Roll call

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am , married to for 19+ years. We have 3 daughters,

(12), (almost 10), and Sammy (8). We live in Southern

CA, suburban San Diego... the area you see on TV occasionally with the

huge flames :-) We did not know had DS before she was born,

but quickly realized that we were very fortunate that she was spared

virtually all of the serious medical complications associated with DS.

She does wear glasses to correct strabismis (crossed eye) and has had

several sets of ear tubes over the years.

is fully included in 4th grade at our neighborhood school,

with an aide. She is pulled for 1 1/2 hour/day to Resource for math,

reading comprehension, and writing. loves school, and seems

to know everyone. It got to be really hilarious this year

Trick-or-treating because we went with a friend in their neighborhood,

and it seemed like every few groups of kids, we'd hear " Oh Hi "

or " , I like your costume " or I would as her " who was

that? " and she'd tell us ( " Oh, that was ___ from Mr. A's class). We

think of how much fun she had that night, and recall it often when we

get tired of fighting the inclusion fight. 's social skills

with take her far, and she really prides herself on having " polite

manners " (even when she doesn't, LOL)

's academic strengths are reading and spelling, computers and

memorizing facts SHE finds interesting (like she can still tell us the

planets in the correct order from 3rd grade... she loved that, but could

not remember the book she was reading earlier today, LOL) She is very

verbal, understandable to almost everyone, and will talk your ear off if

you hit the right topic. She is also turning very tween-ish, which is

sooooo sad, watching my sweet get sassy. Ah, we crave

age-appropriate behaviors, and then when we get them, it's such a

disappointment :-) is quite funny, which can be a great

diversion when she's on a stubborn streak. loves Girl Scouts

and gymnastics, but is really a home-body, and would be happy reading,

playing computer games, or playing with her dolls. She'd watch

SpongeBob and other Nick shows 24/7 if she could. She secretly sings

with her karaoke machine, but will stop and politely ask you to leave if

you try to come in and listen. She's quite a character, and we love

every day with her.

Both and Sammy are incredibly different, yet amazing, siblings.

is a sweet and sensitive girlie-girl, the responsible 1st child,

and just passed me up in height this week :-( Sammy is a wild tomboy

who loves sports and if you hear a crash in our house, you know who did

it :-) They somehow both have the near-perfect balance of understanding

when needs a bit of extra patience and help, and when the can

yell at her like they do each other :-) They are both terrific

students, dance, do Girl Scouts, and love to hang with friends. Sammy

plays competetive soccer almost year-round as well, and is in the

middle school band.

Well, that's more than enough. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's

" Roll call " responses.

, mom to (12), (9 DS), and Sammy (8)

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Hi Everyone!

I am , wife to Jeff (celebrating our two year anniversary on

Sunday) and mother to our amazing 11 month old Emilia Jia-Xin!

Emilia was a gift from God to us back in June. We live in Taiwan and

had the wonderful " God connection " to Emilia when we contacted an

orphanage regarding adoption. It's a long story, but you can check

it out on our site www.thetaguchis.com and look at Emilia's Page!

The journey of motherhood has been amazing and somewhat frightening.

The DS has not been very difficult, since it's all " normal " to me

(having never had children before).

I think one of the best things about adopting Emilia has been all the

doctors and nurses and others we meet that just can't figure out why

we would adopt a child like " this " ...they tell me that she is very

lucky...and I answer, " no we're actually the blessed ones! "

Emilia is a joy to our family and a complete delight to all who meet

her. On Sunday's she is scooped out of my arms when I enter the

church and I have to look for her when we are ready to leave!!

I look forward to our future together and want to say how excited we

are that in the past week we received the final adoption decree from

the Taiwan court!! So, now all we have to process is the US side of

things...which is a bigger headache than I'd like!!

Thanks for all the wonderful words of wisdom I have found in this

group!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/28/2007 9:10:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Kdumais5@... writes:

While she has made enormous strides medically and developmentally, she

struggles

more than other kids with DS that I've read about on this site . Maybe

someday, she'll be one to " blossom " and spell and write words and know what

numbers amount to. In the meantime, she plans on loving us to death,

" helping "

around the house (like painting!) and just exploring her endless world.

Hi Kris,

I don't think Sierra is out fo the norm for our kids. Micah is 7 and

has made enormous strides also medically and developmentally but he is still

struggling to learn his alphabet and the numbers 1-10. I don't think we hear

as much about our kids who are really ahving a hard time of it as much as

those who are doing really well. Sometimes I feewl like having Micah in an

inclusion classroom is so wrong after hearing the stroies of others on the list

whose kids are not really so far behind. But then I think. He is doing well

socially. He is behaviorally doing really well and he IS learning. Just

slowly but oh well.... I think sometimes we have to make hard chocies and

maybe

Micah would do better " scholastically " in a contained classroom (although I

have my doubts as in our district ALL kids are lumped together.) but if I had

to choose whether he did better academically or socially i would choose

socially.. If he can grow up to hold a job doing something that contributes to

society, and can have meaningful relationships outside of his family than I

think he will have been successfull. If he can perform better academically but

not get along with or socialize with his peers then I believe that is the

greater hinderance. So I am right there with you Kris as I know many of us

are.. And I agree Micah loves us all to death and also is a great " helper "

around the house. I wouldn't have him any other way.

