Emma & cousin Jack

Joe Reading

This photo was taken when we were visiting Chris' parents in Atlanta. Joe carries his words and sentences everywhere to practice reading.

It's That Time of Year!

March Madness on my campus just ramped up yesterday afternoon. This week it is easy being green.

Prep Choir "IN"formance

On Tuesday Emma's choir has an "informance" for families and friends. This is an open rehearsal in which the choir director explains what they do when they practice and how they practice. Emma invited Molly and Joe to come and watch. Before the informance the kids had a snack-picnic outside (finally it was a warm day) and then we went the MSU Community Music School to watch Emma.

Chocolate Party

Emma and her pal Daniel had a chocolate party at Daniel's house this afternoon. The kids made T-shirts, dipped goodies in the chocolate fountain, and walked over to Glencairn playground to run off the sugar. All in all, a very fun-filled afternoon!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day (3.21)!

Why is today 03.21 (March 21st) World Down Syndrome Day? Because Down Syndrome is the diagnosis for people who have three chromosomes (not 2) on the 21st pair of chromosomes. It is also Tutus Birthday!!!!!!!!

Missouri State

This week I was invited to Missouri State to give a public lecture and then a lecture in my friend Martha Finch's religion and sexuality class. I didn't get any photos from the big public lecture, but here are two of me talking with Martha's students about research and writing.

One World, One Day

Joe listening with other kids at the India table.

We saw Joe's parapro, Miss Joan, with her grand daughter.

This afternoon Joe and I went to his school for the community event, "One World, One Day." Each kid was given a copy of this beautiful book and the we listed to it read in Chinese, Portuguese, Hindi, Malay, Arabic, Italian, German, and Tamil. After the readings, Joe we went to different tables that represented countries for crafts and games.

Mother-Son Dance

Sophie

There is a cute, white puppy visiting Joe's class every morning. Joe's teacher, Mrs. Olance brings her puppy Sophie to school and she has incorporated each child's learning goals with learning about the puppy. To see and read more about it visit Joe's class blog HERE.

The Connector

Kelle Hampton's CNN interview about the surprise of having a baby with Down Syndrome: HERE.

Growing Up.

The kids were out of school today. It was also the last day of MSU's spring break. In the morning we did errands. Emma went with me to Home Depot to purchase brighter light bulbs and new switchbacks. I spent the rest of the morning changing bulbs, cleaning lights and replacing switchbacks. Besides that, I have been touching up the paint throughout the house to cover up chips, hand prints, crayon lines, and general grime. This afternoon we went to Celebration Cinema to see Planet 51. I was surprised to find out that kids under 12 were free and adult tickets were only $3.50. This is part of a program called Flick's Family Film Festival. The matinees go through April 22nd. We plan to go again during one of the next 1/2 days and over the ELPS spring break. I took this photo of the kids after the movie. They look so big to me these days.

Half-day and bowling

Yesterday the kids had a half-day of school so we went to the bowling alley in the afternoon. After that, we walked around old town and ate at Pablos, our favorite restaurant. All in all, a fun day together. Emma requested that her favorite song "firefly" accompanies this slideshow (sorry).

CNN: New mom with baby girl

A new mom to baby Nellie will be on CNN next Tuesday to talk about her blog that discusses her surprise when she found out her baby was born with T21. Click HERE to see the promotional for the story.

Ready for summer camp?

The 2010 Camp Pa-Wa-Pi brochure is out and Emma is on the front and on page 3! What a camper, Dad would be proud.

Emma's art

Emma standing outside of the gallery during the opening reception.

Emma contributed two suns.

Her orange sun with sun glasses.

Her blue speckled sun.

Amy & Emma standing near her blue speckled sun.

Joe pointing at Emma's art.

Ducks on the Red Cedar River

This afternoon we took a walk along the Red Cedar river on campus and spent a few minutes with the ducks. The sun has been shining for the past three days and even though there is still snow on the ground and it is only 45 degrees, it feels like spring! Joe and Emma wore their spring coats because it feels so warm to them.

Art Exhibit

Emma is having her art exhibited at the Grove Gallery Coop this month as part of their First Annual Children's Showcase. We will attend the opening reception tomorrow afternoon.

BASEMENT RENOVATION: AFTER

THANKS TO ALISON GLASS FOR DESIGNING THE BASEMENT AND MAKING THE FURNITURE, CURTAINS, AND PILLOWS.

BASEMENT RENOVATION: BEFORE

Almost 7 years old

My brother Peter sent this photo of me taken a month before I turned 7 years old. Joy's cat Sammy is with me in this picture. Looking at this picture I realize that I dressed Emma exactly the way my mother dressed me.