Pizza and Movie Night

A few weeks ago, the kids had pizza and movie night. Since we had been busy with the holidays, I hadn't used Brennan's stander in a while (he's supposed to use it for a short period of time every day to help strengthen his legs). So, I figured I'd let dinner time be his stander time. The second I put Brennan in the stander, Jenna, Tanner and Parker grabbed their plates and came over to eat with him.

Then it was time for the movie. Obviously, Brennan would much rather talk to his siblings than watch a movie.

So cute!

Bones???

Jenna, Brennan and I were sitting together recently when Jenna looked at Brennan and then asked me "where's Brennan's extra bone?" With a confused look on my face I said "he doesn't have an extra bone!" to which she replied, "yes he does, mom - you said people with Down syndrome have an extra bone." At which point I realized that she had confused "bone" with "chromosome." I remember my friend and fellow-mom, Jennifer, writing about a good way to explain Down syndrome to kids called the "chromosome cake." So, I used this method and explained to Jenna how cakes are made with eggs, flour, oil, sugar and vanilla and that having Down syndrome is like adding more of any one ingredient. I told her the extra ingredient may make the cake fluffier or richer, but that the cake would still be delicious. This explanation seemed to make sense to her as she responded, "then I hope Brennan's extra ingredient is sugar so he'll always be sweet."

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Winter has definitely arrived here in New England! Luckily, our littlest man doesn't mind the cold. In fact, we recently discovered that Brennan LOVES sledding. The faster he goes, the happier he is.And could he be any cuter in his snow bibs?

Brennan's First Visit with Santa

We went to a Christmas party at Brennan's Early Intervention Center yesterday and Brennan had his first visit with Santa. His reaction was classic.......

At first he was a little scared of the man in the red suit

Then he took a minute to check him out (someone handed him bells, too - which helped to distract him)

And decided that Santa's not so scary after allPriceless.

Lil' Dipper, Anyone??

I recently asked an Occupational Therapist at Brennan's Early Intervention Center for recommendations on how to help Brennan learn to feed himself with a spoon. She said that Gerber Lil' Dippers were a good beginner utensil. They have a large rubber handle which is easy to hold and a flat end so it doesn't matter which direction the utensil is facing, thus giving the child the most opportunities for success. We've only used them a couple of times, so I can't give a personal report on their success - but they seem like a good little tool. I found them on e-bay for a really good price, so I have 4 packages (with 2 Dippers per package) that I would like to send to anyone who would like to give them a try. Just send me and e-mail at brennansbeginnings@yahoo.com.

Awesome Trike

My friend Julia sent me the link to this trike and I just LOVE it! With the harness and seat frame, I think it will be perfect for Brennan as it will give him the extra support he needs. As an added bonus, pieces of the bike can be taken off as he grows and no longer needs them. Brennan's siblings spend alot of time riding their bikes in the spring, summer and fall and I'm excited for Brennan to be able to join them.

Magazines

There are two magazines I have found that are for parents of children with special needs. The first is Parenting Special Needs Magazine, which is a free online magazine. After a quick browse, it seems like a good source of accurate information as well as inspiration. The second is Exceptional Parent Magazine which is available in print and online by paid subscription. I have subscribed to this magazine for about a year and have found useful information in each issue. Please let me know if there are any other magazines for parents of children with special needs that you know of and would like to share.