Pumpkin Decorating

So we finally got around to decorating Brett's pumpkin.  Actually, we replaced his original pumpkin as the dog ate the first.  I don't think Brett noticed the switch, so the dog is still in his good graces.

We considered painting, coloring and carving the pumpkin, but we decided glitter was the best way to decorate a pumpkin.

Brett thoroughly enjoyed shaking the can the glue. 

He stayed focus while adding the glitter. 

Once the glitter was added to the pan, we tossed in the pumpkin. 

Brett tried a few different techniques in order to achieve the best glitter coverage.

Once he realized that the pumpkin was covered, he marveled at his masterpiece.

Brett paused for a quick picture,

covered himself in glitter,

and took off!

I'm glad I was able to provide him with 5 minutes of entertainment.

Popcorn Thief

It's Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Yesterday marked the beginning of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 

In order to kick-off the month I thought I would share some statistics about Down syndrome and our family.

-         Down syndrome occurs 1 in every 691 births making it the most commonly occurring genetic condition.

-         More than 85% of babies with Down syndrome are born to mothers younger than 35 years. 

-         A congenital heart disease is found in 40-45% of children with Down syndrome.  Many, but not all, of these children will have to undergo cardiac surgery. 

-         9 out of 10 pregnancies are terminated after a diagnosis of Down syndrome. 

I share the last fact, because we have had many doctors, friends and acquaintances ask if we knew prior to Brett’s birth that he had Down syndrome.  After saying no, we have heard the response of “that’s too bad, you could have avoided this situation if you had.” 

And who knows what would have happened if we were told our baby had Down syndrome and was going to need heart surgery shortly after birth prior to him being born.  After Brett was born I spent many days in tears wishing I could have known.  Many weeks, knowing that I loved my baby, but wishing he was “normal”.  Many months, watching him accomplish tasks I didn’t think were possible on that first day.  How I wish I could have known what I know now and how proud I am of Brett and everything he does.  I’m not sure if I’ll ever stop wishing Brett had Down syndrome, but this is not because I wish he was a different person or “normal”.  This is because he amazes me everyday.  He works so hard to meet milestones we were told he wouldn’t reach so quickly.  And I just can’t help imagine where he would be if he didn’t have Down syndrome.

Here are some of the statistics I wish I would have known when Brett was born.

-         We are happy.

-         I love my child more than I could have ever imagined.

-         I am a better person and have a more positive outlook on life because of Brett.

-         A child with Down syndrome can do everything their peers do.  It may just be on their time.

-         99% of parents/guardians love their child with Down syndrome.  Only 4% regret having their child.     

-         88% of children feel they are better people because of their sibling with Down syndrome.

-         90% of children feel that their friends are comfortable around their sibling with Down syndrome. 

-         85-99% of individuals with Down syndrome are happy with their lives, like who they are, how they look, and believe they can make friends easily. 

As you can see, we are not the only family that is excited to have someone with Down syndrome in our lives. 

Red Barn Farm

Today, Cody, Brett and I headed to Weston to visit the Red Barn Farm.  The DSG provided everyone with lunch, hayrides, face-painting and tons of games (they do a pretty good job at spoiling us).  However, our main goal was to find a pumpkin for Brett. 

We didn't do much in the way of Fall activities last year since Brett was still a wee one.  This year is going to be different.  Brett was going to roam through the pumpkin patch and pick out the perfect pumpkin to decorate.

Brett wasn't as excited as I thought he would be and there was no roaming.  We did, however, sit down next to a stack of Brett size pumpkins and look at them.  I tried to encourage Brett to touch them and show his they aren't as bad as they look.

That didn't work, so I tried a more forceful approach.

Brett finally grabbed onto a pumpkin and we quickly took some snapshots before he took off in the other direction. 

It turns out that Brett was ignoring the Brett size pumpkins, because he was interested in the actual Brett sized pumpkins!

All in all it was a fun day and Brett came home with a pumpkin that fits right in his hands. 

Next weeks' post:  How to help a 1 year old decorate a pumpkin without getting covered in paint. 

