October is Down syndrome Awareness Month

So let's take a peek back to Sophie's 1st birthday post and in it, her birth story slideshow, by clicking here.

Developmental Playgroup is Back

This month, after 6 weeks off, Sophie's developmental playgroup started back up again. We love DSC and Sophie gets as much out of this group as her individual therapies. Helena usually hangs at home with Mark, but since he was busy this morning being honored by the university for excellence in teaching (yes, I'm proud), baby sis came along.

We have one returning group leader, Mary and a new group leader, Deana this year. We knew Deana already as she filled in a few times last year. They are both wonderful. We've got just 2 returning friends and a bunch of new ones. Group is just as much for the parents as the kids and making new connections is good. Also with us this year is our new friend Miss H, who also has Down syndrome.

To continue the recent theme, Sophie blew me away again. She did lots of walking today. I managed to capture on video the elusive phone conversation that she's stubbornly refused to do in front of any of her therapists. The room was noisy, so listen closely as Soph says 'hello' into the phone.

During art time she used actual paint vs. food (pudding) without trying to munch the roller (a 1st). She actually painted, chattered and laughed the whole time. She did a few hand movements that go with our snack time song, 'fishy in the water' (another 1st)

She cheered as we arrived and was sad to leave. Such a big girl.

Autumn Cuties

After their baths with new Halloween jammies.
So Cute It's Scary

Mums the Word (alternate title, Give Me That Paci)

H1N1 Vaccine Debate

This has been on my mind for a while now. I'm not so sure about the H1N1 vaccine. I'm not yet convinced that the risks outweigh the possible benefits. Risks that may be unknown at this time or neurological. It's not that I will refuse to do all I can to help protect my family from getting ill, but we're talking about a flu versus a virus that kills most of the people who become infected. Yes, I know people do die from the flu as well, especially those who are higher risk. H1N1 is rampant and Mark had 7 students confirmed to have it in the first couple of weeks this semester. The university sent out an email that 1 in 6 will have it by November.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. There are doctors who say that we should vaccinate and others who won't vaccinate their own kids. I had a discussion with our ped and he suggested that I give it to the kids. I asked about the regular flu shot and how much time I should wait in between the two different vaccinations. He said about 30 days, but I got the feeling it was his answer and not necessarily protocol. How about how many H1N1 shots will be needed? Some say we would need 2 shots to be effective. Others say just one is enough.

On the sidebar of this blog is a poll. Will you vaccinate your kids with the H1N1 vaccine? Please take a moment to take the poll and leave a comment. Not in the poll (but you can leave a comment) will YOU get the vaccine? Be nice. This is intended to be an honest discussion and not a mud slinging contest. Nasty comments will be deleted.

Let's hear it.

The Sophinator

It just keeps happening.

At the grocery store this morning, the clerk handed us our groceries and Sophie said, 'thank you, bye bye.' She's said both phrases for a while. Never together in this more complex conversation style.

We came home for lunch. She made me wait as she had to dance first to a song on Noggin. Hands in the air, swaying, smiling, clapping, saying 'yay!' when it was over.

Then (you could have knocked me over with a feather - and not because as of today my weight is now in the healthy category for my BMI, woot-woot!) she grabbed her straw cup to take a drink. She accidentally pulled the straw out too far and didn't get any juice. I stood to help her. Without skipping a beat, she looked at the cup, used her fine motor skills and understanding of cause and effect and pushed the straw back into the cup. She took a drink, and I nearly fainted.

If you're thinking, 'so what?' then you probably haven't had the PRIVILEGE to be allowed to watch someone with special needs learn and work hard for every milestone. If that's the case, stick around and we'll adopt you.

Thank you Sophie for teaching me to slow down and appreciate every little accomplishment as they come. Because of you our lives will be filled with victories and celebrations.

Somethin's Happenin Here

BREAKING NEWS:

Two weekends ago we went back to my hometown for their Buddy Walk. While we were there, Sophie began walking around quite a bit. Then she got really sick and things slowed down. Now that she's feeling better, she's walking a ton again. I have a feeling that she's going to be blowing me down, just as she did this morning.

Sophie picked up her jack-o-lantern (with legs, pictured below) and began role play or make believe play. She was making it walk and then fall down. She was saying walk (sounds like waah, waah) and then giggling when it fell down. She's played with her dolls before, feeding them with a spoon and such. This was 100% unprompted, 100% Sophie's imagination.

Cause for Rejoicing

I received a letter today from the awesome Developmental Services Center that we will again receive Respite Services October - December! My 1st call placed was to our sitter and I already have her lined up for October. This is truly a God send. Woo-hoo!!!

Don't forget, you can still buy raffle tickets to win $20,000 in cash from DSC. Tickets are $20.
GRAND PRIZE $20,000
2ND PRIZE $500
3RD PRIZE $500
4TH PRIZE $500

PAYDAY DRAWINGS: On September 11th and 25th, October 9th and 23rd one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100 CASH AND the winner's ticket will be put back in the running for the $20,000 Grand Prize - 4TH Prize drawings!!!

The final drawing will be held on Friday October 23rd at Juniper's at the Crossing and everyone is welcome!

1. To purchase with a credit card click here. When you click to "buy now" simply fill out the form and submit. A DSC representative will contact you to complete your credit card sale.
2. Write a check to Developmental Services Center (DSC) and mail it at DSC/CASH RAFFLE, 1304 West Bradley Ave. Champaign, IL 61821, or
3. pay cash

Winner need not be present to win. All proceeds benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities.

And now for a random cute photo of Soph.