Saturday, November 08, 2008

New Brothers Name

New brothers name is Ian James Peterson.

Friday, November 07, 2008

New Little Brother

Mommy had my new little brother this morning at 6:22 AM. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 14 ozs. and was 21 1/4 inches long. Both mom and new brother are doing great!




















Thursday, October 16, 2008

WNZR

Welcome to all of those who heard my mom and dad get interviewed on WNZR this morning! For starters, mom and dad are going to try really hard to update this sight a little more often. Next if you want to read my story from the beginning you'll have to click on "2005" on the right hand side of this page, then scroll down to the bottom of that page and click "older posts," and then scroll down to the bottom of that page and that should be the first post on her blog. You should be able to find your way from there. It's been an interesting journey these last three plus year, but one my whole family is so grateful for! Enjoying reading all about me!!!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Update

Sorry for not updating as much as I should, but here are some updates:

Preschool is going so much better! I don't cry anymore and I usually don't even want to leave when dad comes to get me. I've learned so much there and mom and dad are so proud.

My arthritis has really come under control lately; I can even keep up with Simon now! For a while there I struggled with anemia do to my arthritis medicine, but my last two blood tests showed that is now within normal ranges.

The Buddy Walk was so much fun. Thank to everybody who showed up, helped, gave money, or just wished us well. We raised almost $2000! I'm also Miss May in the anual calendar our associations makes. If you want one they cost $10.

Mom and dad will be on a local radio show to talk about me and down syndrome for down syndrome awarenss month on Thursday the 16th at 7:45 AM. WNZR (90.9) for all of you in the Mount Vernon area (though you might be able to find it on their web sight as well). They are a bit nervous about doing it, so they picked the station where they know the dj's to start and might try to go on a few of the bigger stations in the area if this one goes well.

And last but not least, my new little brother should be here within the next month!

I love you all!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

First week of Preschool...

Let's just say it was tough. There were tears every day, and not just mine. But I made it through every day and ended up having lots of fun. Here's some pictures from my first day...

Here's one of me of getting my hair brushed that morning:

Here's one of Simon cheesing cause he knows he's gonna get mommy to himself all morning long now:

Looking all cute with my new bookbag:


Me and Mommy:

Going in the kids door:

Playing with play dough at my table:

Friday, August 29, 2008

Tips...

I found this on another blog:

Sarah Palin has just joined John McCain as his running mate, and she took the stage in Dayton accompanied by her husband Todd and four of her five children — including youngest son Trig, who was born in April. (Oldest son Track is in the Army, and will deploy to Iraq next month.)

A few minutes before Palin appeared, I heard David Gergen on CNN referring to Trig Palin as “a Down syndrome child.”

Ouch.We can do better than that.

It’s worth remembering that people with Down syndrome are just that — people — and should be referred to as such. Let’s make an extra effort, when discussing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to say that Trig “has Down syndrome,” or is a “child with Down syndrome.”

Using language that puts the person first sends a strong message that people should not be defined by their disabilities. Like all Americans, people with disabilities deserve our respect and consideration.

And while we’re on the subject, let me offer some guidance on disrespectful language to avoid in discussing the lives of people who have Down syndrome.

Please, people, let’s not say that they “suffer” from Down syndrome, or that they are “afflicted” by Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that doesn’t interfere with a person’s ability to lead a happy, satisfying and productive life, and to contribute to their family and community.

Please, don’t refer to Trig as a “Down’s child,” a “Down syndrome child,” or “a Downs.” This is outdated language that demeans in its assumption that a person’s disability is the most important thing about them. And I shouldn’t have to tell you that old-fashioned terms like “mongoloid” and “mongol” are considered insulting by the disability community.

Looking for more information? Here’s a release from the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Almost time to start school...

Last night mom, dad, and brother took me shopping for school supplies and then this morning we went to an open house where I got to meet my teachers for this year. Next Tuesday we start for real. Mom and dad are excited for me, but I can still see the tears in their eyes when they talk about it.

Friday, August 08, 2008

THE BUDDY WALK

Friends and Family,

For the first time Lucy will be leading a team of walkers around Crew Stadium for her first Buddy Walk! The Buddy Walk is basically a way to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for the organization (The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio) that has helped our family so much over these past three years. They helped send our family to the National Convention a few weeks ago, they have provided a support group for our family, they provide a play group for Lucy, and they have tons of other stuff they we haven’t even tapped into yet. Without them we don’t know where we would be right now.

We believe in DSACO and all the good they do in Central Ohio. For that reason our whole family will be walking with Lucy on September 28th and we would like to ask you to join with us. If you would like to help you have several options: You can just donate on line to support her team. You can sign up to walk with her ($15 for an individual and that comes with a t-shirt, $25 for a family and that comes with two t-shirts with each additional shirt costing $10). Or you can sign up to” walk” with her so you can get a t-shirt even though you can’t make it out for the actual walk around Crew Stadium. No matter what, you can give as much money as you want for Lucy’s Team which is called “We Love Lucy.” You can also raise money yourself for her team, contact us for more information on how to do that.