Loree

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[Guest guest]

I'm Joy

Married to Jeff for hmm, 31 yrs and still living on the farm in SE MN,

4 kids, all girls.

a married and living in the Phoenix area

married and living in the twin cities metro area (in MN)

expecting twins any day now.

who was married and has my granddaughter Cailyn who is 2. And

definitely in the terrible 2 stage.

ds , now 18, who now attends MSAD for the last 6 years. and who

loves her niece and is really excited about the boy who should be here

soon, the girl is ok but she really does want that boy, Cailyn was

supposed to be a boy according to her.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.

Joy

wrote:

>

> While we are experiencing a quite period, let's do a round of intros

> again. It's been awhile and I personally would love to hear an update

> on your alls kids.

>

> I'm , married to Tim for 27+ years and mom to four kiddos, mil to

> two and grandma to one beautiful little angel. My son has DS

> and a seizure disorder. He currently is 14 years and loves to surf

> youtube.com. We live in WV.

>

> I just got a new laptop that has a builtin web camera. I tried it out

> tonight with my oldest daughter. I can use it with Kathy and she can

> see when I nod off before she hears my snoring...lol.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm sue and live with Tim (14, DS and hirshsprung's desease, with ACE),

Naomi (17) and part time with Ben (20, now at uni) We live in the UK.

Tim is at a special school having spent primary in mainstream with varying

degrees of success on the parts of the schools involved. He has a severe

learning disability and severe communication problems compounded by a mild

hearing impairment. Doing well for all that, he's the best reader (7.8 years

equivalent) and speller (7.6 years equivalent) in his class which is great. he

is part of a 'gifted and talented disabled young person' project locally because

of his involvement in sports. He mostly swims these days and is improving a lot

with the added muscle of puberty hormones! He is about to join a mainstream

theatre group which should be fun, their next production is a musical and tim,

though musically inclined, is no singer!! I have mentioned over the years that

Tim is tiny. Thta has remained the case and he has now reached his adult height

of 4 foot 6 inches 9and a half!). We might get another inch out of him but its

unlikely so I am told. I think I joined the list in 1995 or there abouts, as

soon as we got internet access anyway!

Oh, and for those that enjoy those soggy tear jerking moments, here is a link to

a video of Tim signing silent night at this years childrens christmas service at

our church, he is using makaton, a sign language common in the UK with the

learning disabled community. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ghlBf7p4Y

sue w

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am Kym...married to Jon for 20 years now. We have 5 children ages

3-19. Our son is 10 and has DS. He is in the 3rd grade. This hasn't

been a very good year in school as far as the school following the IEP, but

we are making progress. takes thyroid medication and has a mild

hearing loss, but other than that, he is pretty healthy. He is such a great

kid and keeps us laughing.

[Guest guest]

I am , married to Dave for 7 years, we have 3 great kids.

KC is our first child, and the one with DS. is our middle

child, and is 4 years old. Then there is , who is 18 months,

and the most like KC. We call KC and " the twins " ...LOL as

they seem to do the same things, and copy each other all the time!

So cute, those two are!!

We did not know before KC was born that she had DS. She was born

very healthy, although did have to have surgery at age 2 for duodenal

stenosis. She recovered very quickly, as if nothing had even happened.

She's become very verbal over the past 12 months, and amazes me

everyday with some new word or saying. Not a day goes by that she

doesn't do something to make me laugh.

Amazingly, my baby KC will turn 6 years old on Tuesday! Yes, New Years

day :-) I still can't believe that she's turning 6 in just a few days...

seems like these last 6 years flew by so fast!! She is in Kindergarten

this year, and doing well.

is a huge help to his big sister... he is always helping her with

speech and with playing with her toys. He doesn't realize she's different

yet, and treats her so good....most of the time. They have their typical

sibling spats, but mostly he looks after her.

is our little copy-cat. He does everything his brother and sister

do, and sometimes it's not a good thing! Mostly though, he loves to play

with them and do what ever it is that they do, as if he's a big boy!

mom to KC-5 (DS), -4, Baby -1

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Hi friends,

I am Patty, and I'm married to Andre. We have 3 kids - , 11; 8,

and Olivia 6 1/2 (ds). I also have a 23 yr old son, and I'm stepmom to 2 older

sons. We live in Central Ohio, and Andre is a math professor at OSU. I stay home

and take care of the kids, house, yard, etc.

Olivia is in kindergarten, she's in a sped class,being increasingly mainstreamed

into the regular kindy class, and she is doing great. I am still working on

getting her to use the toilet more often, but she is getting better, and her

speech is improving so much too.

