With pigtails, a fanny pack, and plastic minnie mouse ears, I was in second grade when my love of Disney World began. From family vacations, dance trips, choir trips, and even a quick stop at the Magic Kingdom during my honeymoon, I’ve visited the parks at random intervals for the …
Potty training. We’ve been at it for almost a year with Harper. And my gut reaction is failure. Why is this so hard? Why am I taunted by all the little toddlers running around in underwear? Oh no, her brother is now behind too. The diapers will never go away. …
As I dressed Harper in the toddler-sized leotard and tights, pulling her hair into a tight high ponytail, my heart lept with excitement. Harper would be attending her first dance class. When we learned that Harper would be a girl on that brisk December day, when she was still safely …
Sometimes I forget that just because Harper isn’t talking yet, doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what is going on. As summer break approached for her special education preschool class, I started preparing her the best I could. Because her whole body communicates how much she loves being there. And I …
Harper turned 4 years old this month. And since we had an at-birth Down syndrome diagnosis, it also marks the beginning of our journey as parents of a special needs child. But we’ve come a long way from the initial shock of that life-changing diagnosis. And there are four great …
Somedays I can almost forget that I’m parenting a child with special needs. Just trotting along down the path, enjoying the scenery and completely enthralled with the beauty and joy Harper exudes. But sometimes I look up and realize that I’m on a different path than the majority. And it …
It’s 4:45 pm and I’m getting dinner on the table. Yes, we eat super early because we have toddlers. And we love eating as a family. So that means an early dinner. After dinner, we clean up, read a few books, play with magnet-tiles, say no to a snack, play …
Inclusion is the prized possession in the special needs world. It’s what everyone seems to be fighting for and advocating for. You win if your child is fully included in a general education classroom. So, what happens when your child is not included? What about if you choose a special …
“I mean, I know he won’t go to kindergarten in diapers.” This was the statement that brought solace to a young mom in the trials of potty training. At the time I was newly married and even the thought of having a child was not on my radar. So, this …
“Did you know?” It’s a question I often get after talking about my daughter who has Down syndrome. People are curious if we had a prenatal diagnosis or an at-birth diagnosis. I guess it’s like my origin story into the world of Down syndrome. With sophisticated testing options, it is …
