Maybe being shocked will help make the point...

Today is the day - Spread the word to end the word. I'm sure many people wonder why I have been making such a big deal about the R-word. Today, I came across these on Deborah's Blog. I have to say, the ads totally shocked me and I don't think I could make a point any better than the ads did. The ads are for the Special Olympics from Ads of the World.

The fine print says:

Most people who would never knowingly use disparaging terms don't see a problem with saying "retard." This must change. It's just as hateful as any other slur. And for millions of people with Intellectual Disabilities, their families and friends, it hurts just as much. Please, don't use the R-word.

Is it worth it?

Brendan never takes a nap anymore, but I make him rest in his room and read books. Today when I went to get him out of his room he had emptied out the entire contents of his dresser drawers. Every pair of pants, shirts, shorts, socks, onesies, blankets, and sheets, all scattered across his room. Of course, they all needed to be folded again. When he gets books out, at least I can make him help me clean those up, but he certainly can't fold clothes very well. I am wondering if having 25 minutes worth of clean-up everyday is even worth the hour of "quiet" time I get. Maybe it's time to reduce his "nap" to 1/2 hour. I don't know...
I should have taken a picture.

Hair Licker

For some reason, Aidan has always liked to lick hair. It's really less of a lick and more of him just opening his mouth wide and putting it in our hair. Don't worry, we don't let him walk up to strangers and lick their hair, but if he's at home with us and he's upset he loves to bury his face in our hair. He is also quite fond of Brendan's hair, and luckily Brendan does a pretty good job of discouraging him. Scotte and I aren't bothered by it, but we certainly want it to stay in the family:)

Since Leo came to live with us, we have had one unexpected side effect: a cat who doesn't mind being licked by a person. Aidan keeps burying his face in Leo's fur. I'm not going to freak out about it, but it is certainly not desirable. We've been trying to encourage him to use his hands, but other than that I don't know what else to do. Check out Leo's face. He's thinking, "What is this kid doing?"

Story time with two kids...

I tried to be brave today and ventured out for story time at the library with both kids (Aidan is on spring break this week). It makes me nervous to have to chase both of them in a public place, but I know that I'm not the only mom doing that at story time, so it seems somewhat safe. We were in a library full of kids, after all.

Brendan really enjoyed it as usual. He's getting good at doing all the motions to the songs, but he still doesn't listen to all the stories well. You can see him in the front with the gray hooded sweatshirt, with his back to the camera...

Aidan did not enjoy it as much, but he always has trouble in large crowds. Story time was PACKED today, probably because everyone was looking for something to do with their kids while they are on spring break. It was much louder in there than usual. He did have a little fun, though, when he wasn't burying his head in my lap.The kids were both very cooperative, which is a good sign for this summer.

Portable DVD and Birds

When Nana was visiting, the kids really enjoyed cuddling up with her and watching movies on her snazzy red portable DVD player. Especially for Brendan, it's probably the most likely thing to get him to sit still and cuddle for 10 minutes!

On another note, I finally believe that spring is here. Besides seeing turkey vultures with Brendan last week, we've had some fun new migratory birds showing up in our backyard. The red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and towhees are in full force, and I've seen two hermit thrushes under our feeder. The bluebirds are still abundant as well. It's so much fun to look out the window and see what turns up everyday!

He Just Won't Sleep

I thought I would be really good with blog updates this week, but Aidan has been running a fever the last couple of days, and today I have a splitting headache. Never a dull week around here! Aidan is on spring break from school this week, which I guess is lucky because he would be missing school anyway.

Here is a quick photo before I go and rest on the couch for 15 minutes while the kids "sleep." I have a feeling there will be no actual sleeping today by listening to the noises up there!

Look at this boy! This was taken minutes before I put him down for a nap. But, did he sleep? No way! He looks exhausted, but simply refuses to nap....Sigh...

Huffington Post

I was reading a story on the Huffington Post about Obama's joke with Jay Leno about the Special Olympics. There was a poll at the bottom, so I voted and was surprised by the results...


Obama’s joke about the Special Olympics was…

Just a light-hearted, self-deprecating comment. Get over it people. 27.54%

Maybe a dumb thing to say, but he didn’t mean it in a mean-spirited way, and it is pretty funny. 26.04%

A tasteless comment that he should not have said, period. 24.92%

Why are we even talking about this? 21.5%

I guess I'm surprised that almost 50% of people don't think this is a big deal at all. Does that mean that almost half of our country thinks it's perfectly fine for the President to ridicule people with disabilities? Perhaps that's not too surprising in a country where 90% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted, but I guess I just wish for more for our country, more for Aidan, more for children with disabilities. I hope for a day when Aidan has the same opportunities as everyone else, not just by law, but in people's hearts as well.

Where's Aidan?

Here is one of the kids latest games to play, burying Aidan in all of their stuffed animals. I think this indicates that we have far too many and it's time to get rid of some!

We just had a great time visiting with Scotte's mom (Nana) for 4 days, so I have barely been on the computer (probably a good thing!). I'll have lots of new stuff on here this week. The kids had a great time with Nana, and Scotte and I ran a lot of errands and finished painting the office. Thanks for everything, Nana!

