Another Amazing Sleep Position

Last night I went to check on Aiden before I went to bed. I walked in, turned right back around. I motioned for Chris to bring the camera. When Chris walked in, he cringed. This is what we saw...


It wasn't a few hours later, that Aiden woke up with a fever. He seriously did not feel well. And it has continued through today. It's been one of those "Bad Mood" weekends for Aiden.

He is also teething again. This time it is his front right top tooth. Along with nasal congestion.

They Cannot Be Serious?!

Aiden gets to go to a developmental pediatrician on July 7th. And I received in the mail a survey regarding behavioural issues.

Well, okay. The problem with this is that the survey is not for a child Aiden's age. There are 55 questions on this survey. And the "Not Applicable" answer is nowhere available.

I mean honestly, people. How many children under the age of two does the following:

• Talks too much
• blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• interrupts or intrudes in on others' conversations
• argues with adults
• loses temper (duh, that's called being a 2 year old)
• actively defies or refuses to go along with adults' request or rules
• deliberately annoys people
• blames others for his/her mistakes or misbehaviour
• is touchy or easily annoyed by others
• is angry or resentful
• is spiteful and wants to get even
• bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
• starts physical fights
• lies to get out of trouble or to avoid obligations
• is truant from school
• is physically cruel to people
• has stolen things
• deliberately destroys others' property
• has used a weapon that can cause serious harm to others
• is physically cruel to animals
• has deliberately set fires to cause damage
• has broken in to someone else's home, business, or car
• has stayed out all night without permission
• has run away from home overnight
• has forced someone into sexual activity

These are just some of the questions that are asked. Huh? He's seeing a developmental specialist, not a behaviourist! And Aiden is not even 2 yet; wouldn't these be issues for a child of, oh I don't know, older age? We haven't had behaviour issues. We have developmental issues.

Movin' On Up

Aiden has been sitting in a Bumbo chair for nearly a year now. He learned trunk control with the Bumbo.

Well, today the neighbours across the street are having a garage sale. I haven't been to a garage sale in ages. So, I dressed Aiden and we walked across the street just to look around. They have small children.

I have been thinking of things to get Aiden to transition him to sitting in a chair without support. And at the garage sale, they had this:

Normally, I wouldn't do anything Elmo. Elmo's voice grates on my last nerve. However, the things we do for our kids. We got it home and Aiden sat in it. He likes sitting in it!

Two HUGE Fundraisers

Summer is here and it is time for Aiden and I to begin our annual fundraisers. We have two this year. The first one is for Aiden's school, Mini Laps. The children get to go around the track at school one time. Some will run or walk, some will ride bikes or scooters. Some of Aiden's friends will get to ride in there wheel chairs or a wagon. Last year, the theme was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", based on The Wizard of Oz. Aiden dressed up as Toto and he was carried in a picnic basket.

Mini Laps is the biggest fundraiser for the Little Light House. The children get sponsors to raise the money. If you would like to sponsor Aiden and donate to the Little Light House, you can mail me a check (made out to TLLH) by Sept 16th. You can also send it in the mail to the Little Light House. (Email me for mailing addresses) Or you can donate online through the school's website. Make sure to put Aiden's name so they will know you are sponsoring him. Because the Little Light House is a 501(c)(3) organization, your contribution is tax deductible. This year's goal of $2 million is not unobtainable! Each family has to raise only $3125 to reach that goal.

Also, if you live within driving distance of Tulsa, I encourage you to come to Mini Laps on September 20 at 10am. The event is held at the school (36th and Yale in Tulsa) and the children love being cheered on. It is great to see the smiles on their faces. I promise you will have tears of joy.

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The next fundraiser is for the Down syndrome Association of Tulsa. As everyone knows, Aiden is blessed with a little something extra by way of the 21st chromosome. Aiden has Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. It affects every cell in his body. You and I have 46 chromosomes; Aiden was born with 47. He has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. And with that one tiny extra chromosome, came major health issues that resulted in open heart surgery when Aiden was only 5 months old. Also, Aiden is both mentally and developmentally delayed.

The Down syndrome Association of Tulsa is an affiliate of the National Down syndrome Society. Every year, the NDSS holds it's major fundraiser, the Buddy Walk. We participate in the Tulsa Buddy Walk to raise awareness and education for Down syndrome.

