tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80115128353988685932024-03-13T01:27:02.718-04:00A Pickle, A Pirate, and A Little Something ExtraKendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-28673094551434277672015-02-16T02:25:00.000-05:002015-02-16T02:25:34.107-05:002 calls in 2 weeks. And a whole lotta grace. (And a Playhouse!)It hasn't been an easy month. And I don't say this because my vacation fell through or because birthday plans were a bust with the family up in Elkhart. (I don't miss how lake effect snow can change plans so quickly.) Luckily, compared to last year, the winter here has been bearable. The kids are healthy and happy. I still received loads of texts and messages, 3 homemade cards, and even a pink cake pop for my birthday.<br />
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But I've also received 2 calls from the principal in less than 2 weeks time. Alexis has been on a roll.<br />
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I had heard multiple concerns from Lexi's kindergarten teacher about how, despite the great strides Alexis is making with transitioning from one subject to another, she's not gaining academically. After several hours of observing Alexis in class, I saw the teacher's concerns. Before I had a chance to get my thoughts in order, the first call came from the principal with new concerns regarding her safety. Alexis was leaving the classroom and the lunchroom unnoticed. She's a smart little cookie and would wait until no one was watching and head out into the hallway. Luckily, once she reached the hallway, she would wait there for someone to find her. The principal asked to move up her annual IEP to the next week.<br />
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Oh, those blasted IEP's. So necessary, but I'd rather have a root canal.<br />
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Prior to going into the IEP, I made my notes, I did my research, and I said lots of prayers. As someone who has some issues with anxiety, my blood pressure medication wasn't cutting it. Despite having an incredible team to work with, I feel like I'm walking into the principal's office. I worry that I won't articulate my thoughts in a way that will benefit Alexis. I panic at the thought of potential conflict.<br />
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When I first walked into the IEP room and was surrounded by teachers, IA's, resource, therapists, and administrators, I told them how much I appreciate working with people who I know genuinely have Lexi's best interests at heart. I also told them that they still made me want a shot of tequila and a Xanax.<br />
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The IEP was a success. After 3 hours, we had added significantly more one on one time to help keep Alexis on task in the classroom, help her academically, and keep her safe. J and I are happy.<br />
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We are still waiting for the increased assistance to start, as the school goes through the process of bringing someone on (or transitioning their staff--we're still waiting to hear the specifics.)<br />
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But last week brought another call from the principal. Alexis had thrown books at multiple kids, injuring one of the girls under her eye. And of all the kids to hurt, she hurt the little girl who loves her the most, the girl that Lexi talks about at home. Alexis made a trip to the principal's office and apologized to her friend. Alexis spent the rest of that school day removed from her kindergarten class and with her resource teacher.<br />
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Anyone who knows Alexis knows that she's not a violent or aggressive or malicious child. While I may sound to some like a delusional parent, I have no doubt that she wasn't trying to be naughty. At home, the boys will occasionally rough-house and while I do believe that I need to let boys be boys <em>to an extent</em>, I have now made it really clear that they can no longer do this in front of Alexis. I even went so far as to make Blake take a brief time-out following a minor lapse in judgment just so Alexis could witness a punishment immediately following the crime (with a quick whisper to Blake that I needed his help in setting an example for his sister).<br />
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When Alexis got home from school that day, I sat Alexis down on my lap and expressed my sadness about her bad day. It's hard to know how much Alexis understands, so I make my statements as basic and to the point as possible. And as I told her of my sadness, I started to cry. Alexis was stunned. Her chin quivered as she patted my shoulder, and it probably made a bigger impact than anything I could have said. I just hope she related my sadness to her behaviors.<br />
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There were other repercussions to her behaviors that day, mainly the removal of all electronics, as the ipad serves as our greatest currency. Since the behavior is now behind us, we do a lot of talking about being nice, being gentle, and being a friend. She returned to her class the following day and had no incidents the rest of the week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OBrSYmuB9ebX-jl5-8GfaH0YanRnDj2hOJPZMMvxI2ZqGvYflT5GMBxMKXIZ6y0vwXhyphenhyphenvWOh-Och3y77rA8gwMRHHMBz67913lIKrPIWczHVg4mQYuOYDluk4vJCcBQGbo85q1lmnto/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OBrSYmuB9ebX-jl5-8GfaH0YanRnDj2hOJPZMMvxI2ZqGvYflT5GMBxMKXIZ6y0vwXhyphenhyphenvWOh-Och3y77rA8gwMRHHMBz67913lIKrPIWczHVg4mQYuOYDluk4vJCcBQGbo85q1lmnto/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of Lexi's speech teacher.</td></tr>
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On Friday I saw the mom of the sweet little girl that Alexis hurt. I apologized, felt terribly embarrassed, and fought back tears. Oh, the grace of that mom. She laughed it off, insisted that her daughter was fine, and even told me that her daughter came home and said to her mom, "Mr. (Principal) lied, mom! He told Alexis I wouldn't be friends with her anymore and that's not true!" Oh, the grace of that child.<br />
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I'm relieved that this happened before the start of the increased assistance that Alexis will soon be receiving. I'm relieved that when we're in the depths of dealing with the negative, I still get texts from the teacher saying, "On a positive, she did her very best work this afternoon! Swear it!!"<br />
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On another note, after almost 2 years of fundraising, planning, and building, <strong>GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis is open!</strong><br />
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I've been so lucky to meet and work with the most incredible group of people. And I've learned so much. I've never served on a board before, and to be able to serve on a founding board has been exhausting, educational, emotional, and so rewarding! We celebrated our grand opening on January 24 (Blake's 10th birthday!) and started our programming earlier this month.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw_x2p0ZTewcOXlmn9RVxL13lTgsMgX2mYrjTvqR7CijI8Oquqp662gdNE0JL-AC19ShvwOjEKVJAIA-orJixLZZ1rCEbaOTb7hrCc6KIslppJIzFJmAmvBdwl5ikgcwRCacrR6PxxPc/s1600/2015-01-31+12.58.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw_x2p0ZTewcOXlmn9RVxL13lTgsMgX2mYrjTvqR7CijI8Oquqp662gdNE0JL-AC19ShvwOjEKVJAIA-orJixLZZ1rCEbaOTb7hrCc6KIslppJIzFJmAmvBdwl5ikgcwRCacrR6PxxPc/s1600/2015-01-31+12.58.39.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally, larger than life! Alexis's picture in on the front of the Playhouse!</td></tr>
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All that has been happening with Alexis at school makes me that much more grateful for GiGi's. Alexis can go there and socialize with peers, learn and grow, and I'll never have to worry about an IEP or a call from the principal. And I don't<em> need</em> a shot and a Xanax! I can meet other parents who might have similar struggles and we can discuss our challenges and celebrate accomplishments. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINr5622B1KmPFMeeipZluPY38N2_lD-JGckZsRB9bMYDoERbDgGtfxqz7X5r56a2B6RNlnQTyGWKTOE2VT8OIGTlq7vmGcpFkK9440jylS2kg0BsmNjv20mVZI9G3OjammlOYWjGdlmY/s1600/10491977_10204396530527533_6546160985105772379_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINr5622B1KmPFMeeipZluPY38N2_lD-JGckZsRB9bMYDoERbDgGtfxqz7X5r56a2B6RNlnQTyGWKTOE2VT8OIGTlq7vmGcpFkK9440jylS2kg0BsmNjv20mVZI9G3OjammlOYWjGdlmY/s1600/10491977_10204396530527533_6546160985105772379_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis and about 500 others all helped cut the ribbon to open our doors for business. Photo cred: PCB!</td></tr>
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Now that our doors are open, it's full steam ahead in planning our Gala. GiGi's programming is free of charge for all individuals with Down syndrome and their families, so the success of our gala is imperative. Come celebrate with us on March 14 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom with cocktails, dinner, silent auction, a band, and more! We'd love for you to join us! Tickets are available at: <a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/gala-indy/">http://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/gala-indy/</a><br />
Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-75589401110918370422014-08-19T00:51:00.000-04:002014-08-19T02:19:13.618-04:00Kindergarten<span lang=""><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today started Alexis's 3rd week in Kindergarten.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planning for Alexis's kindergarten year started well before the IEP meeting that took place at the end of last school year. There were many conversations with some friends who are on a similar path with their kids. I had a great relationship with Alexis's early childhood teacher over the past 2 years, and we were in regular communication about hopes, expectations, and realities. Walking into an IEP is extremely intimidating, even though "T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eam Lexi" is an extraordinary group. I truly believe that all those teachers, therapists, and administrators, want great things for Alexis. But I also know that they have budgets and pressures of their own. The IEP went incredibly well, with the only hiccup being that Alexis wasn't given a one-on-one aide. Being raised by teachers and knowing first hand how full their plates are, in hindsight I don't think I wanted that aide for Alexis as much as I wanted it for her future teacher. But as one of the teachers in the IEP put it, if we're going to see how Alexis does in a general education setting, Kindergarten is the place to try it out. So here we are.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer was short and crazy busy and fun and crazy busy. I had plenty of quality time with my kids, but I was ready for school to start. I was ready to miss them again. So while I was highly anxious about Alexis starting kindergarten, the anxiety was tempered by my need for solitude. I put her on the bus, relieved to see the same bus driver as last year, swallowed a huge lump in my throat, and took a nap.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickle, Little Extra, and the Pirate (aka Nicky, Lexi, and Blake) are in 5th, kdg, and 4th.