Brett's New Tricks

I know, I know, I've been slacking on my posting.  Brett crawls faster than the speed of light and requires that someone be within a few feet at all times.  Not only is this because the boy is spoiled and feels neglected if someone isn't clapping and cheering for him every minute, but he is constantly knocking over glasses, grabbing anything he can reach and sticking anything he can find in his mouth.  Basically, he is being a boy.

He is also becoming increasingly mobile and I love it!  People constantly tell me that I will wish he wasn't walking as soon as he starts, but I beg to disagree.  I love watching this boy crawl after me down the hall and I take pride in the fact that he can pull himself up to unroll the toilet paper.  Watching my boy get closer to this goal everyday makes me want it even more.

This video is from a month or so ago and is the first time Brett really walked on his "own". 

Since then he has become quiet proficient at it and we are now working on squating, sitting appropriately (not falling on our butt) and standing independently. 

Brett continues to surprise us by how quick he catches onto things.  It took him 2 days to learn to squat to pick up his toys.  He now has 3 signs he consistently uses (he would have more, but I'm kind of a slacker when it comes to signing), he is learning where his belly is, he can cruise around the funiture like a champ and he is able to stand for longer periods each day.  We haven't really made progress on falling to sit, but we will get there.

Deanna Rose

Last Saturday, we had a family outing at Deanna Rose. 

For those not from the Kansas City area, Deanna Rose is where "city" kids go to find out what a farm is like.  This is such a bizarre concept for me.  Both Cody and I grew up in small towns.  My family didn't farm, but we did have horses, chickens, goats, rabbits, and ducks growing up.  I saw pigs, cows and other farm animals on a regularly basis.  Cody grew up in a similar situation.  However, since having Brett I realize that Deanna Rose is a cool place.  We don't make it to visit our families very often and Brett hasn't had the opportunity to see these types of animals. 

Brett's favorite spot was the cow bells.  He would have shook those things for an hour if we would have let him. 

After the bells, we stopped by to see the cows.  They were milking a cow when we arrived, but Brett didn't seem to care at all.  He had his eyes on the calf that was nearby. 

It didn't take long for Brett to lose interest in the animals.  Once he spotted a play area he was off to more important things.

(getting ready to slide)

(playing peek-a-boo with dad)

After a little bit a relaxation (and a lot of time in the swing) we were back on course.  These kids were just about Brett's size.  I think he bonded with them. 

The only problem with Deanna Rose is that it is outside.  We started and 9 am to beat the heat, but it didn't take long for the temperatures to reach the upper 90s.  We found a nice spot in the shade and stopped for a quick picture with dad.

In case you didn't know, Brett is a pretty big kid these days (he has reached the ripe age of 14 months).  Since realizing this, Brett has to do everything by himself as well.  Therefore, we took a quick picture of Brett by himself in the swing.  In all honestly, it's pretty cute to see this kids face when he realizes he doesn't have to have mom or dad help him do something.  Even if it is as simple as sitting in a swing.

Before heading home, we stopped by the swings one last time and grabbed a picture with mom.  Let me reiterate- it was a hot day!

Happy 4th of July

I know we are a little late.  4th of July weekend was a busy one for us.  We packed up and headed to visit lots of family. 

Brett was able to see his great grandma and grandpa Meyers.

 He sees his grandpa every few months, but hasn't seen his grandma since last 4th of July.  And boy, he was sure excited to see her!

I found this picture from our visit last year.  He sure has grown a lot. 

After our much too short visit with them, we headed to too great aunt Trish and uncle Jerry's for some food and fireworks. 

Brett watched the bubbles with his cousin Ross.

He enjoyed some fireworks from his very own chair (courtesy of Jerry and Trish)

The best part of the day was getting to catch up with his cousins (Peyton 12 months, Ross 28 months, Brett 14 months). 

The three of them haven't been together since Christmas and boy have they missed each other.

Our last stop was to Trenton.  Brett headed to church with grandpa and grandpa Peters.

Then it was off to their house to cause some trouble. Brett's friend Wyatt even joined in on the fun!