Kamryn's Krew 2011

The Buddy Walk is a national Walk program created by National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Downs syndrome and to raise funds for local and national initiatives that support people with Down syndrome and their families.

Our Buddy Walk is an event that includes games, crafts, face painting and lunch. Toward the end of the event all the participates gather for a ceremonial Walk around the park. This year was our second year participating in our local Buddy Walk and Festival.

It was a beautiful day and once again we were joined by several family and friends. I know I should not brag but KAMRYN'S KREW ROCKS!!!






























My eyes have been opened to many things I did not see before Kamryn was born. At the beginning of this journey I was devastated. I was heart broken that my child was born with an extra chromosome. I have come to realize that whether you have 46 or 47 chromosomes your life is just as important, just as amazing, and just as beautiful. I am thankful that I have been given four girls to raise and share my life with. I continue to learn and grow everyday because of them. I wouldn't trade my journey for the world.

Big Events...

I still giggle at the thought of a pre-school graduation. I can't help but feel it maybe a "little to much." Brynn requested I decorate the whole house, that we sing "happy Graduation to you" with cake and candles and we have dinner at Subway.

Do balloons and flowers count as decorating? We did have dinner at Subway. We even sang to her.

She was happy. It was worth it!

The Graduate!




NOTE: Naomi was missing. She was at her ballet recital!



Super Star. Dance fest 2011


the make up line...








Summer has started...
Karmyn loves the pool. And her big sister Jaden-look at the excitement in her face!






Tomorrow is a big day for our family as we participate in our second Buddy Walk! (A Buddy Walk is an event that promotes awareness about Down syndrome.) I can remember the hesitation I felt last year about participating. I was still unsure with how I much I wanted to be a part of "Down syndrome." I had accepted Kamryn's diagnosis, however I was uncomfortable with confronting it. Maybe I had not really accepted it...maybe I was still trying to avoid it and that was the hesitation.
Tonight, I am bursting with excitement and I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family as we come together embracing, accepting and celebrating Kamryn. There is no hesitation now. I am ready to go out and share, promote, educate and celebrate.

Tomorrow is going to be beautiful! I can't wait!

Happy New Year!

When Jaden started Kindergarten, it shifted our whole life. It confined us to a Monday - Friday schedule, with routine. Before she started school, mid-week you could find us at the zoo, beach, park or on vacation. Once she started school all that freedom seemed to vanish. Naomi and Brynn were only 3 and six months, still babies, however we could no longer venture to far off as Jaden needed to be picked up by noon.

Now, not only do I have two girls in school full time, they are all in sports and extra curricular activities, which limit us even more. During soccer season, we don't have an available Saturday. Three girls playing means we are on the field most of the day. Basketball season has us in the gym during the week, cheering for them. Then there is dance, drama club and church activities. The weeks and weekends are full. Not that I am complaining, because I am enjoying this time in our lives. As busy as we are, I realize my girls are growing and I want to embrace and cherish each moment. Even though I do collapse at the end of the day! :)

What I really appreciate (and enjoy) is the THREE MONTH SUMMER BREAK! The last day of school is more like New Years Eve, than December 31st! It means a milestone has been completed (which is BITTER-SWEET for me) and the girls will be transitioning on or up. It also means we avoid a morning rush, sleep in (OK not really they are up at 7 am), play outside, bike ride, see the beach, vacation and just slow down. It feels good, it's like a breath of fresh air.

By the time August rolls around, we are ready to get back on track and go. It usually starts off full speed and stays at that pace until the end of the school year! In the mean time, we have already started to enjoy our summer....HAPPY NEW YEAR!


I can't let the month of May pass by without reflecting on some exciting moments...
Starting with Jaden (AS THE MAD HATTER) and Naomi (AS A FLOWER) in their first Youth theater production!



Mother's Day-breakfast in bed ;)



Mother's Day Program in Naomi's Room



Mother's Day Tea at Brynn's school.



Mother's Day...WOW! I LOVE these girls!




BIRTHDAY PARTY FUN...and I only have pictures of the food! Which is disappointing because we made margaritas and played limbo!!!!



THIS IS FOR ALL OUR LAKER FRIENDS




Happy Anniversary to us! Lauren Hill concert!



Life just continues to be beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DESPICABLE ME

It makes me laugh (literally giggle) when Kamryn, my two and a half year old, pulls on my pant leg and shouts:

"Picable me, Picable me!"

She wants to watch, her current favorite movie, Despicable Me.

Part of me can't even believe I let my two year old daughter watch that movie. However, as a parent of four, Kamryn does and is exposed to many things I NEVER would have let my first child do. (McDonald's before age 3 is one of those things...she asks for that too!)

I laugh because it's adorable to hear her attempt to articulate such a big word ("Despicable"), but for me it has a deeper, more significant meaning. It's a reminder that we should not allow labels, a diagnosis, or preconceived notions limit the potential of any individual. My giggle becomes a smile and I often feel like bursting with pride. It's almost a "shake my head kind of laugh" like, "they" were so wrong about Down syndrome.

I remember reading/hearing "Children with Down syndrome have short attention spans." This is obviously not true with Kamryn. This girl will sit through a movie, at the table coloring, reading a book and church. She has shattered that stereo type. Kamryn has an attention span. Sometimes, it's even longer than mine.

"Picable Me, Picable Me" Two words. She is using two words. THREE WORDS HERE WE COME! The other day while heading out to the car Kamryn looked at me and said, "Me, (tapping her chest with her hands) Mamas house?" This translates to, "Me, Grandmas house?" I almost feel over! THREE WORDS! Not only that, but out of the blue she told me exactly where she wanted to go.

This is a classic example of how something so small and insignificant, has so much more meaning for me. My older girls development happened so quickly and I wasn't "worried" or "concerned" about them reaching any milestones, I had no reason to be. With Kamryn, I find myself overly excited about each step in her development. There have been moments I felt like racing up one of the mountains that surround our city and shouting out her accomplishments to the world. Because sadly, there was a time I thought maybe she wouldn't reach them. Recently I have noticed I no longer have the urge to shout. I know she is amazing, wonderful and perfect.

I have let go of most my fears with regards to her development. We all grow, learn and develop at our own pace. And we are all different. Most important, I have discovered the joy in watching my children be and become who they are. I am not "worried" or "concerned" about what that will be. (However, I do hope they are strong, confident, compassionate, honest, courageous women).

As for Kamryn, she is in the very stereo typical "terrible two's." which we refer to as the "terrific two's!" Climbing, she loves to climb.

The other night, while upstairs, I heard, "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom!"

I came down to find this.....




Naomi said, "Mom, I was calling you because she climbed onto the table!" That was not nearly as scary as finding her alone in the bathroom yesterday....