We found out Olivia would have ds before she was born - she also had duodenal

atresia, and a vsd. She was in NICU for 6 weeks at birth, had a g-tube (that was

so hard for me to cope with at first) and she was in the hospital constantly her

first year. But since then, she has been pretty healthy, just ear tubes, and she

just got the third set earlier this month.

We have so much fun with her, she is such a great kid - she is sort of the

stereotypical loving, pleasant, easy-going child, and she has great manners.

BUT she can be a little pistol too, impossible to rush when she doesn't want to,

and she whacked her brother on the head with a piece of wood yesterday (I'm

thinking he might've earned it). She is great on the computer - probably too

good, she goes to Noggin, Playhouse Disney, etc. and whenever she sees someone

else on the computer, she thinks she needs to use it.

I found this group when Olivia was a baby, and I know I would feel so alone

with all of you wonderful friends, and all the great advice I have received. One

of the highlights of this past year for me was travelling to Europe (once in a

lifetime trip, but Andre had a math conference in Belgium and Spain, so we went

as a family vacation), and meeting another UPsNDowns member in Brussels,

Belgium.

Happy new year, and thanks for letting me introduce myself again!

Patty

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Tammy very well said......yes some days are hard....we have been blessed with

Sydnie's health etc but at 7 and mouthy I guess we have our own set of

problems....lol......but remember if you ever need to vent about 7 yr old little

girls....just look me up...

May God Bless You As He Has Us

~Angie~

~~DREAM BIG~~

An extra little chromosome,

that's all it is, you see.

Where all of you were born with two,

She was blessed with three.

roll call

I sent this earlier but never saw it posted....may have sent it to

someone so will try again.

I am Tammy living in northwest arkansas. Married to for 10

years. We have 2 children together....Hannah 7, and Trystan 5, and

one son from 's first marriage...Kolby 15. is in

construction and does alot of work around the country with FEMA

contracts following natural disasters. I am a pediatric nurse but

only work part time to allow time for Hannahs dr and therapy

appointments.

Hannah is our special child. We did not know she would be born with

ds. I had a bit of an emotional struggle when she was born for fear

of her being mistreated and teased. I still worry about it, but not

to the point of tears. Hannah does have alot of medical issues. She

had a heart repair at 4 mos and repair for intestinal

malrotation/duodenal webb/meckels diverticulum at 3 mos. She has had

4 sets of ear tubes, sinus surgery, tonsils and adenoids removed.

She has epilepsy, immune deficiency, celiac disease, GERD,

atlantoaxial instability, leaky mitrial and tricuspid valves, sleep

apnea and asthma. We also have trouble with her skin.

She also doesn't seem as advanced as alot of the kids on this group.

She tries very hard to talk but is very hard to understand. We got

her a dynavox and are trying to learn to use it. She is not potty

trained and I think is still a ways from being trained. She is

learning to write some and can almost write her name without cues.

She is the axis of our world. I can't imagine life without her. It

is a struggle at times and I get frustrated at school and doctors and

the pharmacy ALOT. I can only work part time and our finances are

often strained and on some days I've been known to whine profusely

about why everything in our lives seems to be such an uphill battle.

Then I look into her eyes and I know it is all worth it.

I have lurked about this group since she was a baby. When she was

born I didn't know alot about ds and didn't have a local support

group and the online group was like a life line for me....still is

some days...it is nice to have a place to go where I know the people

understand. Thanks for being there.

Tammy

[Guest guest]

I'm , wife to Danny of 18 1/2 yrs. My daughter Caty is 17 yrs. old and has

DS. We live in WV.

I'm a kindergarten aide and hubby works in an aluminum plant. Caty is a

sophomore in high school. She is in the high school marching band in the flag

corp. Her speech is very poor. Caty uses sign language and a Springboard device

to communicate. She can do simple math and can read. She prints for most things,

but can write her own name in cursive and can type at about a 20 wpm level. I

love that she types correctly (not the hunt and peck method). But most

importantly she is quite a happy girl, so we must have done something right!

This was the first year Caty has come home to an empty house at the end of her

school day. She does well, only has to stay alone about 15-20 minutes. She's

matured alot this year. So, I told her Santa Claus just brings toys to little

kids. So this was the first year we didn't leave out cookies and milk. I'm glad

but sad! Caty sees a cardiologist every couple years to check her heart. She

had a VSD repaired when she was 3. But she is quite healthy (I'm knocking on

wood as I type). This winter already, I've had 2 colds and a stomach bug

and....she's had nothing. I got the flu shot and she didn't! ~

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm , mom to (9), Brenden (7), and Ethan (2DS) and

wife to Neal.

Ethan was born with multiple VSDs that healed on their own, he never

had to have surgery. Spent 12 days in the NICU after birth, but he

has been mostly healthy ever since then, a couple of colds, one ear

infection, croup. He just started walking which has been great so we

don't have to carry him around as much anymore. He knows a few

signs, but we are really working on communication through signs,

pictures, pointing, anything we can get him to do so he isn't so

frustrated.

is into ballet and dancing and Brenden is our ice hockey

player. They both go to a charter school, which I know will NOT be

the place for Ethan. The whole school issue for Ethan is very

overwhelming for us and we just take it one step at a time. We hope

he will go to our wonderful developmental preschool next year.

