Adoption, Round 2!

We are adopting again!!  :)

Here's our family profile!!!

Thanks for reading  :)

World Down Syndrome Day

This Saturday is World Down Syndrome day! Down Syndrome, aka Trisomy 21, is when a person has 3 copies of chromosome 21. So, 3/21 was chosen as a day to celebrate those with DS. In celebration of Braeden and all others with DS, I'm having a small party at a park on Saturday. If you're in the area and would like to come, email me: kt_hurley@gmx.com

My father-in-law, the great author that he is, wrote this story about World Down Syndrome Day. He sent it to his coworkers today and it's too funny not to share. Enjoy!

Propaganda 

by: David Hurley

Last night at the supper table my son turned to me and said, “Hey Pop, you’re going to wear yellow and blue this Saturday, right?”

I looked at him quizzically and replied dryly, “No, but I can arrange for you to wear black and blue for a while.” and picked up my cell phone to call an old business associate who would be happy to make the necessary changes to my son’s appearance.

Undaunted, my son continued, “Saturday is ‘World Down Syndrome’ day and people can show their support by wearing the colors yellow and blue.  The 21st of March was chosen because Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21.”

A little light bulb in my head finally started to glow and I put my cell phone back in its holster.  I said, “And your adopted son Braeden has Down syndrome, so you want me to wear yellow and blue in support of the little munchicken.  Tell ya what I’ll do.  I’ll go one better and tell the rest of my crew about my wonderful grandson who made-off from the factory with an extra part.”

My son took one last poke at me, “Maybe when Braeden gets a little older you can make a deal with him.  Since he has an extra part and you’re obviously lacking a little something in your head, maybe you two can make a trade.”

I picked up my phone and started to punch in the numbers…

The website that tells about ‘World Down Syndrome’ day is:  http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

Thanks for your time,

Dave Hurley

(You may now return to reading your regular, boring emails.)

Megarama Day

We went to an awesome DS Community event called Megarama Day last weekend. It was named after a sweet redhead girl with DS, Megan and this year was their 17th annual event. We even got to meet Megan! It was at a ranch... On an island!
Here's Braeden and daddy when we first arrived. Braeden got his own bandana! Isn't he so cute?!  :-)

After we all got signed in, we went on a hay wagon ride down to the ocean shore! We sang songs and got to use instruments like maracas, drums and tambourines!! Braeden was mesmerized by Shooter, playing the Banjo. And, there's Megan sitting next to me  :-)

After we got back from the ocean, Little Bear got to ride his first horse! He didn't like the helmet, but once he sat on the horse and started moving, he was giggling and smiling the whole time  :-)

Everytime they moved again, Little Bear's face would just light up and he would giggle! Too bad it was around the bends where I couldn't get very good pics.

After our horse ride, we decided to rest and get to know more families. We met lots of new friends and everyone was very welcoming! We ate lunch (hotdogs, Braeden's favorite!), and then all he wanted to do was crawl around and explore the grass (and sidewalks). So we let him just crawl for awhile; everyone kept commenting on his strength and speed with crawling! He's doing so well and we are so proud of him  :-)

When we were done with that, we did some crafts! Braeden helped (or tried to help) mommy stamp pictures of pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, and horses on our own barn page. Then, we colored a picture and actually got the crayon to paper, not just into our mouth! It was fun!!

Braeden was getting really tired by now, considering his nap time was about halfway through the event! But we decided to ride a horsey one more time before we left. We got to ride a black one this time and once again, he loved it!

By this point, Little Bear was very sleepy! Once he got off the horse, he was crying his sleepy tears, so I cuddled him up to me and he just fell asleep. We decided that he had had enough excitement for the day and we said goodbye to everyone. He was such a great sport and it was fun to meet new families like us!

I'll leave you with one more picture:

The Aftermath!

If you're interested in more information about DS Community or Megarama Day, visit their website:
www.downsyndromecommunity.org
www.megaramaday.com

Will write again soon! :-)
God Bless!

Braeden's Baby Dedication

We had the honor of having Braeden dedicated to The Lord this past August. Our pastor, Hutch, passed away at the end of December and this was the last of his baby dedications. 

August 25th, 2013

Performed by Pastor Hutch

Morning worship team, including Hutch's 2 daughters :-)

Pastor Hutch

It was a wonderful ceremony during Sunday service and there were about 10 dedications. Braeden's was midway through, and he was the hit of the day! First, he gave the congregation a huge smile as we walked up and everyone laughed and clapped, making him smile more :-)

Braeden is such a ham! 

Beginning of the dedication

Speaking to us about raising Braeden in the Christian faith and leading him to God.

Then, when Hutch took him, Braeden grabbed Hutch's ear-mic (is that what they are called?). 

Mommy and daddy trying to get Braeden's hands off the mic!

Hutch has to hold Braeden's hand down!

And lastly, he covered Hutch's mouth! Hutch said "you're the only one who can do that and get away with it. Though I know lots of people want to do it!" 

Covering Hutch's mouth!

Hutch said, "I don't trust you not to grab my mic or mouth while I close my eyes and pray." :-P

Praying for Braeden and his faith.

It was such a great experience! Grandpa and uncle Josh were on a hike and weren't able to make it back for the service. But grandma Hurley was able to be there :-)

Moving

We moved to my in-laws this summer; leaving the day after Braeden's Gotcha day. Hubby's parents and brother drove down to help us finish packing and cleaning the house, and helped us move up with them. We rented a big moving truck and filled it up. Then, dad drove that, pulling his car behind on a trailer; Mom and I drove my car with Braeden; and hubby drove the 3 dogs, with his brother. It was a 3.5 day drive and Braeden did so good! He got a little cranky on the last day, but who wouldn't?! We got settled in and are doing well. Been a bit of a struggle with the dogs. Our male dog and my in-law's male dog have alpha male complexes and don't get along. So we just keep them separated. Everything is settling in and it's nice to not have to worry about rent or food while we are transitioning. 

Braeden has grown so much! Here is a few pics from the past few months!

Sitting up more by himself!

Aren't I cute, trying to roll over?!

 

Cutie pie!

Sitting up all alone!!

Anyway, we have had some fun times since being here as well. For example, we drove to a huge park a few hours away to meet my good friend who was visiting her family. Got to play on some swings and a big slide! Plus, we went on an old carousel :-)   Lots of fun!!

Swinging for the first time!

This is fun!

Family picture at the park in front of the big slide!

Making souvenir pennies for my friend's kiddoes at the carousel!

Braeden and daddy on the carousel, with me in the background!

Braeden loved his first carousel ride :-)

We had to stop at a Cabela's nearby, and my friend's daughter wanted to feed Braeden. Aren't they cute? :-)

We also got to meet hubby's cousins from France and the UK when they visited this summer :-)

Getting kisses from cousin Sara

Cuties :-)

And of course, we've had lots of FaceTime dates with Nana, Popo, and auntie Kristi back home!

Popo and Braeden :-)

Nana and Braeden having fun!

Sticking out our tongues with auntie Kristi :-)

More to come! :-)