95% of the monies raised stays with the local group. DSAT uses the money to make new parent packs and our new "Changing Lives" packets for local pediatricians and ob/gyns. We also give scholarships to families who would like to attend the annual Down syndrome conventions held by the National Down syndrome Congress.

A staggering number (90% worldwide) of prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome pregnancies are terminated. Unfortunately, due to outdated information, most people do not know that having a child with Down syndrome is not a burden. Aiden has been nothing but a true blessing to me. Yes, he does not do all the things that a typical 21 month old should do. But he WILL do those things. He just does them on his own time.

This year will be our 3rd Buddy Walk to participate in. This year, I've upped the ante; I want to raise a minimum of $1000. To make it easy, once again, I have set up a website for donations. All you have to do is click here to make a safe and secure online donation through FirstGiving. If you are not comfortable making an online donation, please mail a check (payable to DSAT) to me (address available upon request through email)!!!

Also, for those interested.... Aiden has been chosen to be in the 2009 DSAT calendar. I don't know what month yet. The calendars will be available in October 19th at the Buddy Walk. Cost is $15 to purchase and all proceeds go to the Down syndrome Association of Tulsa. Again, all donations are tax deductible.

If you wish to attend the Buddy Walk and cheer Aiden on, it is going to be at the Union High School Track located at 66th and Mingo in Tulsa. (If I can make the trip from Coweta to Tulsa daily to take Aiden to school, you can make it for this. There is a lot of games, free food, and even a drawing for some really great door prizes!)

Snot

Aiden woke up congested this morning. It didn't bother him too terribly much. Until nap time.

Aiden woke up from his nap with a snot faucet. (I know, probably TMI.) And he absolutely refuses to get suctioned out. When I attempt to wipe his nose, he wants to eat the wipe.

He endured PT not being able to breathe, but he did manage to work on the ball and then stand up.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

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Summer Fun

Aiden has a swim party at school on Thursday, so I decided to take him outside and let him play in his sprinkler to get used to having water splash him in the face. Normally, Aiden loves playing in the water. However, he wasn't too used to this.

Pictures from the Weekend

Did you notice he is working on standing?

Aiden is also fascinated with the camera. He took some self portraits this weekend

My Birthday Day

I woke up at 5am this morning. Not on purpose either. Aiden wanted to snuggle. My alarm was set for 6:30. Why? Aiden had an appointment with Dr. Pediatrician first thing.

So we spent an hour at the pedi's office. I gave her a big packet of paperwork that needs to be filled out for Aiden's school. Thankfully, she'll do it and fax the information to them.

Then, Aiden and I went to a birthday lunch with my best friend, and Aiden's godfather. Today is also his birthday, only he's 3 years younger than I am. Sooooo not fair..

The first time Jason met Aiden, he was scared to death that he would break Aiden. Aiden was small enough to fit, literally his entire body, into Jason's hand.



(This picture was taken last month at Jason's son's first birthday party.)

I still need to go to Wal-Mart and pick up a meat/cheese tray and a veggie tray for a Girl's Day Out that I'm hosting tomorrow.

Oh, and my yard had better be mowed by the time my party starts........ It has been raining all week and my back yard was a swamp. Well, yesterday was the first time torrential rains have not flooded the yard and everything is drying out now.

I'm still needing to clone myself. Last night was hard!! First I had to be at the DSAT meeting to help present Mended Little Hearts. Then I had to talk about the Buddy Ride we are working on getting. (Buddy Ride = Buddy Walk only with motorcycles.)

Then I had to load Aiden up and go to the school meeting. I was nearly an hour late to that. Aiden somehow managed to get his bottle unscrewed and poured the entire contents on the floor. In front of Marsha Mitchell, the director........... I'm still not quite sure what the theme for Mini Laps is this year. Something about story books.

Speaking of Marsha......

She is the Tyson Gold Medal Mom!!!!! Congratulations! And thank you to everyone that voted.

Busy, Busy, Busy.........

I need to clone myself.

Tonight, we have two obligations at the same time. One, we have our DSAT meeting. And I'm supposed to be there to help with a presentation of Mended Little Hearts of Tulsa. I'm one of the founding members and I also do the website stuff.

Second, we have a meeting at Aiden's school tonight also. Tonight's meeting kicks off Mini Laps. And we find out what class Aiden will be in next semester. Granted, we already know this. He'll be in the orange class again.