We live in Colorado, just north of Denver.

It's great to read everyone's bios and learn about everyone in the

group.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm live in Arizona and am single mom to

age 13 NDA, horse fanatic and Meghan age 11

DS, Wii fanatic!!! ...Meghan LOVES sports and

was

more excited than I've ever seen her when she saw

that she had got a Wii for Christmas...she had

been begging for months!!!

I've been on the list since Meghan was born

although most often find myself reading these

days because they keep me hopping!! I'm

currently trying to figure out the best placement

for Meghan for Middle School......nothing seems

like the best option so far!

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm Toni. I live in TN, and just love it!

I have 3 children-, who is 33 this month, , who is 28, and

Jasmine, who is 16 and has DS.

It has been an interesting life as is very gifted and remains the avid

reader of the family. He even got rid of his TV and fills any empty time he

has by reading, when he isn't out with his two retired racing Whippets

(that's dogs that look like smaller Grayhounds, for those that don't know). He

lives in Indianapolis, IN. He works for Transmission in the CAD dept.

is my middle child. He also is gifted, and has a bad case of ADHD

that he DIDN'T outgrow when he grew up.

He has been a drummer since he was 5 years old. A friend at church gave him

a drum when he found out he was interested. He went on to be in the school

band from 6th grade on thru high school, and now plays in a rock band whenever

he can. He's really good, if I may say so.

He works for Allied-a company that takes calls and tells store owners how to

fix their credit card swiping machines.

Next came Jasmine, our girl with DS. She is 16, and her main thing in her

life is watching videos as long as I let her!

She is a great girl, in High School in the sp ed class. She attends some

reg. classes, also. The school obviously never had anyone request that, from

the way they reacted when I told them. She does quite well in the classes.

She is learning the usual life skills she will need for later on when she

does not live with us anymore. She is also learning how to read, do some math

with a calculator, and how to fill out a check and check register.

She is active in Girl Scouts, and her church activities. She loves to go

for walks in the woods with our dog, Chikito. He's a little 4 pound Chihuahua.

She hates to be out of school for any break, and expecially for summer

vacation. She loves her school and her teachers.

She went to the Winter Semi-Formal dance a few weeks back. She loved it!

Her first big High School dance! She had a great time, and most of the

students there accepted her just fine (something not everyone here is willing

to do).

I am married to Steve, a wonderful man that is very good to us all! He

loves Jasmine and Me, and takes very good care of us. That may not sound right

to some of you, but I am 52, and from that " old school " of girls that still

thinks that Moms should stay home and raise their kids and it's the husbands

place to earn a living and support the family. Hope that doesn't make some of

you working Moms mad, I know it's not the right thing for everyone, but it's

right for me. That's like putting our kids in sp ed class. It's not right

for all of them, but it's the right thing for Jasmine.

And then there's me. Toni. As I said, I am 52 years old. I don't live in

the country, even though I live in TN.

I am a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and I teach a 1st and 2nd grade Missionette

class at our church.

I am a stay at home Mom, as I stated before, but I have plenty to do to fill

my time.

I have worked at home for many years with Jasmine. Helping her learn to

read, do math, life skills, etc. I have done my best to be a good Mom to her

and love her and take her out in the area whenever I go.

I am getting older, and more tired. It seems like I don't spend enough time

teaching her anymore, but we got her several new games for Christmas, and we

are playing them with her almost every night.

As you can see, I seem to define my life by her and what I have done for

her. Guess that's because I have devoted most of my life to her. But for me-I

love to do crafts of lots of different kinds. I sell Home and Garden Party,

and I make wreaths and go to various craft shows and sell them. I did way

too many shows this fall and now I have to pay for it by cleaning up all the

messes in my house!

This has been a very long email, but I don't write/comment often on the

things I read on here. And I never really introduced me and my family proper.

That is-never spent this much time describing them and talking about them. It

has been a strange and wonderful journey, as I said before. I had a really

hard time accepting the fact that Jasmine has DS. And even then, it was hard

to accept that she really wouldn't be like all the other kids around. I

guess I worked with her so hard all those years to try to make her like the

other

kids, but now I realize that that's just not going to happen. But it's

o.k. now. She is a wonderful girl just the way she is and I now understand

when

people say they wouldn't change their child with DS even if they could. She

is who she is. With her own personality, and her own idiosyncrasies. And

that's o.k. with us.

Now I have really spilled my guts to everyone. No holding back feelings now.

Hope you made it this far. Some of this was really hard to write.

Thank you for your time,

Toni-wife to Steve-the most wonderful man in the whole world--the

intellectual--the IN YOUR FACE boy-and Jasmine-the one who REALLY knows

our

hearts

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[Guest guest]

Hello to all, (my apologies, this will be long)

It has been a long (years) time since I have posted to the group, but I

still read posts here a few times a week. Many names here are still

familiar and I remember meeting some of you at the get-togethers that used

to happen in West Virginia.