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I wasn't prepared for, and absolutely should have anticipated, was how difficult it would be for Alexis to return home from school that first day and not be able to tell me a single thing about her day. She was happy, so that was encouraging, but even as impressive as her speech is, she couldn't tell me of any activities, any new friends, or about her teachers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave her teachers a few days to adjust to the start of the year, but by Thursday I couldn't wait any longer. I emailed Lexi's teachers telling them how happy I was that Alexis was obviously enjoying school, but I needed details and information. I suggested a half sheet of paper similar to what we had used in early childhood: the teacher would circle if she played alone or with others, what therapy she had received that day, if she ate her snack or not, if she had any accidents, etc. I heard back from her teacher, Mrs. V, that day. She would be happy to send me daily e-mails of how each day went. Really? Wow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The emails started off as general overviews of the day: Alexis traced this, she cut that, and other than taking her shoes off several times, everything was going great. They started sight words, Lexi likes recess, she's stinkin' cute, and she keeps taking her shoes off. It's been great hearing how, other than the constant removal of shoes, she seems to follow directions pretty well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I dug a bit deeper. I asked Mrs. V if Alexis was making any friends and how the other kids in class acted toward her. The response described how much the kids love her, how a little boy has made it like his personal mission to help her as much as possible, and how there are a few little girls who play with her. I also get regular emails from her resource teacher who works with her a couple hours a day. This teacher told me how there are kids who always help her at lunch with things like opening her juice box, children who remind her to stay in line when they're in the hallway, and kids who play ball with her (her favorite!) on the playground. I'm so amazed at how well things are going, not that it's all perfect. She still takes her shoes off regularly. One note late last week said, "she only had two time outs today." I'll admit to laughing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are, starting our 3rd week of kindergarten. Alexis got on and off the bus with a smile as usual. Soon after she got home, the email from Mrs. V came through. It still took on the same sweet and positive tone as the others, but immediately I could tell it had been a rough day. After the list of the daily events and activities, Mrs. V mentioned Alexis being off task many times as well as removing her shoes frequently. The kids would clean something up and she would dump it back out. She was redirected and would begin to cry and ask for Mommy. As I was reading the letter, I became anxious. I try to be positive, but I also try to be realistic and I knew the time would come that she'd show her stubborn and sassy side. The girl has an opinion. She wants things done her way. She can be a stinker. In so many ways, she's a typical 5 year old, but in other ways, she needs more guidance and redirection than other kids her age. So as I read this email, I started anticipating the worst. Is she too much of a distraction for these already overworked teachers? I'm so thrilled that she was placed in a general ed classroom, but I wait for someone to say that it's not working. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I teared up as Mrs. V continued on in her description of Lexi's bad day. After Mrs. V firmly redirected Alexis and the tears were flowing, the little boy who tries so hard to help Alexis came up and took her hand, telling her it was okay as he guided her to her seat. Another little girl came over and hugged her. Alexis was back to her usual smiles within minutes. Mrs. V also thought that Lexi just seemed tired. "But we were all a little sleepy today," she assured me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know this little boy that helps Alexis, or this little girl that hugged her. I don't know the kids that play ball with her or the child that helps her open her juice box. But this is inclusion. This is what I was wanting for my daughter. Inclusion is about so much more than the child with special needs being with "typical" kids. It benefits all these other classmates so much more than they will ever know. They are learning about acceptance and diversity. They are making friendships and learning patience. And she is teaching them. She doesn't know it and they aren't aware, but when Lexi's classmates are taught something and then turn around to help Alexis, it's reinforcing what they've learned. All kids should be so fortunate as to have a kid like Alexis in their class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Kindergarten is going to be okay.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-63267009440504110052014-01-29T18:38:00.000-05:002014-01-29T18:38:03.055-05:00From our Indiana igloo...Winter has been especially brutal this year. I really do love snow and the cold (of course I hate frostbite and driving on ice, just as I hate draughts, sunburns, and heatstroke in summer), but I am very grateful that when the temps are this brutal and the wind gusts are making the house shake, that I'm able to stay home with my family and can enjoy looking outside from safe inside my warm and comfortable home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my kitchen, earlier this month.</td></tr>
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With our school now being on a balanced calendar, we only have 8 weeks of summer vacation. We've had countless 2-hour delays and 4 days (so far) of school cancellations that will have to be made up at the end of the school year. So make that 7 weeks of summer vacation...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out at the snow with her new bespectacled doll. <br />
The doll's glasses stayed in one piece for exactly 3 minutes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow days can be exhausting.</td></tr>
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We are lucky that the severe weather hasn't affected our fun activities. We were able to go to Gatlinburg after Christmas and spend time with friends. The boys ice skated for the first time and there was air hockey, bumper cars, putt-putt, and laser tag. Our friends were in from Florida and so we got to be there for their first time seeing snow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting all 3 both boys upright for a picture on ice skates was a process.<br />
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Alexis has started therapeutic horseback riding at Agape up in Cicero. She was hesitant at first, but by the end of the lesson, she was holding onto the reigns, telling her horse to "walk on" and "whoa" and content with being up so high. If you were to ask her what her horse's name is, she may or may not correctly answer "Seth". Or she may tell you her horse is named Kendra. Incidently, she also built a snowman named Kendra and has a doll that is <em>sometimes</em> named Kendra. I'm flattered.</div>
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Nick is three games into basketball season and loving it. His coach was also his coach from 3 years ago, and he is amazed at how Nick has grown and improved. 3 years ago, Nicholas was the one kid on the team who hadn't made a basket all season until the last game when he had a little assistance from the referees. This year he's been one of the high scorers. I wish I could say that he gets it from me. He doesn't. I can't help but wonder if now that he has glasses, he can see the basket.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse me, but would that be <em>my</em> passive kid in the tie dye...being <em>assertive</em>? That's right.<br />
2 steals and 2 fouls during the last game. (And 14 points.) And some seriously sore knees from diving after the ball so often. <em>Didn't learn it from me</em>.</td></tr>
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Finally, we celebrated Blake's 9th birthday over the weekend. While the weather was terrible, most family members and some friends were still willing and able to drive to our home to celebrate.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-91019286905410717642013-11-24T15:16:00.002-05:002013-11-24T15:16:32.864-05:005 years ago today, I got the call.<br />
It was 5 years ago today that I got the call. Jason was putting the boys down for their afternoon naps when the social worker called.<br />
<br />
"Kendra, we got the results back from the amnio and there are 3 copies of the 21st chromosome indicating that the baby does have Down syndrome." I was 18 weeks into my pregnancy.<br />
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I hung up the phone and stood in shock. Jason came downstairs and I was able to tell him the news. He went off to process the news in his own quiet way. Oh let's be honest. He heard the news, responded with, "really," and went to bed. The man is one of a kind. I made three very difficult phone calls to family. I couldn't make it through any of those calls without breaking down. I was struggling to get past this vision of Down syndrome I had in my head. I was going to have a daughter who had special needs. The vision in my head of the perfect family just died in the flash of a phone call. I <i>worked</i> with people with special needs. I wasn't supposed to <i>have </i>a child with special needs.<br />
<br />
As a person who likes to have a plan, I sat on my couch for the next couple of hours crying, processing, and (because I'm a multitasker) making a plan. Step 1: I would give myself two days to grieve and cry and feel sorry for myself. I was drained pretty dry of tears after a single day and, while still really struggling, ready to get off the couch. Step 2: Read up. Reading all the medical things that <i>might</i> go along with D/s will scare the crap out of you. So I cancelled step 2. Step 3: Ditch the plan and just go with the flow. One day at a time. And we did.<br />
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The next months were a whirlwind of doctors appointments, a diagnosis of duodenal atresia, meetings with doctors and surgeons, and realizing that Alexis's first several weeks would be in the ICU. My doctor also put me on medication for high blood pressure.<br />
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It's so cliche, but if only I'd known then what I know now. I wish I'd known 5 years ago how I would marvel daily at Alexis and all she can do. I wish I'd realized how proud I would be of her, and how every little accomplishment warrants a dance party and ice cream. (She dances while I eat ice cream.) All I thought of 5 years ago was how her appearance would be different, how sick she might be, and what delays she could have. If only I'd known then that while there <i>are</i> frustrations and stresses over things like therapies and IEP's, our day to day struggles are that of any 4 year old: limiting her time watching tv, making her stop stealing her brother's toys, and getting her to stop pulling all the toilet paper off the roll. I wish I had known then how perfectly "normal" she would be.<br />
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A little over a year ago I was invited to join a group of local moms that have kids with Down syndrome. Primarily it's a group where we can go to vent, brag, or ask questions related to our kids and to Down syndrome. The group has gotten so big that we've started a spin off group which has also quickly grown. There have been a handful of moms recently who are either due to have or have recently had a child with Down syndrome and duodenal atresia as Alexis did. It's one of the most therapeutic thing I've ever done. I get the privilege of telling a young scared mom that Alexis has many of the same things that her baby has, and that Alexis is now a healthy, happy, social, and sassy 4 year old. Hopefully those moms think I'm helping them. They have no idea how much they're helping me.<br />
