Oh Where Did You GO, October?

Can you believe it is NOVEMBER?! Guys, it feels like we JUST celebrated the Fourth of July. Heck, it feels like we just had Christmas. As you may, or may not have noticed, the blog has been neglected a little. I still love you all, however, life has been exciting. So exciting that whenever I get a chance to sit down, I usually choose to veg on one of my guilty pleasure T.V. shows (Nashville, anyone?) or to read a few pages of a book, before the moment passes.

However, here is a quick recap of our October:

As many of you know, October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. On our social media sites, we posted a few Down Syndrome facts, as well as our feelings about DS. We wanted to share them all on here as well, just to have them all in one place, as well as share them with those who are not on social media. Enjoy!

1. October has always been a favorite month around here with the crispness of fall, Halloween, the colors, mama B's birthday and now even more so since Caleb joined us because it is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! A whole month to promote DS awareness, inclusion, advocacy and accomplishments. Celebrate these amazing individuals with us this month as we share little facts and tidbits about Caleb's journey so far.‪#‎t21‬ ‪#‎lukeandcalebexplorelife‬ ‪#‎downsyndromeawareness‬

2. Let's start with some happiness numbers. In a recent study, 99% of individuals with Down Syndrome over age 12 reported they are happy with their lives and like who they are. 88% of siblings said they were better people for having a sibling with Down Syndrome and 97% of parents are proud of their child.

Luke has adored Caleb from day one. He cheers him on, helps him constantly and always has a big hug and kiss for him. Likewise, Caleb gets excited whenever Luke is near. We can honestly say the love and joy in our home has increased tenfold since Caleb has joined us. We are, indeed, #theluckyfew!

#downsyndromeawareness #lukeandcalebexplorelife #t21

3.  If you were like us, you know what Down Syndrome is, but you don't really KNOW what it is. I think that might be where some of the fear comes from. Scientifically, Trisomy 21,the most common type of Down Syndrome (there are 3 types), is when there is an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. That's it. Just one little extra chromosome. Researchers really don't know why or how this happens, especially since majority of those with Trisomy 21 are not genetically linked.

Not so scientifically, Trisomy 21 is when there is extra awesomeness, love, joy and beauty embedded in every ounce of the individual. 

We have been blessed with the opportunity to meet many families and individuals with DS since Caleb's birth and let me tell you, every single one brings tears to my eyes with their examples and achievements. Caleb has been surprising us left and right with his abilities and I think we are just seeing the beginning of what these awesome lights are capable of as we allow them to shine more and more. #dsawarenessmonth2015 #inclusion #t21 #downrightawesome

 

 

4.  One myth about Down Syndrome that we have heard heart breaking stories about from parents who have been nothing but pioneers in paving the path for people with DS, is that they will not have good quality of life or be able to contribute to society in any way. Did you know that just 30 years ago doctors were still strongly encouraging parents to immediately institutionalize their babies with DS and today, 90% of those who find out while pregnant, terminate that pregnancy because they are told this myth or have been given this notion over and over again?

The truth is, with quality educational programs, stimulating home environments, good health care and positive, supportive family, friends and communities, people with DS can live to their fullest potential. Many go to college, have jobs, get married, create their own businesses and live very fulfilling, independent lives. It might be a little harder for them, but with the right tools, they can and will blow us away with what they can achieve, no matter what they do!

YouTube "Down Syndrome athletes" or "Down Syndrome entrepreneurs" or just "Down Syndrome" and smile at all they do. #downsyndromeawareness #rubysrainbow @rubysrainbow #iamcollegebound #nothingdownaboutit #heneedscalpolyswag

 

 

5. In this little man's short four months of life, he has seen more specialists and doctors than our family combined. We don't share that to make people feel sad, but rather to express our gratitude for those that have taken our hands and guided us on this new journey, making sure little Caleb is getting everything he needs to stay strong. He amazes us every single appointment we go to with how tolerant he is of what we put him through.

Little random fact, those with an extra chromosome tend to have lower muscle tone which contributes to a lot of the problems they have as babies. Which is mostly what we are working on right now. Don't worry, he is a Rockstar.

Even though we have more visits to Primary Children's and our weeks are a little more exciting, we wouldn't trade it for anything. Honestly. I'm not lying! He is worth every trip, plus some.

Confession: sometimes I just hold him and breathe in his goodness and it's not weird because I'm his mom. #dsawarenessmonth2015 #t21 #downrightawesome #nothingdownaboutit

 

 

Now, onto other happenings this past month...

