Monday, August 27, 2007

church moments

We have had a very hard time finding a church that is a good fit for all of us. We left 2 churches in the past due to the difficult time they had with Colleen-wanted her to be quiet, not including her in Sunday school, the Christmas play, or the childrens choir. So we went a while with no church, but settled into a Lutheran ECLA church that we love. They are so welcoming of Colleen. She is included in confirmation and all the activities. The other kids are great! Colleen is in the puppet ministry and loves it. This past Sunday she was an usher, with a little help from Dad. At the end of the service she gave a hug to everyone that went past on their way out. We've been trying to get her to shake hands instead of hugging everybody. But then one of the ladies told us how much she appreciated the hug and needed one that day! So much for shaking hands....

Friday, August 17, 2007

Well that time of the year has arrived and it is time to get ready for school. I try to get Colleen clothes that are age appropriate. So we try the layered look, but she tucks everything in, and then wears a belt. She is into picking out her own clothes, so having her with me is inconvenient but important. Her jeans still fit, thank God-I had to shorten all of them 5 inches. She is a size 1/2 . Tops are more of a challenge due to her long trunk. So we hit a few store and got a few shirts-all red and pink! Oh well, hopefully she will actually wear them, sometimes she is outfit "challenged" and I try to convince her to change. Picking out the night before just means more changing. I have to pick my battles, so she usually wins. Then we went shoe shopping, she has worn the same size for 2 years! Size 4 is in little girls, so she can't get trendy shoes like the other girls. I get athletic shoes because her feet turn in and she needs the support-but the other girls don't wear them. And I probably should have her checked again for orthotics.
So back to school is a hard time for me because I am reminded how different she is from girls her age, so it takes a bit to work thru that. Then I remember that because she is different I don't have to worry about skimpy clothes, cell phones, my space, and boy craziness. (but she does talk about "Chris" as her "boyfriend" and they are going to get "married"!) In some ways she's not that different-I asked her to do something and she said "eat dirt"-great......

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

My first blog!!

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I am a stay at home mom with a 23 yr old daughter, who is in Thailand (why? i still don't know!)
and 13 yr old boy/girl twins who will be in 8th grade. Colleen has Down syndrome, and her arrival turned our lives upside down 13 years ago and continues to do so now. When she was born I couldn't find anyone else in my situation. There were support groups for twins, moms with Down syndrome kids and regular play groups. We formed a special kids and sibs play group that was great for the moms as well, but I never knew anyone with twins, one with Down syndrome. Then this week I went on line and found several! Most have younger kids, and one suggested I start a blog that might be helpful since I've "been there, done that". So ask me questions and I'll try to help. And I'll keep you updated on my upside down life.