finale... a word from Mike

Well, the week is coming to an end (the blogging week that is - relax, its only Wednesday!!)  My house is a disaster, laundry awaits being folded, and I am fresh out of ideas to blog about.   I have been begging my husband to do an entry all week - in which he declined because he doesn't like putting his thoughts out there.  I received a text today from my cousin saying she loved my everyday blogging.  I asked her for an idea, and she told me "Mikes point of view" ... So I guess I convinced him that people care about his thoughts - and anything he says is in his own opinion, and people can't judge!

 Mikes point of view 

"Where to start... 1st, the hardest thing was not being given the news, but it was facing everyone after the fact, and telling people.  I couldn't tell people for about a week straight without getting a lump in my throat or a tear in my eye, I played duck and hide and avoided people simply because I just couldn't say it.  I couldn't say 'Lincoln has been diagnosed with Down syndrome'.  I love him for who he is, and knowing that, didn't change anything.  Lincoln is a wonderful child who loves to watch me when I am working around the house and always wants to help out.  Whether it be picking up rocks, or chopping logs, he's a tuff kid and is always willing to lend a helping hand.  I don't research things about Down syndrome.  I take it one day at a time.  To me, it doesn't matter whats in the future.  Just that we enjoy our lives and live every moment to its fullest.  We all laugh with Lincoln, but sometimes I cant help but wonder if we may be hurting his feelings.  Sometimes I wonder if I worry too much.  Maybe I do, but that's how I feel.  I feel that I always have to watch him when he plays as he gets excited and forgets about his balance.  I also feel I have to watch him when he plays with other kids to see how they interact with each other as I am very protective over him, but I try not to get in the way.  I love that no matter where we are, even in a crowded room, as soon as I enter, and we make eye contact, He gives me a big smile and says "daddy" with a sigh of relief.  I'm sorry, but I am a man of few words and like to keep my emotions and thoughts to myself.  Just know that Linc is awesome, and is treated no different than Parker.  I only worry more about Linc and his health, getting sick, and his gross motor skills - even though they are well on their way."

Its been a challenge blogging all week - Its been a busy one! Thank you SO much to everyone who has been reading all week long.  Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement and open hearts to accept people for who they are.  We've hit close to 800 viewers this week, and to me, that means a great deal!  There isn't much that I do for the community of Down syndrome - mostly because there isn't much around Haliburton, so the fact that a message is getting across to raise awareness-because of me, is so awwww-some and makes me feel like I'm actually getting a word out!! 

I'll end it with a poem I found today that I thought I would share with you :

Creed of Babies With Down Syndrome

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

what it's like.....

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. You may not get it.  You may wonder why God picked you, or feel upset.

Then you will realize that God has a plan for everyone. He just gave you a miracle -  and you can give something that goes beyond any circumstance, any health issue, and physical need.  You can give LOVE!

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. You may feel like you did something wrong.

Then you will realize that this precious miracle was given to you to fill a place in your heart, and you will be so blessed to have this experience.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you may feel overwhelmed with all the signing up you have to do, for early intervention and other services available, and you may spend hours on the phone and internet researching anything and everything.

Then you realize how blessed you are to have so many helping hands to maximize potential.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you may worry that your child wont meet certain milestones at the same pace as other children their age.

Then you realize after every milestone is reached, that its such an accomplishment!  You may work really hard reaching them, but when they are reached it so much MORE rewarding!

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you may feel like you're always in the Dr. office or hospital or another appointment.

Then you realize that you're being the best mom you can be for your baby.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you may always think people are muttering behind you, or pointing or starring.

Then you realize that most people are well meaning, and you cant get upset at someone for not getting it, because it wasn't too long ago that you didn't "get it" either.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you may feel like things will never be the way they used to be.

Then you realize they won't - they'll be much better!  You'll still enjoy all the same things, but with a smile on your face and a heart full of joy.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you will see the world in a different way.  Your eyes will be opened to a kind of love that brings light and sunshine to your day, and you will cherish every moment.