My name is a, and I've been a member of this group almost since the

beginning, going back to IRC days, when many of us met in chat rooms.

I have a son, Nicky, DS, who is now 16, to be 17 years old in January.

I've been married over 30 years to Mark, and we also have 2 grown children

and two grandchildren.

We live in central Pennsylvania.

Life has been very busy. Nicky is a 10th grader at our local high school.

He is very included in the life of the school. He spends half of the day in

what is called the PAL program, which is academically oriented learning

support classes. He takes English, math, reading, and a PAL class which

deals with life oriented subjects. So far this year it has focused on

topics relating to employment. Nicky still needs much of his workload in

these classes modified, even though they are learning support. The

modifications vary in success from teacher to teacher. I haven't been as

involved this year in pushing for modifications as in past years. Part

because he's having a pretty successful year and part because I'm so busy.

The other half of the day he has electives, etc, in non-learning support

classes. He's chosen video broadcasting for the last two years as an

elective and enjoys learning about working with camera's etc.

He has an aide that goes with him to each class. His school program would

not be near as successful without her. We've been very fortunate to have

excellent aides throughout his school career.

Now that Nicky is older I'm pushing my own career. I've worked on internet

teams in part time capacity for the past 9 years (A hobby started with

communicating with others about down syndrome turned into a career).

Last year I quit my part time job and started part-time schooling for an

associates in web development and working contracts in web design. I'm

working almost full-time now for a local non-profit doing web and graphic

design.

I'm taking a semester break from classes to do some self-study and take life

a tiny bit slower. I've also got a husband who has been traveling 75 - 100%

of the week for his job, so things are pretty busy around here.

I'd love to hear from others whose kids have graduated from school and

entering adulthood. We see lots of decisions and issues coming up, but I'll

leave that for another time.

Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous New Year!

a

Aka Nickysmom

roll call

While we are experiencing a quite period, let's do a round of intros again.

It's been awhile and I personally would love to hear an update on your alls

kids.

I'm , married to Tim for 27+ years and mom to four kiddos, mil to two

and grandma to one beautiful little angel. My son has DS and a

seizure disorder. He currently is 14 years and loves to surf youtube.com.

We live in WV.

I just got a new laptop that has a builtin web camera. I tried it out

tonight with my oldest daughter. I can use it with Kathy and she can see

when I nod off before she hears my snoring...lol.

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I know this is a little late, but with the holidays, it's been crazy around

here!

My name is -Lori - I'm from Southern NH, living in a new home (just moved 6 wks

ago & remodeling) in the country & loving it. I have six children, three from

one marriage (21 yrs), Staci (28) (with three children of her own, Kendra (8),

& twinsTyrance (7), and Terrell (7)), (25), and (23), and three

children from my second marriage to Neil (coming up on 8 yrs), Jayda (7), Shayli

(5 w/ds) & Sophie (3). My life is full and hectic to say the least.

I am a stay at home mom & was the first time around as well. The difference this

time is that I am now a full-time student as well, with about a year & a half

left to go 'til I get that Bachelor's degree! YEAH!!!

Shayli had pneumonia when she was about a month old & was in the hospital for a

week. Since then she has been pretty healthy - minor cold every now & then and

an ear infection here & there, but doing well. She has an ASD & VSD that have

never needed surgery as they are getting smaller as she gets older. She has

never had trouble eating anything - no problems with textures etc. We started

teaching her signing at age one with the Signing Time videos(highly recommended

too BTW!!!) & she knows over 200 signs and is really starting to speak in full

sentences, although not always something we can understand. We are working on

articulation.

Shayli is in a regular pre-school & should be attending Kindergarten next year

at the small elementary school in our town, where her older sister, Jayda is

currently attending. I don't even know how many other DS children are in the

school because we're still new here, but in the spring, I will make it my

'mission' to find out. She has a full-time one-on-one aid at her pre-school that

she & I both love! It's been great for her.

I feel that Shayli is not as well developed as some on this group have been

described, but she will do things and shine in her own time! I am thankful for

the words she does say, the almost being potty trained, the dancing she LOVES to

do w/her ribbons, and the singing at the top of her lungs (however off key it

may be!). She is my special baby girl & her siblings adore her! She is very

sociable & has a way of making everyone laugh & smile. She is a joy (when she's

not being stubborn & frustrating - as she can be at times - more often than I'd

like !!).

I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

Thanks for listening, thanks for sharing all your stories, and thanks for your

inspiration!! I love reading, which is what I do mostly here.

Have a wonderful New Year - be blessed & be healthy.

In Jesus' love -

-Lori-

<)))><

roll call

While we are experiencing a quite period, let's do a round of intros again.

It's been awhile and I personally would love to hear an update on your alls

kids.

I'm , married to Tim for 27+ years and mom to four kiddos, mil to two and

grandma to one beautiful little angel. My son has DS and a seizure

disorder. He currently is 14 years and loves to surf youtube.com. We live in WV.

