggestions from the IEP team. The time it takes to make phone calls, send emails, and do research can really add up!
11. Eat a good dinner and go to bed early the night before, and eat a good breakfast the morning of the meeting.
12. In the hours before the meeting, take several "time outs" to close your eyes and breathe deeply.
13. Bring water to the meeting, and sip every few minutes.
14. During the meeting, ask all the questions you want, and don't be afraid to ask people to repeat or rephrase. It can be hard to take it all in at once. Be sure the meeting progresses at a pace you're comfortable with. Jot down notes during the discussion for anything you want to clarify or follow up on.
15. Immediately after the meeting, look over your notes, fill in any incomplete information, and add anything you know you're going to want to remember. Put the notes in your binder, then put it away for at least a few hours. Go for a walk, even if it's just for a few minutes.
16. Ideally, make dinner ahead, so you can give yourself a break that evening -- less kitchen work and more time to sit and eat with your children -- and enjoy them just the way they are.
One.
so bittersweet. My baby is almost a toddler. I'm sad about putting the babyhood behind us, but really looking forward to your personality emerging more and more every day. You are saying so many new words, just today you learned "sock" and "football". I'll post more stats and favorites next week after the doctor visit. Enjoy the slideshow....
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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