Wrapping Up Our Week

This was Ben's first week home.  So, how did it go?

Let's take a look...

{Ben's first participation in the Brown family after dinner kitchen dancing}

I'd say he fits right in.

Really, it feels like he's always been here.

The kids can't get enough of him, they have been such a huge help.  Someone is always offering to get him dressed (which is no easy feat, let me tell you!  He is a wiggly boy.),  offering to feed him, or take him outside to play. 

The girls each told me on separate occasions, "Mom, I just love him, I forget that he has Down syndrome."

The first time I heard this I was speechless.  It took me a while to process that statement, because it's something that I struggle with, and I'm his Mother.   Is it the innocence of childhood that let's them forget?  Is it the cynicism of the adult world, or the pressure to be perfect that forces me to always keep it in the back of my mind?  

I guess I can't totally forget.  It's my responsibility as his Mother to help Ben be all that he can be.  This will mean that he needs a little extra help in certain areas.  But I don't ever want Down syndrome to be the first and only thing I, or anyone else for that matter, sees.  He is so much more.  

He is a happy, silly, and playful boy.  He loves to laugh.  He loves music.  He loves to eat.  He is strong willed, but compliant at the same time.  He is loud, and demands attention.  He loves to snuggle.  

He has a gift for making sure that for every encounter he has with another human being, that person walks away smiling.  How many people can say that?

No, he's not perfect, but who is?  My hair's a mess and I have baby slobber on my shoulder at all times, who cares?  Any life worth living is a messy one.  We all have issues, some of them just can't be covered up with make-up, nice clothes, and a big house.

The second time I heard that statement, I was a little more prepared and said, that's great honey, because that's the way it should be.  We should all just see Ben when we look at him.  Just like we do with everyone we love.  We see the good, the bad, and the ugly, and love them anyway.

I'm so happy they have figured this out at such a young age.  I know this experience is making them more compassionate and more sensitive people.

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Lest you think it's  been all rainbow's and butterflies around here this week,  there have been some struggles.  Normal things that go on when adding a new member to your family.  There has been a few tears, some jealous feelings, some "can we send him back?" moments.  But, I know they will get fewer and farther between as the weeks pass.

The three big kids have been sick with a stomach virus.  Nothing says welcome back to reality more than a stomach virus!  

Even that felt good though, it felt good to get back to taking care of all my kids.  I never thought a stomach virus could feel like a blessing.

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Ben went to the doctor on Wednesday.  He has some growing to do.  He is only 21lbs.  That only puts him in the 10th percentile on the DS growth chart.  He didn't even score on the regular chart!  He's been ordered to eat.  That won't be much of a hardship for this boy.   

Other than that he looks great, and doesn't have to go back for 3 months.

In the meantime, he will need to be cleared by a cardiologist,  have his vision checked, and have some blood work done.  I'll be scheduling those appointments today.

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Have a great weekend!

I'm linking up with Jen @ Forever For Always No Matter What.  Be sure and visit, and share your week as well.