Extra Attention

Every parents think their kid is the cutest kid in the world.  I get that.  But I'm pretty sure Kennedy's personality radiates an extra little bit of cuteness.  You know, that big huge toothy grin of hers?  The one she gives every single person that passes us in stores, theme parks, restaurants...just about anywhere.  She draws a lot of attention everywhere we go.  Do all these people realize that she has Down syndrome?  Maybe.  Maybe not. 

I feel pretty fortunate that all of the extra attention we get is positive.  All of our friends and family have accepted Kennedy for who she is, and her extra chromosome doesn't matter to them.  I feel so blessed to be able to say that.  Even strangers who recognize that she has Ds are always very positive about it.  Last week was my first real negative encounter that left me completely disgusted.  And in all honesty, I'm not sure if it was intended to come off like it did or if she was just uneducated and didn't know how to approach the subject.  I was standing in line at Busch Gardens and the lady behind me was looking at Caleb, who was in his stroller.  Kennedy was in my arms, getting ready to met Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby.  The woman commented that her brother just had a baby "like that" and gestured towards Kennedy with a cringe.  I repled back with something like, "oh, a baby this wonderful and perfect???"  She simply responded saying she hadn't met him yet.  I ended the conversation there.  I wish I had said more.  But at the moment I was so stunned that I just couldn't.  Not to mention, in line with a lot of people around wasn't the place to give her a piece of my mind.  I refuse to let people like that ruin my day, but it was definitely a slap in the face to the reality that I will always have to advocate for Kennedy, and always have to experience cruel or uneducated people. 

On a more positive note, we are getting back to life as usual around here.  Kennedy had her first hotel stay since July 4th.  She was of course thrilled.  And although Caleb slept through much of his first getaway, he seemed to enjoy it as well!

Here are some photos from last week, and our quick weekend getaway! 

Caleb, you should wake up for the elephants, they're my favorite!

Mom! He's stealing my Cheerios.

Okay, you're cool.  I'll share if I can pet your nose.

 

Yay!!  Another hotel!!

 Mom, there's no time for photos.  Bring on the food.

Daddy, when we move can I have a splash zone in our yard?

One of these days I'll be able to run around here.  Or take more than a few steps.

 

 Come and get me daddy!

I hate when water sprays in my face.

 The dolphins are my favorite at Sea World.

Look daddy, see the dolphins?

My brother is sleeping again. He has no idea what he's missing.

I got to ride on the big fish that went up and down!  Twice!!

 

Kennedy had a busy week.  She only made it part way through Sea World.  

Attention

Everyone warned me how going places would be harder and take longer when you have a baby.  Silly me thought it was because you had to pack for the baby, take breaks to feed and change the baby, and oh yeah - carry around a whole lot of extra stuff. 

No one told me that the reason it takes so long to do everything is because you can't go ANYWHERE with out people flocking to you.  Kennedy makes friends every where.  She draws a crowd and has people talking to us her everywhere we go.  The grocery store - people stop me in every aisle.  And that's just other shoppers.  Kennedy has made friends with all of the employees, and I feel like they should announce over the intercom *Kennedy's here!* when we walk in.  It's adorable, it really is.  Her smile just radiates happiness and everyone says how adorable she is.  We were out to dinner last weekend, and she was flirting with the couple behind us.  And four men at a table across from us never stopped staring at her.  And then there was the group that stopped us on our way out the door. 

As much as it takes me an hour to get through the store, and I can't eat dinner in public with out people staring at us, I never get sick of hearing how adorable and beautiful Kennedy is!  Speaking of how adorable she is....

Look Mommy, I'm practicing for when I have a sister or brother.

I'm going to give the baby kisses.  (Please stop taking pictures did you not see my bed head?)

Yummy....blueberry yogurt!

I love cheese ravioli! 

Lunch time is best!