In the spirit of the day! BOO!

Wordless Wednesday - Ballerina Witch

The girls danced in costume last evening. Happy Halloween and Happy Wordless Wednesday.

Wordless Wednesday - Reflection

Elliot, my how you have grown! For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Wordless Wednesday - Isaac in Chalk

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NEVER a dull moment!

Three Ring...you know what!

21

I am following suit. I have seen some wonderful lists about my friend's kiddos, so I have written one myslef. Here are "21 facts about Elliot that have absolutely nothing to do with Down syndrome:"

1. Elliot loves to hold his own bottle – he is so proud.

2. Elliot loves all music.

3. Elliot is in awe with his new baby brother and loves to pet his head.

4. Elliot enjoys dancing with momma and sissy.

5. Elliot likes to look at himself in the mirror – I admit; he’s darn cute.

6. Elliot thinks it is funny to annoy his sister by hollering “maa maa maa” for hours on end.

7. Elliot sleeps through the night, like clockwork (10 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night), unlike his new baby brother who doesn’t quite “get it.”

8. Elliot must sleep with his “suckie,” a cloth diaper that he adores.

9. Elliot tries hard to crawl...currently just like an inch worm – he’ll get there!

10. Elliot loves his bath – alas, still in the sink.

11. Elliot’s new favorite food is Pediasure – on to solids soon (if momma does not continue to be extremely lazy).

12. Elliot’s favorite character is his Pooh Bear that plays “Teddy Bear Picnic.”

13. “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is Elliot’s favorite song.

14. Elliot smiles and laughs more than either of my other two kiddos.

15. Elliot’s nicknames are “Wee E” and “Muffert.”

16. Elliot loves his friends online, and will meet many of them someday.

17. Elliot has two bottom teeth and they are oh so cute.

18. Elliot especially enjoys the outdoors and loves to walk to see and feed the ducks at a nearby pond.

19. Elliot likes the sound of his own voice and talks to himself quite frequently.

20. Elliot extends his bottom lip (in a very cute fashion) when he’s angry and makes a “pop” sound when he desires to be kissed.

21. Elliot exemplifies true beauty and splendor. He is perfect in every single way.

Wordless Wednesday - Comfort

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Oh, to be blessed.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Wee Elliot, our charming little muffin of a baby boy, was given the gift of said diagnosis at birth almost 14 months ago. I am not at all being paradoxical by referring to our dear boy’s diagnosis as a “gift.” Really, we could not ask for more. Besides being an angel baby, Elliot is a teacher, a coach and most of all, an extraordinary gift from God. I am more than honored to be Elliot's mother.

Elliot continues to impress our medical community with his ability to defy odds, and he continues to astound our family with his knack for lighting up even the darkest of rooms. Thank you, Elliot, for simply being you.

As quoted from The National Down Syndrome Society’s website: "People with Down syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute to their families, friends and communities," said NDSS Chief Operating Officer Jon Colman. "Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides a forum for dispelling stereotypes, providing accurate information, and raising awareness of the potential of individuals with Down syndrome."

Please join our family in celebrating Down syndrome and please, if given a quiet moment, contemplate the definition of normalcy. What may be customary to you, actually, is not conventional to all.

Wordless Wednesday - Sleep

I get it while I can, alas, NEVER at night! For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here.