DSA Week- Day 6: 21 Facts

21 random Peanut facts!!

1. He is 33 months old

2.  Is 30lbs

3. Is 2ft 9 inches

4. Has 150 + signs

5.  Favorite TV shows: 4 square & Barney

6. Can count to 5

7. Loves the palm of his hands rubbed

8. Strongly dislikes his teeth brushed

9. Favourite movie: Signing Times

10. Loves to dance

11.  Favourite words: No, Bye-Bye, Mom & Tay

12. Sings row row your boat so well

13. Favourite toy: Anything his sister is playing with

14. Loves to flush things in the toilet

15. Favourite food: Pizza

16. Sleeps in a big boy bed ( most nights lol)

17. Favourite Character: Elmo and says it so clear

18. Starting to try to walk up steps standing up

19. Became a walker at 30 months 

20.  Favourite books: Fox on Socks & Green Eggs and Ham

21.  Most important fact... Down Syndrome does not define who he is!

DSA Week- Day 5: Siblings

Ever wonder what the brothers and sisters of a sibling with Down Syndrome think?

Here's what they said.

In 2011 this study ask brothers and sisters about their feelings and perceptions toward their sibling with Down Syndrome. They analyzed valid and reliable surveys from 822 brothers and sisters 9 yrs and older whose families were on a mailing list of six non-profit Down Syndrome organizations around the country.

 96%  indicated that they loved their sibling

94% expressed feelings of pride

88% felt they were better people because of their sibling

90% felt their friends are comfortable around their sibling

Less than 4% said they would want to " trade in" their sibling

The brothers/sisters describe their relationship with their sibling as positive and enriching.

      I have seen nothing less with my children and their relationship with Peanut.

If that's not enough here's just one of  my many proud mommy stories.

  Today was another day that my oldest (10yrs old for those that don't know) confirmed his love and pride for Peanut. The day started with him wearing my "Keep Calm It's Only An Extra Chromosome" sweater to school. A smile so big on his face as he couldn't get out the door fast enough to go show it off and tell his friends when they asked what it meant!

Followed by my heart melting in pride as my boo spent his allowance on blue and yellow hockey lace's so he could lace up this week and support Peanut and all other individuals with Down Syndrome! He was excited about doing this and I'm sure some of the boys in the dressing room noticed as his other lace's are bright orange and he's one of the few who have coloured lace's. I can hear the pride he would answer with!! :)   

All laced up and ready to go! These lace's will be traveling supporting Down Syndrome Awareness all weekend in Sarnia!

One goal scored for you Peanut and I'm sure your brother will have more for you as the weekend comes!

 

The love,pride,compassion,caring,kind, positive relationship my boys have already there is no doubt in my mind that it will only  keep growing and getting stronger as the yrs go on. They each have just as much to give/learn/teach each other as with any siblings relationship.

 

 

 

 

DSA Week-Day 4: My Shoes

  

I am wearing a pair of shoes. Each day I wear them. Some days I wish they'd feel more comfortable and some days, they do. Some days they fit perfect. Some days my shoes hurt so badly that I do not think I can take another step. I sometimes get funny looks wearing these shoes. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad these are my shoes and not theirs. They talk  or whisper about my shoes. To learn how painful my shoes can be sometimes might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes one must walk in them but once you put them on, you can never take them off.

I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some people ache daily as they try and walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt. Most don't set out to wear these shoes. Yet, once in them you wouldn't trade these shoes for the world because these shoes make you a stronger, a more loving, better person. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am. I have been wearing these shoes for 33 months now, not everyday is easy but I think that is true for any pair of shoes. I can tell you though every step is SO worth it!!! I am a parent who has a child with special needs and I will forever proudly walk in these shoes.

DSA Week-Day 3: Sometimes the greatest gifts in life,are unexpected!

DSA Week- Day2: Can You See Me??

CAN YOU SEE ME

Can you see my eyes are slanted
Or do you look into my soul...

