A view into the life of a family who encountered a different future than expected, but has become all the richer for it.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Cars

Yesterday Victoria met with her physical therapist, Candace. Candace was so impressed by how Victoria is standing up from the floor, taking steps and cruising on furniture so well. She also commented on how huge it was that Victoria WANTS to do these things on her own. We don't have to prod and push her to do anything. She said this is a sign that Victoria has high cognitive levels, which was so encouraging to hear! She said normally Down's babies are content to do nothing. Victoria is the total opposite. She can't stand to be held still for long at all. She WANTS to be down on the floor going, going, going. So, these are all very wonderful signs that our baby girl is on the high-functioning end of Down syndrome. Yeah!

Candace wanted me to work with Victoria on using a push toy a little more so she can work on her balance. After Candace left, I had Victoria pushing a little car that Elyssa and Natalie both used as babies. The first few times Victoria pushed it, she lost her balance and fell. But, boy ... shortly after that, she was pushing that car like a pro. It was so fun to watch her!

I thought you'd want to see her wonderful progress! She's a cutie!

PS - You'll notice that when she pushes the car to the chair or wall and cannot go any further, she gets mad. I think that is the funniest!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Long Awaited "Walking" Video

Many of you have asked about Victoria and if she is walking yet. She has started taking several steps and we are thrilled. I think the most steps we have counted are around 12. Those are small steps, mind you, but we still count them all! The cutest thing of all is that Victoria laughs while she walks most of the time. I think she is so proud that she is walking that she cannot contain her happiness!

So, here you go! Enjoy viewing our little miracle of God taking some of her first steps!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Buddy Walk Results

We had a wonderful time walking at Hank Aaron Stadium with family and friends for the Buddy Walk. We raised over $800 for the Down Syndrome Society of Mobile in honor of Victoria and were quite pleased with that!

Elyssa and Natalie loved walking with their sister! They especially loved the yummy cupcakes from Buttercream Dreams that they ate after their one-mile walk! They also enjoyed their visit on the fire truck and Coast Guard helicopter.

It turned out to be a beautiful day and we couldn't have felt more blessed to walk alongside Victoria! Thanks to all who donated funds in her honor! We love you all!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Buddy Walk Update

Thanks to friends and family we have raised over $375 for the Buddy Walk in honor of Victoria Jayne so far! It is still not too late to donate toward the Down Syndrome Society or to commit to walk with us in the Buddy Walk THIS Saturday at Hank Aaron Stadium. Registration starts at 9am and the walk begins at 10am with tons of games, food and entertainment to follow! We would love to have friends and family walk along side us as we honor our special little girl!

Make sure you let us know if you'd like to walk with us so we can meet you at the front entrance of Hank Aaron Stadium Saturday morning.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Buddy Walk

Hello friends!

We will be participating in the 2nd Annual Buddy Walk with our daughter, Victoria Jayne, to help raise money for the Down Syndrome Society of Mobile on October 10th. If you would like to participate with us or would be willing to make a donation, please let me know.

The registration for the walk begins at 9am at Hank Aaron Stadium and the walk begins at 10am. This is a non-competitive one-mile walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. At the conclusion of the walk, there will be carnival-type games open for the kids, musical entertainment, food and many other fun things that the entire family will enjoy.

You may register to walk at www.dssmc.org or you may do so the morning of October 10th when you arrive at the stadium. All walkers pay $10 and kids under 3 are FREE! Anything given above $10 to the walk is considered a donation. All registered walkers will receive a T-shirt to commemorate the day.

If you do plan to walk with our family in honor of Victoria Jayne, please let me know so we can meet you at the entrance of the stadium. If you are unable to walk but would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can do so in honor of Victoria at www.dssmc.org.

We look forward to a special day in which we can honor our special little girl, Victoria Jayne!