 

We started the month with General Conference. Luke still loved the choir, as he did last time. It is fun to see him stop completely what he is doing and just listen to them sing. He now thinks any kind of conference looking ordeal on T.V. is general conference.

 

 

We also got to get together with some old neighbors to go to the Pack Family Farms Pumpkin Patch. This is the same family we went with last year and had not seen them since February. Their little man and Luke were such little buddies, so it was fun to see them just pick up where they left off. Luke LOVED the farm vehicles and was quite particular in the pumpkin he chose. He would touch one, we would ask if he wanted that one, he would reply, "No. Not that one," then it would happen all over again. And again. AND again. Can you tell what stage we are in with this spirited toddler?! Caleb just hung out and managed to be the only one not bit by any mosquitoes.  That was a miracle!

His finished pumpkin! "Silly in the light. Angry in the dark."

Was not so sure about the guts

"What is it mama?"

With his cute friend at In 'n Out after the pumpkin patch

"There's Frank!" Luke loves swathers and loves the  movie, "Cars." He was in heaven

"Look at all these pumpkins!" This was also after he got a mouthful of mosquitoes

Little pumpkin head in the pumpkin patch

"Nope. That's not the one."

Grandma came to visit a few times in October, which we ALWAYS enjoy visits from grandma. One day, we took her to Wheeler Farm, which Luke now calls the farm where Otis lives. Otis is a tractor from a cute little book he got from Aunt Haley and Uncle Jared when Caleb was born. Wheeler Farm is a historical farm in Salt Lake that has animals, tractors (old and new), dirt and an awesome playground. Grandma had never been before so it was fun taking her. 

For Halloween this year, we played off Luke's love for farm machinery and his slight obsession with grandpa Green. He was the farmer, Dallin was his tractor, Caleb was a carrot and I was broccoli. We got all dressed up and trick-or-treated our little block. Only one house had their lights off, and we even got to join in with some of Luke's friends who were out trick-or-treating. This was the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating we had been in for a long time. Our candy we handed out was gone by 8:30pm! There were so many out and about. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and once we got Luke to understand he didn't need to go into each house to tell them about his pumpkin full of candy, we just enjoyed visiting with neighbors.

Carrot and broccoli

Sweet boys

My little carrot head

A farmer on his John Deere

Trick-or-treating!

At Dallin's work trick-or-treating

Caleb was not feeling so well at the work party

With Luke being the curious Cathy he is, I have been trying to come up with things to keep his inquisitive mind busy. Nana sent me a Pinterest idea that we decided to try. It turned out great and ended in a bath to cleanse my paint covered toddler. He has a lot of spunk and exhausts me with his zest for life on a daily basis. Love him to the ends of the universe. 

What my house looks like at the end of days we don't have activities...

LOVING the fall leaves

Got the Target toy catalog. All day. Every day.

Sweet Caleb has figured out toys!

I come out from putting Caleb down for a nap one day to Luke helping himself to some yogurt

Painting hands!

Our project one day. Luke loved getting his foot painted

Good thing he's cute

Showers are a common activity

Donuts are a new favorite

Momlife. Not a moment of privacy

Both boys had their well-child check-ups this month; Luke for his 30-month, Caleb for his 4-month. Both are healthy and strong little boys! Luke tried to convince me that only Brother and Sister Bear needed to see the Dr. (we read a lot of Bernstein Bears around here), but eventually let us measure him after many tears and his best efforts to overpower two full sized adults. He definitely has spirit! I came across a book titled, "Raising Your Spirited Child." As I read the review for it, I cried laughing at how spot on it described Luke. In my 10 years of experience in the behavior field with clients who had some pretty intense behaviors, my own child is the one to completely stump me as to what to do. Dallin jokes that it is because he learned all my tactics in the womb...

 

However, his doctor was quite impressed he is potty trained, day and night. All it took was the right timing, a few drops of food coloring in the toilet when he went and wa-lah! He decided he was potty-trained. 

 

 

Caleb's doctor was VERY impressed with him and his development. She gave him major kudos, as well as us for helping him stay on track. Thank you for healthy babies!

 

 Hope all are doing well, getting ready for Thanksgiving! We are focusing more on service in the Green household, and want to challenge y'all to do the same. It can be as simple as making sure you say out loud those compliments you are thinking in your head or just saying thank you for something someone has done. Really, just reaching out and making someone's day a little brighter, each day. Happy November!

PS not a fan of daylight savings time. We were up at 5am, 2-days in a row...