School speech's

January 2014

Peanut;

   It's speech time in school and B.B has to write a 2-4 min speech and memorize it to read to his classmates. Can you guess Peanut what topic he chose to talk about??? I bet you can!! That's right you got it...It's about Down syndrome and you!!

Here is what your B.B had to say,

What is Down Syndrome:

Down Syndrome is a 3rd copy on the 21st chromosome, chromosomes are what make up your body. (example) what color your hair is or what color your eyes are. Down Syndrome is not a disease, I see it as a specialty and people with Down Syndrome DO NOT suffer. They may have difficulties learning but they will learn and do the same as you and I just at a slower pace.

Down Syndrome was named after John Langdon Down in 1866, he was an English Dr. Down Syndrome occurs once every 691 births, it is the most common genetic disorder. You and I have 46 chromosomes but people with Down Syndrome have 47. People with Down Syndrome may look a little different, their eyes may be almond shape, their nose bridge may be flatter and smaller, they may have "sandal toe" which is your first and second toe are spread further apart. If you look at the palm of your hands you have 2 lines that run across your palm, but some individuals with Down Syndrome may have what you call a "singular" crease. 1 deep straight line across 1 or both palms. ( these are just a few of the physical charaistics of Down Syndrome that an person may or may not have). When babies with Down Syndrome are born they might have heart issues, they may have vision problems and need glasses to help them see. Children with Down Syndrome have different therapies to help them. Therapies that help them learn to walk,run,play and speak.

There are 3 different types of Down Syndrome.

Did you know my brother has Down Syndrome? He has the most common type called "Trisomy 21". Trisomy 21 accounts for 95% of Down Syndrome. My brother Kayde is just like you and I, but other children with Down Syndrome will look different than Kayde, they may be stronger at things or weaker at things but it does not matter as you and I have strengths and weakness too. We are all different. People with Down Syndrome are more alike than different!! So don't exclude them include them!!!

In 2012 Toronto held its 1st "Buddy Walk" for Down Syndrome. Nov 1st- 7th is Down Syndrome Awareness Week. The Down Syndrome ribbon colors are blue and yellow.  March 21st is world Down Syndrome day, you may ask why? Well that is because March is the 3rd month (3 copies) and the 21st day (21st chromosome). Thank you for listening to my speech are there any questions

Tayan (grd 5)

Designer Genes 2014!!

Peanut,

Oh my goodness!!!

Look what came in the mail today.....Ahhhh your a calendar boy!!!

My handsome May boy! 

Mommy had to kinda chuckle that your month was May as your due date was actually May 5th but seeing you hold that picture " Motivating" makes me know more then I already did why you entered this world so early and with a bang because with each passing day you do nothing less but motivate me in ways I never knew existed within me. The motivation I watch in you every single day is something so amazing, inspirational, joyful, and some days even difficult but even on those days you try and try again. You motivate yourself to figure it out one way or another. I love to watch you captivate me in everything you do.  May & Motivating couldn't have been more fitting for you!!

The whole calendar is just fantastic, but we knew that it would be!! Thank you Trina Hoadley Photography and Circle21 for such an amazing shoot day and thank you for such an amazing calender with every month total cuteness overload!! 

Merry Christmas 2013

 From our family to yours!!

Surgery #2 Dec 3rd 2013 T&A Removal

 Peanut;

After to many antibiotics,breathing treatments,steroids and mommy complaining about your sleep apnea here we are so early in the morning at Sick Kids Hospital at ENT for your Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

 

 

 As you can see you are not thrilled about being woken at 4am, not allowed to have anything to eat or drink and that mommy has requested daddy stick the camera in your face.

 Big big hugs from daddy before you go

 Mommy's fake brave face as I am about to take you into OR and stay with you until you are asleep.

 Time seemed to stop. The longest hr and half.

 Mommy was so thankful to get you back in my arm after the surgery

 Daddy getting his cuddle time with you after surgery

 You came out of surgery like a champ, so full of energy, drinking so well

Yummy Popsicles feel good!

 

 Signing times to help pass the time.

 Look what mommy found in the gift shop!! Your friend Elmo!

And then things started to take a turn, Mommy wishing she could take the pain away

 As the day went on, you started destating

 You all of a sudden were so sick,  like a full on cold, we had to start you on 10L of O2

Sometime after surgery you aspirated Morphine into your lungs.

1 night turned to 2 nights that turned to 3 nights that turned to 4 nights

 You are such a strong, brave boy who truly is and always will be my hero! A few days after being home you got back to being yourself and mommy couldn't have been happier to have you back!

Look what  your sisters Jr. Kindergarten class made for you!!

 How sweet is that!!!

Your brother and sister love you so dearly and really worry about you and are always so ecstatic when they see you for themselves again and see that you are OK.

FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE BY GOD YOU ARE!!

DSA Week: Day 7- His pride!

Peanut,

Your brother carried his skates laced for you all the way to Sarina for a weekend tournament! The smile and pride he carried when he got on the ice and seeked us out in the stands, giving us his nod and thumbs up!  He dedicated every game to you Peanut, he played his heart out for you. I have never seen the hockey player your brother was that weekend. He scored you 3 goals and guess what... The boys won "A" Champs proudly bringing the "Silver stick" banner home! The love he carries for you is so special. I'm so lucky to have two such awesome boys in my life. This is a Down Syndrome Awareness Week I will never forget!