IT HAPPENED!! Hudson said, “MAMA” for the first time last night. I have been aching to hear those words. Hudson knows I’m mommy…I don’t need verbal words to confirm that….but oh man how sweet that moment was last night! The MMMMM sound is very hard for young children with Down syndrome to create….pursing your lips together and making the vibrating M noise takes a lot of work and coordination (versus DA, BA, GA, etc). I knew this would be a long time coming (Hudson is 3 years old)…and I treasure every time he signs “mommy” since I know that’s the best way he can communicate my…
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9 Things You Need for Tonsil and Adenoid Recovery
WOWZA!! What a rollercoaster ride of 10 days from Hudson’s recovery. Recovery from what? Let me catch you up, friends. Since Hudson was born, he has struggled with congestion. This is not uncommon with a Down syndrome diagnosis. Since he is anatomically smaller, it’s harder for fluid to drain. In fact, in the hospital when Hudson was born, he failed his left hearing test due to fluid. So we’ve been working with Hudson’s Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor since he was born. It’s been a back and forth process…..let the fluid drain itself, put in an eustachian tube, etc. I could go into this a lot more (and if you…
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DSAM: Mama Kaylee & Raelynn
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kaylee, I have two girls. Jillian is 8 and Raelynn (DS) is 2. We live in northern Illinois. I love to give back to the community, I love to paint and sew when and if I have time! What’s the one word you would pick to describe Raelynn? Determined. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Raelynn taught you? Everyone grows and learns differently; nobody is the same. The more we look toward the “can’ts” and “won’ts” the more we believe that is true. Stay positive and keep pushing forward!! What…
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DSAM: Daddy Kyler & Bennett
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… Hello! My name is Kyler, 33, happily married, and a dad of two, Bennett and Ruby. I’m a born and raised Minnesotan with east coast ties. After spending the last 10 years in Chicago, our family made the move back to the Twin Cities in May. We are enjoying this next chapter of our lives, especially the wonderful schools, resources, and networks now accessible to Bennett, our first-born and child with Down syndrome. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Bennett? Gamer. Not only because that’s what we call his grandfather (long story), but because Bennett is a…
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DSAM: Mama Kelli & Macy & Laney
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kelli and I live in Grayslake IL. I am the mom of 2 girls, both with special needs. Laney is 18 months old and has Down syndrome. Macy is 3 years old with Autism. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Laney? Special. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Laney taught you? Having a child with Down syndrome has changed our lives for the better. We have learned patience, empathy, patience, understanding, patience, unconditional love, and more. We see how hard Laney works to accomplish goals that come…
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DSAM: Mama Alison & Quinn
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Alison and my daughter, Quinn, is almost 4 years old. Quinn was born in Arizona but my husband, Josh, and I decided to move to Florida when Quinn was about 18 months old to be closer to family. Quinn enjoys playing with her baby dolls, playing outside and being with family and friends. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Quinn? One word I would use to describe Quinn would be sassy. She is full of life, brave and feisty! When people are around her, they light up. What would you tell a parent who…
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DSAM: Mama Christy & Kellan
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… I’m Christy, mom to Tierney (5) and Kellan (2), who is rocking an extra chromosome. We live with my husband, Matt, and two grumpy cats in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m training for a half-marathon in November, so most of my free time is spent running and listening to podcasts. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Kellan? Joyful. He’s not always happy, but when he is, he radiates joy and shares it with everyone around him. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Kellan taught you? Kellan has taught me that a…
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DSAM: Mama Alyse & Conner
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… Alyse & Nick Mastrodonato are proud parents to Conner who is 6 months and we live in Antioch, IL. We love to be outdoors, walking with our pup, snuggling, playing and smiling ALL THE TIME. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Conner? Charismatic. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Conner taught you? Conner has taught me to be more accepting, to find the positives in a person, to outweigh their negatives, and to love profusely without hesitation. Down Syndrome is really only different in the number of chromosomes. Everything I’ve…
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DSAM: Mama Cecilia & Joseph
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Cecilia Guizar. I am 23 years old. I live in Los Angeles, CA. My favorite hobbies are dancing, playing with my son, & hanging out with friends. I have a handsome, smart & loving baby boy, Joseph, who is 3 years old. I gave birth to him on March 11, 2016 💙💛 He is such a beautiful, smart and kind boy. He brings so much joy and happiness to a lot of people’s lives. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Joseph? Ambitious. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What…
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DSAM: Friend Kristen Behrens
Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kristen Behrens, and I have a two-year-old named Juliana & a three-year-old named Jackson. What is your experience with Down syndrome? I came into contact with Hudson when he was an infant. I was merely surviving – not thriving as a mom. At the time, I had a CRAZY 21-month-old boy and a 3-month-old baby girl. I joined a group called Stroller Strides – both seeking a community and an hour where I could work out a few times per week. Hollyce and Hudson joined around the same time as me. Hollyce was on maternity leave, and…