My Sarah

Sarah bloomed like we knew she would in her new place, but melted down when she wasn't able to get on the bus with her friends.  Next week, sweetie!

An AHA moment came this afternoon when I picked her up.  Another couple was touring her daycare, as I was leaving.  I had only strapped her in her carseat, when they came over to my car.

"I know this is awkward, but we're interviewing daycares and we have a little girl with Down syndrome.  What do you think about this one?"

And so Sarah's story was shared and I could only shout praises for the accommodations, the flexibility, and their love for Sarah.

I said, "She is loved and that is all a Mama wants for her child."

We talked about IEP's, and the school district preschool.  They are one year behind us, and were surprised to learn Sarah had only been in the country since Memorial Day.  I'm learning quickly, they said.  One day at a time, that's all.  

Paving the way for another child with something extra, my Sarah.  Oh, she is changing lives, making her way in this wonderful world.

Oh, the blessings she is sharing.  Her daycare teachers told me one of her friends was playing by himself when she went over, took his hand, and they played together.  Another time, she led another friend to the group area.  The adults' hearts melted and the kids are seeing her as one of their own.

My Sarah, making her mark in this world.
What a wonderful front-row seat in this wild, precious life I've been given.

First Day of School

The sun's rays were shining through our windows and casting a sunbeam halo over Sarah, as she  slammed the bedroom doors upstairs announcing to the world she's awake.  She knew something special was in store for her, but didn't know what it was.  Today, she began her first day at one of the schools she'll attend this year.

Dressed in purple with flipflops on her shirt ( a salute to the summer days), she walked confidently, like she owned the place, down the hall, and was welcomed with love from her new friends and her teacher, Miss Emily.

 She walked down the vibrant halls, decorated with artwork, smiles, and love.  A contrast to the dark, dreary corridor that  she walked the first three years of her life.

The girls were celebrating their matching skirts, and showing off their fancy duds, excited to meet their new friend.  Sarah walked around the room, exploring the small tables and chairs, and couches, and her new friends grabbed some books to read with her.

We are filled with gratitude that she has the same teacher Austin had a few years ago when he attended the school.  Miss Emily and I hugged like old friends, welcoming the new daily routine we'll share by greeting each new day with smiles and joy.   Love spilled out from both of us with the endless possibilities Sarah will have.

I gave my mom schpeal.  She is working on going to the potty, and tends to initiate it when other friends go.  She may eat some crayons, and other non-edible items, but I don't need a call every time she does that.  LOL.  She knows a few signs, and communicates with gestures and facial expressions.  Everything is new, every experience, manipulatives, everything.  She'll jump in with reckless abandonment.

Then, she asked the question all Mamas and Papas want to hear.  "What are your expectations from me?  What do you want from me to help Sarah?" 

"All I want is for her to be loved.  She'll make her way."  At that moment, both our eyes turned misty. 

Miss Emily said,  "That will most definitely be a given."  My little butterfly bloomed today, and will  be blossoming every day.

During our conversation,  I learned another little girl will be in Sarah's classroom.  Another little girl, with something extra in her makeup.  I can hardly wait to meet her parents.  Another friend.

 "All I want is for her to be loved." 
 
After I kissed her goodbye, she continued in exploration as if she has always been a part of the group, her friends, her place without another glimpse of her mama walking away.

The note on her daily report when I picked her up.  "Sarah had a GREAT day!  She made many new friends, and went to the bathroom on her own!  Sarah was very playful and warmed up to our classroom and friends so easily!  Yay!!"

I guess you take Mama out of the mix, and she'll do everything in her own time.

So, Miss Sarah has found a brand new place to grow, to learn, to love, and to celebrate.

She came home sat on the couch to read:)

What a beautiful day.  What a wild, precious life I'm living. 

Road Trip

 Around this time of the summer, I get that feeling like I haven't done it all yet.  School will be starting soon and it will be time to get my teacher game face on.  So I want to pack as much as I can into this last month.  No regrets, no "I wish", just leavin caution to the wind.

Yesterday morning,  I received a text from Imogen around 8:45am as I was taking Sarah to her ENT appointment.  "My planning skills are in top form this morning...Would you be interested in going to The Works in Newark?  Around 9:45ish?"

Heck, yeah.  So I called her and we made plans to leave as soon as our appointment was over.  My text looked liked this when I pulled into our driveway..."I'm home. Give me 20 minutes..."

 Enough time to change clothes, pack some snacks, diaper bags, and tell Andy we're off!!  Don't know what time I'll be back.  I told the kids we were going on an adventure, and they kept guessing the entire way.  Until we rode into the city, "Mama, are we in Lima?"  "No, Baby.  But it looks like it."  A quick lunch, and then we walked into this perfect, hands-on museum for our kids.

We all stepped in front of the heat-seeking machine and could see ourselves on the tv.

Some exercise and physical fitness booths, along with a Wii Fit exhibit to "try" out.

A "tear apart" a computer place, complete with safety goggles and real tools.

But their most favorite place was the Farmer's Market and dress-up pretend place.

 I sat on the bench, listening to them weave their make-believe tales, and ad-libbing as they went along.  The magic of make-believe and pretend, the fairy-tale land.   A wonderful place for all ages.  I foresee us making more trips over there in the future.  (Fortune Telling is my next career:)

We're trying to stay cool in this "Can't believe how hot it is" week our country is in now.  Pool, library, and more inside adventures on the horizon. 

Happy Wednesday:)

True North

From the the south, east, and west, my family followed their compass to my hometown this weekend, true north to my grandparents home for the annual summer event.

