World Down Syndrome Day 2018

This year we encourage our friends to Rock the Socks for March 21st, also known as World Down Syndrome Day. The reason the socks were first started as an awareness point was because of karotypes. When karotypes of chromosomes are looked at under a microscope, they resemble funny colored socks.

We shared this post to help spread the word:

1. It's a good visual to start raising discussions about DS

2. They celebrate differences.

3. They also signify our similarities. Whilst the patterns or colors on each sock differ, as chromosome counts do between those with DS and those without, there are more similarities. They are made of the same material, have the same shape and importantly, have the same purpose. Each sock performs its role equally well, and works even better with the other by its side.

We wore our socks and displayed our T21 shirts. T21 stands for trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome. 

 Evan's shadow and his teacher greeted us with fun socks that morning at school.

It was a fun day & a great way to help inform & educate others. 

St. Patrick's Day Party

Our friend Jude celebrated his 3rd birthday on St. Patrick's Day. He had a green party! The boys had a good time on the playground, ate green cake, green ice cream, green donuts, and green popcorn. Alex's favorite part was chasing Jude's older sister, Ivy, around the playground.

Swamp Rabbits Hockey Game

Evan scored 4 tickets to the Swamp Rabbit hockey game in Greenville for this 6th birthday through his Pepsi Pack. We had never been to a game so decided to go last minute, since they only had a couple of weeks left of the season. The boys loved it, although I think Evan got a little too overly stimulated. We ate Dippin' Dots, popcorn, and got souvenir shirts. The ADA section was perfect for us with Evan able to stay seated in his chair.

Evan's 6th Birthday

We held Evan's birthday party at the Chick-fil-A like we did for Alex. I hired a caricature artist whom was fabulous. She did an awesome job. Jerry's birthday was the next day. That weekend Jenay & Ted came to visit and we all drove up to Chimney Rock to visit.

Happy birthday, Evan! You are becoming such a big boy.

 Vince picked up the Pepsi pack for 6th birthdays. It had loads of goodies in it, including tickets to see the hockey team & zoo passes.

Chimney Rock was not crowded that weekend so we ventured there for the day.

Yearly Check-ups & Winter Events

The boys had their yearly check-ups with Dr. Parra. Alex went for his 4 year check-up. Evan went for his 6 year check-up. Both are doing well. We survived the winter!

Alex is starting to learn a few site words in books. He is absorbing information like a sponge. I have a feeling he will be teaching his 4K class next year.
Evan grew 2 1/2 inches this year. He is reaching everything! He's making steady progress with eye contact and increase attention span to tasks. The most exciting thing is that Evan lost his first tooth! I noticed it was wiggly when I brushed his teeth one morning. He pushed on it with his tongue for about a week and finally Vince pulled it the week before his 6th birthday.

His permanent tooth was right there waiting when Vince pulled the baby tooth. He didn't waste anytime on a gap. 

My cousin DeLeigh sent the cutest tooth fairy pillow a few years ago. The tooth fairy brought $1 and some magnets. 

I ordered the boys' shirts online for Valentine's Day. I made a mistake and got a small adult instead of small kids' shirt for Alex. He insisted on wearing the shirt that looked like a night shirt it was so long. Evan wore a cute dinosaur with hearts on it.

Alex had Clown Day at school. He rocked the outfit.

Vince & I attended a benefit for the Hope Center for Children.