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My blood pressure is perfect now, thank you very much. <br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-706681592530020822013-10-30T23:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T23:00:04.305-04:00A Perfect 10.A milestone was hit today. My oldest turned double digits. 10 years ago today, my sweet, loving, smart, tenderhearted Nicholas was born.<br />
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Nicholas made me a mom 10 years ago today. I was born to be a mom. I am blessed to be a mom.<br />
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Happy birthday Nicky. I am so proud of you. I love you. Thank you for making me a mom.Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-5026251124260443602013-10-26T23:27:00.000-04:002013-10-26T23:27:24.428-04:00Chicago!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Chicago was fantastic. I had a brief moment of panic when I pulled out my camera to take pictures on day 1, only to find out that my camera card was full. I quickly discovered that there were numerous pictures of carpet, ceilings, and eyeballs. The following picture revealed the culprit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Case solved.</td></tr>
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We headed to Chicago on Monday and made our first stop at the Museum of Science and Industry. All 3 kids loved it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some days we're still trying to figure it out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">l-r, Soldier Field, John Hancock, Lego Store, and the view of Willis Tower from our hotel room</td></tr>
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I was a little worried/disappointed/irritated when I asked Blake early on in the trip, what his favorite part was so far. His response was, "The Lego store! It's just like the one at home at the mall!"<br />
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I was really excited to see the Willis (formerly Sears) tower. As many times as I've been to Chicago, I'd never been up to the top. It did not disappoint. We all ventured out onto the glass ledge and the view was fantastic!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willis Tower</td></tr>
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Once we were done in downtown Chicago and ready to relocate to a different hotel, we had a few hours to kill. We decided to check out the GiGi's playhouse in Chicago. We had no idea what to expect, or if they were even open. We lucked out because not only was it open, I got to talk to a board member, a tutor, and a couple of parents. This was definitely the highlight of my trip. I've been so excited to bring GiGi's to Indy, but now that I've actually been to see a GiGi's, I'm ready to ROLL! (Notice the GiGi's donation link I added to the top right of my blog?) I was also glad that my family could experience what it is that I've been talking about so much these past few months.<br />
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We relocated to our other hotel on Wednesday and it was a surprise to the kids that we were going to a hotel with a huge water park. They loved all of it: the wave pool, the many different slides, hot tub, kiddie pool, basketball court pool. And an extra bonus was that it was so deserted, especially on our first day. The hotel also had multiple shops, restaurants, snack bars, ice cream and candy shop, spa, arcade, duck pin bowling, and a kids craft and activity room. The hotel was a big hit with all the kids.<br />
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When we got home, I asked the boys what their top 3 things were in Chicago. Nick ranked his top 3 as the Willis Tower, the Shedd, and the water park. Blake said that he couldn't decide because it was all so fun. His answer was perfect, and much better than saying the Lego store that's just like the one in our mall.</div>
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Glad to be home.</div>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-33059004213819694262013-10-18T16:05:00.001-04:002013-10-18T16:05:15.387-04:00Down syndrome in the news. Here's my hope:
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #171717; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve seen several articles and news stories
lately about people with Down syndrome who have been voted into their
homecoming court. I love these uplifting stories. Usually when I
think of Alexis’s future, I worry about inclusion or the possibility of being
bullied, where she’ll eventually live, and what kind of college experience
she’ll have. These stories give me hope that her future will include late
night YouTube chats with her BFF, school dances and boyfriends, just like her
peers. I love these stories, and I really do love that people forward them to me regularly, but for me, the one thing that would be
better than all these newstories, would be for these stories to not be
newsworthy. I don’t expect it to eventually be common for kids with Down syndrome to
be voted as homecoming queen, or to be a cheerleader, or to make the winning
shot for their basketball team, but I can’t wait for the day when none of these
things is such a newsworthy surprise.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #171717; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But if Alexis is ever voted homecoming
queen, somebody call Channel 8.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-20757518736467517342013-10-16T01:49:00.003-04:002013-10-16T01:49:29.126-04:00BW 2013 and a not-so-hidden gem23 family and close friends (who are also family!) gathered at the Buddy Walk this past weekend to form Lexi Lou's Whos 2013.<br />
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About 5000 people gathered on Saturday to participate in the Buddy Walk and over $200,000 was raised for Down Syndrome Indiana. We are so grateful for everyone's support for Alexis, our family, and for the community of people who have Down syndrome. We are blessed.<br />
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The kids are currently on a 2-week fall break. Alexis had an appointment in Indy on Monday afternoon and when we were headed back home, we passed Coxhall Gardens. My friend Julie told me about C.G. after I admired some pictures she had taken. In one of the pictures, her kids had climbed up a hill, and Julie took their picture from below as they were jumping and cropped it so it looked like they were flying. Not one to have many original ideas of my own, we copied.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick</td></tr>
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You get the idea. </div>
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And then there was Blake.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ0kQ9Ko4LHXfIzotU1Bb_BoEBO5dPF85ltFgCAf7ME2hNYZEj8rnmu7rKFYDFglbGAM05GyaXLBihWAs0iEWKAEJvKRCJQ1y_HlnVkkr8if-2PMZ77C35eS7zL_KA8wrIZPBdEgS_9M/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ0kQ9Ko4LHXfIzotU1Bb_BoEBO5dPF85ltFgCAf7ME2hNYZEj8rnmu7rKFYDFglbGAM05GyaXLBihWAs0iEWKAEJvKRCJQ1y_HlnVkkr8if-2PMZ77C35eS7zL_KA8wrIZPBdEgS_9M/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take 1 Take 2</td></tr>
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Finally, he got the idea:<br />
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Coxhall Gardens was beautiful! The kids loved walking along the paths, over the bridge, and around the water as much as I did. From the road, it looks like a simple, grassy park with a clock tower. I had no idea how beautiful it was after you drove in.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have an adorable little children's village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jail was my favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My babies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 2 clock towers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lex</td></tr>
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I love finding a (not-so) hidden gem.<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-27613881038248266812013-10-01T21:26:00.003-04:002013-10-01T21:26:36.368-04:00Happy October!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!!!</div>
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<br />Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-84043299891605186722013-09-29T16:49:00.000-04:002013-09-29T16:49:00.230-04:00Life is Good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love that football season is back. I love Sundays, sitting around watching the Colts (and the Broncos and the Giants, but not the Patriots) with my kids, following the fantasy football scores, eating pizza, and being lazy. Life is good.</div>
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My foot is continuing to heal pretty well. It's been 4 weeks since I broke it and I've been off crutches for 2 weeks. I've started driving again, but my foot is still in the boot for at least 3 more weeks. I feel fine, no pain at all, when I'm just walking around with my foot in this big black boot. The doctor wants me to take my foot out a couple times a day to work some range of motion because all the immobilization makes it darn stiff. The MRI revealed a lot of issues that couldn't be seen on the x-ray with cracks and chips and deep bone bruising. So I'm grateful that I don't need surgery and have no pain, at least until I start PT tomorrow and that sadist starts working my ankle in ways it doesn't want to go.</div>
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Other things we've been up to:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi's haircut from a couple of weeks ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trip to Conner Prairie</td></tr>
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I've been trying to do a bit more at the school with the PTO. I've waited a bit for Alexis to get older and to have a bit more free time, which I do have this year. I volunteered at the school fundraiser where kids got donations to run at the "Chipper Chase".<br />
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I'm so glad that the kids still get excited when they know I'm coming to their school. I dread the day when I'm "embarrassing" and the eye rolling begins. Right now, I'm only embarrassing to them when I dance in the aisle at Target. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi needed nourishment after all her running around at school.</td></tr>
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We are continuing to raise money for both GiGi's playhouse and the Buddy Walk and are grateful to so many friends and family who have made donations! The Buddy Walk is October 12. Please let me know if you'd like to join us that day for the 2.6 mile walk around the canal in downtown Indy. I'll be doing it in a big black boot, but will take suggestions in how to decorate it in a Seuss theme.<br />
As for GiGi's, we're about $600 away from our families personal goal. I've added a link to the top right of this blog or you can click <a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/locations-in-the-works#Indy" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like to make a donation. Thanks so much again for all your support and generous donations! We are so grateful!<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-28000654593938415272013-09-08T23:03:00.000-04:002013-09-08T23:03:38.709-04:00Updates! (GiGi's and my foot. Which are unrelated, by the way.)We're still plugging along on the GiGi's Playhouse Indy fundraising front. I'm so grateful for the people that have made donations or expressed interest in making a donation. (Here's the link to make a donation: <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E133245&id=40">https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E133245&id=40</a>)<br />