What its like to have a child with Down syndrome…. you will open the door to a beautiful secret, but I cant tell you or it wouldn't be a secret.  You might not see it right away, but you will know when you find it :)

no big deal

When I first started to blog, I wondered what people would think.  I wondered if people would actually be interested in reading what I had to write, my thoughts, hopes and dreams.  But as I go through my stats, there has been over 4000 people who have read my blog!  They even go into detail, and there are readers in the Netherlands, Australia and even Russia!  Its crazy to think that people around the world are reading "my story" - so... thank you!!  I started to blog as an easy way to connect friends and family with the progress Lincoln is making.  Even though Lincoln has Down syndrome, his life is a lot like yours.  He reads books, watches TV, loves music and playing with his friends.  Having a child with Down syndrome may come as a surprise, but its a good experience - researchers surveyed more than 3,000 family members and people with the chromosomal disorder across the country for what is believed to be one of the largest looks at life with Down syndrome.  The vast majority of parents said they have a more positive outlook on life because of their child with Down syndrome, and nearly 90 percent of siblings indicated that they feel they are better people because of their brother or sister with a developmental disability.  Nearly all of the survey respondents with Down syndrome said they are happy with their lives, themselves and their appearance!  So what is the big deal?  No child comes without some kind of "special needs" They may not carry the title of special needs, but they have them none the less. Lincolns special needs are taken care of through therapy sessions and extra one on one time with his parents!  Having Lincoln as a baby was a breeze made in heaven.  I can say this now because we are through the "tough" times and struggles from when he was an infant.  As I have blogged about the struggles we had - its a faint memory of Lincoln as a baby, we made it work the way it worked and everyone was happy!  He was an easy going baby, played by himself and had a healthy diet.  So what he had extra special needs in the way of doing things, I would take another baby like Lincoln (not saying it was easy because he has Down syndrome - and not putting Down syndrome on his name) any day!  Parker also has special needs (in my opinion).  His special needs include being on his mothers hip ALL DAY, always needing to know where his mother is and crying if he doesn't get his way - for HOURS.  I'm not writing this with the intention of putting him down, or insulting him, but just trying to state a fact that everyone has their own kind of special need. And though some children might bear titles like "special needs" its clear to anyone that every child is special and has unique needs - because that's the definition of a child.  I'm not one for putting labels on Lincoln, and in fact find it kind of offensive when others do.  I don't like hearing other people start their similar stories off by "I have one of those" or "my sisters cousin is like him" because everyone is different.  I look at Lincoln as Lincoln, not as a label for his chromosomes.  Yes, i agree that he is loving, caring and enjoyable to be around, but just like any other child, he gets angry, frustrated, throws tantrums and complains.  All in all, I guess its just the way you look at things. I enjoy looking at the bright side of things - and some people think the same wondering how I can always be so positive, but that's just the way I am, and it works for me!!  Only the future will tell what it holds for Lincoln, and we will do everything we can to get the best out of him!

