Be Proud....

Today, I could post all things Lincoln.  That kid just strives to impress not only me, but everyone he meets - EVERYDAY!  

 

the battle of the proper pronunciation of the "P's" This happens EVERYDAY. P,F,D,L,M etc.

Pingu vs. Pirate

I'm going to back track a bit - We registered Lincoln for SK in Jan to a brand new school in town ... pretty exciting!!!  We then had a meeting with the learning coordinators, principle and vice principle of said school, with our speech therapist and occupational therapist present.  I can't even begin to tell you (as my eyes fill with tears) the words of encouragement, the patting on the back, and all the positive that came with that meeting. I know sometimes these meetings arnt positive to parents, because they can put focus towards the 'what your child can't do yet' ... Maybe its just me, maybe I just don't focus on that part of the meeting.  But maybe that's because I know he is doing everything that he can do to the best that he can do it ... at this time, in this moment.  Our therapists know Lincoln tries so hard.  My husband and I know Lincoln tries so hard... heck, even Parker knows Lincoln tries so hard. (We are in the middle of a speech block, and Parker takes his speech very seriously.) - (see video). I love how everyone works together.  God has given Lincoln to 'us' because 'us' is what is best for Lincoln.

Anyways, today Lincoln had visitors at nursery school.  The learning coordinators from his new school (in Sept.) came to observe him in a learning environment with peers.  Thankfully Lincoln had a great sleep - and was super excited to be wearing his new spider man shirt (in blue for autism awareness day), that he was in a good mood. (not that hes not usually in a good mood, but it certainly helps).  This was the first time the people from the new school had met Lincoln, and I could have hugged them in the end.  "Lincoln is not going to have a problem AT ALL" they said, "He is going to fit right in...  Hats off to you for doing such a great job raising him.  I wish we could package you up, and send you to other houses"   Now, don't get me wrong, I am totally not trying to brag here, but just hearing those words is so re assuring to me. I love how, even when I'm having a bad day,and nothing seems to be going right and I'm constantly praying for peace (or yelling at the top of my lungs...). or when I doubt my parenting; someone is there to remind me that I AM doing a great job. I need to realize that what I am doing in raising Lincoln, isn't the same as the average parent.  Not every parent gets to stay home... I do.  Not every parent has therapy appointments at least once a week, I do.  Not every parent goes through the struggles, the stares, and the happiest moments of success as I do.  And I should give myself more credit.

I don't mean to make this about me, I'm just trying to share a little bit of my thoughts and joys right now. I'm glad I have so many people interested in my life with down syndrome.  Because to me it means I am making a difference.  I don't view my life as different, because I don't know my life any other way, but others do.  And for that I want to thank you.  I want to thank you for reading my story, for taking the time to get a glimpse of my life, for not judging, and hopefully to enlighten you that Down Syndrome is beautiful!!