31 For 21: More About Awareness (and a Baby in a Pumpkin)

As October comes to a close, I just want to remind everyone that my point of blogging every day this month was for Down syndrome Awareness Month.  I didn't talk about Down syndrome every day, but then again, we don't think about Down syndrome every day.  It doesn't rule our lives.  But Kennedy, who happens to have an extra chromosome does rule our lives.  Of course, even if she didn't have that extra chromosome, she still would!

This month I talked about heartwarming stories, discovering strength, and how people with Down syndrome are more alike than different.  I gave you facts about Down syndrome and facts about Kennedy.  I asked you to use people first language, and I shared survery results about how great peoples' lives with Down syndrome are.  I talked about Kennedy's therapy and I shared TONS of pictures of her.  I also blogged a lot about nothing.  I'm sure I probably bored you all to death, and you'll probably be thrilled that as of Tuesday, I'll be back to blogging every other day or so.  (Of course, with the holidays coming there will be tons of pictures.)

I've asked a lot of things of my readers.  I've asked you not to use the "r" word.  I've asked you to use people first language.  I've asked you to treat individuals with Down syndrome the same as you would anyone else.  Now I'm asking you to share what I've told you.  Help me make others aware.  I'm challenging you to share my blog with your friends.  Post it on Facebook.  Tell your friends about it.  Pass on the information that I've shared with you.  Help me get the message across that life with Down syndrome is wonderful, and that my daughter, and others with Down syndrome are more alike than different.  I am living proof that most people don't know a lot about Down syndrome until their lives are touched by it.  I didn't know much about it until I had Kennedy.  I want to change that, but I need your help.

And now, what you're all waiting for.  Pictures of a baby in a pumpkin.  But before I share the pictures of the baby in the pumpkin, I have a few other pictures from today's Halloween festivities.  ENJOY!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

 I love playing in the hay!!

Isn't this stuff so much fun mom?

Hey dad, come play in the hay with me?

You have no idea what you're missing.

Mom, I feel like someone's watching me.

I love this time of year!  Why can't we always have hay?

I can't wait to carve pumpkins with mommy and daddy!

Mom...are you for real?  This is kinda squishy.

I might like squishy.  It feels neat between my toes.

I can't believe I'm in a pumpkin, NAKED, in the front yard.

Mom!!  The neighbors just drove by!

This is a lot better.  Watching daddy carve my pumpkins.

Excuse me mom?  AGAIN?  I thought we were done with this. Dad, can you help me out here?

Why are you laughing so hard mom?

Okay, you're right.  I'm sure this is pretty funny.  Are we almost done?

I'm getting over this mom.  Hurry up.

I mean it!  I'm D.O.N.E.!!!!!!