DSAA Buddy Walk

Dear Friends and Family,

Last year, we where overwhelmed by the support of our friends and family for the project to translate the book, Babies with Down Syndrome, into Russian. Even though the project presented numerous challenges involving international donations, we are thrilled to announce that the translation of the book is almost complete as a result of the donations from some incredibly generous friends and family. Moreover, the National Down Syndrome Congress has agreed to sponsor the project.

Consequently, this year we can refocus our efforts on the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta and invite our family and friends to support us in the DSAA Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 13, 2007. You can support us by registering to walk with our family that day and enjoy the fun fall festival with the Down syndrome community. You can also make a donation to our team at:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=237018&lis=1&kntae237018=16AE3E3A4CE1414B9B5EC744A8349E48&supId=190807362

or send a check for DSAA to us at:
357 Pinehurst Way
Canton, GA 30114

DSAA offers numerous services and programs that help us better provide for Andy, including advocacy, educational conferences, and recreational events. DSAA has also pledged $25,000 from the Buddy Walk both last year and this year for a Down Syndrome Awareness Campaign.

In January, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that every expectant mother, regardless of age, receive pre-natal testing for Down syndrome. While this recommendation alone is not cause for concern, a 2005 Harvard study revealed that a large number of doctors deliver the news negatively, and approximately 85% of Down syndrome pregnancies are terminated. Therefore, our organization is dedicated to raising awareness among the medical community and the public about the true potential of people with Down syndrome.

I must admit that when Andy was younger, I used to be complimented when strangers used to say that Andy didn’t really look like he had Down syndrome. Not anymore. I have now seen the potential and the dignity of so many people with Down syndrome that I realize he is like them...and so am I. We are proud to be part of this wonderful community, and we invite you to join us.

Stephanie, Justin, Andy, Kate, and, of course, Lily Jane Meredith

A Night at the Museum

So, we're planning on going to New York for Thanksgiving to spend time with David and Steven and their families, and we are going to take the kids to the Museum of Natural History. The kids loved the movie, "A Night at the Museum," so we told Kate and Andy we were going. Then, Kate's eyes grew wide, and she asked me, "Will that dinosaur come alive when we go there?" Without flinching, I replied, "No, because we won't be there at night." I believe in keeping the mystery alive.

Old Things Become New

For those of you eagerly anticipating a report of our gold panning adventure, you will have to continue to wait until Justin can muster the energy to bring the cable home from his office. Between teaching seminary and running a business, he is running a bit low on energy these days. And so goes my problem with the technology advancements in our household...one missing battery, unknown step, or missing cable and, well, I'm out.
So, I'm dredging up pictures from my library and thought I'd share a new talent I learned from one of my favorite people. We needed to create a girl room for our precious girls (However, quite honestly, I still have not been able to separate Kate and Andy. Apparently, Kate has her doubts about Lily Jane's ability to protect her.) So, when my sister offered my old "golden oak," thoroughly "eighties" daybed, I grimaced. The potential remained masked until I discovered the delights of creating "antique white" furniture. So, much to my dad's chagrin, I roughed up the golden oak finish, painted it white, and "antiqued" it. And there you go...an old thing became a new thing for free.


And the dresser too!

Kate Lesson of the Day

Recipe to convince mom or dad to let you stay in bed with them after having a nightmare:
1. Clamber in bed noiselessly.
2. Lie silently a few moments for a dramatic pause.
3. Offer a prayer that the bad dreams will go away, that Andy's teeth will grow in straight, that mom will feel better, and that dad will be able to ride his bicycle.
Who can resist sincerity?

Hostage

I'm holding the next posting about our fascinating gold-panning adventure hostage until I receive some comments about my existing postings. I received some e-mails from some wonderful friends, but I need some positive feedback to keep my intertia going.

Kate Quote of the Day:
"How was Kindergarten Kate?"
"It was absolutely fun!"
For Kate, the world is hot or cold, never lukewarm.

Best Buds

For those of you wondering, here is Andy's little posse from church and cousin Jared. Andy truly loves these boys, and they love him. If only Andy could attend the CTR 10 class!

Kansas City Trip

Justin and I visited Kansas City for the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference in August..a bit crazy considering school started the following week. Mama and Papa watched Kate and Andy while Justin and I drove (yes, drove) to Kansas City with Lily Jane. We were a bit nervous as we pulled in late at night to the location of the historic bed and breakfast and saw pawn shops and easy cash stores with bars on the windows. Sadly, the historic district was run-down, but the bed and breakfast was absolutely breathtaking (detailed woodwork, huge stained glass window, and winding staircase) and run by a sweet couple. Sad to see the general trend of the neighborhood, but downtown Kansas City was wonderful...very 40's decadent. We also took the time to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum to see the giant shuttlecocks and Monets...all for free.
It was interesting to attend a conference with Lily Jane instead of Andy when most other parents bring their child with Down syndrome. It was my first time having people look at my child and wonder why she didn't have Down syndrome. It was actually kind of cool to have a complete paradigm shift. Perspective is everything.