December Birthdays

Nora had seven pals over for her 8th birthday. Turning 40 doesn’t make me feel old, but having an 8-year-old does! 

The girls were al well-behaved and it was a bit loud and boisterous, but all good!

Oh yeah - I also turned 40 this year. I haven’t be dreading it; I don’t *feel* 40... maybe like 34 still. We had one good evening to celebrate. Dinner with Tim at 20 Brix in Milford; prosecco and scallops - yum!

Afterwards we hit Bishop’s Quarters; a 3-level bar in Loveland. Such a neat space, however the 3rd floor was closed for a private party AND they kicked us out of the 2nd floor unexpectedly to an over-booked party. The bar covered our floor 2 drinks and gave us appetizers, so I supposed that made up for it. 

Nearly all my good friends showed up for a drink which was fantastic. 

I’m grateful for my health and my body and looking forward to a new decade; not everyone makes it this far 🌈✨

Thanksgiving 2019

Geezum - Thanksgiving flew by. It always goes too fast. Nora received a few gifts. The llama pajamas have been a bigger hit than the Barbies 😄

Nice quiet time at my parents with siblings and partners.
Lots of buzzing at the Krons with people all about.

Hannah with pals Ewan and Ellie

Pope Francis & People with Disabilities

December 3rd was International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

I do not tie myself tightly to any particular religion at this time, however Pope Francis released a great statement to commemorate the day. 

One highlight: 
“Making good laws and breaking down physical barriers is important," the pope wrote, "but it is not enough if the mentality does not change, if we do not overcome a widespread culture that continues to produce inequalities and prevents people with disabilities from actively participating in ordinary life.”

“A person with disabilities, in order to build himself or herself up, needs not only to exist but also to belong to a community,”

💗

True Inclusion in Sports

A great article about a high school student who is truly included: 

“Someone with a disability wants a job. A local business hires them. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability wins homecoming king or queen. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability is a manager, mascot, or token player on a team. A huge deal is made, awards are given and the media goes wild.

...But these stories do trouble me, because I see very low expectations. ...But the reality is that getting a job or being on a team should be the norm, not the news. 

...Because this is a real story of a young man who earned his spot as a kicker on the varsity team with his ability. There were no “staged plays” for him, or last-minute substitutions when the score showed a solid lead. He played often in some games, and less often in others — just like many other players. He was not only a solid player for his team, he actively encouraged his team and the crowds. He is a very real and integral part of his school. For all those reasons, he won Homecoming King — not because he has Down syndrome. Because he is the one and only Caden Cox. Someday I hope and believe this will be the norm. As of now, in December 2019, this is not the norm. But it certainly gives us a higher bar to aspire to.”

Ballet Moves

Well we wrapped our first session of Ballet Moves with Cincinnati Ballet this past Saturday. It was such a great program - Hannah really enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing the kids & parents every week, too!

We may try a new dance/tumble class in Loveland starting in January; closer to home : ) 

2019-20 School Photos

Here they are!!

Making Google Better

The future is voice-first, but not for everyone. Because of their unique speech patterns, voice technology doesn’t always understand people with Down syndrome. Project Understood is ensuring the future of voice technology includes people with Down syndrome. The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is working with Google to collect voice samples from the adult Down syndrome community to create a database that can help train Google's technology to better understand people with Down syndrome. The more voice samples we have, the more likely Google will be able to eventually improve speech recognition for everyone.

Project Understood

Teaching Google to understand people with Down syndrome, one voice at a time. 

Halloween 2019

Nora was “Mal,” from Disney’s The Descendants and Hannah was her favorite song, Baby Shark : ) 

The weather was typical Ohio: plummeted to 37˚ and blustery. 

Tim ventured out with the girls next door. Hannah received one piece of candy and amid the barking dogs and cold, said “Home!” Thankfully the neighbors were meeting up to trick-or-treat and took Nora with them. 

We didn’t see Nora until 7pm when she came to dump her bucket, put on a winter coat and go back out - !! She came home at 7:30pm with another full bucket. This child used to last five houses the past five years. We are ruined! Now she knows the haul she can really get if she stays out! 

Haha!

Annual Farm Trip

Our annual trip to the local farm, Shaw Farm, was quite nice. Finally cooled off and we went at 9:30 on a Sunday when the crowd was low. 

We ran into the girls’ little friend, Ruby, from the past babysitter. 

We love our spooky hayride every year!

Viral Stories

Down syndrome Awareness:

Look.

I don’t need my daughter to be Homecoming Royalty or an “honorary member” of a sports team or squad. Viral stories are a blip in what matters in the long run. My child shouldn’t be a charity act for another typical child. 

Obviously I can’t speak for the families whose students are “honored” in these viral stories - I’m certain it’s still a great feeling to see care for our kids - But I do want to know what happens the following week: Are students eating lunch with the girl with Down syndrome? Are students inviting the boy with autism to their sleepover or birthday party? THOSE are the events that truly matter.

Kindness is not a 1-and-done action.

I would rather my daughter have daily, meaningful moments of GENUINE friendship and inclusion than one big gesture that gets thousands of “Likes” and “Shares.”

Inclusion is not just for special occasions. Be kind and inclusive ALL the time.