Big milestones, bright smiles and getting lost in happiness

This week the Dove Sketches video has gone viral; where women describe themselves and then a stranger describes them to a artist who is sketching.  The two pictures are greatly different and the self-described sketch is much more dark and sad.   

This week I also read a post from my friend Julie who has a daughter Mae; someone I hope becomes a close friend of JD's.  Mae has DS and Julie told a story of how she was out with her four children and a stranger began sharing about her child who also had DS.  After the stranger left, Mae's siblings asked just how the women knew that Mae had DS--they didn't realize it could be "seen."

In the last several weeks, JD has exploded developmentally.  He actively uses sign language, he is walking and he is saying at least 10 more words.  It is amazing to watch him learn, develop and grow.  More amazing is watching his smile.  I want that smile and the huge belly shaking laugh to stay with him forever.  It changes each day because it makes everything more fun and amazing.

My hope is that JD could stay this happy and this excited about life forever.  We as adults, beat ourselves up about so much.  But when someone genuinely smiles a great bit smile, you can get lost in it for just a moment.  Be it a child, an adult or even a great grandmother--a smile can change us.  My hope is that JD understands this power and changes the world through laughter and smiles. 

He is an amazing kid for so many reasons and my goal as his mom will be to try as best as I can to smile and smile and smile at him. 

Here is a video of a recent toy discovery that no doubt will make you smile and get lost in happiness for just a moment. 

A visit to see Great Grandma Grace

There are lots of people we like to see and visit but going to Grandma Grace's is always an adventure.  This was JD's second trip to see his great grandma and it was wonderful.

I realized that at the age of 96 Grace Sullivan, is by far one of the most remarkable people I know.  When we arrived she had prepared her house for JD to travel and explor.  She had a high chair ready for him to eat with and toys out for him to play with.  It was remarkable to me how much work she went to and how great she was with JD.

The trip is a long one for a little man; 6+ hours to get there.  We did our traditional gathering at night at the local pizza shop DiMaggio's and then Sunday we enjoyed church at the United Methodist Church.  Since I was younger than JD when you got to church with Grandma and you sit in the second pew.  After chruch we headed to Dairy Queen for lunch.

It is funny as my Grandma commented on her "routine" and that some might consider it less than exciting.  Personally, as the mother of a one year old, I love nothing more than routine.  A stable sleeping schedule, eating schedule and in general a stable schedule makes everything better in our world!

Our second night we headed to French Lick resort as I had a work conference.  That night wasn't quite so peaceful and JD was NOT happy to be in another hotel room.  It was the first night in ages that we got less than 3 hours of sleep and I forgot how nerve racking that can be.  At 4am I tried to determine a "plan" with your Dad for how the next day was going to go.  It was classic.

This past weekend we got to recover a bit, watch some OSU basketball and celebrate Grandpa's 70th birthday.  We seem to be having lots of different adventures and travels these days!

As Easter comes this weekend, we will have a visit to see Grandma Barb and see all the Dancers and Satterfields.  You are loved by so many and we are so lucky to have such a great and supportive family.  Sunday, we will head to Grandma Pat's and enjoy some time with the Katy, Heath, Annabelle and Taylor. 

My hope is that you will always know the importance of love and family.  From our church, to friends to our biological family having people to support, love and inspire you are what make life so fun.  Each adventure is better because of the people who travel with you.