Spring blog makeover

I've heard that it's officially spring (all evidence to the contrary with our SNOW this morning), so I've decided it's time to brighten things up around here. If you subscribe to my blog via email then you'll have to actually visit the blog by clicking the link above to see that I've changed the blog layout and background.

I was going to add pictures tonight. But I'm going to bed instead (after I feed little piggy). Maybe tomorrow...

In the meantime, may I just say, "GO GREEN!" My undergraduate alma mater, MSU, is headed to the Final Four!

World Down Syndrome Day

3 copies of the 21st chromosome (instead of 2). That's why 3/21 has been chosen as World Down Syndrome Day. I wish I had more time to be contemplative and share my heart, but there's just too much I would like to accomplish today. That seems to be the story of my life these days, which results in a major meltdown if I allow myself the time to start feeling sad about anything. Poor Mark.

Anyway, in honor of the day, I'll share the following poem (sorry for the repeat... I know I've shared it before).

The Creed of Babies with Down Syndrome

My face may be different

But my feelings the same

I laugh and I cry

And I take pride in my gains

I was sent here among you

To teach you to love

As God in the heavens

Looks down from above

To Him I'm no different

His love knows no bounds

It's those here among you

In cities and towns

That judge me by standards

That man has imparted

But this family I've chosen

Will help me get started

For I'm one of the children

So special and few

That came here to learn

The same lessons as you

That love is acceptance

It must come from the heart

We all have the same purpose

Though not the same start

The Lord gave me life

To live and embrace

And I'll do it as you do

But at my own pace

Where's that teleprompter when you need it?

I'll just post links to a couple of articles. Words fail me.
The letter from Sarah is great.
But I also like the article about Kolan McConiughey's abilities.

Okay, maybe words don't really fail me. I think what bothers me is that President Obama should be apologizing to everyone with disabilities, not just to the Special Olympics. He made it sound like if you're not good at something, then you must be disabled. It was truly the heart issue behind the comment that bothers me. What does that teach our kids about trying something at which they don't excel?

Couponing

I don't have much time to clip coupons these days, though I know there is plenty of savings to be had for our grocery budget. But when I find a super good deal, I make the effort. So I'm sharing one that's near and dear to my heart. For all you Huggies diaper users out there... I can't do as much justice to this deal as Jessica can, so here's a link to her explanation of how to get what I think is the best deal on Huggies. It involves online coupons and a trip (well, two) to Walgreen's. Hope you all enjoy your dirt-cheap diapers (seriously... less than $5 per pack!).

And if you're not a Huggies family, please consider taking advantage of this offer and buy some diapers to donate to your local shelter.

Big week

Monday 3/2 - Matthew's actual due date
Tuesday 3/3 - Matthew turned one month
Thursday 3/5 - Micah turned 14 months

Here's a fun video of Micah. The side-to-side movement is not lack of strength... it's his version of dancing. And he doesn't use the boppy behind him to prop on at all. I have it there for my own peace to be able to leave him sitting alone for a minute or two.

The past two weeks have been pretty cool for Micah. He's learned how to yank off his socks, pivot on his belly, do "so big," clap his hands, and "dance" on demand. He also got his first haircut (other than me trimming off the front last fall). His annual assessment is coming up this month. Please pray for my peace with the results.

I have many other pictures to post, but I'll have to do that later as the bed is calling me, especially given the loss of an hour of sleep tonight.