early intervention

The first years of life are a critical time in a child's development. All young children go through the most rapid and developmentally significant changes during this time. During these early years, they achieve the basic physical, cognitive, language, social and self-help skills that lay the foundation for future progress. Children with Down syndrome typically face delays in certain areas of development, so early intervention is highly recommended. It can begin anytime after birth, but the sooner it starts, the better. Lincoln started early intervention just weeks after his diagnosis, but he was 10.5 months old when that time came. Early intervention is an organized program of therapy, exercises and activities that work to help with developmental delays that may be experienced by children with Down syndrome. The most common early intervention services for babies with Down syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helps the development of fine motor skills like feeding, dressing, grooming. We are currently working with an occupational therapist once monthly as we are working on getting Lincoln ready for school (so scary to think its coming so soon :( )  We started by encouraging Lincoln to start feeding himself, which took a while but we are there now.  We didnt work much with with the occupational therapist until recently.  Now we are working on cutting with scissors, holding a pencil/crayon properly, dressing himself and drinking out of a cup.  The early stages of occupational therapy help in developing the movements in their hands that will allow them to do many things as they get older.  They face more challenges learning fine motor skills because of low muscle tone.  Physical therapy's purpose is to help the development of gross motor skills such as good posture, proper foot alignment and a good foundation for exercise throughout life.  When we first started with our physical therapist, it was alot of work!  We would go thru certain activities to help work certain muscles.  Lincoln was not a fan of his physio therapist - simply because she made him WORK HARD!!  Our at home daily activities  to help Lincoln get closer to crawling and eventually walking would include placing blankets on the floor in bunches and encourage him to roll around in them, placing couch cusions on the floor and encourage climbing, and alot of work with a yoga ball rolling him around on it encouraging him to hold his own weight.  All fun activities that made him work hard!  He started walking just shortly after his 2nd birthday, and full time walking at 2.5!  We have just recently been released from our physical therapist (even though Lincoln is still not riding his tricycle, mostly because he doesnt want to... maybe next year) unless something of concern comes up.  Children usually get released shortly after they start to walk.  Speech and language development can be challenging for many children with Down syndrome. Although most children with Down syndrome learn to speak and will use speech as their primary means of communication, they will understand language and have the desire to communicate well before they are able to speak. They have good social interactive skills and use gestures and facial expressions effectively to help them communicate.  There are a wide range of abilities that children with Down syndrome demonstrate when using speech.  They have difficulty with the strength, timing and coordination of muscle movements for speech.  When Lincoln first started his speech, we would work on blowing bubbles, and using easy words like push and ball.  We are currently working on the letters P,B and M start and finish words, as well as 2 word combinations. We usually have speech sessions (which are called blocks) every 6 months-once a week for 6 weeks.  The last block that we had was in July, and the difference between the first week and the 6th week were quite noticable!  He is starting to talk a little bit more (using actual words - he makes alot of sounds) now that Parker is getting more vocal.  All of this help is certainly something to celebrate!  Its not like its really work at all - its all fun play and positive encouragement to maximize the future that Lincoln holds.

The "R" word

Being a mother of a child with down syndrome, i am fully aware of the politically correct lingo that should be used.  Its a child "with" down syndrome, NOT a down syndrome child. And there are words that are not supposed to be said - with "retard" topping that list.  In October, as I am sure many of you are aware of the tweet Ann Coulter put on twitter. She refused to apologize for calling President Barack Obama "the retard". When Piers Morgan tried his best to pull an apology from her, she  insisted she had nothing to apologize for since her remark was not directed at the community of mentally disabled individuals who were offended by the tweet. "I was not referring to someone with Down syndrome," said Coulter. "I was referring to the president of the United States." "I didn't call the president a Down syndrome child," continued Coulter. "I used the word retard the same way people use idiot or moron." I want to help raise awareness that using the word retard(ed) is disrespectful, dehumanizing, and very hurtful.  What is the definition of the word "retard"?  According to Merriam-Websters it is : to make slow, delayed development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. Retarded is an actual medical term that has been twisted into an offensive slang term. And  because Lincoln has Trisomy 21 he automatically fits under the medical definition of “retarded”. He is however NONE of those negative things implied when you casually throw that word around. So next time you are tempted to use that word please stop and ask yourself what you are really trying to say. It might even be a good exercise to increase your vocabulary, and that’s always a good thing!  So, if you make a typo or drop a plate, perhaps you could say “oops, I’m quite clumsy today”. If you miss your turn maybe, “Oh dear, I’m so absent minded this afternoon”. If you forget a birthday, “I apologize. I’m really thoughtless and forgetful.” If you’re at a complete loss you can always fall back on “I’m such a cotton-headed ninny muggins”. When you say “I’m a complete retard” you not only risk offending or hurting someone, but frankly you sound unintelligent.  It may seem overly sensitive or maybe just something you’ve never even considered.  I know that most people mean no harm by it. You may feel its not really offensive because you are using it in a self - depreciating or humorous manner, but you're wrong.  Its offensive to say "I'm so retarded" So please, dear casual user of the "R" word, remove it from your every day vocabulary.  Picture this sweet face next time you do something stupid, and pick a different word :)