If we get 24 people to sign up to walk with us we will get customized shirts with our team name on the back. To get one of those shirts you must be signed up by September 8th. Everything can be done using credit cards at Lucy’s team page: http://www.dsaco.net/bwt.php?id=563&u=3987 Or see the information below about where you can send a check if you want.

A quick update on Lucy: Lucy has been doing great lately! Her arthritis is under control and she even started running! She has been working with a tutor who specializes in kids with Down syndrome and Lucy can now recognize the whole alphabet, can sight read twenty to thirty words, knows all of her colors, and is learning to count. She is almost potty trained! She starts pre-school this September and Mommy and Daddy are very nervous about that. She loves to torment her younger brother Simon and is looking forward to welcoming in little brother #2 sometime this November!

We were scared to death three years ago when we found out Lucy had Down Syndrome. We were scared for her and scared for us. We didn’t know what her extra chromosome would mean for our lives. We still don’t have all the answers we want, but we now know that Lucy is one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to us and we wouldn’t trade her for the world! Thank you all for your friendship, love, and support you have given us on this journey!

Grace and Peace,
Kevin and Mandy Peterson

P.S. If you have any questions you can email (peterkevinson@yahoo.com) or call me (740-392-3197)

Below is some more info that was copied from the Buddy Walk page at dsaco.net

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) will host its 7th Annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Crew StadiumWhat is the Buddy Walk?The Buddy Walk is an event where we celebrate and support people with Down syndrome. We use this event to gain support for our organization. Individuals with Down syndrome, families and friends walk a one-mile course beginning at 10:00 a.m. and then enjoy fun at Crew Stadium. This includes music with Arnett Howard, superheroes, face painters, balloon artists and clowns. This year, we anticipate the Buddy Walk to attract over 3500 participants from across Central Ohio and hope to reach our fundraising goal of $200,000. More importantly, we hope that all participants will help to spread the message that individuals with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in the community.Where is the Buddy Walk?This year's Buddy Walk will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio ( view map ).HistoryThe Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs. In 2006 alone, the Buddy Walk raised more than $5.5 million nationwide. This year over 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 260 walks across the country. It is the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome. NDSS would also like to congratulate and recognize the Columbus Buddy Walk for their great success last year. To show their appreciation, Joe Bockerstette, Chair of the NDSS Board of Directors, will be attending the Columbus Buddy Walk in 2008! NDSS is representing ten (10) Buddy Walks this year and because of our generous contribution made in 2007 ours is one of them. In addition, a picture of the Columbus Buddy Walk will be included in the 2008 Times Square Video. RegistrationYou can pre-register online with a credit card by clicking on one of the links on the left or complete a registration form and mail it to the office. Our office address is:Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio2879 Johnstown Rd.Columbus, OH 43219Walk day registration starts at 9:00 AM ET. There will be separate areas for walk day and team registration. Each participant, family or team will need to check-in in order to receive the Buddy Walk t-shirt. If you are pre-registered on a team, your team captain has your t-shirt.TeamsOne of the ways you can help build excitement for the Buddy Walk is by creating a team that raises money for a specific "Buddy", an individual with Down syndrome. Buddy Walk teams can consist of family, friends, students and/or colleagues. Teams with 24 or more individuals walking on behalf of a buddy receive customized t-shirts with your team name. You can show your team spirit at the Buddy Walk by creating your own pins or buttons and proudly carrying banners and/or signs with your team name and picture of your buddy.To join a team, click on the "Register to Walk now" link on the left and select a team from the list or search for a team by entering all or part of the team's name in the "Find or Create a Team/Buddy" area on the left. If you want to start a team, click on the "Create a New Team" link on the left. Note: If you have already registered as an individual participant or family and want to now start or join a team, you need to send an email to office@dsaco.net to let us know which team you wish to join or form.The Buddy WalkOn September 28, from 9:00 AM ET until 1:00 PM ET, local celebrities, Andrea Cambern, Gabe Spiegel, and Dino Tripodis, from Sunny 95 Radio, will host activities. At 10:00 Am ET, the walk will start with Arnett Howard leading the walkers with a heart warming trumpet call. The walk around Crew Stadium begins and ends where post walk activities include a live band, raffle, face painting and many more activities.DSACO Buddy Walk Night with The Crew: Sunday, October 26th at 5:00 pm ET The Crew will be offering special to all Buddy Walk participants, family and friends with a portion of the proceeds being donated back to DSACO! The kids will be able to interact with the Crew players and be part of the players' tunnel on the field! You can purchase these special discounted tickets for $10.00 by contacting the office.What you can do to helpPlease register for the Walk and join in the celebration. You can help us promote the Buddy Walk by distributing posters and brochures, obtaining pledges or starting a team. We always need volunteers, please contact the office if you would like to help. If you would like to become a sponsor, view our sponsor page. For more information, call the DSACO office at 614-342-5757 or email office@dsaco.net.Online registration is Open. Use the "Find or Create a Team/Buddy" to join a team either to attend the walk with or direct a donation.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Boston Pictures

On the Waterfront...




Boston Commons...



Worn Out...




At the New England Aquarium...