 Sarah walked up the sidewalk, inside the house, and swan-dived into my family who prayed for her these last ten months, anxiously awaiting for the moment she would join our circle.

Over 50 attended this summer event, and while others were unable to make it, their spirit was felt amongst us.  We ate delicious food, caught up on the family happenings, and watched the kids playing volleyball, corn-hole, and swimming in the kiddie pool.

 Sitting around the kiddie pool with my aunts, cousins, and grandmother, Sarah said,"Nana" for the first time.  And we all cheered in wide-eyed wonder.  In eight short weeks, my little girl is saying some words. 

Then, my aunt gave me a card from the entire clan for Sarah.  As I read the words, then passed it around to be read, all of us became teary-eyed.  They knew of our trek to bring her home.  The celebrations, the hurdles, and the trials.

           "Isn't it wonderful how one tiny girl can move right in and change your life forever?

She is changing lives, for anyone who learned of her story, and has watched her life unfold before our very eyes.  When she does something remarkable and I'm not around, her cheering section
 roots her on.  Celebrating new words, new firsts, celebrating Sarah.

She's teaching us all to stop, enjoy the moment, and spread love and joy all around.

"Isn't it wonderful how one tiny girl can move right in 

and change your life forever?" 

Filled with gratitude for my family...

Family Night Out

I began the day completely horizontal in bed.  Thursday, I started having the headaches and sore throat that accompany any virus or upper respiratory infection.  I decided I should stay home on Friday, so I made sub plans and called off.  When I woke to make the kids' lunches, I could barely stand.  My throat was on fire and it hurt to open my eyes.  Andy planned a vacation day to meet with the accountant and work Addy's holiday party, but I never heard him leave nor return.  Finally, around 2pm I awoke and was able to become vertical and was feeling much better than the morning breakfast routine.  I talked to my mom at 10 and 4pm today, and even she noticed how different I sounded.  I'm glad it was only 24 hours:)  Feelin' oh so much better.  Thanks to the elves holdin' down the fort.

This evening, Austin's cub scouts were singing the National Anthem at our high school basketball game.  

What an honor and privilege!  We are blessed that one of the den leaders is our music teacher.  She has a heart of gold and cares about each of her students.  She was also instrumental in leading the half-time Script Ohio during the OSU vs. Ohio party!! All the boys and leaders were rockin' their uniforms, the basketball experience, and time together.  All the proud mama's, papa's, and den leaders were shooting pictures and video till their hearts were content.  Addy and I took in the whole experience, watching, cheering, and celebrating the men in our family.  What a night!

 There's nothin like seeing your 6 year old saluting Old Glory, while singing our National Anthem.  


Tomorrow, we're heading back home for a Day of Christmas.  First, we'll celebrate with my parents, and then we'll head over to my Grandparents for the last event of 2010.  Another celebration and farewell to my parents and grandparents as they head south for the winter!  Their journey to sun, warmer weather, friends, and time together.  Hope the weather becomes warmer than it's been!!

And so I leave you with another page in my book of inspirations... 
Make the most of your days and remember...they're far too precious to let them slip away.  
Lovin' My Family and Friends!!!

Costumes and Candy Craze

 I didn't know I'd have to get the "goop" out!!!?

 Addy was more enthused about getting her hands "icky."  She truly enjoys the goo and mess and faithfully completed her part.

The orange masterpieces:  a dog for Addy, a cat for Austin, and a simple heart for a little princess, far away...

 My angel, who knew mom was sidetracked, and ordered her an angel costume even though she had three other costumes in a closet; my turtle, who was supposed to be a tiger(out of stock), was persistent on being an animal.  Do you know that there are not many animal costumes(not scary) for his size? 

 This year, we went trick-or-treating with our friends, who live in the next neighborhood.  We stopped at our house to get warmed up by the fire since it was a cold, brisk evening.  My husband had a pot of HOT coffee waiting for us, so I poured myself a mug to finish the last home stretch of the night.  He's amazing!!!

 What should be my first piece?

 The candy loot...

Resting in Grandpa's lap after a wonderful evening...

Buddy Walk Recap

Waking up excited for our first Buddy Walk, our eyes opened up to gray, cloudy skies and cold, windy air with a possibility of rain:(  Walking out the door, we grabbed mittens and hats, and I'm so glad we did!  It continued to be cold the entire time.  However, the rain held off until the event was almost over!!!:)  Yeah!

Walking into the registration area, we found the Reece's Rainbow table.  We met Yana and Robyn's family and began talking about where we all are in our process.  Soon, Addy's Girl Scout troop came and we walked with the Carlisle Cuties, and their captain, Bailey.  What a day!  Seeing so many walking up and down Crew Stadium, celebrating children with Down Syndrome.  Cheerleaders, clowns, mascots, and more were all around to share in the event.  I sent an email over the weekend to the past president of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio to request newsletters and information because her name was given to me from friend as a resource.  Will wonders ever cease, but when we stopped at the information booth, there she was!!!  I introduced myself to her and she was so thrilled for us, and wanted to have coffee soon.  We didn't get to talk much, but there is the promise of conversations to come.  The  RR/Down Syndrome network embraces anyone into the fold with open arms, willing to assist on any level.  We are forever grateful for the day our eyes were opened, because this journey has had so many rewards:)

For Addy and Austin, one of their favorite moments was meeting Bridget and Alina, from Living in the Light.  They've been reading their blogs and watching their montages since we begun our journey to Sarah.    All throughout the walk, our kids and friends were sharing how next year we'll be walking with the newest member of our family!!  We can hardly wait:)  What a great, fulfilling day!!