Buddy walk

Last weekend was the annual Bay Area Buddy Walk, which is a big fundraiser event for Down Syndrome. I had been looking forward to it so much since last year! We were unable to go last year because Michael was still in the hospital recovering from his heart surgery. I still can't believe it's been a year! In fact, we came home one year ago, today.
So, the Buddy Walk. I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous and excited to see all the different ages of people who have DS. Was it going to be inspiring? Depressing? Overwhelming? Well, it certainly wasn't depressing! We got there late, of course--I'll be late for my own funeral! As we were walking over, there was a huge crowd of people doing Zumba. I found out from a friend that the woman leading it was the first ever certified Zumba instructor with DS! Awesome! And there were a lot of people! The first thing Auggy wanted to do was the bounce house, but I told him we needed to find our group and get settled first. He was surprisingly complicit! By the time we got organized, it was time to do the walk. It was just a short one, I don't think it was even a mile. It was fun to see all the different teams, their bling, the fun they were having. Once we got back, it was less fun. There were so many booths set up with information, plus there were self advocates (people with DS who advocate for themselves and others), etc, but I couldn't check them out because I had to keep an eye on Auggy, and make sure he was having fun! Next year, Dave is coming!!! We had a picnic lunch and hung out with our team. Magic Babies was one of the biggest teams representing (oh yeah!), and we were also the biggest fundraiser!
My goal for Michael was to have him walking by Auggy's birthday, which is in 10 days. He is so close! I have been feeling guilty because he hasn't been getting to all of his therapy appointments lately. With my school so intense the last month, I haven't been able to stay on top of it as well. I don't think he's suffering for it, he's still advancing and doing fantastic, it's more just a personal guilt. Mom's guilt. I mean, he could take a step any day now, you can see he wants to, he's still just not sure!
He has been saying a few words, though! He says "up," "out," and "that." And he signs for the "itsy bitsy spider" and kind of "twinkle twinkle little star," although it looks a lot like the spider one!
I love the relationship that is growing between him and Auggy. They truly are brothers! Auggy loves playing with him...usually. He teases him, tries to steamroll him, tickle him. He also loves to roll a ball for him, and then they race to get it. Michael thinks its hilarious! Also, Michael likes to torture Auggy, too! He'll whack him repeatedly, or try to eat his face. A little payback! It's very cute. But, also there are moments of sweetness, too, where they give each other hugs and kisses. It melts my heart!
It's my favorite time of year Halloween, leading into Auggy's birthday. This year, Auggy will be a pirate, and Michael a pumpkin. I can hardly wait! And we will have lots of family here to trick or treat with us! Auggy's birthday is going to be a HUGE event! I invited a lot of people, thinking, only a percentage would say yes...well, almost everyone has said yes! Wow! Awesome! I love planning stuff like this, so I am thrilled for the huge turnout! Possibly 50 people...what?! Aug is going to flip!
Life is pretty darn good these days. I've been trying to be more positive, calm, appreciative. When I catch myself getting worked up, I try to bring myself back to the moment, take a real look at what is happening and change it, change myself....think....is this really something to be upset or angry about? 99% of the time, the answer is no. It's been a great adjustment! I feel so much happier and relaxed! I've also just been enjoying myself more. And I am more grateful. Grateful for all that I have, especially my family!