31 for 21: Day 13, time for healing.

I'm so tired.
She's tired but won't admit it.
Tired of being sick.
Now we are on the mend finally.
Slowly...
It's time for healing.

31 for 21: Day 12, Wordless Wednesday

31 for 21: Day 11, the small stuff

Here are some of the small things I'm grateful for, they aren't big milestones and some of them are not quite there yet, but they are just as important as the big goals.

1) Maya doesn't throw her food or drinks off the table (as much as she did before).

2) Maya is trying to feed herself. She is trying to use a fork and spoon. Before she had no interest at all. It's not perfect, but it's the effort that I am glad for.

3) More and more, Maya signs potty when she has to go. She doesn't always want to get on the potty, some days it's a battle of the wills, but she is getting better about this.

4) She let's me give medicine to her, even though she absolutely hates the taste.  This is a big one because it makes life so much easier.  Especially when she is sick and cranky.

I don't take anything for granted because for Maya even the little things can be a challenge.  One moment at a time, one day at a time, the small stuff is getting accomplished too.

31 for 21, Day 10: best friends.

Best friends are made of this.

Riding in the car together.

Piling sand on a shelf, then cleaning it up.

Running together on the grass.

Playing peek-a-boo with a tree.

31 for 21: Day 9, 10 things.

31 for 21: Day 8, Maya's Dream Team

I'm not very good at fundraising...In fact I never did it before I met Maya.  She's my one and only reason for doing something like this.

This is our third year fundraising for the Down syndrome community.   There are a lot of organizations trying to raise money for their cause right now, many walks in these fall months.  Why donate to our cause?  Why walk in the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk? Well because if Maya has touched your life, then you know it's important to bring awareness to everyone.   It's important to let parents, family and friends know that having a child with Down Syndrome is not a prison sentence.  It's not the end of the world.  Yes, it is a challenge but it is also a beautiful dream come true.

DS Network is a grassroots organization that works to support and inform not only families but also educators and service providers who are blessed with knowing a person with Down syndrome. It is a good organization and I'm grateful for the work they do.  I'm happy to do my part in raising a little money for them.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/joann-briseno/stepupfordownsyndromeaz2011

31 for 21: Day 7, After nap...

"Hello? This is Maya.
What are you doing right now?
I'm playing with this piano.
Singing and dancing, and posing for my Mama."

"Let's play some music and sing B-I-N-G-O.
I try to sing it,  can you hear me?"

"Oh yes, I love my dolls.
I make them dance to the music and then I fling them in the air when I'm done."