Parties and Friends

Stephen's best friend, Billy, had a birthday party this week!  Both Stephen and Andrew got to spend the night and go swimming and we all attended a BBQ in Billy's honor, complete with presents!  Here are some pics of the wonderful day!

One big hurdle

We jumped over one big hurdle this past week.  We are now Stephen's legal guardians.  I don't know about other states, but in the state of Kansas a child approaching the age of 18 needs to have a guardian appointed if they cannot make their own life care and financial decisions due to a developmental disability.  It makes it a lot easier later on when the child is in need of certain services, the guardian can argue on his or her behalf.  Even though we are his parents and it seems crazy that we have to jump through these hoops, it really does need to be done.  June 4, 2010 we became our son's guardian.  That was a day I had thought about and worried about since he was born.  Would we know what to do?  Would we get it done in time?  Would we be able to get all the IQ testing done and psychological reports prepared in time?   Yes!  It all fell into place, but that is because we planned and prepared.  I feel sorry for those children who really should have a guardian, but their parents either do not know it needs to be done, or simply do not care.  They might miss out on services that really should be available to them and that could affect them the rest of their lives. 

A wonderful place in Chicago, IL for our children and loved ones with disabilities

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=63973@wbbm.dayport.com
This is a story of a place in Chicago that works with people with developmental disabilities.  I believe they also can live there as well.  It was featured on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on April 16, 2010.  It looks like a great place!

World Down Syndrome Day!

Let's celebrate!!   Down Syndrome is a wonderful thing!  We need to get the word out to others that Down Syndrome will bring incredible, WONDERFUL things to your life!  Share the link below with your family and friends. 
www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

Learning How to Ride a Bike

Stephen is learning to ride a bike without training wheels this week.  A great organization named Lose the Training Wheels has come to town.  They are wonderful!  Click on this link to go to their page:  http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/