Monday, August 04, 2008

We're Back

Well we've made it safely home from the NDSC convention. We had a great time. Boston is a kickin' city. We took a lot of walks and Mom and Dad took turns going to seminars. Brother and I did a fabulous job sharing a room. I met lots of new friends and Mom and Dad continue to dream big dreams for me.

Friday, July 04, 2008

New Doctor

This week mom and dad found me a new doctor. It was an answer to prayer. This doctor actually has two boys with down syndrome and is on the national committee that makes the medical guidelines for kids with down syndrome. One of the biggest frustrations we have found over the last three years is that no one specializes in down syndrome, at best it is just a very small part of their practice. So when we went to see this doctor, mom and dad were thrilled to talk to someone who knew more than anyone we ever talked to be before. He gave us so much good advice.

We also got my latest blood results back and I'm not anemic anymore!!!

We are also heading out soon for our first Down Syndrome National Convention. We are all really excited about it!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Update

Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve last updated everyone. As you can tell from all the pictures dad posted below I’ve recently turned three and mom and dad have said I’m going to have another little brother this November. I’m enjoying life more and more every day!

The little brother I already have, Simon, already weighs more than me, but I am sure to always remind him that I’m the oldest. We got along great and always play together, though we occasionally fight over toys.

Mommy has started potty training me this summer. It’s been tough, but I’m already making a lot of progress. The accidents are getting fewer and fewer every day.

My tutor is making lots of progress with me. I know almost every letter in the alphabet and can sight read approximately fifteen words. You can’t always understand everything I say, but my vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds every day.

My arthritis is doing tons better. We’ve finally found a drug that works really well. I rarely feel any pain and I hardly even limp anymore. I’m pretty much running now and can almost jump. The only problem is that we think the new medicine is causing me to be anemic. So now mom is trying as hard as she can to get more foods with iron into my little body.

I thought I would close with my Top Ten Favorite Things:
10. Waking up at 6 AM to Watch Cartoons
9. Playing Outside
8. Singing
7. Taco Bell
6. Music and Dancing
5. Ice Cream
4. Mommy and Daddy
3. The Wonder Pets
2. My Brother Simon
1. Picking on Simon

By the way...


I'm gonna have another little brother this November!
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Friday, February 15, 2008

Prayer request

Recently we’ve noticed that Lucy’s arthritis has started spreading to other joints. At first it was only in her ankle, but now it appears to also be in her wrists and possibly in one of her knees. A doctor’s appointment today has confirmed our fears. The doctor we see really wants to aggressively treat this and not let it spread anymore. So now in addition to the medicine we hide in her food everyday we are going to start having to give her a shot once a week. We have to go for training next week so we can properly give her the shots. To top this all off we have to take her once a month to get blood tests to make sure she is not experiencing any of the side effects that these shots can give her. Drawing blood from Lucy is very hard, her veins don’t cooperate, and she screams and cries the entire time; last time it took almost a half hour. Please keep our little girl in your prayers.

The good news is that none of this appears to be bothering Lucy at all (with the exception of the blood tests and as long as your not messing with her wrists or ankles, but if you do she’ll let you know about it). She knows how to limp to avoid pain in her ankle and how to avoid putting pressure on her wrists. She loves life and she makes us love life all the more from sharing life with her.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Update

Well since you have some new pictures to look over I thought I would give you a little run down of the new things I have been doing lately.
One of the newest and most exciting developments is that we have met a wonderful tutor. Her name is Joanne(she works with people with ds that range from age 2-20. Right now she works with 26 differnt people) and I work with her on Fridays for an hour. She has helped Mommy and Daddy know what things they should be working on with me. Since seeing her (about a month) I have started using the potty after every meal, I can recognize about 5 letters of the alphabet, I can read Mom, Dad, Lucy and Simon (when mommy shows me the card that says Simon I say SSSSS), I'm working on my colors. I'm very good at matching but working on naming. I love to color! Joanne says I'm one of the best colorers that she has worked with.
I've been going swimming every week to work on my arthritis. I'm getting more range of motions but still have a little limp. Hopefully summer time will bring more improvements. Keep praying that it doesn't spread and that it goes away!
My Favorites:
Books, My Play Kitchen, Wonder Pets, Coloring, Simon, Spaghetti, Pudding, Pizza, Grapes, My blanket, Singing, Dancing, Animals, Hats, Veggie Tales Sing Along
I Don't Like:
Taking my medicine, Carrots, Potatoes, people messing with my ankle, getting my hair brushed, (It's hard to think of things I don't like- I'm a really likeable kid!)

Dad says I'm the cutest ever!

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Simon turned 1


I can't believe brother is now one! We are starting to have so much fun together. My favorite thing is to make him laugh.
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In a box

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All smiles

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Eating


I'm starting to eat more and more of my food all by myself. Mom and Dad said I've really turned the corner in this area. Actually, I get pretty mad right now when I'm not allowed to feed myself.
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Little Brother's First Steps

These are some of Simon's first steps which took place early last month. He started off pretty wobblie and fell a lot, but now he's almost walking faster than me. But don't worry cause I still know how to keep him in his place.