I just got a new laptop that has a builtin web camera. I tried it out tonight

with my oldest daughter. I can use it with Kathy and she can see when I nod off

before she hears my snoring...lol.

[Guest guest]

I need to input something here. I am hearing many comments on the " roll call "

about how some of the children aren't as advanced or developed as they are

hearing from others on the list.

While there are varying degrees of ability within the down syndrome spectrum, I

think it is important to read what people are saying.

My son is very musically and physically inclined and we support and encourage

that. Academically, he is NOT where I would like to see him, and I don't know

if he ever will be. He is very socially appropriate (most of the time) and we

really work on that because he is going to have to live in the real world and

socialize/work with the typical population. We are very proud of what he can do

socially.

But he can't count money. He has learned this year to count by 5's to 50 and is

doing touch money. But my daughter in 1st grade is quickly passing him up.

Reading is the same.. he reads at a high 2nd grade level, when I can force him

to read.

He's 17. I had wanted more for him by now. But he is who he is.

Now, he can go out with his typical peers and play a game of basketball or

football. He can learn the songs on his drum that he needs to for marching

band, and he can program the DVD (which his dad and I can't), and he knows all

the football teams and the players and their numbers... but he can't read much.

So.. while it might sound like some of the kids are high functioning all

around.. and some of the kids ARE high functioning (hate those terms but they

explain what I want to say)... for the most part.. all of our kids have

scattered levels.. and you'll find that as your children get older.. they will

excell in some areas and struggle in others.

Hmmm... just like our typical kids.. right?

Enjoy your children, encourage where you need, push where you need, but pay

attention to their successes and LOOK at what they CAN do!!! It may surprise

you.

[Guest guest]

Very well said, ! I was thinking of posting the same type of message...

Karrie is learning to read at 11 (well, relearning...autism wiped out most

everything). She is learning to count money. She can dial her home phone number.

Is she age appropriate? Heavens no!! She is just learning and this learning

might take another 3-5 years to get down.

I think as parents of kids with special needs, we tend to focus on the positives

we see in our children. There are days, like today, where Karrie has been a true

joy to be around. It makes up for the days where she screams if the wind blows

her hair. She can be the most stubborn kid, she can be so slow to move. But then

she also can say things like she did last night... " Thanks for dinner, Mom. It

was delicious " (guess maybe I need to cook more!).

I have the thoughts about how some of the kids on this list are doing extremely

well. Those secret little niggles of maybe I don't work enough with Karrie. Then

I remember where we were 3 years ago and I count my blessings!

Karrie is a beautiful, delightful 11 year old who just discovered Hanna

Montana, but still prefers Barney. She can read a little, but really hates to.

Like her sister and myself, she is very much an individual with all the little

quirks.

So hug those babies, kiss those kids. They all have their strengths, areas they

need to work on, just like everyone else. And have a Happy New Year!!

Sue mom to Kate 18 and Karrie 11 w/ds and mild autism

--

Sue

---- " M. FRANK " <michdock@...> wrote:

> I need to input something here. I am hearing many comments on the " roll call "

about how some of the children aren't as advanced or developed as they are

hearing from others on the list.

> While there are varying degrees of ability within the down syndrome spectrum,

I think it is important to read what people are saying.

> My son is very musically and physically inclined and we support and encourage

that. Academically, he is NOT where I would like to see him, and I don't know

if he ever will be. He is very socially appropriate (most of the time) and we

really work on that because he is going to have to live in the real world and

socialize/work with the typical population. We are very proud of what he can do

socially.

> But he can't count money. He has learned this year to count by 5's to 50 and

is doing touch money. But my daughter in 1st grade is quickly passing him up.

> Reading is the same.. he reads at a high 2nd grade level, when I can force him

to read.

> He's 17. I had wanted more for him by now. But he is who he is.

> Now, he can go out with his typical peers and play a game of basketball or

football. He can learn the songs on his drum that he needs to for marching

band, and he can program the DVD (which his dad and I can't), and he knows all

the football teams and the players and their numbers... but he can't read much.

> So.. while it might sound like some of the kids are high functioning all

around.. and some of the kids ARE high functioning (hate those terms but they

explain what I want to say)... for the most part.. all of our kids have

scattered levels.. and you'll find that as your children get older.. they will

excell in some areas and struggle in others.

> Hmmm... just like our typical kids.. right?

> Enjoy your children, encourage where you need, push where you need, but pay

attention to their successes and LOOK at what they CAN do!!! It may surprise

you.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ditto & Sue's comments.

Trent is 23 and is basically non-verbal, we are still working on speech and

I still feel one day his communication will be at a more acceptable level

for the greater community. He can't read, couldn't care less about writing

or maths, no idea of the value of money - he has others to do that for him.

Loves to phone his sibilings, but has no idea of the number sequence of a

telephone number - working on it. One day he may manage, but it isn't a big

deal - I could preset their numbers into the phone but I feel that could

create more problems ie. Calls at inappropriate times or continue calling

when calls go to answering machines.

