Encounter

A few weeks ago, I took Nate to urgent care for an ear infection. Nicky came along. While we were sitting in the waiting area, a woman sat down across from us. Somewhat hard to understand, she asked if Nicky had Down Syndrome. I replied that he had.

Then she said: "I had Reye's Syndrome when I was 6 years old. I almost died. Now I can walk and talk. I'm a miracle baby!"

Writing, it doesn't sound all that remarkable, but this woman's joy in her accomplishments and life was so contagious I just had to share. I hope my own miracle baby has as much joy in his life as she did.

You're Weird...

There is a restaurant in our village with a large grassy area in front. After eating their dinners the kids play while their parents finish up or enjoy another glass of wine. Sometimes, I'll send Nicky out with M.E. and others I go with him. He's walking but still looks a little like frankenstein. Last weekend, I went out with him while K stayed behind to pay up.

As we were walking out a little girl, about the same age, ran out of the restaurant next door. She saw Nicky and started running circles around him taunting "you're weird" in a sing song voice. It hurt and made me angry. I know, if something similar had happened to M.E. or Nate the incident would have been laughed off and forgotten. But because Nicky is different it stings and I can still hear "you're weird" running through my head. Also, because 99.9% of our interactions are positive this one sticks out even more.

Milestones!

Nicky is officially walking! He's been taking independent steps since before Christmas but now he's doing it on his own and walking long distances without holding on to things. We went to the orthotist today and he was casted for AFOs (or was that SMOs). He didn't like the process one bit, he doesn't like anyone messing with his feet and the casting process is exothermic which he found more than slightly uncomfortable.

The other milestone is figuring out the computer mouse. He can now start up his favorite programs from the icons and click where he wants. His favorites are Dr. Seus's ABC and Cat in the Hat. I'm looking for suggestions for other programs he might enjoy. The kids received a new computer for Christmas and it doesn't run any of the programs I have from the older kids. It's an Intel based iMac.

Nate's First Place Tech Fair Project

Nate won first place in our state technology fair for third grade, multimedia. Here is his project, originally in powerpoint, now turned into a movie.

Considering I was a chem major..

I should be able to pass this thing. Although, I did need help from M.E. on one thing.

I've always suspected that...

Walking to school with Nate the other morning he said:

"Two boys, a husband, a girl and a dog, you have a tough life. You know you're our slave don't you?"

Rip, Thunk

Nicky loves to take his shoes and socks off, will do it anywhere, anytime, he's given the chance.

We were driving over to M.E.'s school for a dinner and an open house. It's a short drive, less than 10 minutes. About halfway there I hear rip, thunk, rip thunk from behind me.

"Nate, did Nicky take off his shoes?"

"Yep"

"Nicky, don't you dare take off your socks."

After a minute of silence...

"Na, na, na..."

"Nate, did Nicky take off his socks?"

"Yep, and he's saying na na na boo boo."

Sure enough, in the rearview mirror, I see that Nicky has his thumbs in his ears, waggling his fingers singing "na, na, na"

I did the only thing I could, laughed.