I don't have anything profound to say or feel like reflecting over the whole Down syndrome thing. Riley has been such a typical lil stinker of a three year old that most days it doesn't feel like he is any different than his brother was a three. Rex talked more and was a bit calmer and less likey to jump off of anything and everything that he could find but my mom friends tell me thats pretty typical for a 2nd child.
I do have a great story to share about Rex attending a birthday party for a school friend yesterday. His buddy John Paul has been very interested in Riley all school year but as we were dropping Rex off at the YMCA for the swim party John Paul came over to see us. He always has something to say and tries to get Riley to say peace. Rex and his buddies all pound their chest and then throw the peace sign out while saying PEACE. Its pretty funny when the 7 year olds do it but stinkin hysterical that they taught Riley. So when John Paul ran over to see Riley we didn't think much of it. He then has quite a conversation with Justin where he proceeds to ask "so Riley has a a a disability?" Justin confirms that yes Riley has Down syndrome. JP then says "so will it be taken care of in about a year or so?" How Justin managed to keep a straight face is beyond me but he tells JP that actually Riley will always have Down syndrome. JP then says "oh really" and is content to give Riley Peace again and then proceeds to walk over to Rex and ask "did you teach Riley peace?" Rex says "ya" and then JP says "well ya need to teach him the ABC's now".
Rex really has made some of the nicest friends at school. John Paul's mom has been fighting cancer over the last year and I'm sure that is part of the reason he thought that Ds would be "taken care of" in the next year or so. I so love that after Justin tells him that he will always have Ds he is totally and complete indifferent about it. Its just Rex's little brother and that is all that matters.
For those of you fans of the Ella and Riley romance here are a couple of photo's of two of the funniest kiddos I know. These two have more personality than most will ever dream of.
For those keeping score the wedding is back on!
Awww, that story about Rex's little buddy is too sweet! I love how accepting little kids are of our kids, I know it will grow with them and it is just so great. I think the little Riley's and Ella's of the world are making a big difference in other's perception of disabilities!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story! I love the pictures of Riley and Ella they are just too cute together!
ReplyDeleteToo too sweet! My son's elementary is a fully integrated school and I have witnessed how wonderfully a part of the school these students are. While my generation grew up with little to no exposure of special students, I think that the kids today see it as normal. And that is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAs to the happy couple, I am so in love! Cute beyond words!
They are the cutest ever!
ReplyDeleteOur school is fully integrated too, and Edward spends a lot of time with a little girl named Emma Grace who has Down Syndrome. He absolutely loves her and today after school ran over to say goodbye to her and gave her a quick hug. I love his descriptions of some of his other classmates, particularly a few nonverbal children. He will talk about the things they like to do and the foods they enjoy and will then just say that they "can't talk with their mouths," but that you "still know what they are trying to say by their actions."