He does love to travel, he is very social (thus the need to continue working

on speech), in a manner of speaking rejects being with other disabled people

- will gravitate to 'normal' people. At his day program we have had major

problems because they insist he should be in the lower functioning group

with others of similar capabilities - those who do not have the social

skills he does. When it is something that interests him (which is so much

like his older brother) he catches on and can do it fairly easily -

otherwise no interest won't make an effort - think family genetics.

If you where hopeless at maths and a slow reader, more than likely your

children will be the same and your child with DS will more than likely be

slower still. The main thing is, keep things in perspective and remember DS

really only plays a small role in their life, genetics, personaility,

community involvement all help to make the person you are. Always remember,

each child is an individual regardless of any label and they will achieve at

their own pace in different areas, more so in areas of interest.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent 23yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

Re: roll call

I need to input something here. I am hearing many comments on the " roll

call " about how some of the children aren't as advanced or developed as

they are hearing from others on the list.

While there are varying degrees of ability within the down syndrome

spectrum, I think it is important to read what people are saying.

My son is very musically and physically inclined and we support and

encourage that. Academically, he is NOT where I would like to see him, and

I don't know if he ever will be. He is very socially appropriate (most of

the time) and we really work on that because he is going to have to live in

the real world and socialize/work with the typical population. We are very

proud of what he can do socially.

But he can't count money. He has learned this year to count by 5's to 50

and is doing touch money. But my daughter in 1st grade is quickly passing

him up.

Reading is the same.. he reads at a high 2nd grade level, when I can force

him to read.

He's 17. I had wanted more for him by now. But he is who he is.

Now, he can go out with his typical peers and play a game of basketball or

football. He can learn the songs on his drum that he needs to for marching

band, and he can program the DVD (which his dad and I can't), and he knows

all the football teams and the players and their numbers... but he can't

read much.

So.. while it might sound like some of the kids are high functioning all

around.. and some of the kids ARE high functioning (hate those terms but

they explain what I want to say)... for the most part.. all of our kids have

scattered levels.. and you'll find that as your children get older.. they

will excell in some areas and struggle in others.

Hmmm... just like our typical kids.. right?

Enjoy your children, encourage where you need, push where you need, but pay

attention to their successes and LOOK at what they CAN do!!! It may

surprise you.

[Guest guest]

Oh ...That sounds wonderful...We have never been to a get together

before but would so love to do this one!! Thanks for planning it!!

S. Hancock......Selling SAVANNAH...One DREAM at a time!!!!

ReMax Professionals

912-441 6338- cell

912-897 3775- direct

912-897 1955- office

912-897 7846- fax

**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes

(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

[Guest guest]

Yeah ,

The get together sounds great! I hope we can make it with amanda's camp

schedule etc. I think we talked about that place before with the cabins.

Thanks for organizing- I think that was the main reason we stopped getting

together- lack of a willing organizing person

**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes

(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

[Guest guest]

I'm still waiting for some of you to do your roll call.......lol!

I was speaking to Connie Feda the other day (who is an angel!) about the get

togethers. mentioned it in her post, too. Im not sure why we took a

break from getting together - I know it's hard to juggle time with other family

committments, not to mention the financial costs involved in traveling. It's

time we start planning. It's time we see each other again

For East Coasters....

I'm looking at Canann Valley, a state park in West Virginia. It's been years

since I have been there - but they have lodging in the hotel, cabins and

campgrounds. They also did have a nice pool, which is important for our kids,

right?! Best of all, it's beautiful there in the mountains of WV and peaceful

and quiet. Deer are tame and they are everywhere! There is Blackwater Falls

nearby, too. I'm looking at a weekend in early August -1st or second weekend -

my family reunion is on a Sunday and I will need to coordinate the get together

with the weekend of the reunion.

Ok - anyone want to organize other get togethers?

[Guest guest]

Happy New Year

I'm Joe Meares

My bride or 18.5 years, Cheri and I have 4 daughters: 15, 13, 11 and Peyton

who turned 10 12/26 and has Ds.

She is in 3rd grade, doing well in school with few supports. She dances 3

days a week and is in high gear rehearsing for her part in a local ballet

performance of Cinderella; 3 shows in late January. Cinderella will be her

5th theatre performance. In the spring, she'll start her 4th season of dance

competition.

I am the Development Director of D.A.D.S., Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome,

helping existing Ds groups start a D.A.D.S chapter. So, if any men out there

are interested in materials (OR-Moms who want to put it in their husband's

hands!), Email me: joemeares@...

My best to all in 2008

Joe

United Tire

and---D.A.D.S.,Best Buddies, IITDA and IDSF

Joe Meares

United Tire

<http://maps./py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap & addr=4024+sville+Road & csz=I

ndianapolis%2C+Indiana+46205 & country=us> 4024 sville Road

Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

9142 Bluestone Circle

Indianapolis, Indiana 46236

<mailto:joemeares@...> joemeares@...

tel:

fax:

mobile:

<http://www.plaxo.com/click_to_call?src=jj_signature & To=317+377+1100 & Email=j

oemeares@...> 317 377 1100

317 377 1101

<http://www.plaxo.com/click_to_call?src=jj_signature & To=317+523+5888 & Email=j

oemeares@...> 317 523 5888

<https://www.plaxo.com/add_me?u=55835071248 & src=client_sig_212_1_card_join & i

nvite=1> Always have my latest info

<http://www.plaxo.com/signature?src=client_sig_212_1_card_sig> Want a

signature like this?

