Well, this video turned out a little longer than what I had planned...but there were so many pics and videos to show...Brayden will be turning 3 in just 2 months and we are prepping for his IEP...this video should give his new educators a bit of our Brayden boy!

Just don't mind all the spit on his chin from talking so much...Lol.

That's right...my little guy is going to run the runway on February 12, 2011. Our local DS society is holding a sweetheart luncheon with fashion show and we were able to attend last year as well...but last year our little guy wasn't quite walking on his own, but now will be able to RUN the runway if they let him?

I have just been terrible about keeping up with blogging...and I sooo love blogging and reading all of my friends blogs. I am going to try and have this be an attempt to keeping up with it. Christmas came and went and was wonderful...too many pictures to post, so I will just begin with January. We are all doing well, keeping busy as ever and enjoying LIFE!

Cody finished up his outdoor soccer comp league with CVSA in December...and has already began his indoor league. He will be trying out for comp again in 2 weeks. He has an awesome coach and we hope to continue with him this next year. Cody has grown so much in his soccer level of playing and his confidence. He is doing well in school and just finished his wrestling season with all wins, pins except for 2...he loved this sport as well.

Kaylee has began an indoor soccer league as well and is loving it. She is doing so well in school too and is busy with dance. Her competitions begin this next month, with one every month up until July...so we will be busy!

Brayden is developing and growing in so many ways also. We just went to his ENT doctor appt for the year and his ears look great and his hearing is great, so no need for tubes or any other appts....the doctor will see him once per year. We have been so fortunate with this little guy ...he has been so healthy. We all just had a really bad cold, but that is it for the year...thank goodness. He is running all around, climbing, pushing chairs to get up to where he needs to go or WANTS to be...he is starting to really communicate with more signs and gibber gabber...starting to count objects, speedy with his puzzles, loves reading books, and just a joy to be around. He is doing awesome in Preschool...well early infant preschool that is...he is listening and following direction, signing, singing, washing hands before snack (only with a washcloth, wipies still an issue) , doing some art play...he LOVES being around the other children and interacting with them.
Brayden still is going to OT once per week and doing really well with that as well, and has ST once per week and also progressing with that. We are very pleased with all his therapists and goals...One GOAL though that he is still stubborn with is drinking from a cup/ straw...ongoing issue but he is attempting to fake drink with them...that's a start! We'll get there...I need to also work with him a little bit more than I have.

Jared and I are doing great and are looking forward to a weekend get away this weekend. Going to Las Vegas with some close friends and can NOT wait! Ok, so now I feel a little more updated...next post will be some fun stuff! Hopefully...

I know I have neglected my blog...and I feel so bad for that...I have so many posts to catch up on and I will...I felt compelled to post today for a reason that has been on my mind since I woke up...December 2nd...this is a date that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is no longer a date that is HARD to think back on though...

3 years ago I can remember the day being cold, dark outside, foggy and dreary...similar to the feelings I felt when the phone rang at 5:30 from my OB stating he wanted Jared and I to drive down to his office after closing...I KNEW in that instant MY life, Jared's life, my other two children's lives were about to CHANGE forever...(little did I know at that time it would be THE best blessing EVER).

The tears that flowed as my heart sank listening to the confirmation of the amniocentesis of the results that our baby boy had Down syndrome...Yes, I was one that had an amnio as I was given the chance of 1:22...for us, we needed to know to prepare ourselves all we could...that is a personal decision, but that is what we decided and so thankful we did. I was 19 1/2 weeks pregnant and feeling those flutters and small kicks by him just gave me the assurance that everything was going to be ok. I wanted so bad at that moment in time of finding out the results for those to be confirmed "negative " but of course God helped us get through those next few hours, days and weeks to feel peace and comfort with the fact our baby boy did indeed have Down syndrome. I am NOT going to lie, that was the hardest time of our lives. Through personal prayers, family prayers and so much support, we let Faith and Hope take us through the rest of our pregnancy.....and NOW 3 years later from that exact day, I look at our amazing,cute, smart,healthy, curious 2 year old toddler and I can NOT imagine life without him! God chose us to be his parents...he trusted me enought to take care of this special spirit warms my heart every single morning I wake up...

I love all 3 of my children with all my heart...we have been blessed beyond measure...I thank God everyday... I want to send a special hug to all of the DS families out there...I have yet to meet so many of you in person, but I love you all...Some have had difficult journeys with Down syndrome and I pray for you ...all the time...some having medical issues right now, some have passed away, I can not imagine the pain you have had to endure...please know that this DS community is quite special...to all my friends and family who are a part of our lives, THANK for always being there for us...Brayden is SO blessed to have so many of you a part of his life, acceptance and LOVE has been provided by all of you and it means so much...Down syndrome is not who Brayden is, but just a part of him... this extra chromosome that he has is really magical as I see HOW magical he is everyday... I can only pray that someone may come across this post that has just found out they are expecting a child with Down syndrome or may be having a child with Down syndrome and feel comfort.

We are quite busy in soccer season ...Cody is playing for CVSA a division 1 team and is doing great...He plays year round and we are amazed at his skill level. He has a great coach who has played all his life as well. They are currently undefeated except for our last tournament we played in...they came in 2nd place barely with the score being 3-4...Seeing 12 boys all 9 years old cry, broke my heart...they played hard and wanted that 1st place medal soooo bad! Next time boys!