a look back

The places that medical research has gone is incredible! There's a mountain of information online about what Down Syndrome is and how it comes about, so I thought I'd cover the history. Compared to a generation ago things are certainly better.  The outlook for people with Down Syndrome has changed remarkably.  There are of course people with Down Syndrome in their 40’s and older who have had wonderful and fulfilling lives, but not many for a very simple reason; most of them died. Down Syndrome is associated with a bunch of medical complications including heart defects, a higher chance of infections, thyroid conditions, leukaemia and pneumonia.  Without modern medical treatment, many of these conditions proved to be fatal.    In the 1950s a baby born with Down Syndrome was considered lucky to live into their teens and had a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. In the 1960s it was only 18 years.  The figure rose sharply in the 1980s as techniques to repair heart defects common in people with Down Syndrome were perfected and increasingly performed. Nearly 40% of people with Down Syndrome have a heart condition and many would die, or be severely disabled if the condition wasn’t treated. In the 1950s many of the conditions simply couldn’t be treated.  The repairs required open heart surgery and techniques which have only been practiced in recent years.  Sadly people with Down Syndrome also faced prejudice and discrimination and were  denied life saving treatment on account of their disabilities.   Today life expectancy is 50 to 60 years on average and most studies conclude that they don’t really know what will limit the life expectancy of those born today who survive infancy and receive appropriate medical care.  Lincoln had heart surgery just after his 1st birthday (about 2 months after his diagnosis), and he doesn't even have a mark!  Its so amazing and uplifting to know that anything is possible!!  He suffered from pulmonary hypertension, so they closed his septal defect (heart condition). To further briefly explain what happens in an septal defect catheter-based procedure, a cardiac catheterization involves slowly moving a catheter (a long, thin, flexible, hollow tube) into the heart. The catheter is initially inserted into a large vein through a small incision made usually in the inner thigh (groin area) and then is advanced to and into the heart. In our case, the cardiologist surgeon used an ultrasound probe passed down the esophagus to allow her to see the heart structures and blood flow as the device was being placed. In addition, a special balloon on a catheter is moved to the area of the hole and inflated across the hole in order to measure the size of the hole when it is gently stretched. A closure device is moved through the catheter to the heart and specifically to the location of the heart wall defect. Once in the correct location, the closure device is allowed to expand its shape to straddle each side of the hole. The device will remain in the heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atria chambers of the heart. The catheter is then removed and the procedure is complete!! In addition to living longer, adults with Down Syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their communities. Many even form meaningful relationships and eventually marry!!  As time has gone on, I have been approached by more people who have "noticed" Lincoln's diagnosis, mostly by those who have a story of their own to share!  Its always great to hear others positive stories about their relatives or friends who also live with Down Syndrome.  Its a great way to stay motivated, and to look at Lincolns future as a future! I'm so happy with how far things have come in the past 50-60 years, and even more excited to see what the future researchers will bring!  Obviously not a cure - but many more ways to help people who have Down Syndrome live independent or semi-independent lives!!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

