This news drew happy tears from Ella.

We can’t wait for September to welcome another little one to the Fun House.

Seth is a treasure I wish the whole world could know.

It’s funny how Seth can be both our easiest and our most difficult child all at once.  Let’s start with easy:  he is the most content child I’ve ever known.  His favorites are easy:  Jesse and Woody (Toy Story) dolls, monkeys, bubbles, outside, Sports Illustrated football, basketball and baseball encyclopedias, Finding Nemo, Mary Poppins (mainly for Burt), watching replays of A&M football games, playing tackle, dancing, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, chocolate and DADDY.  Everything else I think he could give or take, but those are clearly his favorites and truly a win-win every time.  What makes him the most difficult?  Seth is by far the most stubborn of all our kids.  He will refuse to do even the simplest or most necessary of tasks (for example, go to the bathroom and wash your hands) just because he’s made up his mind that he doesn’t want to.  Forget bribery, forget pulling out the list of favorites.  If he’s decided no, we figured out finally that we’d better decide to put on our patient hats.  Seems we don’t have enough of those around here some days.  ;)

This year, the Lord gave our family another baby on the way….a baby brother due in September.  I continue to find myself surprised at the audacity of people to ask me again with this pregnancy, just as they did with Kyle’s, if this was a surprise. “Did you mean to get pregnant?  Are you worried about this baby too?  Aren’t you at greater risk?  Have you done all the testing to make sure it’s okay?”  While I had a tendency to get my feathers ruffled a bit when I was pregnant with Kyle, I am better able to laugh it off with baby Jackson.

Jackson’s first picture. We can’t wait to hold him in September.

It’s out of people’s ignorance and lack of experience/education that they would assume that any pregnancy after having given birth to a child with Down syndrome would be a “mistake,” an “oops,” or “was this a GOOD surprise?”  It just comes to prove that our words can be so powerful to a person- they can give life and encouragement or bring death and doubts.  And not that it’s any of the world’s business, but YES….Joel and I prayed and asked the Lord for both Kyle and Jackson, JUST LIKE WE DID with both Ella and Seth.  And He gives all things perfectly and beautifully in His time.  No, I’m not “worried” about this baby more than I was with any other.  And no, I didn’t have any testing done with Kyle or Jackson, because we’re just having a baby…..however the Lord gives it, we joyfully receive it, JUST LIKE WE DID with Ella and sweet Seth.  And truth be known, if they were all like Seth, we’d be blessed beyond what we deserve.

It’s interesting how with both Kyle and now Jackson, I’ve eagerly anticipated knowing the gender simply for Seth’s sake.  My thoughts are always, “I wonder what the Lord is going to give Seth this time.”  Seems one big sister and two little brothers has been in God’s plan all along and I can’t help but agree that He knows what’s best for our family.  You see, siblings play such an extraordinary role in the life of a child with special needs, specifically Down syndrome, from my point of view.  I love how from the beginning, I noticed that Ella’s spunk and energy were a beautiful balance to Seth’s easy-going laid back nature.  She pushes him and speeds him up where he gives her opportunities to learn more patience, compassion and contentment in the little things in life.  She goes out of her way to love on other kids with special needs, specifically DS, and shows no measure of fear of what the world sees as a little “different.”  She is far more compassionate and gracious towards peers than I was at that age.  I was so proud of her being acknowledged this year as the student of the month in her class that demonstrated the character trait of “Peace.”  I’ll admit, my heart broke a little this year as I noticed Kyle passing Seth up in the speech category.  While we were thrilled to see Kyle’s language explosion, it hurt to realize the window of two and half years difference narrowing by the day.  But yet again, I can’t help but agree that God knows what’s best for our family. Kyle has exceptional speech and language development for a two year old, which has become a model for Seth, as we, too, have seen a growth in all of Seth’s areas of development as well.  When we praise Kyle for using his words and laugh at some of the things he says, Seth keenly notices and repeats so that he, too, can be in on the encouragement.  Ella and Kyle have been some of Seth’s best teachers and I’m certain that will be with him for years to come.

Thank you, Lord, for gifting us with Seth.

