This song was written by a father from the Western Massachusetts Down Syndrome Resource Group.

One year ago I gave birth to my youngest son. His first week of life was filled with ups and downs. I thought one night that we had lost him. As I rounded the corner to the nursery to nurse my son who was hooked up to machines, a nurse basically threw me back in my room. I caught a glimpse of every nurse surrounding my baby, calling for the doctor “NOW”. The nurse who did the “throwing” approached me later and said she couldn’t let me see my son like that, I am so thankful for her quick reactions. An ambulance trip to a hospital better equipped for our Vinnie resulted in me coming home with no baby, my arms and heart felt so empty and hopeless. Two days later a blood test confirmed Down syndrome, the only description I have been able to relate to is when you are in grade school playing dodge ball and someone catches you not paying attention and you get nailed with the ball right in the gut. But life goes on and I learned that nothing could ever compare to having my two boys in my life, that sting eventually fades away. Because of Vinnie I have so many new people and experiences in my life. I have a whole new “family”. I appreciate the smallest things with such enormous joy that happy tears flow so often, a smile, a laugh, rolling over, grasping, sitting unassisted, crawling, getting into a sitting position. I have my moments of doubt and why me, I guess it’s my job as a mother. One year ago I knew my life would NEVER be the same and it isn‘t, it‘s so much more. So today I am celebrating my sons first birthday, an anniversary of a new found family and a new outlook on what life is truly about. Happy birthday my sweet angel.

A couple fun things...

Vinnie is now getting into and out of sitting! I know to some it seems like nothing and I don't even think I noticed when Rudy did this but it's a nice step forward for Vinnie. So celebration is in order.

My birthday is Friday. Karen (my sister) called and asked what we were doing. "Just staying home maybe a pizza" I said. Her "what about cake?". Me "I just want CookiePus". Cookiepus is an ice cream cake that I had at my birthdays when I was younger, Carvel made it. Carvel has since gone HUGE and mostly just has stuff in grocery stores. But NO, my wonderful sister looked it up on-line and found one in Avon, Connecticut. So Friday I am so excited to see CookiePus!!

I missed a birthday post!

Rudy turned 3 on December 27th! Happy Birthday love bug.

You have become such a wonderful little man. This past year has been filled with so many exciting things. You learned to use the potty, graduated to a big boy bed, became a big brother (an amazing one at that!). And there were sad things too, the passing of your great grandfather and of a cousin that we never got to meet. Your vocabulary is, well...maybe we should get you some earmuffs! You actually JUST told me "you're freakin me out" and many times while driving "GO LADY!" (obviously from your daddy...wink wink). You make me smile all day long without even trying!! I can't wait to see what this next year brings

Totally stole this from a couple other blogs I follow...

Commentary: The word 'retarded' is hurtful and needs to be cut from our vocabulary

By Becky Pings / Teen Press Corps
http://www.fresnobee.com/lifestyle/teens/v-printerfriendly/story/1014430.html

'Once upon a time ... there was a retard."

You think that's funny?

I don't.

Neither do the millions of Americans who are joining the growing movement to eradicate the word "retarded" from the modern vocabulary.

Simply defined, "retarded" means "delayed." While it was once a clinical term used to describe individuals with developmental disabilities, it is now an archaic term, a part of modern slang which equates to anything substandard or "stupid."

The word in its modern sense dates back to the 1950s, an insult thrown on school campuses and in sandlots across the nation. It was never as widely used as it is today, however, where one can hardly walk down a street without hearing it or seeing its impact.

I would know.

My brother has autism and Down syndrome. He loves the simple things: baseball, swimming, books and music. And just like every other person, he has feelings. When he hears the word "retard," even if it's not meant as a direct insult, it's not only a slap in the face to him, but to all disabled persons everywhere.

The fact remains that the word "retard" and all its derivatives is a hate word which, even in the most benign context, belittles and segregates the disabled. It promotes bigotry and intolerance in a society that claims "all men are created equal."

The argument to this has been heard time and time again: "But you know I didn't mean it like that. Stop being so sensitive." It is not the intent of a word, but rather its effect and connotation, that has the greatest effect.

Ben Stiller's blockbuster "Tropic Thunder" is a poignant example of the effects of the "R" word versus intention: Moviemakers claimed the liberal use of "retard" jokes was satire, while critics called the humor tasteless and offensive. Because the "satirical" humor didn't stay in context, the word found new popularity, thereby perpetuating discrimination.

Innocent humor. Satire. Whatever you call it, the word "retarded" is a hate word and should be regarded as such.

Just ask my brother, the retard.

Doesn't quite have the same ring that it did in the movie, does it?
Becky Pings attends Edison High School.

Exciting News!

I have lots and lots to catch up on but I have some VERY FUN news! I had to put a gate around the Christmas tree tonight because Vinnie decided to CRAWL!! I am just overjoyed, I am crying and laughing. He was starting to scoot forward in California but he saw his cousin Grace's prsents under the tree and took off after them. He is still on his belly for the most part but he's really getting around!!!

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving is almost here. This year we are heading to California to spend the holiday with Jayson's dad. We made these plans before grandpa died. Now I feel kind of funny leaving my family, Thanksgiving was grandpas holiday and just recently we had taken over the duties because he just couldn't do it anymore. Don't get me wrong I am SUPER excited to spend some time with my family in San Diego and Bob (Jayson's dad) and his partner (whom I LOVE) in Palm Springs. I think it will be a sad day for me though, to me Thanksgiving was more like grandpas birthday. It was a time where he got to see most of his family together and that to him was what life was about.

So this year my list of things to be thankful for will include the amount of time I get/got to spend with my grandparents, we are/were so lucky to have them in our lives for so long.

I have lots more to say about Thanksgiving and my feeling this year but I have to get ready for my trip!