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There's a video that GiGi's Playhouse made a few years ago that is awesome! If you still aren't quite sure what GiGi's is about, it will give you a better idea of what we are wanting to build. I love this video, even though it chokes me up every time. If you've got a few minutes, you can watch this and see why I feel so passionately about bringing GiGi's to Indy for Alexis: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0HUBsNlMs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0HUBsNlMs</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOtHc4C82oVQJ88Bfy9B0z6KMZjBHkNoSNRjV48AS-6T4UL__ooQ93MJRvrlXEkw14zhAgoWgicD8CpJ-yESR-Oeza1Dhx8DPnhUHUCkDFogc8UhsPjP3CBp-EnwOnwoQcq5uZ5jKRpo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOtHc4C82oVQJ88Bfy9B0z6KMZjBHkNoSNRjV48AS-6T4UL__ooQ93MJRvrlXEkw14zhAgoWgicD8CpJ-yESR-Oeza1Dhx8DPnhUHUCkDFogc8UhsPjP3CBp-EnwOnwoQcq5uZ5jKRpo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a GiGi's in Bradley, IL that has the best pictures! I love these!!</td></tr>
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And for an update on my foot (see the last post if you don't know what I'm talking about), I went to see my regular doctor on Thursday and he's "worried" about it. Apparently it's a bit more severe than the ER let on. The chip of bone that broke off is more like a chunk. He called it an avulsion fracture. And my doctor thought I might have torn a ligament, and the sprain is pretty severe. I'm still on crutches and now in a big ugly (and hot and itchy) boot, which makes walking easier than the splint.<br />
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My doctor referred me for an MRI which my insurance company denied. But after the insurance company talked to my (persistent) doctor, viewed my x-ray, and had a meeting about my foot (seriously?) they decided to pay for the MRI after all. The fact that my foot required a meeting to take place, makes me feel like my foot is a bit famous. It also makes me a bit nervous that it is indeed more severe, but I'm so grateful that I don't have any significant pain. I'm swollen still, making my foot and ankle feel stiff. I feel bruised and achy, but that's it. And after I get the MRI on Tuesday, I see an orthopedic doctor on Thursday. I'm so grateful that my mom, dad, and aunt have been so available and that so many friends who have offered everything from meals to childcare to transportation. Not being able to drive is really my biggest obstacle, so I'm keeping a list of names in case I need help in the future.<br />
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Grateful.Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-29794551558547583042013-09-01T23:18:00.001-04:002013-09-01T23:18:08.433-04:00It finally happened. My kid broke my foot and put me in the hospital.Well, kinda. So maybe she didn't do it <em>directly</em>. And maybe it was just an ER visit. And maybe the bone isn't exactly broken. More like chipped. But it isn't the Labor Day Weekend I had originally planned.<br />
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God had a different plan. <br />
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Friday night I took my kids to dinner and then we swung by a park in a neighboring town. We had been there almost an hour and were just a quick swing and a couple slide runs away from heading home. <br />
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Why any park chooses to have a 2-story high metal curly slide is beyond me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngcMiETdVVY61a5lg_rQ40idMjcjIgXCUmgthvDNpRcQCqSzCo2ZneDiY33FWlTYVTWGGCjKUcWoxqINSwoc6HGRC-Crc5buPYdSc88cNNFzjtLX81dziy7L5D5YIbly8NXLZsx7-pAk/s1600/the-new-curly-slide-at-Wythogan-Park-300x225%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngcMiETdVVY61a5lg_rQ40idMjcjIgXCUmgthvDNpRcQCqSzCo2ZneDiY33FWlTYVTWGGCjKUcWoxqINSwoc6HGRC-Crc5buPYdSc88cNNFzjtLX81dziy7L5D5YIbly8NXLZsx7-pAk/s1600/the-new-curly-slide-at-Wythogan-Park-300x225%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the actual slide, but you get the idea.<br />
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Alexis decided she needed to go down that stinkin' slide. So as she climbed the two levels of steps, I stayed close behind her just in case she should fall backwards. She actually does really well on slides, but with a slide like this, I find it too high for <em>any</em> kid. So once she was <strike>safely</strike> to the top, I backed down the stairs quickly with a plan to catch her once she came down the slide o' death. Unfortunately, as I stepped off the bottom step onto the mulch below, my ankle gave out and I went down. Hard. And I heard my foot crunch.<br />
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<em>Oh, the pain.</em><br />
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I had to sit in the mulch and watch my daughter descend the slide independently. Fortunately, it was a safe decent for Alexis. Unfortunately I was stuck, still sitting on the mulch as she climbed and descended 2 more times. The boys finally came to see why I was sitting on the ground. They stayed with Lexi while I got myself upright and found my footing. I decided since I was able to put weight on my foot, it probably wasn't broken after all, so I hobbled back to the van and drove us home. And unfortunately, Jason was already at work for the night, so I was on my own getting 3 kids to bed. Thank goodness they are easy kids. By that evening I was crawling up and down the steps of our house.<br />
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Saturday, I called my aunt who took me to the ER while Jason entertained the kids. The x-ray showed a pretty nasty sprain and a chipped bone, so they put my right foot in a splint, gave me a prescription for Vicodin and sent me off for some crutches.<br />
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Honestly, I'm not in any pain. As long as it's all wrapped up, it feels stiff and bruised, maybe a little achy at times, but no major pain. And as luck would have it, Mom and Dad arrived in town a few hours later to spend the Labor Day weekend. Mom has altered a few plans so that she can remain in town for the week and Paula is available (as she always is) to help out with the kiddos. I'm so grateful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis kissed my splint to make it feel better. Sweet girl. Guess I won't blame her after all.<br />
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The first night when I was crawling around the house, Alexis kept asking, "You okay?" And now she continues to ask about the crutches and splint. The boys have been helpful, constantly fetching things for me and they have been highly entertained by my crutches.</div>
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I can still get around, just very slowly. I attended a party down the street last night, went to church this morning, and try to take it easy and put my feet up when I can. Thank goodness for my folks and aunt who have been waiting on me hand and ankle.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle picture above I had texted to Jason on the first night, hoping to elicit some sympathy.<br />
He texted back, "Cankles are hot".</td></tr>
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The ER doctor told me to make an appointment with my regular doctor in 5 days, so hopefully by then I can get rid of the splint and crutches and drive again, but we'll see.</div>
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It's not the Labor Day I had planned, but it hasn't been a bust by any means. I've still been able to enjoy a long weekend with family and friends, free of Labor. Hope yours is fun and uneventful!</div>
Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-91895318247812398472013-08-15T10:56:00.000-04:002013-08-15T10:56:14.114-04:00A Letter from Alexis<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-7e8aeac3-8032-bf75-6b17-0e0aa58c9ad4" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Family and Friends,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlbwws4ieoH28nxXxNYk0wwJQNCAcE1CpD_Va8I1ic2rJj-rl42nlV1XPiUMOqTD9FC7sZaH40hMDwrfF1WAF99HvO7g7P_KBYszN6W5wIZHlB70XgpuJKi6DHAo8Xe3tmUBXxR6FocA/s1600/IMG_20130805_120723_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlbwws4ieoH28nxXxNYk0wwJQNCAcE1CpD_Va8I1ic2rJj-rl42nlV1XPiUMOqTD9FC7sZaH40hMDwrfF1WAF99HvO7g7P_KBYszN6W5wIZHlB70XgpuJKi6DHAo8Xe3tmUBXxR6FocA/s200/IMG_20130805_120723_006.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope you are having a fantastic summer! My parents (Jason and Kendra) and my brothers and I were busy with vacations, summer school, camps, boating, and trips to the pool. I love nothing more than being on the water, especially tubing behind the boat, but Daddy never goes fast enough and Mom’s a nervous wreck. I was happy to return back to school last week. I love my teachers, and riding the bus is almost as fun and bumpy as being on the tube.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m really excited because my mom told me that she’s helping to bring a Down syndrome awareness and education center to Indianapolis called </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">GiGi’s Playhouse.<span style="color: black;"> GiGi's originated in Chicago and now there are about 15 of these centers around the U.S. It's a place I'll be able to go for therapeutic services and educational and social programs. My mom is especially interested in enrolling me in the literacy program, but I think the ease at which I'm writing this letter shows I'm really quite advanced for a 4 year old. I think the socialization groups and activities will by my greatest strength. They may just ask me to lead the group.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“GiGi’s offers over 20 different types of programs, 15 of which are educational in nature. The program development is very strategic for children with Down syndrome and their families. Each and every program has a purpose with specific goals in the areas of social skill development, speech and language, or academic achievement.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’d love for you to go check out their website (</span><a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://gigisplayhouse.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">) to see what </span><a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">GiGi’s Playhouse</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> is all about!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX_fiXdKYNvWIz_qAz82K0HUWI95mFO_uYjnrR9r8m7fwrr9agSuB2wcfqRTLtoXuJAJHJ4rT4uPUD0imq_j0TzfEEpAMf32A_SsvOuyiHWqN0H55JSExkJ7UxOE1LPkTWPNLl6TIlWs/s1600/969390_567589446620094_1257522764_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX_fiXdKYNvWIz_qAz82K0HUWI95mFO_uYjnrR9r8m7fwrr9agSuB2wcfqRTLtoXuJAJHJ4rT4uPUD0imq_j0TzfEEpAMf32A_SsvOuyiHWqN0H55JSExkJ7UxOE1LPkTWPNLl6TIlWs/s200/969390_567589446620094_1257522764_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My mom is excited to help make GiGi’s Playhouse happen for my friends and me by serving on the board of directors. For now, all the board members are primarily serving as fund raisers. To get a GiGi’s Playhouse built, we need money. I’m sure that in the future there will be grants and fancy galas (I’ve got my ball gown picked out already), but to start, the board is contacting friends and family (or making their children do it) in the attempt to raise the initial money we need to get started. Our family’s personal goal is $2500.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W3O01rJcnAEDKCqhtrtd0Ur0MBzrXkcf1tjzlFVC9ioOhsh9dEwXnbRt0MethIZGWCTszd340wRlX2j4blUXRg5JaG9oMr03E64e9Ts5UBnAaKo65WZ04IkMyTgd2fwekllftQ0hO38/s1600/IMG_20130813_114825_659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W3O01rJcnAEDKCqhtrtd0Ur0MBzrXkcf1tjzlFVC9ioOhsh9dEwXnbRt0MethIZGWCTszd340wRlX2j4blUXRg5JaG9oMr03E64e9Ts5UBnAaKo65WZ04IkMyTgd2fwekllftQ0hO38/s200/IMG_20130813_114825_659.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you are interested and able, we would appreciate any donation that you could make. The easiest way to make the donation is to go to</span><a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/locations-in-the-works#Indy" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="color: black;">this website</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">:</span> </span><a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/locations-in-the-works#Indy" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://gigisplayhouse.org/locations-in-the-works#Indy</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> and scroll down and click under the picture of my boyfriend Nolan (He’s cute, no? Thank goodness he likes older women.) and make a donation to the Indy location. You can also write a personal check payable to GiGi’s Playhouse with “Indianapolis” in the memo line. Any support you are able to offer, whether it’s financial support, as a volunteer, or spreading the word of what we are trying to accomplish, is appreciated. If you want any more information about GiGi’s or our fundraising efforts, don’t hesitate to ask. You can also get updates on our progress by following the GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis facebook page. We are hoping to open GiGi’s Indy next summer. Thank you for considering our cause, and I will make sure to keep you informed of our progress! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alexis (and the family)</span></div>
Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-74499175654773527592013-08-07T00:12:00.001-04:002013-08-07T00:12:09.344-04:00It's the most wonderful time of the year......because school is back in session! <em>God bless the teachers! </em>While I loved our full yet brief summer, I function a lot better with a routine and a few hours every day to miss my kids.<br />
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Since our school adopted a balanced calendar for the first time this year, summer vacation lasted only 8 weeks. We filled that 8 weeks with vacations, camps, summer school, and plenty more.<br />
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I think the highlight of the summer for my kids was Holiday World.<br />
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We made a trip to Elkhart and fit in a trip to the beach, a baseball game, and a fair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The surprise bonus at the Silverhawks game: it was StarWars night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi <em>loves</em> going on rides. The picture of her in tears here is because she had to get <em>off</em> the ride.</td></tr>
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We went to Colts camp for the first time. Blake liked it for the first 10 minutes and was ready to go home to his Legos, but Nick was excited to be there...not excited enough for my shy boy to approach any players for autographs, but I met Pat McAfee and got his autograph.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LQWsunzjG7DpXZmLkZIbTdtSWyjj4ejGl88VmlfwEERO_Oc3zTcww9un_5PF_sEp-dX5flJdJFAwlDbsdJ3obUgMtRb6pLVWEy4LZPjW5S8mhjxvj7YggdZ8ZJIWGEBK_27IBDURAc8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LQWsunzjG7DpXZmLkZIbTdtSWyjj4ejGl88VmlfwEERO_Oc3zTcww9un_5PF_sEp-dX5flJdJFAwlDbsdJ3obUgMtRb6pLVWEy4LZPjW5S8mhjxvj7YggdZ8ZJIWGEBK_27IBDURAc8/s320/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture on the top right is Pat McAfee signing my hat. We're like, totally BFF's now.</td></tr>
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This past weekend we attended a "Fly-In" with Down syndrome Indiana. It was a great time and I got to see lots of my d/s mom sisters. But I was most amazed by my new photo editing skill:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may not be exciting to you, but I'm quite pleased with myself. It might warrant a blog post of it's own. Okay, maybe not. But maybe.</td></tr>
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And then we blinked and summer vacation was over. We met the kids' teachers and all 3 kids seem to be in really good classes again this year. Nicholas has several friends in his 4th grade class, Blake has a Russian tortoise in his 3rd grade class, and Alexis now attends afternoon developmental preschool with the same great teacher as last year.<br />
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Time for my nap.<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-41912497002659689202013-06-20T16:53:00.002-04:002013-06-20T16:53:33.976-04:00Summer, So Far.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MEiQoNK6MWlP_rBtWRIZjfYs6zQgnYA7vMi5bwCtxg_WHVtjaj7cOpImTlWYIwteU6Z1KFz9M8cyTuKo4ga64UucDwPJ0JDNsf14KK_giJEG0Vy0DUYEYMc5EDHb3OBaOXevjt1nyAw/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MEiQoNK6MWlP_rBtWRIZjfYs6zQgnYA7vMi5bwCtxg_WHVtjaj7cOpImTlWYIwteU6Z1KFz9M8cyTuKo4ga64UucDwPJ0JDNsf14KK_giJEG0Vy0DUYEYMc5EDHb3OBaOXevjt1nyAw/s320/IMG_1625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been a crazy busy summer so far...and my kids aren't even in any sports right now. Once school got out we had one week to finish up gymnastics for Alexis and swim lessons for Blake. We had a week of dressing up as pirates, going to the park and the pool, video games, signing up for the summer reading program at the library, etc.<br />
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Week two of summer break was spent on vacation with friends in Tennessee. I think this is the fourth summer we've done this and we've grown to love Douglas Lake. It's big and beautiful without much boat traffic at all, and we're so fortunate to have good friends with a cabin on the lake. They are so generous to share this with us.</div>
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The cabin is in Sevierville which is very close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. So any rainy days are often spent trying new museums and other attractions. This year we explored the Forbidden Caverns and the WonderWorks Museum. Both were big hits with the kids.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Forbidden Caverns. Not sure why they're forbidden.</td></tr>
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The WonderWorks Museum is a very kid friendly, hands on, fun and interactive museum. The boys both climbed the rock wall. Blake and Jason both did the 3 story high ropes course. They were in line for over an hour, and the entire time we waited on them, Alexis was totally entertained by the worlds largest Lite Brite. She wasn't ready to leave when it was time to move on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake (left) and Nick (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot Blake in the blue shirt between the two red staircases?<br />
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We were blessed with some great weather and spent 3 of the 5 days on the boat. We came home tired, happy, and a little bit crispy.<br />
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We came home on Saturday, spent Sunday in Kokomo for Father's Day, and were ready for VBS on Monday morning. I was hoping Alexis could have participated this year but since she wasn't potty trained yet, I knew she'd be in the nursery while the boys participated and I volunteered. As it turned out, Alexis started summer school this week and couldn't have participated anyway. I was nearly in tears though when 4 different adults at our church that help out with the kids programs approached me separately about Alexis participating in VBS because they wanted her to be with the other kids and not miss out. I was so happy, so touched, and I'm still hoping that Alexis will be potty trained by the fall so that she can participate in preschool at the church.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">200 kids participating this year. I won't try to point out where the boys are.</td></tr>
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Alexis missed the first week of summer school because we were in Tennessee last week. She loved it this week and was happy to reunited with her friend Anna. We enjoyed more park time last night with the added bonus of Pop Pop Tom coming to town.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake (left) and Nick (right), Photo by Pop Pop.</td></tr>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-5665143239946646732013-05-30T22:02:00.001-04:002013-05-30T22:02:54.148-04:00Last Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last day of school. Sigh. Goodbye to my schedule, my solitude, my sanity, but hello summer! All 3 kids have had great years, thanks to great teachers. And my, how they've grown.</div>
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After sending the boys off on the bus to enjoy their final days of 2nd and 3rd grades, J and I took Alexis to Forest Park where all the Early Childhood classes were gathering for a fun day at the park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi's E/C teacher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the 2 assistants in Lexi's E/C class. She ADORES them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi's buddy Anna. They will be lifelong friends, even if I have to force them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna enters kindergarten next year. *sniff*</td></tr>
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Alexis had a great time seeing her friends at the park and we took her for a celebratory lunch of chips and salsa.<br />
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<br />Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-7849849899788967012013-05-06T23:52:00.001-04:002013-05-06T23:57:30.952-04:00We have a model in the Family. Thanks, but no. It's not me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a 'Toddlers and Tiaras' moment on Sunday. Turns out, I could totally be that obnoxious stage mom, forcing my kid in front of a camera. But I digress. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sometimes I forget that it's not all about me.</span></div>
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It started with a notice on Saturday that a photographer, who also happens to be a mom in my local Mom's group of kids with Down syndrome, was in need of a subject. A<em> model</em>, if you will.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2in15K3FeKkRHqv-jz0rQ5MHcUgy7PrwgR-gItVNlO82cHcytmTchUF9OXqfTaKg_L3ydXjFE6L6RrpojD6x3Vreyihmy_asF5NK_HIXVKV1rsYnFWCk5Imi7UvrLcVbug_IF9oHNcOo/s1600/11877_550417318335261_1007176320_n%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2in15K3FeKkRHqv-jz0rQ5MHcUgy7PrwgR-gItVNlO82cHcytmTchUF9OXqfTaKg_L3ydXjFE6L6RrpojD6x3Vreyihmy_asF5NK_HIXVKV1rsYnFWCk5Imi7UvrLcVbug_IF9oHNcOo/s400/11877_550417318335261_1007176320_n%5B3%5D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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This photographer, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wsierrahoffman" target="_blank">Sierra</a>, is working with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Down-Syndrome-Indiana/122861324424198?fref=ts" target="_blank">Down Syndrome Indiana</a> on a "Get to Know You" social media awareness campaign. Every week, a different person who has that little something extra, is photographed with a little blurb that tells about them. (Sierra's Flickr account can be seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierrahoffman" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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We set up the shoot for Sunday and I took the boys and Lex over to Sierra's home for a photography session. I was nervous. Nervous because Alexis is 4 and, well, Miss Sassypants will cooperate when she's good and ready to cooperate. We put her in front of the lights and the camera and girlfriend was in. her. element.<br />
