Thursday, June 18, 2015

Comparisons

CJ does not have all of the facial characteristics of Down syndrome, which leads to a two fold conversation.  For a good majority the idea that he has Ds doesn't come naturally and the awkward conversation centered around him not reaching milestones on time takes place. Once they realize he has Ds, the usual responses center on how he doesn't look like it, am I sure he does and/or he must not have it that much. 
I have the genetic test results. He in fact does have Down syndrome; and outside of mosaic Ds, there are not degrees like there is of the doness of your steak. He has his mother's lips and if you really want proof check out one of my favorite parts of him - his Palmer creases on his palms. They make for sweet hand prints. 
Running on CJ time usually does not lead for comparisons to fall CJ's direction, but everyone once in a while the comments of "you need to hurry up and grow as big as CJ" come along. Not bad for a middle of the standard growth chart kid ;).

Friday, June 5, 2015

...but what about CJ

It is no secret that I have a soft heart and have a hard time saying no when Iowa Kids Net calls...unless of course, they call at 3am, then I find it rather easy to say no and no.
I know I am not the only person who gets questioned concerning the impact foster care has on my "real" child.  First of all, glad you consider him "real" in this situation, now if we could just work on  the concept overall...

CJ is social...I know it takes a lot to figure that out, haha.  He loves watching kids play and being around people.  In the past two months I have watched him light up on two separate nights - both when a surplus of people were around due to foster care transitions.  I have watched him figure out how to climb over babies on the floor, and stop to pat the baby on the back.  I have marveled as he entertained those younger than him and rock the empty car seat back and forth.

He has taught someone half his age to crawl and been motivated to get moving by another toddler. 

Our lives would be very different without all of CJs siblings and I wouldn't have it any other way.