Just a Girl, at the Zoo

Yesterday was our first trip to the zoo. It was something we had been wanting to do since this summer. I had been anticipating Elina discovering new things, being immersed in fascination. Not so much. Elina was mostly preoccupied with a.) getting snacks and b.) smacking the glass tanks whenever possible. Despite this age-appropriate behavior, we had a great time.

 As we wheeled our girl around I people watched. I saw so many babies and children being pushed, carried, and chased. Instead of finding myself obsessing over how old they might be or what they could do developmentally I realized that in the end, they are all just kids. Just babies, at the zoo. It didn't matter in that moment how gifted or "normal" they were; and it doesn't need to matter anywhere else.

So much of the time I forget to just let her be a kid. Thankfully, yesterday was not one of those days.

Elina is a kid first. Her life should not revolve around concerns and preoccupations about one aspect of who she is. I have said Elina is not down syndrome, and yet it is usually the thing I think of first when I talk or reflect about my girl. I don't want her to fixate on one part of her identity, but to see herself as a multi-faceted, ever-transforming human being. If she ends up being a gymnast, then she is not just a gymnast. If she has down syndrome, she is not just down syndrome. She is Elina, and she is a girl much like any other.

...and I couldn't be happier with who my Elina is revealing herself to be.

Thank you, baby.

Last year I was thankful for my Elina. There were still a lot of bittersweet feelings, though. I was still going through the pain of the diagnosis, still finding my way.

This year, there is no hint of bitter, its all sugary joy.

 We are thankful for each other. We never wished for down syndrome, but it was the most perfect gift.

 Let's celebrate the unexpected.

Breathing Room

31 for 21 was a major challenge for me. After it was finished, I needed a little space from my blog, some breathing room.

With working on my book and other writing projects, taking care of Elina, budgeting for the holidays...the blog had to spend a little time on the back burner.

So I am here to make up for my two week absence with a gamut of cuteness.

What has Elina been up to?


Casual Dining (In a big girl highchair)

Borrowing her doll's new highchair...

Seen Wreck It Ralph? Well, She is my Vanellope Von Schweetz!

Friend's Birthday Parties (Elina has a balloon obsession)

...And enjoying some sweet fall weather (Finally!)

 An update is in order. She has made some great progress with her push wagon. I wouldn't say she has mastered it, but she has a lot more control, and moves easier and farther than when we first got it.

Speaking of updates, this girl may be standing on her own very soon. She has stood (starting in a standing position, then me letting go after she gets her balance) for up to ten seconds at a time!

More on that exciting news in the near future.

We are headed out tomorrow morning for some family time in Colorado. Can't wait til Thursday!

Happy Almost Thanksgiving.

Too Good Not To Share

I was browsing one of my favorite blogs, Big Blueberry Eyes, and the first thing I found was treasure. A group in Kansas City,The Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City,
has created a video about the friendships between teens with and without down syndrome.

This video is in some ways geared towards youth, but the message is universal. My eyes were puffy by the time I got through.

Please enjoy Just Like You.