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She stood on her mark, smiling for the camera, while I hovered behind Sierra looking like a complete fool. A proud, happy, excited fool. I told Alexis to jump, and she jumped. I told her to dance and spin and she obliged. Even 4 outfits and multiple props later, as her bedtime approached and she was ready to be done, Alexis was great.<br />
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I'd only checked Facebook a dozen times an hour today, waiting to see the results. And when the pictures were posted this evening, I was elated. Sierra was awesome with Alexis and the boys and I am so grateful to have these pictures!<br />
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We had bubbles, tutus, and music at the shoot. Nothing could have made Lexi happier. Except maybe some chips and salsa. I have developed carpel tunnel in the last few hours "liking" all the posts and comments people have been making about the photos on Facebook. And my friend Diane suggested I get Alexis an agent. It's on my 'To Do' list.<br />
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I'm a proud <strike>stage</strike> mom.<br />
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<br />Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-76124241321882466452013-04-08T00:21:00.000-04:002013-04-08T00:21:04.918-04:004!I can't believe that Lexi Sassypants is 4. It seems like just yesterday I was arguing with my OB on whether I should drive to the hospital to deliver this baby or if she should call an ambulance. (For the record, I won the debate and we made it to the hospital. My doctor still talks about how much I stress her out.)<br />
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Yesterday was Lexi's birthday party.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGziCHdmt3ZddakgpHU3kd3vUtO12kt64Z_DXGyl0AdorVEYjZPL52HjhNT3ul0g5vXX3hKqPYXF_7P1z9sixUbNFDKnHq9OW9EAVtSWSqltXxYI5RtPYpyveAdtaAWXXHBA87kpPb2EQ/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGziCHdmt3ZddakgpHU3kd3vUtO12kt64Z_DXGyl0AdorVEYjZPL52HjhNT3ul0g5vXX3hKqPYXF_7P1z9sixUbNFDKnHq9OW9EAVtSWSqltXxYI5RtPYpyveAdtaAWXXHBA87kpPb2EQ/s320/IMG_0687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved her new hand puppets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb_m2Kthe8jk0Yn1VTy3YieeW1P4pSV4ZkB9iI7eNzGOBU4KFgpRtgYdxSLupPdBixhyzY_fvqNVwUQfSUOfHc4Bz97OQBb51gd3fWlE2L-UGaaU2HRvoB9dT2tY8v8onAwpH8ZFE5NI/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb_m2Kthe8jk0Yn1VTy3YieeW1P4pSV4ZkB9iI7eNzGOBU4KFgpRtgYdxSLupPdBixhyzY_fvqNVwUQfSUOfHc4Bz97OQBb51gd3fWlE2L-UGaaU2HRvoB9dT2tY8v8onAwpH8ZFE5NI/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to sing and blow out candles twice. It was her favorite part of the day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2O-r9CfJ8NlNpNxJfBxiLj1ClsLVuvGZxpmuwzxfbMqIly0QDasU54qWswfdJGmqrrHflj6bRenJrDJlnIGBdODnuTcX_AvvrltPp6UqjUC9ZJqhyphenhyphen1UsLIdjvnQ0CHUqAoZKHgPrD34/s1600/IMG_5988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2O-r9CfJ8NlNpNxJfBxiLj1ClsLVuvGZxpmuwzxfbMqIly0QDasU54qWswfdJGmqrrHflj6bRenJrDJlnIGBdODnuTcX_AvvrltPp6UqjUC9ZJqhyphenhyphen1UsLIdjvnQ0CHUqAoZKHgPrD34/s320/IMG_5988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girlfriend loves her pompoms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EXKEER8bdu3hyphenhyphenKcQ8ouPEcK-1qKN6dUaWcqndsDfnW_zPqJpfu8hInqWXKUrtzOe_oX2JntgD4oyLc84UvxFLSRBYGiuXQxxlwGIGgrwhuJj3P4ixJESnwdgQQm5QLe5RIpdumw-sJI/s1600/2013-04-06_17-48-32_209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EXKEER8bdu3hyphenhyphenKcQ8ouPEcK-1qKN6dUaWcqndsDfnW_zPqJpfu8hInqWXKUrtzOe_oX2JntgD4oyLc84UvxFLSRBYGiuXQxxlwGIGgrwhuJj3P4ixJESnwdgQQm5QLe5RIpdumw-sJI/s320/2013-04-06_17-48-32_209.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she has rediscovered Wii Dance Kids. She's got moves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi is also loving her new trampoline. Her physical therapist will be thrilled!</td></tr>
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Today was a little more low key. It's was a beautiful day so the kids and I headed to the park for the first time this season.</div>
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We returned home to a birthday treat: sweet potato french fries. She asked for chips and salsa, but I decided 3 times in 2 days might be a little much.</div>
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And then, of course, more singing and blowing out candles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNo8uoWThjkJEnteXa0JZAcUU0KwSSa7BKyPUHWhL4NoNeI0mZFLPiuPaRdY22wSzCyQae5J-Wd7FNdgMQ_q6jx0uMFGXBkiSjIplMHBNjy3TZKFcx68SdYlEcFVX5eyFRLU6e_JaJIY/s1600/2013-04-07_18-28-54_842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNo8uoWThjkJEnteXa0JZAcUU0KwSSa7BKyPUHWhL4NoNeI0mZFLPiuPaRdY22wSzCyQae5J-Wd7FNdgMQ_q6jx0uMFGXBkiSjIplMHBNjy3TZKFcx68SdYlEcFVX5eyFRLU6e_JaJIY/s320/2013-04-07_18-28-54_842.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These boys make me melt, the way they love their sister.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God bless them. They get so excited for her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ4jCosRKU5vfYKGB_5h8UbgquCAP14_epAWJiDILVuq2CuJMQM4PmfjZyf2mKEcwenfJzojur0xp_DLkymTD2dvawYgrNlYFHpVDWDzvi9ikMkw0u-SF2u1zP0ND843uC5WO7K_OXxg/s1600/2013-04-07_18-28-24_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ4jCosRKU5vfYKGB_5h8UbgquCAP14_epAWJiDILVuq2CuJMQM4PmfjZyf2mKEcwenfJzojur0xp_DLkymTD2dvawYgrNlYFHpVDWDzvi9ikMkw0u-SF2u1zP0ND843uC5WO7K_OXxg/s320/2013-04-07_18-28-24_13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Alexis!</td></tr>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-51384586860851241852013-04-07T00:25:00.000-04:002013-04-07T00:25:30.356-04:00Volunteers: Pay Attention!You could make a difference in the life of this little girl:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAuh8z3YEy8rdaiSbgqOXwAjUBoflDLOU-dFDt7sOS0tSqpiYlz6bNwVXXkyq89S7YT3Til9BIgAUCO4ILeLFgPaHd9FAFXZoWRe4jjfB-6nbRdurHWI6Q_mzsM6u1TAjzUgmSKMXJ9Q/s1600/IMG_0174edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAuh8z3YEy8rdaiSbgqOXwAjUBoflDLOU-dFDt7sOS0tSqpiYlz6bNwVXXkyq89S7YT3Til9BIgAUCO4ILeLFgPaHd9FAFXZoWRe4jjfB-6nbRdurHWI6Q_mzsM6u1TAjzUgmSKMXJ9Q/s320/IMG_0174edit.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for a way to get involved in the community and volunteer and make an impact in the life of a person with Down syndrome, here's something to consider.<br />
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"<a href="http://gigisplayhouse.org/about-us" target="_blank">GiGi’s Playhouses</a> are Down syndrome awareness and educational centers that provide resources, specialized teaching, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community." There are about 16 of these centers across the country now, and I'm excited to announce that Gigi's Indy is officially under construction! The executive board is currently being gathered. This is a huge commitment and people are needed, especially those "with a passion for finance, marketing, legal, accounting, education, development, and *of course* enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome."<br />
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Please look at the website, and look deep within yourself. Would you consider joining us?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">"The best way to find
yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." <br />--</span></span><a href="http://www.doonething.org/heroes/gandhi.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Gandhi</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-11644171421648145662013-03-31T23:28:00.000-04:002013-03-31T23:28:02.065-04:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Easter weekend was a whirlwind. In 2 days we celebrated in 4 cities. This included 4 Easter egg hunts. I'm in a Twix coma.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUcO5nexB4jE1SUfcQRnw96MmxQzwuVmwKO7PpPAqDNhSQCRy8nRtISR3MiH7ksua2FYJ2BehkwiLP-BG_dKoQcAw3_5PsAzjlsWCCApHUIeB1IDn0RKNhuhAe_RN6TXbFzOoLABMP68/s1600/2013-03-30_11-02-55_689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUcO5nexB4jE1SUfcQRnw96MmxQzwuVmwKO7PpPAqDNhSQCRy8nRtISR3MiH7ksua2FYJ2BehkwiLP-BG_dKoQcAw3_5PsAzjlsWCCApHUIeB1IDn0RKNhuhAe_RN6TXbFzOoLABMP68/s320/2013-03-30_11-02-55_689.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunt #1 with our church in Noblesville.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlMzqrCh5e7DBonsmjnWCfQ-zucmVCLot9zGqgH-K1irLQbJ5s0IzK4g4H_sP7y4u_jb-yCCdSOApt_VczfT_f7WIBPeaZI5RUvlBkjT_cUQpcEB1-NCou2i268CqawsebS9eDFEERwQ/s1600/2013-03-30_15-51-02_223edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlMzqrCh5e7DBonsmjnWCfQ-zucmVCLot9zGqgH-K1irLQbJ5s0IzK4g4H_sP7y4u_jb-yCCdSOApt_VczfT_f7WIBPeaZI5RUvlBkjT_cUQpcEB1-NCou2i268CqawsebS9eDFEERwQ/s320/2013-03-30_15-51-02_223edit.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
We went straight from the egg hunt in Noblesville to the grandparent's house in Kokomo to have Easter with cousins and aunt and uncles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake was a tad excited to find a Skylander in his Easter basket. A tad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet16dmpXgE7NgVt4M_k7evT7ZkgDaaeD3pRBA29Jfy66nBkmDXnL7_Lp21iXE7PrAvkgols47gg-zoPHXMN_wYtZGzRvd-PZHPZgmdN2N_NFfKc13CFHjsYv1NNY6ltHO3hENBLZXor4/s1600/IMG_1458edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet16dmpXgE7NgVt4M_k7evT7ZkgDaaeD3pRBA29Jfy66nBkmDXnL7_Lp21iXE7PrAvkgols47gg-zoPHXMN_wYtZGzRvd-PZHPZgmdN2N_NFfKc13CFHjsYv1NNY6ltHO3hENBLZXor4/s320/IMG_1458edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi paused to admire herself.</td></tr>
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We returned home Saturday night and woke Sunday for church. We returned home from church long enough to pack up the suitcases and head to Logansport for another family Easter dinner. And another egg hunt. Lexi's got it down now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlU_FbjJljXTfztst2TOuv8QmZYrakZiTzsF9gxnMMabhL6FBsmcbF3lAToRsQEALvJe5C44mglOe0KofMW3xxmc1UbB1AkeTbZb1y9SPB3xLWsxsV2t_9bkNyEUit5wuhFi-_uT_dJY/s1600/2013-03-31_13-59-53_485edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlU_FbjJljXTfztst2TOuv8QmZYrakZiTzsF9gxnMMabhL6FBsmcbF3lAToRsQEALvJe5C44mglOe0KofMW3xxmc1UbB1AkeTbZb1y9SPB3xLWsxsV2t_9bkNyEUit5wuhFi-_uT_dJY/s320/2013-03-31_13-59-53_485edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi's first ever Easter dress and new Easter shoes. Some days you just have to pass on the orthotics.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXTji2KsJ2lpVXFhwBuZgTpdJHD9NAPh1hz_Fp5Zt9O9Zu1U4IrRToJMSF_I1Ts8iFkyOvUVU915-hzniO42sk5DzNmuRmUbqWT3C0MsHPWVJ94iWFxYbwcKY2Siq1RXsRxGpEgUoblg/s1600/2013-03-31_13-59-58_684edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXTji2KsJ2lpVXFhwBuZgTpdJHD9NAPh1hz_Fp5Zt9O9Zu1U4IrRToJMSF_I1Ts8iFkyOvUVU915-hzniO42sk5DzNmuRmUbqWT3C0MsHPWVJ94iWFxYbwcKY2Siq1RXsRxGpEgUoblg/s320/2013-03-31_13-59-58_684edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was telling the boys how I think that the Easter bunny works with Santa Claus to discuss all the kids and who is good and who's not. In fact, I think the Easter bunny works with Santa and the tooth fairy and the Great Pumpkin. Blake looked at me funny. "Mom! Remember, the Great Pumpkin isn't real!" Glad he cleared that up.<br />
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After more quality cousin time, we left Logansport and are now with the other Grandparents in Elkhart. And I'm going to bed. Tomorrow I tackle the Snickers.<br />