Seth is a treasure that I wish the all the world could know.  He gives the best hugs….always has, really.  He can squeeze and squeeze and kiss and kiss until you’re love tank is officially “full.”  He has the most forgiving heart and shows no grudges, remembers no wrongs.  He loves us well and has made Joel and I into far better people, spouses and parents.

Thank you, Lord, for gifting us with Seth.  Thank you for the plans that you have for him….plans to prosper Seth and to keep him from harm….plans to give Seth a hope and a future.  And, thank you for the miracle you performed for him for Your glory.  Lord, you are so good to us and continue to give us more than we deserve.  Help us to steward this child in a way that would bring you honor and glory all the days of his life.

I love you, Seffy boy!

Mommy

She’s really growing up

At this point in February, it seems like she has lost more teeth than she has left in her mouth with new loose teeth popping up every day. She is great big sister. I didn’t realize until I viewed the film of her birthday that, at one point, she stopped and gave Seth a kiss and a hug right in the middle of one of the fun activities all the kids were doing at the gym. I think this shows a lot about who God is shaping her to be. She is a very confident girl, but she does a pretty good job looking out for others. We are so blessed to have her as our first born. We can’t wait to see how God will use her for His purposes in the future. Enjoy the video and say a prayer for Ella as you do.

We are so grateful for another Christmas season.

Jesus lived the perfect life that was required of us in order to satisfy an infinitely holy God. He died the death that we deserved because of our deliberate sin and rebellion. And, He clothes those who would believe with His perfect righteousness so that when God looks at us, He doesn’t see a rebel who deserves punishment but rather His son Jesus who has become our perfect sacrifice.

We love the festivities of this season, but we celebrate Jesus with great zeal and hope, because without Him our “holiday” would be pretty hollow. Our hope is certain, first of all, because we believe God’s promises are true in scripture, but also because He has proven Himself faithful in miraculous ways in our family.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Kyle is truly a joy!

Not much has changed in a year other than mobility and the word “NO!”  But even the ultimate of all toddlers has to test authority with the word “no,” I guess.  We celebrated his second birthday in early October and Joel put together this video.

Here’s a list of Kyle’s favorite things, in no particular order:

1.  Pappy.  If Pappy is in the room (Em’s dad) nothing else seems to matter.  It’s a funny thing, because out of my three, we think Kyle looks most like my dad.  Even one of my best friends growing up calls him “little Clarence.” Too cute!  Kyle talks about Pappy constantly and everything we read in books or discuss at home somehow seems to come back to Pappy for Kyle.  Like the other day we were out in the yard and saw a big helicopter fly by.  He saw it, pointed and yelled, “Pappy!!!!!”  What on earth!?!

Kyle loves his Pappy

2.  Nannies!!!!!!  No, not someone who comes over to babysit, but “candies!”  M&M’s are his best and he gets the happy feet going along with a shout and a point when he’s ready for his nannies, followed by a “YEAH! YEAH!!!!!”
3.  Night-night.  Again, probably not what you’re thinking.  He doesn’t like to go to bed or down for a nap, but his best friend in all the world is a fuzzy little squirrel that he named “Night-night!”  His best thing in the world is to rub Night-Night’s tail on his upper lip and suck on two fingers.  That’s totally his happy place!

Happy place

4.  Ella.  This brother loves him some big sister!  (I think she’s pretty great too—can’t blame him.)  He loves to be in her bed every night while I’m tucking her in.  He takes great delight in destroying things in her room, but he will say and do most anything she tells him.

These boys are lucky to have Ella for a big sister

5.  Babies.  Well, not really babies, but berries.  He loves strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries….you name it!  But he does call them babies…..
6.  Dancing.  Yep, he’s definitely one of ours if he loves to dance!  ;)
7.  Dadamomo.  Translation:  Elmo.  Also loves “Nooda?”  Mr. Noodle segment on Elmo’s World…we can’t figure out why!
8.  Haircut!  He doesn’t actually like getting his hair cut, but he does love to play Ella’s haircut game on mommy’s phone.  I’m continually amazed that he knows how to work that thing.
9.  Mommy rock!  He will go to the recliner every night and literally try to push Joel out of it shouting “NO! Mommy rock!”  And yeah, he wants me to rock him while we watch Dadamomo….
10.  Monkey back.  He likes to ride up and down the stairs on our backs.  We call it monkey back and we let him every time, of course!
11.  Momma.  Well, maybe I jumped the gun in saying Pappy was his favorite.  Truly, Pappy is right on up there, but Joel will admit that he’s a momma’s boy.  And I’m TOTALLY okay with it!