National Down Syndrome Awareness week

We are at that time of year again - and I have challenged myself (and a challenge it is...) to write a new post daily during this week to raise awareness!  Not only am I looking at raising awareness - but I also like to look at this week as a time to celebrate!  To celebrate the abilities of children/adults with down syndrome, to celebrate how far medical research has come which has expanded the lifespan of individuals with down syndrome, to celebrate the social and educational supports which are at our finger tips, and to celebrate Lincoln!  This past year has gone by soo quickly - as any parent would say "kids grow up too fast!!!"  We are hitting new milestones like they are going out of style!!  I have been doing a lot of thinking about this week, and things I am going write about without too much repetition. (if anyone has questions or ideas - please let me know!!!), and as I was looking back at this past year, I can't express how much more our lives have become complete!  With Parker being 18 months - hes starting to become alot more fun!  He really enjoys playing with Lincoln and challenging him at the same time! Lincolns speech is still a work - in - progress - and we hear more and more words come out of Parker.  Its important to challenge the kids to use their words, and i now find Parker challenging Lincoln to use his words too which is great!  He will bring him his milk (or whatever), and wait for his "thank-you" ... and if it doesn't come, Parker stands there, signs and says "thank-you" until Lincoln follows suit!  Lincoln is trying really hard to talk.  Being a pretty non verbal child it sounds silly to say that he talks ALOT - but he does!!  If only we could understand what he is saying.  He loves singing songs into a play microphone at the top of his lungs followed by some pretty sweet dance moves!! We bought a toy drum set (which i don't regret because its a heck of a lot quieter than pots and pans!!!), and we have our own little band - Parker with the (whatever he decides to make noise with),  either me or Lincoln working the drums or microphone, and sometimes I even bust out my trumpet and we march around!!  We rock out alot - cause the kids love it!!  For example: Lincoln has a "hand-me-down" friend.  I don't think the kids have ever met, but we get a box of clothes from them quite often!  We show him the clothes and put them into the closet.  For about 2 weeks, he was always in a new article of clothing, and when it came time for getting dressed - he would shout hurray when the new article came out, stand in front of the mirror, and do his little "happy dance." Lincoln has come quite along ways! if we think, he was just starting to walk full time this time of year last year, he was just starting "finger foods" and really didn't appreciate anything "new" or "not routine." Not to say he still doesn't appreciate things that are "new" anymore, - that being said, I'm basically referring to foods.  My picky eater is widening his variety!!  He ate A smartie!  Now he KNOWS he doesn't like them! (shocked ??  SO AM I!!) but at least he chewed it!!  He will also eat strawberries!  That took a while.  Parker gets strawberries after (mostly) every dinner (simply because he eats too fast and wants out of his chair when we are still just starting), and Lincoln has shown quite a bit of interest in a strawberry! (we're talking about the guy who only eats apple sauce, mashed bananas and yogurt for things that are sweet). He took his first strawberry, licked it, and passed it to Parker.  Then he signed "more"... so we gave him more!  He put it in his mouth, chewed very slowly with the most disgusted look on his face... so as a result, Mike and I (and Parker too) starting chanting chew chew chew chew - he swallowed it, made a face, and said hurray! and signed "more" again!  He got another one, put it in his mouth, looked at us - pointed, and demanded our fists pounding on the table while chanting chew chew chew!   He demanded that every time he got a strawberry (even when we were around other people - he would point at them - and tell them to chant as well ha ha).  But now, he'll just eat them! When there's a will - theres a way!!  And if it means chanting and fist pounding at the dinner table - we'll do it!  One step at a time - always moving forward!  I'm sure I could continue going on and on, but I've got a whole week to think of things to write, so I'll keep it short :)
Thanks for reading!!

(These are the boys Halloween costumes.  It took me a while to make them, and I love them (they are Mr. Potato heads).  Unfortunately, Lincoln was way to tired and grumpy to go out (plus it was crap weather, hes sick, and he doesnt even eat candy), so we didnt get a chance to show them off. Just had to post!!)

time keeps ticking!!