Zoo

My mother-in-law is visiting, which means I am going to take full advantage of the help today and work on cleaning our office! Before that, I wanted to post a couple of photos from Scotte's trip to the zoo with the kids last weekend. They loved the carousel, and got great looks at elephants, tigers, manatees and gorillas.

World Down Syndrome Day

HAPPY WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!!

We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day today because Down syndrome is signified by having 3 copies of the 21st chromosome (3/21).

Special Olympics

The Special Olympics released a statement....

READ IT HERE

Very nice!!

Rock on, Sarah!!

Hey, everyone! Go visit my friend Sarah's Blog and read her response to President Obama. Sarah is an awesome bowler, and she is also blessed with an extra chromosome. I would love for President Obama to take her up on her offer for bowling lessons.

Obama

Everyone knows I am a huge Obama fan, but I am completely disgusted by his recent comment to Jay Leno. I believe that he was just trying to make a joke, but he is our PRESIDENT and I think it is uncalled for that he would engage in this type of humor. Five years ago I probably wouldn't have batted an eye, and I would have just taken it as a joke. Not anymore! Aidan works really hard, physically, to do things other people take for granted with his low muscle tone. His body is built differently than the average person's. It is not something to laugh at.

.....Traveling across the country to promote his embattled economic recovery plan on “The Tonight Show,” Thursday, President Obama attempted a joke on himself that appeared to cast as persons on people with disabilities.

Obama told host Jay Leno that his bowling score, with practice, had risen to 129.

“That’s very good, Mr. President,” Leno deadpanned.

It’s “like the Special Olympics or something,” the president replied.

A White House spokesman said the remark was not intended to disparage Special Olympics athletes, who have intellectual disabilities.

The president “thinks the special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world,” said White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton.

Find the whole story HERE plus some Commentary.

Love the Weather!!

Two 70 degree days in a row!! We've been taking advantage of the weather by playing in the backyard. Even though the porch is still filthy and needs scrubbed, I finally caved yesterday after much begging and we played on the porch. The sand box is always a hit, as well. this spring we are planning on getting a slide for the yard and a little playhouse. I'm hoping that once we have a newborn in July and August, I won't have to make the trek to the playground every day.

Yesterday, Brendan and I saw saw our first turkey vultures of the season! He thought they were geese at first, but it didn't take him long until he was spotting the vultures on his own. We went to the park while Aidan was at school, and Brendan walked for an hour.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

If only I could have a Guinness...or a Bailey's...

St. Patty's Day has extra-special meaning for us because I met Scotte on this day back in 2000. I can't believe that was 9 years ago...

We travelled to Ireland together for New Year's Eve of 2001. Here are a couple of photos from way back then, before marriage and children aged us:) The photo at the top was taken at the Guinness factory in Ireland. It tasted so marvelous!

My Vacation

I enjoyed a little vacation this past weekend and went to visit my parents while Scotte stayed home with the boys. I really wanted a few days away before the new baby comes, just to catch up on sleep and get away from everything. I haven't relaxed with my mom since Aidan was born. We had so much fun! We really didn't do much; we slept, ate, talked, shopped, watched the super bowl again, etc. I feel very refreshed today, and it was great to come back home.

Scotte and the kids seemed to have a great time while I was gone. Scotte took them to the zoo, and Brendan keeps telling me that they went to the toy store. I know they ran a few other errands as well.

Thanks to Scotte for spending the whole weekend alone with the kids, and thanks to my parents for letting me crash with them. sometimes all a mother needs is a few hours away to refuel!!

Home and Garden Show

On Sunday, we took the kids to the Home and Garden show here in Columbus. I LOVE the Home and Garden show! Ever since we built our house, I enjoy looking through the elaborate gardens and patios they have set up inside. Scotte enjoys the actual "Home" part much more than I do. I can't find nearly as much joy looking at insulation, plumbing, etc.

Aidan and Brendan seemed to have a good time. Aidan napped on Scotte's shoulder for almost an entire hour while Scotte sat through a talk he wanted to see. I entertained Brendan by walking through the gardens. They had a Hollywood theme, and there was a dinosaur display (Jurassic Park), as well as an Indiana Jones display with a giant rolling ball that Brendan was fascinated with.

Both kids like looking at plants. I had forgotten all about this, but now I remember that when Aidan was about a year old and I was pregnant with Brendan, he and I went to a lot of garden centers that summer. He liked to touch all the leaves, and I was working on landscaping our garden. He loved it!

Above, you can see both kids trying to lean out of the stroller to smell the hyacinths.

Spread the Word to End the Word

If you can spare 4 minutes, John C. McGinley from Scrubs will tell you why so many of us are going to be participating in "Spread the Word to End the Word" on March 31.

Slide!!

