A picture is worth a thousand laughs!!

Yesterday was just a normal day...running around like crazy, lunch, then naps. I had to get both boys up early to leave for a pediatrician appointment and I knew Blake had not fallen asleep. The pictures above show what I found when I walked into his room. Obviously he had been very busy redesigning his outfit instead of sleeping. I have no idea how he got the left sleeve onto his left leg so perfectly! I laughed so hard that Blake started to cry because he thought something was wrong with me! I can't even imagine how he got the shirt on his body like this, plus he could move around easily. I even discovered he had no pull-ups on when I got him out of the crib. He had pulled those off while creating his masterpiece. Luckily he waited while I ran downstairs to find the camera. This contraption Blake had put himself in could not be missed on film! Hey, at least he is working on his dressing skills!

Happy Birthday, Dane!

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One year ago today a "little" 8 lb., 12 oz. bundle of joy was born! I must admit bundle of joy may not be a fair description. Dane's nickname as an infant was "angry little man," which has evolved into "caveman." That probably gives you some idea of his personality. Dane is ALL boy! He isn't moody and high maintenance all the time...he can be very sweet, loving and is extremely funny and entertaining. It has been a thrill to watch him and Blake become buddies, and everyday our choice to have a child close in age to Blake is validated. It is so fun to watch them wrestle and sometimes they just look at each other and laugh. We are so blessed to have such a funny, loving and strong-willed Dane Joseph.

...birthday pictures to follow after celebrating tonight!

"Robin" makes an appearance...

Every Tuesday while Blake is at school Dane and I go to "Bouncing Babies" at the library in downtown Greenville. We meet friends there and spend about an hour singing, listening to books, watching puppets and playing...the moms chat and get some adult conversation :) We usually stay and eat lunch in the library cafe. Being a part of this library program is such a great treat during a hectic week and it is free! This week was Boo Bash, so A LOT of kids and Moms (some Dads) came all decked out in Halloween costumes! I sort of compared it to going to church on Easter or at Christmas. Typically it is smaller group of moms and their children each week who are sort of regulars. Either way we had so much fun and enjoyed our friends and all of the spooky activities!

As you can see, Dane is Robin this year. Therefore, Blake is Batman! I will have more pictures later this week of them both dressed up in their costumes. Hopefully it will be more of a treat than a trick to get them in their Halloween garb...

6 years ago...

It was six years ago today that we walked down the aisle at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. These past six years have been an adventure to say the least, but it has kept life exciting and has always opened doors that have lead to new places, new friends and new memories...and two beautiful boys. What a memorable night it was on October 26, 2002!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!

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We had a great time hosting the Pumpkin Carving Party for the orthopaedic residents and their families! Everyone came donned in orange and black...the kids in costumes or pumpkin attire! They were too cute! After noshing on chili and soups with the fixin's, we carved pumpkins. With the majority of us having children, pumpkin carving was too difficult to accomplish. The two who carved pumpkins were the residents and their wives who do NOT have children at the moment! The Barden's and Miller's did a FANTASTIC job carving 2 huge pumpkins and a small one. Blake joined in to carve a small one, too! Check out the last picture of the montage to see the results. Both left with a prize for their hard work. We are blessed to be here in Greenville among so many great people...what a fun night!

Heat is out AGAIN

cuss word. profanity. cuss word.

What an Accomplishment!

"On Saturday, October 18th, approximately 7,000 people joined us at Arrowhead Stadium to celebrate life with Down syndrome. The Kansas City Buddy Walk is part of 275 Buddy Walks held worldwide to promote awareness and raise funds to help individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who serve and support them. With your generous support we were the LARGEST walk in the world raising over $450,000!"

The information above was taken from the Kansas City Buddy Walk website and I just had to share it. They deserve a big pat on the back! We missed being a part of this year's walk and being among all of the great friends we have met through experiences with Blake. He and all individuals with Down Syndrome are truly a blessing and I hope each of you who read this will educate those in your communities about Down Syndrome...and maybe even raise as much money and awareness as the wonderful city of Kansas City. Way to go guys!!! We miss you all and Kansas City!