Emmy 
Brian
Kyle
Sara
Posts
All Feeling Better
12 years ago
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Celebrating Bridget
We are so thankful for the little girl that came into our lives two years ago today. Bridget has filled our lives with joy. There’s a fire—and at the same time, a purity—in her that’s etched a deep and distinct mark on our hearts and lives.
Knowing Bridget and learning alongside her, the lessons are clear. One of the many things we’ve come to understand: a diagnosis is just one aspect of a person—it is only one dimension.
When Down syndrome is diagnosed, it is hard to imagine your child with distinct personality traits and interests. Unfortunately, all you know is a diagnosis, and that your child has a disability.
Yes, Bridget is a little girl with Down syndrome. But that doesn’t even begin to explain who she is. She’s colorful, honest, willful, sweet, and spirited. She is full of Life. In her, we see a vibrant person—the expression, the giggle, the depth—and this incredible light.
No matter what she’s doing, Bridget gives her all. Her heart is true, her spirit boundless and her potential infinite.
Happy Birthday, sweet Bridget. We love you so much!
Knowing Bridget and learning alongside her, the lessons are clear. One of the many things we’ve come to understand: a diagnosis is just one aspect of a person—it is only one dimension.
When Down syndrome is diagnosed, it is hard to imagine your child with distinct personality traits and interests. Unfortunately, all you know is a diagnosis, and that your child has a disability.
Yes, Bridget is a little girl with Down syndrome. But that doesn’t even begin to explain who she is. She’s colorful, honest, willful, sweet, and spirited. She is full of Life. In her, we see a vibrant person—the expression, the giggle, the depth—and this incredible light.
No matter what she’s doing, Bridget gives her all. Her heart is true, her spirit boundless and her potential infinite.
Happy Birthday, sweet Bridget. We love you so much!
Celebrating Bridget
We are so thankful for the little girl that came into our lives two years ago today. Bridget has filled our lives with joy. There’s a fire—and at the same time, a purity—in her that’s etched a deep and distinct mark on our hearts and lives.
Knowing Bridget and learning alongside her, the lessons are clear. One of the many things we’ve come to understand: a diagnosis is just one aspect of a person—it is only one dimension.
When Down syndrome is diagnosed, it is hard to imagine your child with distinct personality traits and interests. Unfortunately, all you know is a diagnosis, and that your child has a disability.
Yes, Bridget is a little girl with Down syndrome. But that doesn’t even begin to explain who she is. She’s colorful, honest, willful, sweet, and spirited. She is full of Life. In her, we see a vibrant person—the expression, the giggle, the depth—and this incredible light.
No matter what she’s doing, Bridget gives her all. Her heart is true, her spirit boundless and her potential infinite.
Happy Birthday, sweet Bridget. We love you so much!
Knowing Bridget and learning alongside her, the lessons are clear. One of the many things we’ve come to understand: a diagnosis is just one aspect of a person—it is only one dimension.
When Down syndrome is diagnosed, it is hard to imagine your child with distinct personality traits and interests. Unfortunately, all you know is a diagnosis, and that your child has a disability.
Yes, Bridget is a little girl with Down syndrome. But that doesn’t even begin to explain who she is. She’s colorful, honest, willful, sweet, and spirited. She is full of Life. In her, we see a vibrant person—the expression, the giggle, the depth—and this incredible light.
No matter what she’s doing, Bridget gives her all. Her heart is true, her spirit boundless and her potential infinite.
Happy Birthday, sweet Bridget. We love you so much!
Bridget is TWO!
Bridget is TWO…so two :). She defies definition (and a few photographs can hardly do her justice), so here is a more complete picture of her two-year-old self:
Bridget now signs about 30 words and says a handful. She’s like a GEICO commercial, signing below us while we talk (she picks the words she knows out of our conversations). Her multi-purpose spoken word is “OUCH!”—which means “ouch”, “oops”, “uh oh”, “no!” and several other things. As it is with most two year olds, Bridget is rarely cooperative ;). She doesn’t want to be strapped into anything, loves to get a hold of the t.v. remote, and demands an all-access pass to every drawer and cupboard in the house. She really likes to laugh…and yell. She’s become very good at signing “sorry”, since she hurts people on accident more often than you would think and on purpose more often than you would think. She loves the routine of patting to say “its okay” so much that she has started bopping people just so she can console them afterwards.
Bridget is animated. Sometimes when I look at her (especially when she’s been waiting for me to look), she raises her eyebrows and grins—she just sparkles. She pretends to be really sad (“hoo hoo hoo”), gives kisses and hugs and makes a great fish face. She’s also got a great fake burp, which she does on command (we’re so proud—and thank you, Brian). She can mimic any sound or gesture and keeps us all in stitches by making every kind of face you can imagine. She can make several noises that no one has yet figured out how to replicate.
