Some photos from last weekend - Labor Day weekend - to remember the smiling faces of families who have chromosomally enhanced kids, like us. Some traveled several hours from out of town. Some lived in town. All were fellow bloggers and/or members of the forums Life's Journey with Down Syndrome and DownSyn. It was the first time for most in the group to meet IRL (in real life).
It was a weekend packed with activities for everyone. Matthew and I joined the Saturday activities. In the morning, we enjoyed playtime at an awesome indoor playground at Calvary Church. Then we had dinner at O'Charley's. Thanks to RK and everyone who made this meet-up possible and so much fun!
That's right! Matthew is going to be a big brother.
I found out the day before Bill's birthday and told him the news on his birthday. We decided to hold off on telling friends and family for a few weeks. We did so with this shirt. He has a white short-sleeved shirt too with the same wording. We had fun using this shirt to share the news with family and friends. Matthew - the messenger.
I was tempted to have him wear it about a month ago when we met up with Jack and Julie, Braska, Kinlee, and RK, and Henry and Heidi. But I didn't. During our fun playdate, I almost said something when Heidi said, "Henry is ready for a sibling. Do you think Matthew is ready for a sibling?" I was smiling on the inside and just nodded in agreement.
I wanted to wait until I was further along and had seen my doctor. I saw my doctor today and I'm going back for an ultrasound in a few days. I'm about 9 or 10 weeks along. Big brother Matthew doesn't realize what this means for him yet though. He will - in time.
In the photo, Matthew is in the red/white striped shirt, Henry is in the light blue shirt with the red stripe, Braska is the only one with the ponytail, Jack is in a white shirt right in the middle, and Kinlee, Braska's little sister, is in the light pink shirt.
In Mi Casa Es Su Casa (My Home Is Your Home), I wrote about looking forward to friends spending the weekend with us - friends whom we were meeting for the first time in person. They arrived on Thursday evening from Illinois, near Chicago, which is about a 7-hour drive.
As soon as their little girl, Gabbie, walked into our house, she came right up to Matthew and wanted to shake his hand! Unfortunately, I hadn't taught Matthew how to shake hands yet. He can, however, give high-5's so we tried to high-5 Gabbie instead. Matthew wasted no time in charming Jodee and Jen with his hilarious fake laugh and toothy grins. Gabbie, who is 2 weeks younger than Matthew, impressed us with her walking prowess and consistent vocalizations.
Toddler "interaction" is always so entertaining, even if merely playing nicely next to each other and not necessarily involving one another.
They were so cute playing next to each other in the corn box at Purina Farms.
They had a blast in our backyard "toddler water park", which is comprised of a water table, baby pool, and sprinkler mat.
They enjoyed the wagon ride together. They had fun on the swings at the park. The weekend was not without a first for me, an element of danger, if you will. I saw a 3-foot long copperhead snake for the first time in my 6 years of living here. Ack! It was in the grass at the winery. I was maybe two feet away from it when I spotted it. I backed away fearfully and quickly. Jodee took pictures.
We had an awesome time showing them around town and getting to know them. We're already looking forward to the next opportunity to get together. Because of our mutual friend, Angela, we had the pleasure of meeting such a great family. Because of Matthew and Gabbie, our lives are enriched with more wonderful friendships.
We recently went to a playgroup organized by First Steps, the early intervention program that we're in. It was at one of the parks in town and it was a beautiful day. Matthew enjoyed playing in the ball pool that they set up.
He also liked playing on the grass. He used to not like the feel of grass. So is this an indicator that he's not sensory defensive? Printed on his shirt: "I may be small but I'm still The Man"
He enjoyed hanging out and watching the other kids that were running around. He's an only child so going to these playgroups is good for developing social skills in interacting with other kids close to his age. I think my little observer is taking notes from other kids. When I was taking this photo (below), I didn't realize at the time that he was the only boy in the pool.
The weekend was not without a first for me, an element of danger, if you will. I saw a 3-foot long copperhead snake for the first time in my 6 years of living here. Ack! It was in the grass at the winery. I was maybe two feet away from it when I spotted it. I backed away fearfully and quickly. Jodee took pictures.
