Wordless Wednesday: a first time experience

something amazing

Something amazing happened the other day.  I noticed Maya at the frig playing with her Leap Frog Animal farm.  She likes to push the button and make it sing songs. But this time I noticed something different.  She was moving the little magnet animals around and placing them in the slots.  She was mixing and matching the animals and making the toy sing a funny song to her.  This was the first time I noticed that she was doing this kind of work.  I could tell that she was a little frustrated at not being able to get the right part of the animal in the slot, but she was trying and succeeding the majority of the time.   I continue to be surprised by these little amazing things she shows me. Brava, Maya!

Wordless Wednesday: music therapy

 

31 for 21, Day 31: Halloween 2010

It was a good day.  Halloween 2010.  As a family we met some of our friends to trick or treat together. As always it's an adventure with a 2 1/2 year old.  Maya wasn't into it this year.  But she was much better than last year.  It was great hanging out with our friends, going up and down the street and meeting everyone.  I am living vicariously though Maya since my Halloween years weren't that wonderful.  Really I feel so lucky to have this experience.  I loved watching our friend's kids walking up to the door and saying in that cute 2 year old voice, "twick or tweet".  I couldn't help but think, one day Maya will be doing that. 

I have to mention that I am so proud of hubby for putting on a brave face and venturous out with us.  He didn't complain once!  I often have to remind myself that Halloween is an American thing.  It may seem bizarre to people from other countries, getting dressed up in strange outfits and knocking on people's doors to get candy.  But I think hubby is getting used to the concept, and I dare say may even consider dressing up for Halloween...maybe next year?  Well anyway, a girl can dream.

Today is the last day of October, the last day of 31 for 21.  Whoohoo, I did it!  It was certainly a challenge.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Please keep checking in, I will keep posting although maybe not everyday.  oxo

Getting ready.

off we go!

buzz, buzz, buzz.

happy bumble bee and her mama.

resting after trick or treating.

two bumble bees and a lady bug.

2010 loot, including a stuffed owl from our sweet neighbor.

31 for 21, Day 30: Buddy Walk

This morning was both the Sharing Down Syndrome's Buddy Walk and DS Network's Step up for Down Syndrome walk.  Both organizations are here in the valley and both do their major fundraising events around the same time.  It's unfortunate that they both pretty much fall on the same day.  But it is what it is. And so we just try our best to support the work they do.

We had to make a decision on which we would go to this year and the deciding factor was nap time.  The Buddy walk was earlier and better coincided with Maya's schedule.  Although we did major fundraising for the Step Up walk,  it just wasn't possible for us to go to it.  By the way, I'm happy to report that Maya and her dada are both tucked away and sleeping well.  I'm sure they are both exhausted from all the activities. 

Although we didn't get to see a ton of people we knew we did get so see some of our peeps. The coolest thing was when a mom came over to us and said, "Is that Maya?".  I was thinking, Wow,  Maya is already famous.  She's a mom that I am friends with via facebook.  I am so glad she recognized Maya.  She and her husband have two beautiful children, one blessed with a little something extra .  It was so wonderful to meet them in person.  We are automatic friends because of our little one's extra chromie.  I do feel very lucky to be a part of it all.

Maya checking out Barney

The walk starts.  Maya in her new wagon.

Waving to her peeps.

Getting a ride.

After our long walk it's time for ice cream!

A very happy Maya.

A hug for a new friend.

Sweet pea!

Hanging out with our friends.

Sandy and Maya.

Making some music.

 

 

Maya and me chillin'.

More huggies!

31 for 21, Day 29: Book Signing

Maya and I went to our first book signing together.  I was so excited to have Jagatjoti Khalsa sign our I'm Down with You, book!  Maya was really very patient the whole time and she was hugging quite a few people tonight.  We hung out in the kids section after and Maya found a shaker she couldn't let go of.  It was really cute the way she was walking around the entire bookstore with that shaker.

If you haven't been able to check this book out I highly recommend it.  I posted earlier about the documentary that Jagatjoti is working on, but the book is available now.  When I first opened the book I was amazed by the stunning photography.  All those gorgeous faces so elegantly captured.  I haven't been able to read any of the text yet but I'm sure it is well written also.

Please do check out his site, http://www.imdownwithyou.com/

Jagatjoti signing Maya's book.

Maya says she's gonna me in the next book.  =)

Hanging out.

Thanks to Lily for loaning her pom pom. Maya loved it.

31 for 21, Day 28: park adventures

We went to the railroad park again today.  I am really loving this park, it has a train, carousal, snack bar and a huge playground.  We met up with some other mom's.  I'm super excited that Maya is starting to be a little more lovable.  It's always so cute to see her giving hugs.  Today she surprised me by not only hugging her little friends but a couple of the moms too.  Now Maya isn't only known for pulling  hair, she is also known for hugging everyone too. 

Now that it is cooling down I'm looking forward to getting out to the park and exploring different environments.  I love encouraging Maya to try different things.  Here are some photos of our adventure today.

Hello friend!

First time on this slide.  Ready to go...

weeeeeeee

whoooooa

So proud of me!

Hug for L's mom.

Found a leave in the sand.

Next stop, mouth.

Guilty as charged.

Maya giving L another hug.

Blurry but I love their expressions.

Happy playing together.