...or a Thesaurus {31 for 21}

Lover Not A Fighter {31 for 21}

Reese is no stranger to affection.  She's at her happiest when she's planting a slobbery kiss or giving a giant bear hug.  She does not reserve this affection for just friends or family, anyone is fair game.  The cashier at Target, nursery attendant, bank teller & neighbor's father have all been on the receiving end of Reese's affection this week alone.  Not one person has complained.



The Weightlifter {Saturday's Stars - 31 for 21}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flQZcosp2-k

The Pumpkin Patch {Wordless Wednesday - 31 for 21}

I work with an amazing bunch of people.  A few of my coworkers have an amazing bunch of children, so we meet regularly for playdates.  Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch has become an annual outing.

Debunking the Termination Myth {31 for 21 - Tuesday's Teachings}

I learned something new today.  Thank you, DSG, for providing this up-to-date information.  That 92% statistic has been floating around since I entered the Ds community 2 years ago.  I'm glad to know it's not accurate, but still sad that there's a statistic at all.

Milestones {31 for 21 - Sunday's Stories}

Reese's gross motor delays have been well documented.  She has been an Observer since birth and she's not jumping ship to the Motor Driven team anytime soon.

We celebrate motor milestones like crazy.  Reese responds very well to praise so each advance up the gross motor ladder is met with enthusiastic hoots & hollers.  Her therapists and I agree that confidence, or lack thereof, is a major component in Reese's reluctance to move.  She has to be fully confident in her ability to succeed before trying a new skill.

Reese sat up independently at 7 months.  She pushed to sit at 13 months & started crawling at the first of the year.  Reese was rocking her signature bear crawl by 17 months.  She pulled to stand for the first time at 19 months & began cruising furniture at 21 months. Her first steps with a push toy came just a few weeks ago & Friday she took her first unassisted steps.  Two teetering, hurried steps that ended with a nosedive onto the couch, but hey, they were steps.  She'll be running circles around us in no time.

We are so proud of our little mover and shaker.

Please ignore the dialogue between parent & therapists.  Focus on that girl in pink.

The Model {31 for 21 - Saturday's Stars)

Meet Karrie Brown, the new face of Wet Seal.

Teen with Down syndrome now a model for clothing brand

Karrie isn't the only model with Down syndrome.  Target & Nordstrom have both advertised their clothing on kids with Ds.

Valentina Guerrero is a model for Dolores Cortes, a high-end Miami designer.  According to Cortés, "People with Down syndrome are just as beautiful and deserve the same opportunities. I'm thrilled to have Valentina modeling for us." 

You know what would be even cooler than seeing models with Down syndrome in magazines & in commercials on a regular basis?  When it's no longer newsworthy.