January 2nd - Slowing Down

I didn't really think about making any new years resolutions this year, but one kind of came to me today so I'm going to take it on and I think this project will help. Andrew got a three day weekend for the holiday and the last few times he's had a long weekend it has never felt like it because we are always so busy. We handled all of our "responsibilities" last night so we would be able to enjoy the day. I bought a family pass to the Children's Museum last year that expires next month and he has never been able to come so we made it a priority so he could see how fun it is.



It was so much fun to see them playing in the young child room. She turns into such a daddy's girl on the weekends and it was so fun to see her showing off for him. I just can't believe how fast she has grown. When we first went to the Children's Museum she was only able to lie on the lily pad and watch the mobiles spin. Now, almost a year later she is a mobile little maniac. I just can't believe that I have had her for a year and a half. She will be 18 months on Friday and I have no idea where the time has gone. Only 6 months ago she was turning one, 6 more and she'll be 2. Unbelievable. So my plan is to slow things down and really enjoy this time with her and the wonderful little things.

Sometimes it's hard to go to the museum and watch kids her age talking and walking and playing imaginary games. I feel so awful and guilty when I think like that, but I'm not perfect and I rarely let myself. I have to remind myself that there are times that she will not develop along the same timeline as her peers, but she is doing great for herself. I will continue to applaud each achievement she reaches on her own time, and I feel like the amount of work she has to put in deserves a celebration every time. I'm constantly shoving sign language and occupational and physical skills down her throat, but she has to work 10x harder at everything.I just hoping I'm giving her what she needs.

So tonight I was looking forward to getting her into bed and turning in early to write this and then relax. She woke up from sleeping in the car though and was ready to play. She loves to match my pointer fingers together. When she touches them to my nose I say "Match them together" in a nasally high pitched voice. When she touches them to my cheeks I do it in a very deep voice. She was doing this and laughing hysterically tonight. Rather than sticking to the normal bedtime routine I played her silly little game and just laughed with her and soaked in her beautiful love and laughter much past her bedtime. This is slowing down, and I love it.

I hope you don't get me wrong by saying that on occasion I get sad. Believe me when I say that I LOVE Down Syndrome. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn't trade her for the world. Her smiles and laughter could make anyone's day and I am beyond blessed to be able to enjoy them daily. <3