I Am One of Those People

I had an interesting moment today. I was getting everyone buckled in the car after Levi's OT session, and there was a family walking into the same building. The mother was carrying her sweet daughter, who happens to have Down syndrome. I know this family and really enjoy visiting with the mother, but this little girl, I haven't seen much. I just stared at her...adoring her. You see, I am one of those people...one of those people that stare at people with Down syndrome...always have...always will. I stare with interest, with fascination, with wonder.

For some reason, the first couple of weeks after Levi was born, I didn't remember it. Maybe it was the hormones. Maybe it was the worry I had over his health. But ever since I was a child, I have been enchanted by people with Down syndrome. I used to think, as a parent, I could do that. I could handle that. I wonder if God will give me a child with Down syndrome, because I'd be totally okay with that.

So here I am, adoring this beautiful little girl with almond eyes. I was captivated like usual, and got lost in the moment. I was thinking about how cool she was. Thinking, "Hey, I wonder if..." Then I laughed and thought, "Oh, wait!!"

I am so glad this boy is ours.

Today, at his occupational therapy session, Levi stacked blocks. Physical therapy strengthens gross motor skills, like crawling & walking, while occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills.

Adam & Addison had a great time, too!

Adam is drawing people with arms and legs now! I love to have him tell me about the picture and write down what he says word for word. How cute is this? I was impressed at how well he placed the stickers to complete the picture.

Here is something else I transcribed for him this week...his first sympathy card. He wanted to make a card for his grandparents, who's cat, Winston, passed away. Their dog is named B.J. just to give you the background needed to understand his thoughts.

While we were at the park the other day, Adam rode his tricycle. He needed a little help getting up a hill. I put the stroller right behind him and gave him the extra boost he needed. Little brother thought he was a big help!

"Yeh, I'm the man, alright."

Now big brother gives little brother a push!

I gave Adam permission to look at a dog, and the owner was very trusting. She let Adam hold the leash. It was only a matter of seconds before they both were all tangled up!

I love Adam's expression here..."Hmmm...."

I appreciate you taking the time to click your way over here and read my thoughts. If you haven't signed up to be a follower yet, you can click "join this site" on the sidebar. You can also follow via facebook or email. I LOVE comments. It makes it worth the effort when I know you are reading & are interested enough to give feedback.

And to those of you that I only know through the blogging world. Thank you!! I love following your blogs (and need to improve on my commenting skills). It means the world to me that we have become friends because we have sought each other out, and your interest in my family deeply touches my heart.

Enjoy the rest of your week!
-April

Tuesday Tidbit: Teachable Moments

Look at the light on the floor in the following picture. What do you see?

Teachable Moments
The other day at the grocery store, this woman stopped her shopping, put her nose up, looked at Adam and asked, "Shouldn't he be in school? How old is he?" I was super-irritated, but I tried to be nice by answering a few questions and kept walking.

Yesterday, I took Adam out to ride his tricycle and splash in the puddles. A neighbor that was just making conversation asked me if Adam was in school. She didn't seem judgmental, but my mind automatically went buzzing, "Does she think I'm a bad mom? Why does she think he should be in school?" I told her that he is only three and is not in school but that I work with him a lot at home. I beamed and said, "He is starting to read already." She quickly replied, "Well, I just let my children be kids and allowed them to enjoy their childhoods."

While I do work with Adam, it is not to unrealistically push him or take away his childhood. I believe in teachable moments...those unplanned opportunities that arise, giving an ideal chance to teach and share insight with children. When Adam is playing and tells me that "Tammi and tulip have the same beginning sound" we sit down and talk about beginning sounds. When he asked me how water got into the clouds, we talked about God's amazing creation, and I did a lesson on the water cycle in the kitchen with the teapot.

Children are born with inquiring minds, and they want to know. Adam's "why's" and "how's" inspire me to be in awe of the world around me. His questions and thoughts make me think and give me fresh perspectives on life. I am thankful every day that he is not in school and that I am able to spend these precious days with him, taking advantage of those teachable moments.

Keep your eyes out for moments you can use to teach your children. You don't have to homeschool. You don't have to be a stay-at-home mom. All you have to do is take advantage of those moments that pop up throughout the day. Ask questions about what they see. Point out colors and shapes. Count things. Discuss how people treat each other in different situations and talk about the kindness you want to see in your child. Demonstrate kindness in your actions. They truly are sponges. Don't miss a moment! You may not have have lesson plans or a grade-book, but you are the most important teacher your child will ever have.