A Practical Guide to Down syndrome
I’m so EXTRA! These were the perfect words adorably emblazoned on the shirt a friend made* for my daughter, Grace. Grace is extra adorable (my unbiased opinion), empathetic, and persistent. She also happens to have an extra chromosome. As parents of kids with Down syndrome, we are eager to share that this makes our children... Continue Reading →
I’m not one for new year’s resolutions; frankly, January 1st is just another day closer to spring for me. But I am all about new beginnings and manageable, valuable life improvements. Today is the perfect day to start taking better care of yourself. Self-care is NOT selfish; it is not a luxury. It’s a way... Continue Reading →
**Special note: this post includes lessons I learned while my infant daughter was hospitalized at Christmastime. If you have an ill loved one or are sensitive to related content, you may want to skip this one! ** Christmas this year won’t look like Christmases past. Hopefully, it won’t look like Christmases future, either. But there... Continue Reading →
It took me more than six years of parenthood to prioritize self-care in my life. Like you, probably, I’d heard about it many times. I could rattle off lists of common activities that would constitute self-care. And I perpetually promised myself I would prioritize it - as soon as I had time. I can’t be... Continue Reading →
Watching Grace navigate kindergarten this year has given me a newfound appreciation for occupational therapy. It's not just the handwriting, it's opening a crayon box, drawing, turning pages of her math book, opening snack containers, using the restroom...the list goes on. Fine motor skills equal independence, friends. So give your little ones some opportunities to... Continue Reading →
Because of DS, Grace often stays in developmental stages longer, and I realized a few years back that this sometimes made me forget to challenge her to be independent in small manageable ways that helped us both. This is a list of a few products that have been invaluable to us in promoting her independence... Continue Reading →
Once Grace started walking, I'll admit that we focused less on gross motor development in favor of working on other skills. Often, I'd check off the physical therapy box at the playground, with obstacle courses set up around the house, or during free play . When we have decided to add a new toy to... Continue Reading →
Board games offer a fun way to spend family time while teaching children many valuable skills. Beyond counting, color identification, literacy, and hand-eye coordination, board games are a screen-free way to learn how to follow instructions, engage in problem-solving, promote teamwork, increase focus, and teach kids how to be gracious losers. We have an overflowing... Continue Reading →
Clockwise from upper left: 1)Doll by Little Wonder and Co.; 2)This is Ella book by Krista Ewart; 3)Kids Like Me... Learn ABCs by Laura Ronay; 4)Quilt by Downright Charming; 5) T-shirt by Littlest Warrior; 6) Tote by Dance Happy Designs. As a parent, it's often a challenge to choose gifts that are both meaningful and... Continue Reading →
Let me lead with a thank you. Thank you to all of you who have read, commented, shared posts, and shared thoughts with me on what you’ve found here in the last year. This blog is a years-long dream of mine realized, but you (yes, you!) are the reason I continue. I’m proud to have... Continue Reading →
Grace "reading" the pictures in a book during virtual kindergarten What? A sheet or booklet with important information to familiarize staff with your child and facilitate interactions to maximize success. Why? For me, It makes me feel more comfortable having staff be familiar with GraceThey have always appreciated the insightWhen people know Grace better, it... Continue Reading →
