5 Reasons I Smile

The ultimate goal of this blog is to spread awareness and show how beautiful life can be. We have four amazing daughters. Our youngest was born with Down syndrome. If just one person stops here and leaves with a different, better perspective about Down syndrome, then it is worth it. Regardless, I have 5 Reasons to Smile!



Sunday, July 21, 2013

Graduation!

When I posted last, on May 4th, my intention was to post weekly. About a week later I sat down bursting with excitement and wanting to share about many of the moments we had been celebrating. The month of May was an extremely busy month for us. Well, all months are busy for us, but this one had many extras. We had a birthday, anniversary, promotion and a graduation!  I sat down and began to write and then my computer started acting up. I came back a few times over the past few weeks and continued to have issues with it. Today, I sat down to see if it was working (I have specifically been having trouble with the blogger program) and it was!

Since we are right in the middle of an amazing summer I really want to write in detail about our vacations, Brynn learning to roller skate, Kamryn's summer school experience and so many other things we are doing.  However, I have to drag myself back to the month of May. I say drag because the reality is I can't remember what I wore yesterday so May seems so long ago.  BUT, my blog started as an advocacy for Down syndrome, therefore I can't let Kamryn's graduation go by without posting about it!

Yes, Kamryn has graduated from preschool!

I often have the desire to take myself back to the first year of Kamryn's life when she celebrates or reaches a milestone.  I don't want to forget how hard her first year of life was for me, how difficult it was to accept her diagnosis, how scared I was, how I cried myself to sleep for almost a year.  I don't want to forget, because my life has been impacted beyond words. It's more beautiful than I ever could have have imagined. It is brighter and clearer and simpler.  And for me, because at one time it hurt so bad, the little things are 100 times better. So imagine what the big things feel like!  My smile is just bigger.  I remember questioning: Will she walk? Will she talk? Where will she go to school? Will she ride a bike?
I don't question anymore.
I just live.
And it feels so good.



Graduation May 2013:







She has been able to ride a three wheel scooter for quite some time. She can also ride a bike with training wheels.
S



She can get into a lot of trouble. And she thinks she can hide from me...

S

We have had her in private speech since she was about 3 years old. (She has received speech services since she was an infant through government programs, however we added to that with a private speech therapist). . 


Kamryn will start kindergarten in the fall.  We have decided to put her in a communicative handicap class. (That is what the district calls it, it is for children with communication delays). She will also be in a "regular/typical" kindergarten class room. When school starts and we are able to observe the classrooms, we will determine how much time she will spend in the "regular/typical" class room and how much time she needs to be in the communicative handicap class room.  Diondray and I want to give Kamryn the best possible environment for her to learn, develop and grow. 

The radio is blasting in the other room and I can hear the girls dancing to the CD from the movie Let it Shine...I'm going to go join them.  I love summer!!!!!