You Make Me Smile

This past weekend we celebrated Bryce's 4th birthday.

We had a great day of family, friends, and good food. This was a day dedicated to my favorite little man. I think we succeeded in making him feel extra special!

Good morning buddy! Today is for you!

These two extra special boys are the BEST of friends. We caught them laying on the couch together playing Bryce's new game. The moments I cherish most in life are those when we catch our children truly loving one another, it melts my heart!

Happy Birthday Brycie! He loves monster trucks, and he loved his super chocolate monster truck cake!

.......and the cupcakes!

.........and his presents!

.........and his family and friends!

Elyse

Aunt Jenna and her favorite munchkin

Macey loves her baby time with Kaitlyn

Mmmmm that was a good cupcake

Beautiful Smile

A party isn't complete without dancing, isn't she adorable!
Learning to drive the new RC truck. (thank you Jenna, it is a real hit)

Too much sugar!

His first Webkinz, "how does the doggie get in the computer?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYCE!

Best Buddies

Check out this amazing organization and watch the short video. They are currently ranked 5th to receive $250,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project to help allow more people with disabilities to attend their conference. It only takes a second, literally, to vote. Help them win. Click here to read more and vote.

Pause the music at the bottom before playing the video.

A 5 year olds silly sense of humor

Every few days we try to make it a priority and have the boys talk to my parents. They are down in Tennessee and we miss them terribly. My Mom's treatments will be over soon (4 weeks), so hopefully we can see them soon. Brady and my Dad have always had a special bond. They tend to spend their conversations being silly with one another (playing on the phone). This morning I recorded a small clip of the two of them "playing." My Dad didn't know, but he will soon !!!

Brady has entered a new phase, he loves magic, and TRIES to tell jokes. They make absolutely no sense, but we laugh and he keeps going. He's hilarious, and loves an audience. This video is for you Dad.....Surprise! Hope to see you both soon!

-Pause the music to hear their conversation-

A Great Upcoming Video, and Book

Both amazing!

Both heart warming, while promoting awareness!

Pause the music at the bottom before watching the video.

The article attached below relates to the trailer above. I can't wait for it to be released.

Short film offers wisdom from artists with Down syndrome

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Tomorrow is a special day as well as an opportunity for me to promote awareness. Almost exactly 1 year ago today we found out our little Kaitlyn would be born with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). We have come along way since that day. It felt like the death of a child when we received the news. I reflect on those first days and weeks and it makes me quite emotional still. Over time we educated ourselves and got rid off all the ignorant misconceptions we had about Down syndrome. I new very little about it and most of what I did know or thought I knew was negative and inaccurate.

Today we are are at a much better place. We've had a few hurdles to over come but right now things are so NORMAL. She holds my heart. She like any other baby. She is meeting new milestones everyday and we rejoice in them with her. What I want everyone to know, especially those who are not personally affected by Ds is that life is great. Don't take an interest in Kaitlyn because you feel sorry for her. Do it because she is amazing, and pretty stinkin cute. The sky is the limit at what she can and will accomplish. We are so blessed to have her in our lives and we already are such better people because of it. God had a much greater plan. She as well as all others with Down syndrome are more alike then different.

I hit 18,000 hits on my blog yesterday. It still amazes me that people come and read what I have to say. I'm sure pictures of the adorable munchkins help (smile)! In honor of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, I want to ask everyone a favor. Please donate $21 on 3.21.2010 to an orphan with Ds. I have pledged to help raise funds towards Valerie's adoption. She is a 5 month old beauty in Eastern Europe. If adopted early she could really benefit from early intervention. If not adopted at all she will face a life alone in an institution. That is were they are placed by age 5 and become no longer available for adoption. Money is tight for everyone right now, but if we all just pledged $21 it would add up so fast. We can change Valerie's life! You will find on the top left of my site a secure way to donate through Pay Pal. It goes directly to Valerie at Reece's Rainbow International Adoption Ministry, and its tax deductible.

Thank you for helping change a very special little life!

One Of The First Signs Of Spring

Bryce could not wait for the snow to melt. He had been BEGGING for his Hummer to be freed from the garage, so one day last week with most of the snow gone he got his wish. He was in heaven. If you personally know Brycie you know that he is a vehicle fanatic, really anything with a motor is what makes him tick. His obsession over the years has gotten stronger. I'm curious what line of work he will end up choosing, at the very least I'm sure we can count on him to be our personal mechanic! He is already asking his Daddy to help cut the grass. Below is a video of him doing one of his favorite things, driving. He is really good at it. This is for his grandparents in TN who miss him dearly. Grandma only has one more treatment to go and we are hoping to see them real soon!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day (Wordless Wednesday)