Can you see my ears are smaller
Or do you hear my words “I Love You”

Can you see my tongue is bigger
Or do you say “I Love You, too”

Can you see my nose is flatter
Or do you smell the flower I give you

Can you see my teeth are a little crooked
Or do you see my wide white smile

Can you see my speech is different
Or do you listen when I talk

Can you see the line across my palm
Or do you feel me when I touch

Can you see I am a little shorter
Or do you notice I stand so tall

Can you see my muscles are not so strong
Or do you feel I hug you so tight

Can you see me as a different pal
Or do you know I just want friends

Can you see these as a part of me
Or do you know I was meant to be

Can you see that I am different
Or do you see the inner me

Can you hear the beating heart God gave
It beats the same inside of me

Don’t always look toward the outside
Or you will miss the inside of me

I can see the real you
Can you see me?

Dedicated to all “The Me’s”
By Renee ’Farrow- Bennett
Inspired by my son, Christian Jack-Douglas Bennett who was born on September 15, 1993 

Down Syndrome Awareness Week- Day 1: " Keep Calm It's Only An Extra Chromosome"

" Keep Calm it's only an extra chromosome"

Don't get me wrong I didn't always feel this way, and wish I would have realized this way sooner then I did. I would have spent less time worrying and just enjoying my Peanut as he was.  Because in reality it is just that, an extra chromosome that is in  no way is going to define my son with who he is. what he looks like and what he can do!
 
I bought this sweater as this saying as always brought to mind  a nurse  we had at Sunnybrook NICU Pod D.  It was a couple days after I  had received Kaydes dx. I was sitting in the cafeteria with  a big folder of info on Down Syndrome that the Social Worker had given me. I remember sitting there almost not able to read due to tears pouring from my face as I read the list of things that could be wrong with my boy, the list of  characteristics my son may have and so on. I remember  trying to take control of my emotions wiping away the tears and as  I looked up there was a nurse sitting  a bit away but in my view who had obviously been watching me, when our eyes met she gave me this big warm smile that read it will be OK you will see. I was so strangely comforted by her smile.

 A few days later upon entering Peanuts room there she was she was Peanuts nurse! The nurse with the warm smile had a name, Her name was Susan. We sat and we talked I remember her telling me:


"Life will be so much more then what all the info says remember he is your baby first and always will be."   

" If you have a fish and it's in a little bowl what will that  fish see,explore and learn?" 

" Don't limit Peanut or let anyone limit him and he will succeed in anything."

" Let the sky be his limit" 

  She probably doesn't realize it but those words have stuck with me and they changed me.  It's the 1st positive thing I remember anyone saying to me about Down Syndrome. Those words were the start of light in those confusing overwhelming days for me.  It was the start of me keeping calm and realizing it's only an extra chromosome!

To  Nurse Susan:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words, they made such a difference to me. Thank you for being there with Peanut when he was transferred to Oshawa too, knowing it was you with him made me know he was in good hands until I could get there. I know you were always just being you and doing your job but I wish you could know the impression you left on me. 

Thank you,  Peanut's mom 

P.S......Ever wonder where Kayde got his nickname "Peanut" it was Susan :)

October Catch-up

 

Peanut,

 We have been taking full advantage of our Peanut and Mommy days. You have been working so hard and are gaining new words everyday. You have taken a great liking to our sight words again here is a video's of you showing off your skills.

 

Kaydster the next duck brother!

 

 

 Handsome boy you are in your new eye's

 

 

September Catch- Up

Peanut,

September was an exciting month for us, it was the start of just Peanut and Mommy days as big sis started JK. Big bro also started hockey but here's a few things you got up to over the month.

We took the Go Train into the city for the 1st time, You sure were excited as we waited to get on but once the train started moving you felt other wise. It was quite the hour ride in but I don't blame you it was all new and new movements as the train moved down the track. We will try again another day.

You also went to the Fall Fair and got to ride rides for the 1st time and you couldn't have been more happy about it. You loved everyone you went on!

Biggest thing of all for September is you putting together 2 words and saying them...
Can you guess what 2 words you put together??
Watch and see...

 

Your BB was beyond proud and ecstatic to hear you say Hi Tay! Mommy is not surprised that those were the first 2 words you put together, the bond you and your BB have is something very special you are his world Peanut he adores you more than anything. Your a rock star Peanut keep rocking.

