What's that girl up to?

 


Our morning walks

 Lizzie has my independence, my husband’s patience and my grandmother’s grace.

In her words, I think this is what Lizzie would say:

"I may look and act different, but I am just like you.

I have dreams. I am extraordinary.

I spend my days in therapy for the opportunity to have a life like yours. I have dreams like you. I want to have friends, be a part of a family and a team, go to birthday parties, go to school and get a job.

Believe in me because I am extraordinary.

I beat the odds just by being born. Give me a chance. Give me the chance that every other child has – to accomplish my dreams."

 

Proudly holding her head high. What strong muscles!!



Elizabeth spends two hours per week with a therapist funded through and provided by the state of Oregon. Lori comes to our house and teaches us how to advance Lizzie to the next stage.



This week, we are working to improve several things. First, Lizzie uses her tongue to suck from a bottle instead of her upper and lower lips. Our task is to stimulate her lips and cheeks with massage so that she will identify with them and use them to drink from her bottle.

Second, Lizzie relies more on her stomach muscles to breath than her diaphragm. To help her with this, we apply our hands to her chest and "hold it in." When it works, her breathing slows down and she begins to use her diaphragm.

Lizzie staring into grandma's eyes.
No tracking problems here :)

And finally, sometimes it appears Lizzie isn't tracking objects with her eyes. This last one is a work in progress. Although I've seen her track very well, we have an appointment with Casey Eye Institute to make sure everything is “working.” Then, we will just have to encourage her to use those muscles and respond to moving objects. Gosh, it’s a lot to ask of a three-month-old. But she is right on track.

Lizzie’s therapist even said, “I wish all my babies were advancing the way Lizzie is advancing.”

Again from Lizzie’s perspective:

"I’m working hard for the opportunities given to other children. The question is will you work hard with me? Be my friend and walk with me. Teach me; I will teach you; and we can teach others to accept me for who I am.

Making those around me as happy as I am.

I am smart, strong and loving.



My mom thinks that every new life is a miracle."
 

When a baby with Down syndrome is born, she has beaten the odds just by entering our world. Only one in 800 children is born with Downs each year.

My baby may look different. She may develop in different ways. But she is my child, my gift and she will accomplish her dreams.



Me and big sis snuggling

 Unlike her big sister, Lizzie has slept through the night since she was six weeks old and recently moved into her crib where she is very content. (This is a recipe for disaster as it makes me long for a third baby).

Lizzie loves her playmat, reaching for toys and staring forever at the mirror. She enjoys the swing and would stay put there if we let her, but we have to keep working on our "goals" to close the gap between Lizzie and her peers. And that means therapy, therapy, therapy.



One more message from Lizzie: "Be a part of my purpose for living and we will prevail. We can teach the world that Downs syndrome means beating the odds. I have something to contribute. If you don't believe me, let the pictures tell my story that I can make those around me happy."