My little man is a momma’s boy

We are certain that if he was our only child, we would be so obnoxious about what a great baby he is that no one would want to be around us.  So, it’s a good thing we don’t brag on him too much!  ;)

I love you, Kyle!

Momma

So, a little more than four-and-a-half years ago, I would have found myself in the shoes of someone who knew nothing about Down syndrome, other than the fact that it is some sort of “condition” that a “friend-of-a-friend” had a child with, etc.  Under-informed, hesitant, scared and generally uneducated were some phrases that you might use to describe my perspective on DS, though I’d probably tell you very quickly that I knew a lot about it because I have (at one time or another) been in close proximity (or even the same room) as someone with Down syndrome.

I never thought Seth would climb this thing! I was so wrong.

So, here’s my list of preconceived notions about someone with Down syndrome that qualified me to talk about it and feel sorry for people with it……and the truths that I now know about the beauty of the extra chromosome.  WOW…wish I had read this years ago!  Here goes:

1.  MYTH:  People with Down syndrome are retarded.  TRUTH:  Ok, now that I’ve cringed and thrown up in my mouth a little from having even written that, let me fill you in on the truth.  NOT all people with Down syndrome qualify as MR (mentally retarded).  As a matter of fact, Seth’s IQ scores measure well within the “average intelligence” range.  Not that it’s any of your business, but we’re happy to use his brilliance and capabilities as a way to prove this myth as flat out wrong!  All you have to do is spend a few minutes with Seth and you’d see that he knows what’s up and can hang with the best of them!

2.  MYTH:  People with Down syndrome are always happy.  TRUTH:  Come to my house at 6:30 pm with a four-year-old who is hungry and hasn’t had a nap and you tell me if this myth is true or not.  Seth’s range of emotions are just as human as yours.  Don’t be surprised when I tell you that he can be grumpy, surprised, scared, happy, angry, joyful, hesitant, sad and bubbly just like all other “regular” people.  You know why?  Cause he’s more like you than not.

3.  MYTH:  People with Down syndrome have to live with their parents for the rest of their lives.  TRUTH:  Let this be the LAST time that you’re surprised to find out that lots of people with Down syndrome have graduated from college, earned a drivers license, gotten married, lived independently and maintained jobs.  Yes, it’s true….they are fully functioning, contributing members of society.  Oh wait a minute….that’s just like you too, isn’t it?

4.  MYTH:  People with Down syndrome are a burden to their parents and families.  TRUTH:  What child hasn’t at some point in their lives caused their parents grief, worry, etc.?  Did you go crazy in high school or college and have your parents worried you’d never really straighten up or get your act together?  Man, what a burden you must have been to your parents and family!   I’ve actually heard from some parents that their grown children with DS turned out to be the easiest ones of the bunch….imagine that!  And no, Seth is not burden.  He’s a joy……just like the rest of our children!

This guy is NOT a burden

5.  MYTH:  If you’re pregnancy is diagnosed with Down syndrome, you should consider abortion.  TRUTH:  If you’re pregnancy is diagnosed with Down syndrome, call me and let me adopt your baby.  Know that Creator God, who plans and purposes all things and all people, has it under control.  If for any reason you feel you can’t keep the baby, there are waiting lists of people who want to adopt babies specifically with Down syndrome…..so you can help make someone’s family complete.

6.  MYTH:  Down syndrome people are just different.  TRUTH:  The way you say it is, “people with Down syndrome.”  They are people first, then they have Down syndrome.  You wouldn’t call me “Emily, the scoliosis woman.”  You would say, “Emily, the woman that has scoliosis.”  See the difference and how silly it is to say it the other way?  And the truth is yes and no….they have some minor differences (a few extra chromosomes can change some physical characteristics up a little)….but they are mostly like you.