With all of the lovely weather we have been having, I have been able to get outside with the kids and do all the things they love. Boy, some things are going to be a little more difficult this year! Last year I made the kids take turns at the playground when I was alone with them because I felt that they both needed my supervision on the playground equipment. I can't be in two places at once! This year they both do pretty well, but they are also both fast. I have been letting them play together the whole time, but I am completely exhausted by the time they are done! They are going to keep me hopping this summer! Hence the not-so-great photo. It is not possible to chase them both and take photos at the same time!

The kids had a blast playing at the playground and in the backyard in the sand box. I think this summer is going to be a so much fun!! We haven't made it out on the porch yet because it needs hosed off. It was quite dirty at the end of the summer last year from all of the construction dust. I hope to hose it down soon and then hopefully Scotte will get the screens up so it won't be so filthy this summer!

Brendan's Hair

I wish I had hair like Brendan's. It is so beautiful. Here is his new haircut, definitely the shortest it has ever been. Yesterday when it was humid and raining it was still as curly as ever.

I managed to snap a pic of Brendan's face right after he finished a puzzle. I love how he is so proud of himself!

A Seasonal Look

I am trying hard to update Aidan's look for spring and summer. I think the winter hat and gloves will be a bit too warm soon, so we're practicing with a baseball cap and gardening gloves. They were a big hit for a few hours yesterday, then he switched back to his winter attire. Hopefully when it's hot he'll realize the new items are a better choice...

Random Updates

We've had a really busy week this week with a lot of appointments. We had to go to the pediatrician for a rash Aidan had; Aidan had an ENT appointment that went on for almost 3 hours, it was crazy; Brendan had a haircut (the shortest it's been and he looks adorable, pics to come later); Of course we had the usual PT, OT, speech, tutoring, school, etc. I haven't had a lot of time this week to post to the blog.

So, I have a few random, completely unrelated updates. First, Leo is adjusting so well to his new home. He is so funny and adorable. His big sister, Bailey, is still not thrilled, but I've seen more of her in the last few days. They even took a nap on the same rug, although not close to each other. It's a start. The kids are getting a little too brave for my taste and are requiring a lot of training on bow to treat a kitten. They want to pick him up by the neck. Don't worry, I keep a close eye on them and am showing them how to treat a little baby kitty.

This week I have been able to wean my finger off the splint I was wearing. It's been almost 6 weeks since the bowling incident. I'm still a little sore, but it feels wonderful to have the splint off. The one thing I can't do without the splint is knit. It really hurts.

Today I ate the most amazing brownie EVER. It was from Sugardaddy's. If you are ever in Columbus, Ohio, you do not want to leave without eating one of these brownies. I can't believe it's right around the corner from my house. I spent almost $20 there today, with a little help from Brendan.

Have a great weekend. We are due to have wonderful warm weather! This weekend we are all going to check out the Home and Garden show. I love it! Can't wait!

Tigger & Pooh

Whenever we let Aidan pick a DVD to watch, he ALWAYS picks a Sesame Street DVD. ALWAYS. Today, he made my day and picked out a Tigger and Pooh DVD! Why am I so excited? It seems silly, doesn't it? I'm just happy to see him express interest in something new, and Brendan loves Tigger and Pooh, so they can enjoy it together. Brendan also likes Sesame Street, but it can be frustrating when Aidan complains and fusses every time Brendan gets a turn to pick a show. Brendan has a much wider repertoire. Yay for Tigger and Pooh!!

Locker Soccer

This past weekend we attended our local Down syndrome association playgroup for 3-5 year olds. It turned out to be less eventful than our bowling outing, in a very good way. For this month's outing we went to an indoor soccer arena for kids, Locker Soccer Academy. The kids LOVED kicking the balls around. I can't believe how much running Brendan did! Aidan's running is improving. I think that before next summer is over he will be a pro. He improved so much last summer when we played outside every day.

Of course, I always love to get to see the kiddos and be able to talk to other parents. As the kids get older, though, there is more kid chasing and less actual talking to parents, but I'm hopeful to have real conversations someday!

I actually didn't know quite a few kids this time, but we did see a few familiar faces. I didn't get photos of everyone, though! Too busy chasing!

We visited with Aidan's preschool classmate, Ryan, and his friend Lucy Kay...

Aidan and Brendan kicking balls... Every time Brendan tried to score he would run up to the goal, then bend over and push the ball in with his hands. He is so funny!

Brendan-isms

Brendan says some things at times that really make me laugh. I thought I would share three quick examples today.

One day, when Brendan was in one of his "I want to wear underwear but don't want to go potty" moods, he had a little pee accident. I discovered the accident when I heard him saying, "The pee pee's are splashing in my undies!"

This morning, Aidan was practicing his fake sneezing and Brendan decided to join in on the fun. Brendan tends to be a bit more on the dramatic side than Aidan, so when he practices there is also usually some spitting involved. This morning, as the spit and sneezes were coming out of his mouth, he told me, "It's raining on my teeth!"

A couple of nights ago Brendan was wrapped up in his bath towel and I was drying him off. He kept closing his eyes shut really tight and telling us, "It's dark." Then he would laugh really hard.

I have to say, listening to the things that come out of the mouth of a two year old is endless fun.