Changing Perceptions

When I started this blog (over a year ago!) I did it with many intentions.  As a way for me to get my feelings out on paper, and to document our journey so I would never forget anything.  A way to keep friends and family informed.  Because I learned so much from reading others blogs, I had hope that mine would one day help someone else.  And although I didn't have it in mind when I started the blog, I decided that I wanted Kennedy (and her blog) to help change people's perception of Down syndrome, and to educate them about how wonderful life really is. 

It seems like that's a mission that a lot of parents of special needs children have.  We should not have to convince people that all life is valuable, or that Down syndrome doesn't mean your world is no longer "normal."  I read a post from a physician this morning.  She has a child with Down syndrome, and she admitted her fears upon getting the diagnosis, and the discovery that medical school did not provide her with a real life example of what Down syndrome was.  She's not set out to change that.  Sadly, she's met some resistance.  I know for a fact that Kennedy (and this blog) have changed at least a few people's perception of Down syndrome.  For me, changing one person's perception makes a difference.  But I'm not going to stop there.  You can read Dr. Julia Kinder's article here. 

Life really is normal for us.  Better than normal actually.  Sure, we have a few more appointments, and Kennedy may not be doing everything "by the books" but the same can hold true for a child with 46 chromosomes too.  Right now, as I sit here typing this, I'm watching Kennedy crawl around, in search of the Cheerios she left on the floor last night.  Sadly, she doesn't know that mommy cleaned up 99% of them after she went to bed.  Yes, *most* kids her age are walking.  But I'm okay with crawling.  She will walk when she's ready, just like any child. 

Here's some photos from last week's adventures on the fake grass.  I finally got around to getting unpacked and downloading them.  Maybe now that our marathon travels are over, I can get back to regular blogging (but don't hold your breath, something always comes up.) 

Mommy it's windy out!!!!!

 But I think I like it!

 This is much better.  My piggies aren't blowing around.

 Can we please get fake grass at home???

I promise, I will use it all the time!

Grandma?  Will you buy me fake grass?

 

On that note...Kennedy has given up her hunt for Cheerios and is now making a toy out of the DVR.  Guess it's time for a new activity!