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[Guest guest]

Hi to everyone, Gosh to Gail and , I know having four must be time

consumming. When we got Annice last December*(adopted from Russia) I didn't

think another would make a big difference and its overwhelming how much of a

difference it has made. She is everything we hoped for as far as getting a

healthy daughter and challenge for Greyson and she and are on the same

level and they are working and learning together. Its been wonderful but its

hard on me and Drew.

You know reading all these wonderful stories, and reliving the difficult

pregnancys and births it reminds me how hard that first year was for me and my

husband but more so for me. I think it was harder for me since I envisioned the

perfect pregnancy and birth and then I was the one taking them to therapies and

doctors and just worring all the time. I want to say to all the parents of young

children it gets better - so so much better. Now I really don't think about down

syndrome really. That is who is and I adore him and I can't imagine him any

other way. the other thing is that I know Greyson and Annice and Drew and myself

and all the lives touches will be better people because of him. It has been

interesting. Gresyon is a very wild typical somewhat hyper rough boy. But when

he is playing with he is so sweet and caring and he really looks out for

him I actually would not have really believed this but one day I substituted

taught at their preschool and I was able to secretly watch them. they were

lining up to go inside from the playground and had not lined up, he was

behind the tree where the teachers could not see him the teachers were counting

to make sure they got everyone and Greyson noticed was missing and went and

very sweetly got him up and walked him back into line. It was just lovely. The

next thing is when Annice came home. She had not gotten much individulalized

attention so we were trying to make her feel at home and to reassure our boys we

wern't going anywhere again. We were gone for 13 days right before Christmas and

we had never left them before. But immediately Annice knew she could play rough

and torment greyson and having all those sibling rivalries(sp?) but with

she was and still is so gentle and sweet where she will in the next instant

tackle gresyson and loves watching them and laughing. anyway I just think

we have the perfect family for us and I do remember how scary it was in the

begining and the just not really knowing what to expect and its just turning out

wonderful. the other thing is because of not using his hands that first

year I had one therapist that was really gloom and doom about what 's life

would be. I would have switched but she was the only one that really worked him

hard and we were making the most progress with her. Then one day she and the

other therapist all said you know we were really worried about him but we think

he will be fine. It was after the eye surgery - he just became a new person.

But that bring up another question I have especially since so many have

premature births like we did. What sort of sensory integration issues are others

having?? I have them with both and Greyson. are mainly focused on his

hands(fine motor) and mouth(eating. But Gresyon I have been told is at risk for

ADD and learning problems due to prematurity and sensory. He is seeing an OT

also. Gresyon also has eating problem - he only east junk food and crunchy

textures - where eats only pureed and soft textures. Gresyon won't touch

fruits or veggies because of texture.

One last thing, in my into I mention my friend that has twin girls born 2 days

before my boys. She is going to join the group. Her girl twins are (DS)

and and their older sister Lucy. I just thought this was so wonderful to

hear from other parents I wanted he to know about this also. I don't know what

we would have done without her especially that first year. So in closing I love

that there are a variey of ages in this group and I too look forward to hearing

how 's boys do at school. Our boys turn three in October so we are just

starting the transition process. they will continue to be in the same class next

year at a regular preschool and I am so lucky our fabulous babysitter and friend

will be their teacher next year. thats all for now. Bye

Margaret

and Greyson ( 2years 10 mos) Annice 15 mos.