 Love Mom xoxo's

Whoot Whoot!! Walking Boy

Aug 21st.  30 months old!!

  Look at you go Peanut!! Today you decided it was time to get on those feet for good. Yaaaaaaa!!!!!!! Is all mommy can scream. Oh my gosh I can't get enough of you walking. Seeing you stand like the big little man you are. Welcome my love to a great stage. I look forward more then anything to watch you grow and come into yourself now on your feet. Go Peanut go mommy is right behind you every step. To the moon and back and beyond the stars you are limitless so reach baby reach.

That sweet lil voice of yours!

July 20th,

Oh my Peanut!! Listen to you.... Whoot whoot your saying "mommy" and oh baby its the sweetest thing to mommy ears! You say it so good and I can't stop asking you to say it! Listen....

July Cottage Time!!!

It's that time of year again Peanut when we head off to the cottage with the family! Its the most wonderful week of the summer!! 17 of us and nothing but fun!!

 

June Photo's

Not much went on in June, we settled into summer mode and relaxed and enjoyed the weather only getting nicer! Picture month I will call it!!

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pay It Forward!!!

Kindness is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. Research has shown that acts of kindness does not only benefit receivers of the kind act, but also the giver, as a result of the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of contentment and relaxation when such acts are committed.

Pure kindness is excatly what we received from two great women. The 1st being Mel, my figure skating coach, family friend, my friend and someone I always looked up to.  To my surprise she came across great women # 2 being Pam Vorkapic a photographer who was looking to pay it forward. She was looking for a well deserved family to give a free photo shoot to! It was just before Christmas and I heard from Mel saying she had a gift for me and I need to meet up with her.  Surprised and driving myself nuts on what is it she could have for me. We met up and with the biggest smile on her face she handed me a envolope with strict intructions not to open until I got home. Lol!! Do you know how hard it was for me to not open it in the car? Remeber how well I listened during sessions..lol. But I did and Oh my thank goodness I did.  Tears, tears and more tears is all I can say. Inside the envolope was a letter, a letter to Pam about myself and my life explaining why Melissa thought I was well deserving of a gift like this.  I am so beyond grateful  for this act of kindness. I am sad to addmit that I it had been yrs since I had my oldest pics done, my milldle had her pics done at 1 month and I had none of Peanut..:( Well I am now so proud to look at my walls and see the most beautiful pics of my children.

With the feet, come the bumps!

May 25th,

 Well Peanut with your first steps comes some bumps and bruises as you figure it all out. Oh how Mommy wishes she could catch you on every fall and never have a mark on that sweet body of yours. But in reality I'm not always going to be there at that excact moment a bump arises! You are working so hard to get it down and you are pushing your own limits as you feel yourself out in this new postion. With pushing yourself came this...:( 

   

You were working so hard and this morning you were up to 10 steps! We were so proud clapping and cheering you on and then it happened. You caught the edge the coffee table as you fell. Oh Peanut this is a doozey of a shiner....:(

May 15th- Your 1st steps!!!

:) Well Peanut what can I say? Yet again you check another milestone off your list and shock mommy to no end with excitement for this. After being up all night sitting in emerge on O2 and getting  steroids & breathing treatments for your O2 stats being 89% when we arrived. You left in much better spirits a little hyped from the treatments. While at Auntie's to get your brother and sister, you were just full of it showing off you skills of standing on your own. You were being braver then ever and mommy just got this feeling that this was it you were gonna take your first steps... Mommy now hyped with excitement fumbling with the camera and trying to get it on video setting before you did it. It took you a little time but look peanut you did it!!! You took you first steps to Auntie M and mommy got it on video....Ahhhhhhhhh oh how we screamed and cheered for you!!! Oh baby your so awesome, you did it. You have worked so hard.  Like Auntie M has always said " Grand Kayde to the World"

Our Day through the lens of Derek Shanks

Thank you, Thank you and Thank you endlessly Derek Shanks, for shooting this big day for us! I can't tell you enough how these pics are beyond perfect. The emotion that speaks out in your photos is incredible. Your work/ style is truly one of a kind.  Please head over and check him out, the amazing photographs and there stories behind them will leave you inspired.

Derek Shanks - Fragile Glass