Logan's Photo Shoot

Over the last couple of days I have been experimenting with taking portraits of the kids with a white background. I don't have any special equipment, just my camera, a window and a white towel. Today was Logan's turn. I saved him for last because he is by far my most difficult to shoot. He is not a portrait guy....more suited for action shots. He wants nothing to do with sitting in one spot. I managed to get a few, but he needed something to hang on to to distract him for a few seconds. Aubrey's hat was nearby, and he loves to put all types of clothing on his head, so it worked and gave him something to do. Click here to see more from Logan's photo shoot.

Wordless Wednesday

I have started another blog for my photographs...Picture Place. It's so fun taking pictures of babies!

People First Language

I know that I have posted on this topic before, but I am going to continue to remind others of this again and again. Please read this post from my local Down syndrome support group. It drives me crazy when I hear a baby being called a "down's baby". I know it is easier to say it that way, but Logan is a baby who has Down syndrome. Please remember to put the person first before the disability.
People First Language post at DSFN

Eyes

This post probably seems a little strange...but keep reading...I am still in aw of what I can capture with my new camera. I never before had the ability to capture such detail. I have always thought my children's eyes were beautiful, but now I can record what they actually look like to me everyday. I also have a little something to say about the eyes of children with Down syndrome. Are they not the most beautiful eyes you have ever seen!! When Logan was born and we were given his possible diagnosis of Down syndrome, my doctor said he suspected DS because of two things, Logan's simian crease on his palms and his slanted eyes. It did take me awhile to accept the way that Logan would look, including his eyes. When I got passed the fact that Logan's eyes would look different than most kids, I began to see the striking beauty of their almond shape. You can even see the brushfield spots in the colored part of his eye.

Winter Fun In Wisconsin

Today, Devin and I got to spend some quality time together. I am not a big fan of winter, but today was the perfect day to be outside. We took advantage of 20 degree temperatures and a lot of sun. (I think we are actually sun burnt!) This was Devin's first time tubing, and I actually have never gone to a tubing only hill with a tow rope. It was a blast!

This is what Devin would eat for every meal if he could....he loves loves chocolate!

Giveaway Winners!

The Valentine's Day Giveaway winners are:

#8 Brandi
#10 Dawn

Thank you to everyone who participated! If you did not win, I still would love to make one for you. Send me an email if you are interested. I will post pictures of the winner's keychains (if that's ok with them)

Brandi and Dawn, congratulations, email me your favorite picture. Remember, the better quality of the photo, the better the keychain will turn out. I crop and resize the photo for you.

My Winter Babies

I can't wait for spring, but I will miss my cuties in their winter coats!

One more day to enter Giveaway!

You have one more day to enter my Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Logan's New Dew

I cut Logan's hair yesterday. He's so good when I cut it and sits so nice...much better than Devin. It always amazes me how much more grown up he looks afterwards.

Logan still LOVES music and banging on drums. I felt so bad yesterday that we had to miss his music class due to the snow storm. I tried to make up for it by holding our own music class at home.

My baby is leaving me...

Last week, I had to sign my baby up for 4 year old kindergarten! Yikes! I knew it was coming, but I am not sure I am prepared. Just reading through the packet of info made me so nervous. I am going to be a wreck the day he gets on that big bus all by himself...ok I have to change the subject now. To make matters worse, I ran into the early childhood teacher while I was at school. I can't believe how soon Logan will be in school too! This is the teacher that Logan will have when he turns 3. She informed me that laws have changed (for the better) and I am allowed to choose one of two options. I can send Logan to her classroom at the elementary school, where he would be with the other children needing early childhood, or I can choose a preschool and send him there with typical kids. If I choose option two, the early childhood teacher will go to the preschool to work with Logan. It's good to hear that educators are realizing that our kids with Down syndrome are thriving when placed with typical kids versus being singled out and taken to special education classrooms. I hear so often about parents having to fight to get there kids with DS included with their peers. I know that each child with DS is very different and that the amount of time that Logan will be able spend in the typical classroom is a big unknown, but at least I feel like I have hope that our district with give Logan every chance available to be taught in a typical classroom.