Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Marking its sixth year, World Down Syndrome Day celebrates the abilities of people with down syndrome. It's time that the world looks past the extra chromosome to the person who is inside. Individuals with DS are more like you and me then they are different.

I wish I had been better prepared to plan something fabulous to bring awareness this year. However, I strive to bring awareness and combat myths and mis-information about DS every day. It's just exciting to see that the entire world recognize and celebrate individuals with DS.

So in honor and celebration of our Reesie cup....here are some of my favorite pictures of her from 2.5 years on this earth.

Happy St. Patty's Day

We had a great St. Patty's Day. The girls LOVE animals so what better place to spend our day but the VA Zoo. We saw.....

monkeys



elephants

adorable meerkats




some lazy kangaroos





a black fuzzy bear



....and many, many more animals. We can't wait to go back. We had a great time!









We finished off the day with some yummy Vietnamese (I know..the furthest thing from Irish food) and some yummy Krispy Kreme Doughnuts thanks to Daddy!










Overall...a pretty fun St. Patty's Day.

Sisterly Love

These two warm my heart to see them love on one another!!!

I am blessed to be your mother! I love you girls! xoxoxox

Line Leader!

Grace is more than halfway through her first year of school. She attends a wonderful christian school and her K-3 teachers are amazing. We couldn't have hand picked two better people to be the first outside educators for our daughter. They have been super patient and willing to assist where needed. They love her attitude and her loving spirit but most importantly they love her.

Grace is very determined, as most three year olds, to do everything by herself. The fact of the matter is she can't do everything a typical three year old can. However, this hasn't slowed her down. In fact, I guess they take turns being the line leader at school, because Grace informs us, no matter where we go -- "Mommy, I'm the line leader."

Her teachers told me that they admire her and are impressed with her drive. There is nothing Grace won't try and if she can't do it, she never complains. That is what I admire most about her. There are so many times in life we just want to throw up our hands and say "Forget it!" or "I'm never going to be able to do this."

Life is full of frustrations, road blocks, and stress. I want to be more like my three year old, who instead of being afraid of what other's might think, takes the lead and guides us all to a more positive way of thinking.