I started a blog a while back titled "schools out for the summer", but had a writers block and never completed it - I was going to continue on that blog entry, but school WAS out for the summer and is commencing again in just a few weeks!  Where has the time gone?!?!?  We've had a pretty busy summer thus far - from 2 camping trips, a few agricultural fairs, We've been to the Peterborough zoo 3 times, out visiting our favourite people (the Hoogstra's), and to the beach almost every weekend! And things are progressing :) Parker is walking! Lincoln is loving his days at home with his new play set and newly renovated back yard (to accommodate the playset)!  It took a whole day with 5 people to set up this play set, and it only took about a month for Lincoln to brave the slide ALONE!!  It kind of looks like a death trap really, u cant see the bottom, and its SUPER fast!! Our speech block just finished today, (which was once a week for 6 weeks) and were they ever impressed with how well Lincoln is doing!  He loves imitating and will copy every word (or try to copy - he is trying SO hard to talk!), and has just started combining 2 words together - which is huge!!  His first two word combinations were - "Parker, NO... and Parker, bath" (as we were waiting for him to join us for a bath!) So, hes a bit bossy, but we can only continue to encourage combination words - even if they dont sound the best. Our speech path said she is so impressed with how well Lincoln is doing since his last "re-assessment" in May, that if he continues to progress this quickly outside of the block, he will be in for another block sooner than the usual 6 month block break up!!  We are currently also working on "P, B, and M starts and finishes eg. top up pup mom more move baby cup etc.  Now, a speech block is really just a play session with ideas on how to encourage more sounds to come out, so if the PBM starts and finishes keep coming as smoothly as they are now, we will get in quicker to have another block to start something else!!   Not only is Lincolns speech progressing, but so is potty training!  Children with down syndrome tend to have a delay in potty training due to their ability to contract those "certain" muscles that help them start and stop.  We started around the beginning of July, and are doing pretty good!!  He still doesnt tell me when he has to go, but as long as i'm on top of it - we usually make it to the potty every time, and go thru one pull up a day!!  He does respond to me asking him if he has to go which is a good help too! We let him flush the toilet (yup, he thinks it soo much fun, he takes it as a reward lol) and give a sticker for every successful potty break on a piece of paper that is hanging in the bathroom - that has his favourite cartoon character traced on it - we've gone thru a buzz lightyear, mator the tow truck, a minion and are currently on a lorax poster - so to keep up the excitement, we're always in the hunt for a new movie to watch!  Lincolns eating is still going great!  we just tell him (or sometimes he tells us) when its time to eat, he sits in his chair and is content with his fork and bowl sitting beside dad until he says "all done"!  He occasionally likes to pretend Nama and Papa are over, and points to the empty chairs saying papa - its cute. He is still pretty picky on what he eats tho, as far as "different things."  He loves every dinner, loves every lunch, but is still un sure about raw fruit.  Parker will walk around with a banana and eat it whole, but Lincoln still needs his mashed - strange.  We had their cousins over for a visit on a hot day, and everyone got a popsicle and Lincoln actually ate a whole one!! but none since - now usually i give freezies, and Lincoln wants one every time Parker gets one, but he prefers i dont cut his open - silly boy, theres no flavour in that!!  AND - ONCE, parker was eating raspberries, and Lincoln did put 2 in his mouth and ate them, but had the strangest face afterwards.  He loves apple sauce, but hates apples ... so, we are still working on that. Other than that - not too much is new!  We are excited for school to start again to see how things can continue to progress now that new sounds are starting and the thought of picking up a "different looking" piece of food is starting to set in as well!  Until next time - thanks for reading :)

life is good!!