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of sherennav@...

Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 2:16 PM

Subject: roll call

I'm Sherenna and we (Barry, hubby of 17 years, (9DS), Nash(8), and

Annika(3)) live in Sautee, GA. A very small town about 70 miles north of

Atlanta.

is in a special ed elementary classroom and has had his same teacher

now

for about 5 years. She is wonderful - can make him do things we never see at

home! We are having feeding issues right now. He stopped eating anything but

pudding, yogurt, and milkshakes at the age of 3 - won't put anything

food-wise

with texture in his mouth. Thank goodness for Pediasure! He is beginning to

be more verbal, can do some signs, and usually says the words he signs.

Normally he doesn't initiate conversation, but will answer you when you

request

it with a yes or no. We have a very supportive family unit which we are very

grateful for. is active in Special Olympics as I am the treasurer of

our local chapter and he can't get out of it! would watch movies or

listen to music 24/7. His latest craze is listen to the answering machine

messages over and over and over again. He has even learned to record himself

and listen back.

Nash is in to any sports and played football for the first time this year.

He is

very smart in math and loves his Playstation and anything airplanes or

helicopters!

Annika is actually our most difficult child - into her terrible threes as we

call it! She love baby dolls and received a " real " baby doll for Christmas

as

she calls it. She goes to a church preschool 2 half days a week and loves it

to our surprise! She is the most loving with Coop. He will let her do

anything to him!

This is our first posting. I have been a member only a few weeks. I am a

business education teacher at our ninth grade academy and my husband is in

the

lumber business.

I look forward to reading all the posts and have gotten some good advice and

ideas from them.

Sherenna

[Guest guest]

Sue and I were just discussing how we missed the get-togethers...I'm glad

others are still interested and I truly hope we can come!!

Di

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

Re: Roll Call

> I'm still waiting for some of you to do your roll call.......lol!

>

> I was speaking to Connie Feda the other day (who is an angel!) about the

> get togethers. mentioned it in her post, too. Im not sure why we

> took a break from getting together - I know it's hard to juggle time with

> other family committments, not to mention the financial costs involved in

> traveling. It's time we start planning. It's time we see each other again

>

>

> For East Coasters....

>

> I'm looking at Canann Valley, a state park in West Virginia. It's been

> years since I have been there - but they have lodging in the hotel, cabins

> and campgrounds. They also did have a nice pool, which is important for

> our kids, right?! Best of all, it's beautiful there in the mountains of

> WV and peaceful and quiet. Deer are tame and they are everywhere! There

> is Blackwater Falls nearby, too. I'm looking at a weekend in early

> August -1st or second weekend - my family reunion is on a Sunday and I

> will need to coordinate the get together with the weekend of the reunion.

>

> Ok - anyone want to organize other get togethers?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- I'm looking at the second weekend in August-my family reunion is on the

10th (Sunday).. We may have to make our reservations quickly - it's the same

weekend as the Augusta Heritage Festival in nearby Elkins.

----

From: Linman42@...

cindysue@... ;

Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 1:26 PM

Subject: Re: Roll Call

Yeah ,

The get together sounds great! I hope we can make it with amanda's camp

schedule etc. I think we talked about that place before with the cabins.

Thanks for organizing- I think that was the main reason we stopped getting

together- lack of a willing organizing person

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.

[Guest guest]

I'll help put one together in AZ for anyone interested at McCormick Ranch

Railroad park in sdale. We had one about 6-7 years ago and it was

great! Any takers?

Kym

> Re: Roll Call

>

>

>> I'm still waiting for some of you to do your roll call.......lol!

>>

>> I was speaking to Connie Feda the other day (who is an angel!) about the

>> get togethers. mentioned it in her post, too. Im not sure why we

>> took a break from getting together - I know it's hard to juggle time with

>> other family committments, not to mention the financial costs involved in

>> traveling. It's time we start planning. It's time we see each other

>> again

>>

>> For East Coasters....

>>

>> I'm looking at Canann Valley, a state park in West Virginia. It's been

>> years since I have been there - but they have lodging in the hotel,

>> cabins and campgrounds. They also did have a nice pool, which is

>> important for our kids, right?! Best of all, it's beautiful there in the

>> mountains of WV and peaceful and quiet. Deer are tame and they are

>> everywhere! There is Blackwater Falls nearby, too. I'm looking at a

>> weekend in early August -1st or second weekend - my family reunion is on

>> a Sunday and I will need to coordinate the get together with the weekend

>> of the reunion.

>>

>> Ok - anyone want to organize other get togethers?

>>

>>