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

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Sleepy Boy

What happens when this cute little boy



wakes up at 4am and wants to play?



He has been sleeping since 9am in his Jumperoo.

Buddies For Iowa Flood Victims

Amy from The Flege Farm lives outside Cedar Rapids, Iowa and knows many people who were affected by the Iowa River flooding. The local ARC’s office, the local library, and a friend’s medical office, who also has a child with Down syndrome, has been destroyed.

The other day Jessica (from Raising Joey) was trying to think of a way to help out and again her online Usborne Book Store came to my mind. She is going to open up an eShow named as Iowa Flood Victims Book Drive. You can purchase Usborne Books for the flood victims and they will be shipped to Amy to be given out to people that have been affected by the floods. Just email Jessica before you purchase the books and she will give you Amy’s address if you don’t already have it.

Along with the Usborne eShow, Michelle over at Big Blueberry Eyes will be doing the same type of drive with her Discovery Toys Online Store. The toys will also be shipped directly to Amy.

Also, after talking to Amy, many families are in need of clothes and other items. If you are interested in shipping any extra items you may have around your house, you can contact Jessica.

If you have an online store and would like to add your business to this wonderful cause, please let Jessica know and she will add you to this. Also, please spread the word about our book and toy drive. If you would like the coding for our button to post on your blog, please email Jessica.

It's My Birthday

Well, Friday is officially my birthday, but I got my present early.

And there is only one thing I have to say about Trace Adkins

OH! MY! GAWD!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Gretchen Wilson and Trace Adkins performed at Country Fever Fest last night and Chris got us tickets for my birthday. It rained yesterday morning and being an outdoor concert, it was muddy. I had mud up to my knees from walking around looking at all the vendors.

However, I promise, Trace Adkins is soooooo worth trampling through a muddy field to see in concert. For a man his age, he has got it going on! The sex appeal just oozes from him.

To Daddy

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

An Interview with Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Click here to read the article

(Note: it is in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Reader)

Two New Bloggy Awards

Debbie at My 3 Weddings, presented us with two new awards. One is the I (Big Red Puffy Heart) Your Blog Award



And I am passing it on to (in no particular order) Rhett's Journey, Elliot's Expeditions, Finding Normal, and Noah's Trek

The second award is the Super Commenter Award



and I am passing it on to (in no particular order) Finding Normal, Noah's Trek, A Redeemed Sheep, and Lily's Life is Great

My Dearest Aiden

While we cheer and applaud your accomplishments, there are some things that you are not supposed to do. You may have noticed that there are now barriers throughout the house. Yes, the dog may be outside, but the gates also work for little boys. There are no toys in Mommy's bedroom. Her shoes are not chew toys.

Carbon monoxide detectors are not for your enjoyment either. It is there for a reason. Stop unplugging it. Yes, I know it beeps, but electric can bite. That is why there are now plastic white things on all of the electrical outlets. Leave them alone.

I see that you have discovered the bookshelf. It is meant to display pretty things. Those pretty things are not toys either. And the bookshelf is bigger than you are.

The entertainment components are necessary for your video viewing pleasure. Please stop taking pieces off of them. Yes, I know Dad plays with them, but that doesn't mean you need to.

These barriers are placed for your safety. Please don't stop making great strides in development, but work around them.

Love,

Mommy

4 Weeks Left of School

Aiden has 4 more weeks of this school term left. Then he is out of school until the next year starts on August 20th. Aiden goes to a all year long school, so he really doesn't get a summer vacation.

His class is having a swimming party on June 26th. Hopefully, swimming diapers really do work. We haven't tried them yet. (No, I haven't put the pool up yet.) I did buy him some really cute Nemo swim shorts though.

Then his class picnic is July 15th. This might prove interesting.

But, I wanted to show pictures comparing Aiden at the beginning of the school year and now.

Aiden on the first day of school:




And Aiden today:

Specs4Us

Specs4Us is a company that designs eyeglasses specially for children with Down syndrome. Please feel free to check out the company and pass the information along.

Eye See You

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Bye-Bye Baby

Every night when Aiden gets out of the bath, he has to stop and talk to the "other baby". The other baby is his reflection in the mirror, but he still doesn't know it is him. And a conversation is carried on between "the two" of them.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And yes, this is an early morning post. Not a scheduled post. Aiden has been up since 4am! He still has to go to school though. I'm betting that this is an "Atti-two-de" day.