As a mother of 2 boys, who dont usually nap, one would wonder how i can say life is good... but it really is!!  I am so proud of the day to day accomplishments the boys have!! We celebrated their birthdays about a month ago, Parker turned one, and Lincoln turned 3.  They had a great "toy story" themed party, and got enough money to go towards a great swing set that we are looking for for outside! (as we dont need anymore toys, we thought money towards a playset would be best!)  However, I did get the boys a few things myself.  I was so lucky, while picking up party supplies at the local rexall (cause we live in haliburton, yup, i get my party supplies from a drug store lol) they had a 2 foot buzz light year!  If you dont already know, Lincoln is obsessed with toy story, and mostly buzz lightyear! When Lincoln opened up his present (which also contained lotso huggin bear, and rex the dino) Lincoln pulled out buzz, with the biggest WOW of his life!!!  (sometimes Lincoln is known as mr. WOW because ... well, i guess he thinks life is amazing ;) ) ran over to dad, and was grinning ear to ear!  It was the reaction i was hoping for - but times 100000!!!  He sat on dads lap, picked up buzz's hand, high fived him, stood back up, and started jumping with him!  Followed by a kiss!!  It was the best ever!! Lincoln is almost running, loves jumping, and will soon be able to ride his trike (thanks to physio and the alterations that are being made so the bike is perfect for Lincoln!!), and parker is a motorer!!  He is self standing for a few seconds at a time, and has taken the odd step!  Oh it shall be a fun summer!   We are happy to welcome the beautiful weather (finally)!!  Playing outside is so much better than being cooped up in the house all day! Things are going well for Lincoln in the rabbit room, and he has so much fun playing with the other kids his age!  He is trying so hard to talk and is making all kinds of new sounds!!  We finally got another speech session booked, and in a couple weeks, hopefully we will have new ideas on how to progress Lincolns vocabulary!  I often wonder if I will skip the "why" stage, because Lincoln might know all the answers by the time he talks!  When i get Lincoln from daycare, there is this one child, who is fascinated with Parker, (actually, all the children are fascinated with Parker - its like a swarm of bees that just attack you when we enter the room lol, but this one child in particular)  asks soo many "why" questions... ie.  why is there a hole in his pants, why does he crawl, why is he Lincolns YOUNGER brother, oh what fun !!!  Lincolns eating is getting better too! (hope i didnt just jinx it...) He will now sit down and eat on his own, so dinner at the Holden's is no longer as exciting as being at a ball game constantly cheering and cheersing!   So, as far as up coming appointments, Lincoln has speech in a couple weeks, an occupational therapy appointment in a couple of weeks, a pediatrician appointment as well, and physio was yesterday, and Lincoln will be discharged from physio once he can ride his bike! they usually discharge children after they can walk, but our therapist likes us i guess :)  Lincoln also had the ages and stages questionnaire done again for the age of 3, and the results were pretty much the same as the 30 month ASQ - pretty much on par! yippee!!  So hopefully we'll pick up some new ideas, keep on keeping on!!  GO LINCOLN GO!  (Lincoln is at school today, and Parker - well, i guess he's having a nap today - as i stated they dont nap, parker has been asleep this whole blog entry, which hasnt happened in weeks!!  Thanks for reading!!!

~The Holden's

graduation!!

Today was a pretty exciting day, besides the fact that both kids woke up FAR too early today, when Lincoln was told he was "graduating" to the RABBIT room at daycare (which is a bigger room, with more kids - his age, and NEW TOYS), the smile on his face was priceless!!  Its like his mood changed instantly!  He did a few trial days a couple of weeks ago, where they emerged both rooms together, and Lincoln seemed to LOVE it (besides the *falling into the toilet on pajama day* day) .....he slept like a baby those nights!  Must be a pretty busy room!!  He usually doesnt nap anymore.  He is a pretty confusing little guy, and very hard to read.  Somedays, he needs a cat nap, and i have to keep it to that (1 hour MAX or he has enough energy to party in his crib til 2 am) and other days, when i wake him up from his nap, hes soo grouchy til the time he goes to bed.  Very hard to read, but he naps every time he goes to daycare - cat naps...so we'll see if a cat nap is enough for that busy "rabbit" room!!  Lincoln has been doing great! His early interventionist visits him at daycare about every other week, and is impressed after every visit!!  His physio therapist is happy with his progress, although she would like to see a little more.  Lincoln still doesnt run... but, am I really in a rush to get him to run away from me?  We do his exercises to work on his balance, and its a matter of time - so the race is on! Parker is almost walking, therefore, almost running!  Oh, how the next few months should be exciting!!   Lincoln hasnt had a speech session since the start of the year because his therapist took a year leave of absence to work at a hospital in Hamilton, and they havent replaced her.  Its too bad really, because I think now is the time to have a "block" session.  I have talked to a few people about setting up a session with the five counties speech pathologist in Lindsay, but have yet to hear back.  Ive been thinking about cutting out sign language - although its a great way for Lincoln to communicate with us on what he wants, I know he is capable of saying some words, and when we try to get him to say them for us (he says them at school so i hear), he just insists on signing.  Funny story, we were visiting with my sisters kids, one who is Lincolns age, and one who is Parkers age.  Her boy Lincolns age (Zack) talks a little bit, and when he was telling us a story, we would tell him to tell Lincoln the story, and he would *sign* Lincoln the story.  It was pretty cute knowing that Zack knew that he could communicate with Lincoln in sign language :).  He has stayed pretty healthy, maybe thanks to the multi vitamin i give him every day, or perhaps an immune system that isnt so bad after all!  Unfortunately, Lincoln is back on laxatives :(  after a few days of not so pleasent bowels, and a fever to follow due to a majour back up, we decided to put him back on them.  I thought we had his diet all figured out, but then you get daycare in there, and Lincolns obsession with cheese and garlic bread, its hard to give him enough apple sauce to keep him flowing.  All in all, Lincoln is a happy, typical (almost) 3 year old!! He loves pretend play, silly jokes, climbing on and off things, art projects, and anything else 3 year olds like to do!  He is still a little behind, but he is trying so hard!  Im sure he will learn and pick up a few things in his new room at daycare - and likely all for the better!  Everything is followed by encouragement - a woot woot, or a clap, or a hip hip hurray, and Lincoln will do it again.  Exhausting at times - expecially dinner time, but our way of teaching him that it is good to do things on your own!  Imagine - after every bite, while eating dinner as a family of four, with parker in a high chair nicely feeding himself, Lincoln in his booster seat sitting beside dad, as we cheers forks full of food to get Lincoln to eat, or, after a nice fork full, cheering with our mouths full so he will do it again - yup... still a terrible eater (unless its cheese or pizza or speghetti), but we make due, and try to make it as fun as we can!  Thats what this journey is all about!  Finding ways that work for us, and finding ways to make it as fun as can be!
Happy Easter !!!

