Wordless Wednesday- Happy Easter 2010!

Standing and Stepping

He did it!

He's standing on his own! He has taken one step from that position as well!

Walking is JUST around the corner.

We're so proud of you Joaquin and so excited for this next new stage in your development!

"Joaquin Funny!"

These are the words of our *almost* 2 year old neighbor Addison when you ask her to sum up our attempt at an annual St. Patrick's Day photo in front of our tree.

It was quite an effort to get all 5 kids still and smiling at the same time and little stinker that he is, Joaquin was the MOST difficult. All he wanted to do was escape and crawl down the street...his new favorite past time much to my dismay. I cannot for a SECOND keep the front door open or my escape artist is literally scurrying down the front porch steps, down the driveway and then down the street. This boy is LIGHTENING fast when he crawls. I really have never seen anything like it. He is SPEEDY!

"Joaquin Funny!"

So Sweet

On Saturday we attended a local community outreach and support meeting for families touched by Down syndrome sponsored by DSIA.

We left our kids downstairs for music with Music to Grow On and an art session by Maren's Art Studio while we went upstairs for a discussion session just for the parents. I have to say I was a bit nervous leaving my 3 very active and sometimes rowdy boys but when we got downstairs, the first thing I saw was this.



Joaquin had fallen asleep in the arms of J.P., a self advocate and avid golfer...and apparently a baby whisperer. It was the sweetest thing to see.

World Down Syndrome Day 3-21-10

Happy World Down Syndrome Day....3-21...in honor of that VERY special extra chromosome that seems to be somewhat magical.

We love you Joaquin and everything you have taught us...to appreciate the beauty in all things and to let go of the myth of perfection.

You are a GIFT!

My Son Ate My Calendar!

You've all heard the excuse..."My dog ate my homework!"

Well, today I went to go grab my appointment book which I often call my Bible because it holds EVERYTHING I need to know to function on a daily basis! I found it on the floor near the dining room table and there were a few remnants of wet and chewed paper next to it.

JOAQUIN ATE MY CALENDAR BOOK!!!

He helped himself to two pages...this week and next week...and now I'm totally LOST!!!

I'd be freaking out if it wasn't so darn funny. Silly...and apparently hungry...boy!

Now off to figure out what I had planned and scheduled for this week and next. Yikes! Just happens to be two very important and busy weeks in our lives right now!