Her laughter is contagious—she loves to giggle, and she also likes to lean in and slap the table before bursting out with an uproarious belly laugh. Bridget is active, curious, and determined. She is very social, and pretends to talk on the phone (she answers “heh-yo, heh-yo” and immediately closes her eyes and laughs). She has the sweetest little voice, and a smile that will steal your heart.
Bridget loves pancakes, babies, books and pulling hair (ouch!). She can get out of any barricade we create to keep her safe. She is still obsessed with the alphabet song and her own reflection. She can blow her nose, and knows how to cough into the crook of her arm. She likes to snuggle when she wakes up, but not if she sees food first :). She is alternatingly endearing, hilarious, frustrating and incredibly sweet (wait, that sounds like a typical two-year-old!).
Bridget now signs about 30 words and says a handful. She’s like a GEICO commercial, signing below us while we talk (she picks the words she knows out of our conversations). Her multi-purpose spoken word is “OUCH!”—which means “ouch”, “oops”, “uh oh”, “no!” and several other things. As it is with most two year olds, Bridget is rarely cooperative ;). She doesn’t want to be strapped into anything, loves to get a hold of the t.v. remote, and demands an all-access pass to every drawer and cupboard in the house. She really likes to laugh…and yell. She’s become very good at signing “sorry”, since she hurts people on accident more often than you would think and on purpose more often than you would think. She loves the routine of patting to say “its okay” so much that she has started bopping people just so she can console them afterwards.
Bridget is animated. Sometimes when I look at her (especially when she’s been waiting for me to look), she raises her eyebrows and grins—she just sparkles. She pretends to be really sad (“hoo hoo hoo”), gives kisses and hugs and makes a great fish face. She’s also got a great fake burp, which she does on command (we’re so proud—and thank you, Brian). She can mimic any sound or gesture and keeps us all in stitches by making every kind of face you can imagine. She can make several noises that no one has yet figured out how to replicate.
Her laughter is contagious—she loves to giggle, and she also likes to lean in and slap the table before bursting out with an uproarious belly laugh. Bridget is active, curious, and determined. She is very social, and pretends to talk on the phone (she answers “heh-yo, heh-yo” and immediately closes her eyes and laughs). She has the sweetest little voice, and a smile that will steal your heart.
Bridget loves pancakes, babies, books and pulling hair (ouch!). She can get out of any barricade we create to keep her safe. She is still obsessed with the alphabet song and her own reflection. She can blow her nose, and knows how to cough into the crook of her arm. She likes to snuggle when she wakes up, but not if she sees food first :). She is alternatingly endearing, hilarious, frustrating and incredibly sweet (wait, that sounds like a typical two-year-old!).
Bridget is TWO!
Bridget is TWO…so two :). She defies definition (and a few photographs can hardly do her justice), so here is a more complete picture of her two-year-old self:
Bridget now signs about 30 words and says a handful. She’s like a GEICO commercial, signing below us while we talk (she picks the words she knows out of our conversations). Her multi-purpose spoken word is “OUCH!”—which means “ouch”, “oops”, “uh oh”, “no!” and several other things. As it is with most two year olds, Bridget is rarely cooperative ;). She doesn’t want to be strapped into anything, loves to get a hold of the t.v. remote, and demands an all-access pass to every drawer and cupboard in the house. She really likes to laugh…and yell. She’s become very good at signing “sorry”, since she hurts people on accident more often than you would think and on purpose more often than you would think. She loves the routine of patting to say “its okay” so much that she has started bopping people just so she can console them afterwards.
Bridget is animated. Sometimes when I look at her (especially when she’s been waiting for me to look), she raises her eyebrows and grins—she just sparkles. She pretends to be really sad (“hoo hoo hoo”), gives kisses and hugs and makes a great fish face. She’s also got a great fake burp, which she does on command (we’re so proud—and thank you, Brian). She can mimic any sound or gesture and keeps us all in stitches by making every kind of face you can imagine. She can make several noises that no one has yet figured out how to replicate.
Her laughter is contagious—she loves to giggle, and she also likes to lean in and slap the table before bursting out with an uproarious belly laugh. Bridget is active, curious, and determined. She is very social, and pretends to talk on the phone (she answers “heh-yo, heh-yo” and immediately closes her eyes and laughs). She has the sweetest little voice, and a smile that will steal your heart.
Bridget loves pancakes, babies, books and pulling hair (ouch!). She can get out of any barricade we create to keep her safe. She is still obsessed with the alphabet song and her own reflection. She can blow her nose, and knows how to cough into the crook of her arm. She likes to snuggle when she wakes up, but not if she sees food first :). She is alternatingly endearing, hilarious, frustrating and incredibly sweet (wait, that sounds like a typical two-year-old!).