Happy New Year!

The festive season has gone again!  Lincoln says ho ho ho everytime he hears the word santa, or sees a santa hat, He's reading all his christmas books (which is about 3 of them) over and over again, and his new favourite song is rudolph the red nose reindeer!  We saw santa twice, and Lincoln only wanted to have something to do with him once.  Parker on the other hand - suprisingly, sat quite well with Santa, both times!  Not much new to report, Lincoln is still in school (day care) two full days a week, and he now just walks right in with no tears when I leave, which is nice!  His teacher says he has great days, and some days she tells me not to worry too much if he doesnt eat for the rest of the day - He eats like an animal there!  Sometimes, even eating 3 bowls of spaghetti.  CRAZY!  We had our early interventionist in the other day, to do some work on the ASQ (ages and stages questionnaire), and Lincoln is bang on par with an average 30 month old (he is 32 months) with the exception of a little delay in the gross motor department because he doesnt "run" (but he did just start walking)  and a delay in speech, but he combines 2-3 signs of sign language, which is how he communicates (for now).  I was so amazed and shocked at this good news! I knew he was a smart cookie!  He has really become my little side kick!  He loves helping me out - whether it be grabbing mommy Parkers socks, or putting a diaper in the garbage, he is always willing to lend a helping hand, which is great, cause who doesnt like a little help here and there :)  He understands pretty much everything i say (except poop ON the potty, he will sit on the potty, get off, poop, sit back on the potty... we're still working on that).  The kids got spoiled for christmas.  It was a busy time of year with alot of travelling seeing as none of our families live closer than 2 hours.  But the kids behaved, and loved every gift they received.  Lincolns favourite word all week was WOW.  Every time he got a new present, it was WOW, until he opened it, and WOW again!  My favourite part was when I got a new shirt, LIncoln was reading one of his new books, or playing with wrapping paper or something, and when he turned around to see me in my new shirt, he said WOW (again) - i think he thought I looked good :)  that was a warm fuzzy ;)  So, being as we spent most of our christmas away from home, it was just like christmas all over again when we unloaded the fully loaded car, and got to give them all their gifts again - at home!  We are officially WOW'd out !!  So cute.   This week is a busy week for us again, Mike is back to work, its -24 outside, Daycare is still closed, Lincolns LAST and FINAL (fingers crossed) echocardiogram at sick kids is on friday, and then the kids will be off to Nama and Papa's for the week while my husband and I soak up the rays in PANAMA~  Should be a good time, and we are really excited for a little break from the kiddies... although We will miss them ALOT! I've never been away from the kids for more than a night, so this could be interesting.  Hopefully the sun will distract me :)
Thank you EVERYONE for reading/following.  I have hit 3000 visits to my blog, which is so amazing!  I love sharing my story as much as you enjoy reading it!
-The Holden's