March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day - March 21st - thankful for our little guy and the ways God has opened our world to others. 

I bribed him with something to eat to get him there - and then we had a few minutes of fun. 

And then - we finally got everyone at once - Leanne wasn't having it... but mostly all here. 

I wanted to get a shot of just him, but he was letting me know all he wanted, was to go outside. :) 

Valentine's Day

 Won't you be my Valentine? 

I had to take some pictures of my covered with kisses before he's too big. :)  

 Katie and Erik got up early to make breakfast for everyone. I was blessed by that. They made heart pancakes, scrambled eggs, and split up 4 pieces of bacon for everyone. (They didn't have time to cook the whole package they said :) 

 They had done a bunch of decorations the night before, but added a few that morning - even a candle that we all had to blow out after breakfast. 

 The kitchen isn't on fire - that's the morning sunlight. :) The picture is kinda funny - but I liked that he had a surprised expression on his face. :) I did a super practical gift for him - a bin full of snacks for his car - when he's on the road so much. And he super surprised me with roses - and a neck massager. Pretty great. 

 James gave a rose to all his girls too. :) 

 Someone was pretty happy to get her own flower. 

 Following in my mom's tradition of writing the kids a little note and getting some chocolate or treats at supper. 

 Glenda joined us for supper which was special!

 Going around the table and reading the notes. 

 Laura made brownies that morning and we cut out little heart brownies and added ice cream and homemade chocolate syrup - thanks to Katelyn. So yummy.

 Then a game of Qwirkle - which Amy won - and Glenda got second. 

 These two - love how these two get along. 

That look. So precious. 

Blessed. 

Jason is 11 months

 We styled his hair for fun and took his pictures of 11 months...

Jason's latest and greatest

-He's almost pulling himself up onto furniture!

-Likes to look at books

-Bangs two toys together 

-Stands holding onto furniture

-He takes a bit to warm up to people - just watches them for a while before giving them a smile. :) 

-Needs his momma - like always. <3 He can only be a part from me so long before he needs me to cuddle him. And I don't mind that at all. 

-This kid is our only one that needs to have different toys every so often. I think that's in part due to not moving much yet - and needing different stimulation instead of the same old toys. When our Early Intervention Coordinator comes by and brings her bag of toys, he loves it!

Can't remember what else... still working on more stuff, and honestly can't believe we're almost at a year old. He still laughs and switches to staring on a dime. 

Jason is 10 Months!

Jason's Latest and Greatest

-Can clap his hands together!! This is pretty exciting and fun to do. 

-Can drink from a sippy cup all by himself

In some ways - not a lot to report... which kinda feels sad.

He is doing well - eating he's a champ. Strong guy, but we have lots of work to do.

Right now, I'm working on asking him for a toy - to give it to me.

Trying to have him recognize me as Mama

Getting him to support himself on all fours - four point kneel.

It's been good for me- emotionally - lately. I'm thankful for that.

I guess what has been hitting me lately, is how much therapy I will be needing to do. Of course, it's hard to say how much - but as I learn more, and read other kiddo's accounts, I see how much work and time it takes. And the emotional up and down of it all. So that is a bit daunting.

But - for today - I'm working on the kneel, the giving over of toys - for him to see/say Mama... that's all. (well, actually there's quite a list of what I'm supposed to be doing...but that's all for NOW). I know... gotta take it daily. And just enjoy him and the others daily. Trust daily. Surrender daily. 

All that looks so good on whitespace... 

hard in reality.

But God is in the reality. 

 This look.

Is a fav of mine. But it's actually a rare one. 

He does it in the highchair - almost like he's being silly. :) And then says "mmumm, mumm"

  

You can almost hear him laugh! 

  

 Another look I adore on him and didn't want to forget... 

His squishy toes.