Last night Garrett and I got the ring in the new year without kids. I think this is the first time all the kids spent the night at someone else's house since having Taylor. We dropped by SouthPark to exchange a few gifts and then headed to PF Changs for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, I had not made reservations so we waited a bit until we were seated. It still made for a great night and we brought a movie home to watch.
So far today we spent the day hanging around the house once we picked the kids up and took down our tree. Garrett had practice tonight, we just watched tv to end the night.
As I look on 2014, a lot went on. Garrett and I always ask each other did we see ourselves at this point in our lives and did it look the same. To answer the question, no. If I would have had it my way, we would have only had two kids, they would have been perfect, no disabilities, and I would have had them by the time I was 30. None of that happened, but looking back, it's okay. Our life is perfect the way it is even with its imperfections.
The kids have amazed us throughout the year.
Jay started first grade in August and is really excelling. He is above average in math and way above his classmates, while he is average in reading. Makes sense seeing his mom and dad are math oriented. He has played all sorts of sports, played with his friends, loved on his brother and sister, and is getting to where he can really help around the house.
Taylor, well she is a girl and definitely has the mode swings right now. She is still a tiny girl, but with a lot of personality. She is starting to talk and communicate with us. She will definitely be a talker and squealer. I never thought I would have a blue-eyed, crazy blond haired girl. She is a mess, but her brothers love her, especially Mason.
I saved Mason for last. Everyone wants to hear about him and his progress, which is natural. I would want to as well living on the outside. This year we have tackled potty-training. He still struggles to tell us when he has to go, but basically he is in underwear during the day. We just take him on a regular basis to the bathroom and typically he does #2 after his afternoon nap. We still have a ways to go, but we are proud of him. He even wakes up about half the mornings dry. Mason has increased his communication with us and he has more sounds and noises that sound like words. It is going to take some time, but he will get there. With Taylor learning to talk, I hope it helps him as well. Since October, we have increased his occupational, speech therapy and is also seen by a special education teacher. This is all done through the school system at his daycare. This is awesome for us since Garrett and I both work. Another milestone that we hit was the three Mark to check the holes in his heart. Mason passed with flying colors and has a tiny hole, but nothing we need to go back for. That was great to hear that.
This past September when I took Taylor and Mason for their well appointments, the joke was on me. Between the two of them there was five shots as well as Mason had blood drawn. At this point they wanted to check Mason's thyroid. Down Syndrome kids often times have problems with their thyroid and sure enough, Mason does. We've seen an endocrinologist and she has since put him on medication he has to take once a day. I get the question often does he have to take it for life, we aren't sure, but he will be monitored from here on out. I'm so not looking forward to those appointments. He hates to get blood drawn. I'm hoping this will also help his growth. He is a very small kid, off the charts for a regular kid, but 50% for Down syndrome. He is wearing his same clothes from last winter and they are still baggy on him. No sign of growing out of them anytime soon. He's three and wears size 18-24 month pants. At this rate, he will wear his clothes out before he out grows them. Overall, Mason is doing great. He still needs to learn to listen, but what three year old doesn't.
As we move on into 2015, I'm looking forward to doing my first half marathon in March as well as do a 5k for Down Syndrome later in the month. I'm really looking forward to the last one. I've amazed myself that on a regular day, I go out and run three miles before picking Jay up at the bus stop.
Garrett is staying busy with work nowadays. He is out of town several days of the month, but it is great that they have work. Hopefully this next year or so, we will purchase land to build a house. We have something in mind and hope it pans out. Garrett would love to design his own house.
We hope this next year brings more great things for our family. From our family to yours, we hope you had a Merey Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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