7.  MYTH:  God only chooses the most special parents to give these children to.  TRUTH:  God promises us is 1 Corinthians 10 that He will indeed give us more than we can handle so that we must rely on His strength and His power to endure hard times.  I assure you, there is nothing special or wonderful about me or Joel to qualify us to gracefully accept the charge of rearing a child with Down syndrome, or any special needs for that matter.  By no means would I have said four years ago, or even today, that I am well-equipped to handle this job and do it well.  There are so many days as a parent that I run to the Lord and confess that I can’t do it!  I’m no good at this job!  I’m failing in so many ways!  Have you ever felt that way as a parent of your typically-developing children?  I would assume most anyone can identify.  With Seth, it is no different.  But God, in all His wisdom and splendor, chose to give us Seth and Kyle and Ella, and chose to allow us to struggle as parents, so that we would run to Him for our help and our strength.

I guess those are the biggies that always seem to come up.  There are hundreds more, but just visit my buddy Rick’s blog….NoahsDad.com…..to see a community of moms and dads who write in every day to discuss this very issue and more.  For fun, I’ve compiled a small list of characteristics and accomplishments that are specific to Seth that you might find interesting:

1. Seth is potty trained! (just like his peers)

2.  Seth can feed himself everything (for several years now) and drinks from an open cup!  (just like his peers)

3.  Seth can play tee-ball and golf in the back yard….and he can manage the full swing set, slide, ladders and ramps!  (just like his peers)

4.  Seth is a dancing machine!

5.  Seth has favorite books, movies and songs!  (just like his peers)

6.  Seth loves to worship at church and even practices the microphone like momma!

7.  Seth has favorite food and among them is broccoli!

8.  Seth has to be disciplined in the same way as his sister and brother.

9.  Seth can talk and uses words and phrases to work independently in his world!

10.  Seth can learn…and he’s doing great in Pre-K!

Thanks for taking time to read through our list.  Now take this information, and help me, and all the other moms and dads with me, to educate friends, family members and our world!

Now, I don’t know many little boys that enjoy/sit still for/tolerate haircuts.  And if you have one, I don’t want to know about it.  But, I’m going to put Seth in the category of “kids that hate haircuts more than anything.”  Truly. Haircuts are awful….well, so are trips to the ENT, or any doctor for that matter.  Now, I’m no super-mom-pediatrician like Noah’s mommy and my sweet friend Abbie, so I can’t just grab an otoscope and check Seth’s tube placement at a moment’s notice.  However, I’ve watched some videos online and personally observed several little boys’ haircuts, and I’ve decided that to simplify our lives a little, I can start giving Seth haircuts.

Texture issues: I think Seth hates the clippers more than anything. But there can’t be anything quicker and more fool-proof than a guard and a few targeted swipes up the neckline with a good pair of clippers. So, that’s where I start! After plugging in the clippers, I let Seth touch them while they are turned off, then I turn them on and he goes into a tailspin. I’m hoping with repetition, this will become less traumatic! After we talk and talk and talk and talk about what mommy is going to do, and he continues to scream and peel away from me, I sit him on the floor, wrap an arm around him, lean back and get to clipping! Mind you, we are on the living room floor, watching Imagination Movers, and I’m crossing my toes that it turns out even (enough)! Then, I move to a bigger guard to blend toward the top and after that’s done, we CHEER because mom has finished with the clippers. Seth likes to say, “Bye bye clippers!” I try my best a scissor cutting the top (a small trim) while he is dodging, dipping and diving from my hands and the scissors. I would imagine a trained professional could cut a cooperative little guy’s hair in 5 minutes or less, but Seth and I take our time and I’d say we’re done in about 20 minutes. Let’s just say his hair looks better wet than dry! But all in all, we still think he’s one good lookin’ dude!

Good job Seth! We did it!

The kids are loving school and so is Mom

We are working really hard on shapes, colors, and ABCs. Regular readers remember my feeble attempt to make a video for Seth singing the ABCs. Emily stepped up the game big time this week by making a longer, more comprehensive, video where she reads several books. We figured someone else might benefit from this other than Seth so we are posting the video Emily made for Seth. We try to keep learning fun here at the FunHouse.

I also created a video in the past for Ella where I read “Where the Wild Things Are” for her viewing pleasure.

We don’t call it the FunHouse for nothing!