Ice Cream

Yesterday I was going to sit down and write about the NDSC convention that I attended in DC. Instead, I made a trip to Target to pick up some food items that were needed until next payday. I got some yogurt, fruit, cereal, baby food, wipes and puffs. I really wanted some ice cream but we are on a limited budget and I only had a certain amount I was able to spend. Ice cream is not a "need" item so I saved it for last to see if I would be able to get it. As the target cashier scanned my items, she saw the ice cream, looked up at me and asked, "Weren't you here before trying to buy ice cream?". Yes, it's true, a couple weeks before I was in the same predicament. I told her that I was and unfortunately it looked like I wasn't going to be able to get the ice cream this time either. A man who was in line behind me interjected, "Why can't you get that ice cream?". I told him I didn't have the money for it. He said, "No, you are getting that ice cream. Just think of this as your blessing. Who knows what that ice cream will inspire." I stood there dumbfounded. I think I said thank you about three times before gathering my groceries and leaving the store. That small gesture has stuck with me for a day now. I don't know when I will be able to, but I will pass along that random act of kindness. I hope I will be able to give someone else "ice cream" when they really need it.

11 Months

Charlie is 11 months old. He no longer looks like a baby in his monthly photo. I'm so excited to be celebrating his first birthday soon. It's crazy how much has happened in a year and yet how quickly it's flown by. He is walking like a pro and is even trying to scale furniture and the fridge! He knows when he's not supposed to be chewing our shoes and grins at us while keeping a firm hold on them if we try to take them away. He is strong! He loves laying on pillows and putting a towel or blanket over his head. He's the biggest goober we know and we love him. One more month bubby.

Antics

So, this is what typical days in our household look like...welcome to the jungle!

The Problem With Walking...

is that sometimes you fall face first in to a bench corner.

Poor little guy is ok but I'm expecting a nasty bruise to surface.

BUDS at the Botanical Gardens

The BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome) group here in Huntsville had a group outing to one of our favorite place on Saturday, the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Thank goodness we met before noon because it turned out to be a blistering day! I think everyone had a good time and I know we'll be back several more times before summer is over.

trying to get a rock out of charlie's mouth

taking a break and eating some fish

stephen and charlie

rachel and her friend are ready to go

me and my little red-headed boy

Second Word and Feats of Strength

Rachel's second word is "ball" and her Dada was the first to hear it. So many times I'm the one who gets the "firsts" since I am the one who is home all day with her but this time Stephen got to feel that joy. Can't wait for more words!

 

 Rachel has also decided that she likes to climb everything. I don't know where the upper body strength came from all of a sudden but she can pull herself out of the pool in swim class, pull herself up onto any chair or couch, get up into her booster seat at the kitchen table and get in to her car seat! She is constantly climbing all day and it's just crazy! I have to admit that her being able to get into her car seat and booster seat actually help me a lot. She is getting to be such a big girl and that makes me proud.

CHHHEEESSSEEE!

10 Months

I feel like I just wrote Charlie's 9 month post but here we are at 10 months already! Our squishy boy has been busy this month. He crawled, cruised and now walks! And he is in to everything. Rachel isn't all the thrilled with her brother being able to get "all up in her business" but I suspect once he's really getting around that they will have a fun time wrecking the house together. He is so loveable and he charms everyone he meets. We love you, Charlie boy. Time for your mama to start planning your 1st Birthday Party!

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Overview: Mom decides it's a great day to go outside and play.

9:30 AM: Mom goes outside to set up the "fun". Preps pool, opens water and sand table, fills sand table with water, opens umbrellas and arranges them for maximum shade, puts out water play mat and attaches hose, puts all the play balls back into the play tub,  lays down water resistant backed blanket, turns on water to play mat.

10:30 AM: Mom collects items needed for outside- sunscreen, swimsuits, hats, diapers, swim diapers, sunglasses, phone, towels, camera - and puts them outside

11:30 AM: Daughter has melt down and goes in crib for an early nap. "Fun" time is pushed back.

1:00 PM: Daughter wakes up from nap and eats lunch. Clouds roll in and Son needs to go down for a nap at 2pm. "Fun" time is pushed back.

2:00 PM: Sun is out again and Son is not going down for a nap. Let the "Fun" begin!

2:15 PM: Mom shuttles Son and Daughter outside. Proceeds to strip daughter of clothing then runs around trying to spray her with suntan lotion. Manages to put on her swim diaper and swim top. Strips Son of clothes, sprays down with lotion, puts on swim suit, swim top, hat and sunglasses. Son strips off glasses and hat and throws them into water play mat. Daughter cries and sits on top of the kiddie picnic table.

2:30 PM: Mom decides to bring Son in to the "big" pool.

2:32 PM: Son inhales some water

2:33 PM: Son barfs all over Mom and into Pool.

2:34 PM: Mom strips children of all clothing, puts them in new diapers and shuttles crying children inside and plops them in front of Elmo.

2:45 PM: "Fun" time is officially over.

To Answer the Question...

"Why does Rachel only get PT once every other month?"