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Blessings to you this Easter!!Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-35858627454515191472013-03-20T21:21:00.003-04:002013-03-20T21:21:51.058-04:00Happy World Down Syndrome Day (tomorrow), my sisters!Down syndrome has given me a lot: a lot of understanding, a lot of frustration, a lot of patience, a lot of uncertainty, a lot of appreciation. But the greatest gift Down syndrome has given me is the other moms of children with Down syndrome that I have met. They are my sisters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUatWbLn1BVXssi2FyyVVj97M_gP7aUVWvWi7rhyphenhyphen98oqf1m91CFjNX7QcOxSJFQboxJthaI6DwrWPPIa6yi35k6KTILLUPkmiM8lCoNElnnWRMP3NS5CVFlld3qKp6uoLJOLVDCpu900/s1600/2013-03-09_19-14-57_753edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUatWbLn1BVXssi2FyyVVj97M_gP7aUVWvWi7rhyphenhyphen98oqf1m91CFjNX7QcOxSJFQboxJthaI6DwrWPPIa6yi35k6KTILLUPkmiM8lCoNElnnWRMP3NS5CVFlld3qKp6uoLJOLVDCpu900/s320/2013-03-09_19-14-57_753edit.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I have met many moms over the past 4 years that have children with Down syndrome. I've met moms on line, in grocery stores, at school, and most recently through a mom's group. And it's an incredible experience to meet another mom, not know anything about her, but once you learn she has a child with Down syndrome, you know a part of her intimately. We cheer together when that little baby is finally released from a long NICU stay and gets to go home. We struggle together when we see for the first time in writing, the results of that first round of testing that spells out all those delays. We celebrate little milestones like finally using a straw or clearing both feet off a floor when our little one learns to jump.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmYrecjARvF-kBoLYbNpe225XmV3nnotFmlx2P3ZvrLWt7qA2h4Z7wrNZe7X_5cc0iDiM3eVmPOIVfS2TA_pWk-4QJV9hxzatwwBtOLq-DQh3JiBkG_jKbflvPyi6IXJn3B2Qi8csAZY/s1600/imagesCAWWVPQ7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmYrecjARvF-kBoLYbNpe225XmV3nnotFmlx2P3ZvrLWt7qA2h4Z7wrNZe7X_5cc0iDiM3eVmPOIVfS2TA_pWk-4QJV9hxzatwwBtOLq-DQh3JiBkG_jKbflvPyi6IXJn3B2Qi8csAZY/s1600/imagesCAWWVPQ7.jpg" /></a></div>
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There's the joy when after over 2 years of waiting (2 years and 3 months to be exact), we finally hear the word "mama." We cry together when we want so desparately, and struggle, to get our child the education and the services and the acceptance they deserve. We know the guilt we all feel on days when we don't like Down syndrome. <br />
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And we understand the devastation the first time we heard that our child had Down syndrome and the way that devastation gave way to a pure deep unconditional love for our sweet children.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw22ICjOyo9OCcHuOTuXajsN-tXcadoomHgH4tzsGRqYf7mjUIwUp3_g4zimgrXnX0BOrCnONsfueTgnaFvkixPhxDMLjT-Ye9kiVZRGHzqmsVQGRw1bu1DC-UmKh9Xj-OCE0A9zkVEU/s1600/581656_462624163810301_1267612952_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw22ICjOyo9OCcHuOTuXajsN-tXcadoomHgH4tzsGRqYf7mjUIwUp3_g4zimgrXnX0BOrCnONsfueTgnaFvkixPhxDMLjT-Ye9kiVZRGHzqmsVQGRw1bu1DC-UmKh9Xj-OCE0A9zkVEU/s320/581656_462624163810301_1267612952_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This isn't to say that this sisterhood replaces or even trumps our other friendships. My best friends that were my best friends before Alexis arrived, remain my best friends. Those 6 women that I first contacted with the exciting news of my 3rd pregnancy, and then contacted again to tell them of what felt like the most devestating news of Alexis's Down syndrome, will forever be held close to my heart. And there are plenty of times that the last thing I want to talk about is Down syndrome, and quality time with a friend, talking about everything but Down syndrome, is exactly what I need.<br />
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So on 3-21, also known as World Down Syndrome Day (the date, 3-21, is representative of the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. Clever, eh?) I celebrate the sisterhood...these women that I am so grateful to have in my life. These women who are there to answer questions, to sympathize, to vent to, to celebrate with. For my new sisters, I am grateful.<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-23390261391351218052013-03-13T22:57:00.000-04:002013-03-13T22:57:41.493-04:00Fix it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Poor Alexis has been sick. Even though she just had strep 2 weeks ago, usually she's a pretty healthy little girl. So it was very confusing and upsetting to her yesterday when she threw up. She didn't understand what was happening.</div>
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"What is it?" She choked out, tears running down her face, and that lower lip sticking out in a most pathetic way. </div>
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"You got sick," I said, rubbing her back and holding her hair back.</div>
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"Fix it!" she pleaded.</div>
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While it's so hard to watch my child feel bad, my second reaction to her demand to "fix it" was gratitude that she can communicate that need to me. She can point at her stomach and say "Tummy. Hurt." Even during moments like this, it's like a little milestone that I quietly celebrate. Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-12378708227266591262013-01-30T01:27:00.001-05:002013-01-30T01:27:32.961-05:0025 thingsI haven't posted in 25 days. Mom's getting on my case. And so much has been going on that I keep putting it off. Nothing big, just lots of little things. About 25 little things.<br />
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1. Nick is playing Upwards basketball and we're already halfway through the season. He's back to being one of the young kids on the team (the 3rd grader on a 3rd/4th grade team), but despite the lack of points he's scored, he still seems to be enjoying it.<br />
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2. Alexis is no longer receiving outpatient therapy (she still receives therapy in school). We have new insurance and they won't cover therapy for Down syndrome. "It's chronic. It's viewed as maintenance. It can't help her." I'm so bothered by this, and not so much because she can't get outpatient therapy, but because I wonder if this is the beginning of the battles. And limitations are being placed on my rock star of a girl by people who know nothing about her and have absolutely no idea how capable she is.<br />
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3. My house is semi clean. <em>This is huge</em>. (Don't go in my bathroom.)<br />
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4. Nick came home with a great report card.<br />
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5. Blake came home with a great report card. He has room for improvement with his handwriting and organizational skills. <em>This is not news</em>.<br />
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6. Alexis had an appointment at the Down syndrome clinic. She put on 4 pounds in 6 months. Usually when we go, she has put on a fraction of a pound. She's in the 50th percentile for kids with d/s. Perfect.<br />
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7. Alexis has discovered the Wiggles. I swore I would never introduce her to the Wiggles. She found them on my phone. So I dragged out the boys' old Wiggles DVDs. <em>What have I done?</em><br />
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8. Blake turned 8. He's halfway to being able to drive. I'm not sure what's worse: Blake being that old, or hearing the Wiggles.<br />
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9. We celebrated Blake's birthday with the family this past weekend. Shockingly, he received some Lego sets. We now have about 3000 more pieces of Lego's to step on in the middle of the night.<br />
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10. Alexis had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for her leg length discrepancy. It was reassuring to hear that we are doing everything right in terms of her shoe lift and ankle braces. Hopefully, there will be no surgery in her future, but if there is, it would be around age 8 or 9 and it's not too painful.<br />
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11. Blake is signed up to start swim lessons next week.<br />
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12. I'm still running periodically, maybe twice a week. It's amazing that it takes me months to build up to run a half marathon, but it takes what seems like 3 days of not running and I can't run for even a mile straight.<br />
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13. Jason got a weekend away with the boys over the long MLK weekend. He earned it.<br />
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14. Nick is very excited that the Ravens are in the Superbowl. Nick's love for the Ravens, which even he can't explain, is the <em>only</em> reason I'll be cheering for them. I'm very sad that the football season is coming to an end. Very very sad. Sitting around, watching football with the family on Sundays is the highlight of my week.<br />
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15. Alexis is taking gymnastics. She loves it, and this deserves a blog post of it's own. Stay tuned.<br />
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16. I am obsessed with Downton Abbey. Best. Show. Ever. I will not admit to the other show I now love, because it's a new and terrible (and terribly embarrassing) show on Bravo.<br />
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17. Nick is obsessed with Skylanders (it's a video game thing, Grandma). Blake is obsessed with Minecraft (also a video game thing, Grandma). I understand these obsessions as much as I understand Lexi's love of the Wiggles.<br />
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18. Alexis loves dressing up. She puts on her brother's shoes, Pop Pop's hats, bathing suit bottoms (over her jeans), costumes, and she takes her socks off, puts the socks on her hands, and calls them "necklace".<br />
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19. Alexis's speech is really coming along. She reverses the words 'cupcake' and 'pancake', and also 'necklace' with 'bracelet'.<br />
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20. Two of Lexi's words that are right on: 'chips and salsa'.<br />
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21. I can hear a storm coming in. We're under a tornado watch. It was blustery cold a couple days ago. Today we had a high of 63. Indiana makes me happy (not the tornado part).<br />
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22. Alexis is a beautiful, sweet, charming, loving little girl. She is also a handful. They love her at school, but she has her own agenda and is on the time out chair most days. These thunderous threes prove that she <em>is</em> a typical toddler.<br />
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23. I'm almost 40.<br />
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24. Preschools are starting to register for next year. I think Alexis will continue with her same schedule, but maybe with an addition of an afternoon preschool a couple days a week. She could attend the same preschool where she is in Parent's Day Out, but I'm looking for a backup plan in case she isn't potty trained by the fall. The school system here will go to a balanced calendar next school year: 8 weeks of summer, 1 week of fall break, 1 week of spring break, 2 weeks at Christmas. School will start on August 1.<br />
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25. Blake and Nick continue to amaze me. At 15 months apart, they could not be more different: Right brained vs. left brained, in every sense. But they are a perfect balance, complement each other perfectly, tattle on each other like typical siblings, but adore each other and their sister. I am absolutely blessed in <em>every</em> area in my life and I will never take this for granted.Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-90042751273222567142013-01-05T00:05:00.001-05:002013-01-05T00:05:49.949-05:00Christmas Recap and How to see an entire amusement park for the cost of a plate of nachos.Christmas was a whirlwind of family gatherings, good friends, and travel. Christmas is celebrated with my side of the family in Elkhart on Christmas Eve and then Christmas morning we wake up at my parent's house, the kids open their gifts from Santa, and we drive to Kokomo to celebrate Christmas with hubby's side.<br />
