Playing outside

Both Caleb and Elijah love to be outside. Whenever Elijah hears a door open, he comes as fast as he can doing the crabwalk. At first he was really afraid of the grass but he is getting better about it. I think his favorite toy right now is a ball, so if there is a ball out in the yard, he doesn't care if he has to go through the grass to get it. He also loves bubbles just like Caleb does. So we spend a lot of time blowing bubbles outside.





I took Caleb and Elijah to the waterpark yesterday (Jimmy was camping with friends). I wasn't sure how it would go since Elijah is not fond of cold water. He loves the bath but not the pool. Caleb absolutely loves water and gets very excited when we go to the waterpark. When we got there, Elijah was unsure about the water and wanted to be held. The water was actually pretty warm so I was happy about that. I'm not fond of cold water either. Anyway, Elijah held on tightly to me but after about a 1/2 hour he became a little interested. I think it was because he saw Caleb was having so much fun.:) He would let me put his legs in but then he would want to be picked up right away. When we sat in the water, he wanted to be on my lap. However, he would also splash his hands and feet in the water so that was progress. Meanwhile, Caleb was walking under waterfalls and playing in the wave pool. We ended up spending over three hours there and we really had a good time. By the time we got ready to leave, Elijah was doing his crabwalk right at the edge of the water.:) I think he will really enjoy it next time we go.:)

Annual DSST Family Picnic

Elijah loves being outside.

Caleb and a friend playing the music chimes.

Caleb playing in the big sand box.:)

Jimmy enjoying the delicious food.:)

Elijah having a snack.

Today we had our annual Down syndrome support team family picnic. And of course we had a lot of fun! There was plenty of good food to eat and the kids all had fun playing on the play structure at the park. We were also treated to a Magic Show which Jimmy got a big kick out of.:) I love to see the families with their children all together smiling and having fun. Each year there are always a few newbies to the group bringing their new little ones with Ds. Elijah was introduced to everyone and he won them over with his adorable smile.

*Just my opinion, but I have always hated the name Down syndrome support group. I would rather see it called the Down syndrome Celebration group! After all, our children with Down syndrome are definitely worth celebrating!:)

Cuddles

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by how loving and sweet Elijah has always been. Right from the beginning he has loved to be held close. And when tired or upset, he will put his little head on my shoulder. I know that he had at least one caregiver that showed him love and I believe this has helped him in the transitioning to our family. The picture below is of the caregiver that brought Elijah to me on his Gotcha Day. She asked if she could dress him and then she hugged him and walked us out. I know that she loved him very much.
Elijah loves to be picked up and held and will come to me and put his hands up and say "UH!" for up. He's so darling. Lately however, he will not let anyone hold him but me. Last week I took him into my classroom to do some things in my room before summer and a few of the teachers wanted to hold him. After all, they held him the last time we were there a few weeks ago. But Elijah would not have it. Little stinker! They did enjoy playing with him and he giggled away when he was tickled. He is such a happy little guy, we have been blessed!!

Has it been 4 years?:)

Today is the anniversary of Caleb's Gotcha Day. It was on June 10, 2005 that I proudly became Caleb Anatoly's Mommy! I can't believe he was so small! (Check out those tights!)
Today, he is finishing kindergarten and he is getting so big.:)
Mama loves you Fudgie!!

4 steps

Guess who took four steps all by himself today? Elijah has been standing more and more and attempting to walk. He had taken two steps unassisted for the last couple of weeks until today when he took 4!


Jimmy making funny faces to get Elijah to laugh! They are so cute together!

Caleb playing outside today. I just love his beautiful eyes!

The Graduate

Ben graduated last night from high school. Where has the time gone?
I got all teary eyed when I saw him and the rest of his classmates (over 400) enter the football field where they had an amazing graduation ceremony. The weather was perfect and everyone was so happy. (Except for Caleb who has a sinus infection. He did perk up though when he saw Ben and some of his friends who waved and called his name as they walked by us).

Here are a few pics of us before the ceremony. I took some at the ceremony too but it's hard to get a good shot from the bleachers.
Congratulations Ben, we love you!