Smiles

Colin is starting to smile more now, especially when he talks to his mommy and daddy. He is starting to smile in response to talking, laughing, when reading to him, and when he hasn't been with one of us in awhile.

The other night while daddy was away, Colin and I were reading a book together and the whole time, Colin was just staring at me as I read. Every once in awhile he had a big smile on his face. It was one of those moments that completely melt my heart. It's amazing how one smile from your child can light up your world...

In a thumb sucking update: Colin will occassionally get his thumb in his mouth and suck once or twice, but hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet. It's still funny to watch as he works on his coordination because sometimes he will hit himself in the forehead, his nose, either side of his mouth, but never really make it to his mouth. Hopefully we'll catch it when he does get the hang of it...and then let's hope it doesn't become much of an addiction!

Video of Soccer Balls

I had posted a little while back about the rattles that we had gotten for Colin's ankles that were soccer balls. I was unable to post the video then, so I am putting it up here now for you to see :) He loves kicking his legs!

Attempts at Thumb Sucking!

I finally got on video Colin trying to suck his thumb! I'm very excited because I want you all to see the "work in progress" as he tries to learn how to put his thumb to his mouth. It's quite a discovery process and a lot of fun to watch! The video is about 5 minutes long because I haven't quite got into video editing yet, but make sure you watch at least halfway through to see the attempts at thumb sucking...

...don't mind me talking in the background...I'm on the phone with Chris telling him that I got it on video...

My Story

Finding out your child has Down Syndrome certainly wasn't easy, but over time, we are starting to learn that despite the diagnosis, anything is possible. Colin is proving to us what a strong little boy he is and is already going above and beyond in rolling over, lifting his head, and just generally being so strong. He is starting to grasp at toys and understand that he is holding them and is now starting to explore the toys by attempting to put them in his mouth. He is also starting to really focus on the toys and trying to pick them up after seeing them. We are so proud as he starts to accomplish these tasks and I can just feel my heart swell with pride when I see him start to accomplish a new skill.

...this diagnosis may not have been something we asked for, but we are starting to see a whole world of possiblities for Colin.

I was reminded of this even more when I was on the National Down Syndrome Society website today. They have started a campaign called "My Great Story". They are highlighting stories about people living with Down Syndrome and all the things they have accomplished and continue to accomplish in their lives.

Sara Wolff has taught me that Down Syndrome isn't going to be something that holds you back. She attributes where she is at to parents who always encouraged and motivated her, and were always there to support her along the way. A quote from her story reads: "I don’t think of myself as having “DOWN” syndrome but “UP” syndrome because I am an upbeat and positive person. I have been raised with the motto “Never” say “Never” and the words “I can’t” don’t exist."

I know that with the love and support Chris and I will provide Colin...he will accomplish anything he puts his mind to. We already see that every day with the many things he has accomplished already.

As Sara also said, "I encourage all individuals with Down syndrome to share their story. We all have “A Great Story” to tell because we are all unique individuals who should be proud of who we are."

We are so proud of Colin because of the unique and special little boy that he is...

Comments

I have heard from several people that they have tried commenting on the blog and have not been able to do so. I just changed some settings and I think I may have fixed the problem...so please try again!

Winnie the Pooh Mobile

Colin loves laying in his crib watching Pooh, Piglet, Eyore and Tigger on his mobile. This is a video of him watching them circling and listening to the music. You can also find him doing the same thing with ceiling fans as well...

First BBQ

Colin went to his first BBQ on Sunday! He was such a good boy and loved being held by his friends. We brought his pack n' play along knowing that he enjoys being 'free' a lot of the time and he just played in there a lot of the day.