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Usually we drive back home Christmas night and then December 26th is spent playing with new toys, doing laundry and packing up for our yearly trip to Gainesville, Florida to see dear friends. While we were in Kokomo on Christmas Day, the local news stations were forecasting a blizzard arriving that night and through the following day. We left Kokomo by 7, arriving home in Noblesville by 8. Toys were thrown into the living room, suitcases were dumped in the laundry room and then refilled with whatever remaining clothes were in the closets, and we were on the road, headed to Florida by 10:30. As much as I would have loved to witness a good blizzard (I'm still bitter that we were out of the country for the blizzard of '78) I was not to be kept from my southern destination.<br />
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It was great seeing our dear friends. Poor Blake was under the weather for the first several days with a fever and cough. The boys were in heaven playing video games almost every waking hour. We did force them outside a couple times a day. We learned pretty quickly to add some specific instructions when we sent them out, since the first time we sent them outside, we found them on the porch playing Nintendo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XwWfvpSPoQgpQTAiehNpPIXPDrJyvwwibequRcU3eEQiHXTJUDr9fi5MaWgUkJjiVeuRDlKAnuSUi55yrZ5K5RfamHbDWKLCcw7NZg8WhyfE9psyjbjVryaLZqz9yx4-slON35ZhGGI/s1600/2012-12-29_14-22-27_381edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XwWfvpSPoQgpQTAiehNpPIXPDrJyvwwibequRcU3eEQiHXTJUDr9fi5MaWgUkJjiVeuRDlKAnuSUi55yrZ5K5RfamHbDWKLCcw7NZg8WhyfE9psyjbjVryaLZqz9yx4-slON35ZhGGI/s400/2012-12-29_14-22-27_381edit.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake was still under the weather. Needless to say, he didn't catch the ball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujL76as1s-vzCj0mACnoJd_S4CkSZk6RJTvu-Mu4bXsxmcOB-8Z3qMdcdQZ46Z9YyNHYtqFEq8Wx9KIsgPfDPndHFAmloGrucaN5XAXouZzOlI2QOmghd_yBL8wbaL0xCV2so0pnPvaY/s1600/2012-12-27_20-28-27_576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujL76as1s-vzCj0mACnoJd_S4CkSZk6RJTvu-Mu4bXsxmcOB-8Z3qMdcdQZ46Z9YyNHYtqFEq8Wx9KIsgPfDPndHFAmloGrucaN5XAXouZzOlI2QOmghd_yBL8wbaL0xCV2so0pnPvaY/s400/2012-12-27_20-28-27_576.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis adored Trisha. I think the feeling was mutual.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fomHvsR-LW2m_oBdjrP3nTwkrKzI30YbSEQLKRaoiOcF5FIvL49DQTgdVeAM6AwpZmBVxcG0TsQejVDMe5JyyW0LLRjmPmtWBBoIB5cJDYzZmGY11gny2wV3fNhUswL2Servh3WdtZ8/s1600/2012-12-29_19-07-32_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fomHvsR-LW2m_oBdjrP3nTwkrKzI30YbSEQLKRaoiOcF5FIvL49DQTgdVeAM6AwpZmBVxcG0TsQejVDMe5JyyW0LLRjmPmtWBBoIB5cJDYzZmGY11gny2wV3fNhUswL2Servh3WdtZ8/s400/2012-12-29_19-07-32_158.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi's newest word: ipad.</td></tr>
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<br />
We made a trip to Busch Gardens while we were there. Luckily, Blake had just gotten over his nasty cold, but unfortunately Nick was coming down with an ear infection. Luckily, with ibuprofen, Nick said he felt fine. The whole reason I wanted to go to the Busch was for Alexis to see the Seasame Street characters and it was definitely the highlight of my day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPbTGjNXWuuRf1RK6CL1SM0R6C6Om_ElWhyF8rrHXzPEFSypzuIJqO8zkcuH7ofEFx58Kp0VLjhKlWYKZq1ohbVsAVegoikebISp7rTPeZaNNl0wG-rhS-ceO4g7zUhe_IoA7QzGbWzg/s1600/DSCN0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPbTGjNXWuuRf1RK6CL1SM0R6C6Om_ElWhyF8rrHXzPEFSypzuIJqO8zkcuH7ofEFx58Kp0VLjhKlWYKZq1ohbVsAVegoikebISp7rTPeZaNNl0wG-rhS-ceO4g7zUhe_IoA7QzGbWzg/s400/DSCN0131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Elmo and Big Bird</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFMd_HrI5ri40O3TWbEslDBjExYmGX0rlmOaYDO28aQqdEv5HGC1HacCxxvCRH8joOEmKS3_0bj4x5Ems71ITQGy2VATKDYgpRZf9fK_JZrQ_QvmI6tgaeP4wewkp7Iev4pXwWTmNN3A/s1600/DSCN0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFMd_HrI5ri40O3TWbEslDBjExYmGX0rlmOaYDO28aQqdEv5HGC1HacCxxvCRH8joOEmKS3_0bj4x5Ems71ITQGy2VATKDYgpRZf9fK_JZrQ_QvmI6tgaeP4wewkp7Iev4pXwWTmNN3A/s400/DSCN0215.JPG" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosita (the blue furry thing in the background) and the Count spent quite a bit of time loving on Lex. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv6CqeKyXXbqZy_YGE98U0Hjy4p0_4B2mv7Jajr5cOb5h5x_3AT6gYVdujG8ZT5uy0iFnN0y1wFyqsT9Tk0A4i71FZKtur-ijS6MkI9U5KdmqV2YYdO52rWqIeNODDWwOG7A2S7cdY1g/s1600/2012-12-30_12-05-48_639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv6CqeKyXXbqZy_YGE98U0Hjy4p0_4B2mv7Jajr5cOb5h5x_3AT6gYVdujG8ZT5uy0iFnN0y1wFyqsT9Tk0A4i71FZKtur-ijS6MkI9U5KdmqV2YYdO52rWqIeNODDWwOG7A2S7cdY1g/s400/2012-12-30_12-05-48_639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The whole day rocked. And here I will insert my instructional excerpt on how to rock your Busch Gardens experience:<br />
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1. Know someone who knows someone who finds you free tickets to the B.G. My bestfriend's boyfriend's cousin's sister's neighbor knows this guy who saw this girl who works at Busch Gardens. But seriously, I happened to mention our plans to visit Busch Garden's to a cousin who, it turns out, has a sister that works there. How awesome is that!?!<br />
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2. Make sure said contact works in a souvenir shop, so you get your purchases with her discount.<br />
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3. And make sure that the contact's boyfriend manages the photo shop so you can get all your pictures at a discount.<br />
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4. Finally, if you can arrange to get someone in your party trapped at the top of the highest roller coaster for an entire hour, you can also get free meals. Thank you Matt and Cam for your participation in this exercise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfptvfIzB9mBobBx47GEMUZnmKbPlFtVfAdoyVJffaxtKDeK8umYJU7fa4ad8qaKtUYXsCEIBgsE7LjGnjXIj2pOMCLYfetKi-6IE8nEL96QzvUIfdTeYOZEeg5nETYygyc_mgY2Qiv2s/s1600/DSCN0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfptvfIzB9mBobBx47GEMUZnmKbPlFtVfAdoyVJffaxtKDeK8umYJU7fa4ad8qaKtUYXsCEIBgsE7LjGnjXIj2pOMCLYfetKi-6IE8nEL96QzvUIfdTeYOZEeg5nETYygyc_mgY2Qiv2s/s400/DSCN0152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's their roller coaster car. Stopped. At that angle. For an hour.</td></tr>
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<br />
We left the park that night, out the cost of one discounted Christmas ornament, a soda, and a plate of nachos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6337fJJobKf0NT4KE5XQfcF3GC6n5LpyPtSFqK85ZRSSdu0QSS6-FMHeBVo2sLXN2cEVIAmQ1EoGIiyFwZT92ajuzQdXSleoeHycv5JTKRz5LisIYDv6mmlUhDZuHLKAvHCWzlYd9-8/s1600/2012-12-30_13-50-38_549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6337fJJobKf0NT4KE5XQfcF3GC6n5LpyPtSFqK85ZRSSdu0QSS6-FMHeBVo2sLXN2cEVIAmQ1EoGIiyFwZT92ajuzQdXSleoeHycv5JTKRz5LisIYDv6mmlUhDZuHLKAvHCWzlYd9-8/s400/2012-12-30_13-50-38_549.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake and Daddy were off riding all the big scary rides and roller coasters. All Nick and I need to be happy is fair food.</td></tr>
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<br />
The following day, New Year's Eve, Nick woke up with both ears hurting. Turns out it was a double ear infection. Poor kid. On a positive note, we got to take advantage of our last free trip to an urgent care center before our insurance plan changed on January 1. I'm a glass-half-full kinda gal.<br />
<br />
It was nice to get back home. The kids don't have to be back to school until the 8th, so we can continue to relax and play Uno Attack and watch football all weekend. Holiday Blessings to you all, and Go Colts!Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011512835398868593.post-77321559796746194912012-12-17T22:33:00.000-05:002012-12-17T22:33:21.747-05:00I'm hugging my kids harder these days.How many posts have I started since Friday, either on the laptop or in my head, regarding the tragic killings in Connecticut? Nothing sounds right. I've backspaced more in the past half hour in the writing of this post, than I probably have since starting this blog 4 years ago. There are just no words for something like this, so I'll just continue to pray for the comfort and healing of the survivors, the school, the parents and children, the community, and our nation as we continue to try to digest and understand something so impossible to understand.<br />
<br />
A facebook friend wrote today of how her daughter's teacher would be like those teachers in Newtown that sacrificed their own lives to try to shelter and save their students. So I thought of my own kids' teachers. All 7 of them. (Lexi has 5 teachers, 3 in Early Childhood and 2 at Parent's Day Out) And yes, I am certain that all of my kids' teachers would put themselves between my child and danger. I look back at the teachers my kids have had in past years and other staff at the school that I've met, and I feel the same. It was still tough putting my kids on a bus this morning, but it sure makes it easier knowing that they are going to a school with staff and teachers like this. I was raised by 2 teachers, and when I was growing up, I was surrounded and loved by all my parents' closest friends who were teachers. My mother-in-law was a teacher and my sister-in-law is a teacher. And I am absolutely certain that all of these teachers that I love so much, would protect a child in their class just as they would their own children at home.<br />
<br />
I've been attending the church where Alexis attends Parent's Day Out for over a year now. I've gotten to know a few people, primarily through the preschool that is there, but it's a big church, so I still feel fairly anonymous when I walk into that large congregation by myself. I feel comfortable there. I usually scramble into the sanctuary moments before the service starts and get out of there quick to pick up the kids from Sunday School. Since the kids don't sit with me in the service, I actually get to hear the sermon. Kinda nice. This past Sunday the associate minister was preaching, and it was emotional as we all tried to understand the tragedy. One of the things the pastor mentioned was reaching out to those people who are "on the edge". When the service was over, within fractions of a second, before I even had grabbed my purse and turned to leave, I felt an arm around my shoulders and a very kind woman who I've never seen before, was complimenting me on my dress, my hair, and how nice it was to see me. She hugged me. Twice. And then an older gentleman came over and shook my hand. Before I was out of the sanctuary, 4 people I'd never met or even seen before had stopped to greet me.<br />
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I almost giggled to myself, wondering if I look like I'm "on the edge." (I assure you, I'm not.) I think really it's just people trying to make sense of the Connecticut shootings and trying to show more kindness...trying to reach out to others. I left feeling hopeful, that even with these heinous events that we will never be able to make sense of, that it will make us want to be a little kinder, hug a little longer, love a little deeper, and pray a whole lot harder. Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376571561010983784noreply@blogger.com0