Bridget now signs about 30 words and says a handful. She’s like a GEICO commercial, signing below us while we talk (she picks the words she knows out of our conversations). Her multi-purpose spoken word is “OUCH!”—which means “ouch”, “oops”, “uh oh”, “no!” and several other things. As it is with most two year olds, Bridget is rarely cooperative ;). She doesn’t want to be strapped into anything, loves to get a hold of the t.v. remote, and demands an all-access pass to every drawer and cupboard in the house. She really likes to laugh…and yell. She’s become very good at signing “sorry”, since she hurts people on accident more often than you would think and on purpose more often than you would think. She loves the routine of patting to say “its okay” so much that she has started bopping people just so she can console them afterwards.
Bridget is animated. Sometimes when I look at her (especially when she’s been waiting for me to look), she raises her eyebrows and grins—she just sparkles. She pretends to be really sad (“hoo hoo hoo”), gives kisses and hugs and makes a great fish face. She’s also got a great fake burp, which she does on command (we’re so proud—and thank you, Brian). She can mimic any sound or gesture and keeps us all in stitches by making every kind of face you can imagine. She can make several noises that no one has yet figured out how to replicate.
Her laughter is contagious—she loves to giggle, and she also likes to lean in and slap the table before bursting out with an uproarious belly laugh. Bridget is active, curious, and determined. She is very social, and pretends to talk on the phone (she answers “heh-yo, heh-yo” and immediately closes her eyes and laughs). She has the sweetest little voice, and a smile that will steal your heart.
Bridget loves pancakes, babies, books and pulling hair (ouch!). She can get out of any barricade we create to keep her safe. She is still obsessed with the alphabet song and her own reflection. She can blow her nose, and knows how to cough into the crook of her arm. She likes to snuggle when she wakes up, but not if she sees food first :). She is alternatingly endearing, hilarious, frustrating and incredibly sweet (wait, that sounds like a typical two-year-old!).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Countdown to TWO
The following is what I sent to friends and family on July 23, 2007, Bridget’s first birthday. Thoughts on Bridget's Second Birthday (along with a written update on her latest accomplishments and a new slideshow) will be posted tomorrow morning...
Thoughts on Bridget’s First Birthday
It has been a year already since Bridget arrived. Today, we’re celebrating Bridget, her entrance into our lives, and the impact she’s had on our family. Our first year together has been amazing...
Bridget is healthy and thriving. She gives (effort and love) freely and unabashedly. She is joy and happiness and all good things. When I look at her, I see purity, courage and strength. To me, she is simply beautiful.
It only took minutes with Bridget to see that she that she just wants to experience Life, like we all do. She has a strong desire to be--to become, to learn, to love--to live.
Others may feel that Bridget has much to overcome, but she doesn’t seem to see it that way. Her approach is genuine, and she is a joyful and willing participant in Life.
Down syndrome alone does not define Bridget. Yes, it’s a part of her genetic make-up that is distinctly hers, but it is not her. Bridget shines through.
When she was first born, doctors were quick to tell us all the things she would have trouble doing. We heard much about the health issues and other limitations of people with Down syndrome, but very little about the enormous potential we would, in fact, see in Bridget. We weren’t told to expect the extraordinary, but that is indeed what we have experienced.
This past year has only confirmed my belief that while we can’t control everything that happens in Life, we can choose to see the goodness in it.
There’s something about this journey with Bridget that’s been so powerful, and so empowering. She is growing and learning and reaching milestones. What we’ve seen through her is that what matters most is not what we achieve and when, it’s how true to ourselves we are in the process of becoming.
With Bridget, it’s like all pretense has been stripped away. Through her, I’ve seen a world where boundaries and barriers are not a focus—where stereotypes, expectations and limits do not exist. I’ve seen straight through to the heart of things. I call this “Bridget’s Light”—it’s the truths that are illuminated through her.
Looking at any of my children, I can’t predict today who they will become in the future and what they will attain, or enjoy. I don’t know the whole story of their lives yet—but I will love seeing those stories unfold. The same goes for Bridget. One thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to see who she becomes.
Thoughts on Bridget’s First Birthday
It has been a year already since Bridget arrived. Today, we’re celebrating Bridget, her entrance into our lives, and the impact she’s had on our family. Our first year together has been amazing...
Bridget is healthy and thriving. She gives (effort and love) freely and unabashedly. She is joy and happiness and all good things. When I look at her, I see purity, courage and strength. To me, she is simply beautiful.
It only took minutes with Bridget to see that she that she just wants to experience Life, like we all do. She has a strong desire to be--to become, to learn, to love--to live.
Others may feel that Bridget has much to overcome, but she doesn’t seem to see it that way. Her approach is genuine, and she is a joyful and willing participant in Life.
Down syndrome alone does not define Bridget. Yes, it’s a part of her genetic make-up that is distinctly hers, but it is not her. Bridget shines through.
When she was first born, doctors were quick to tell us all the things she would have trouble doing. We heard much about the health issues and other limitations of people with Down syndrome, but very little about the enormous potential we would, in fact, see in Bridget. We weren’t told to expect the extraordinary, but that is indeed what we have experienced.
This past year has only confirmed my belief that while we can’t control everything that happens in Life, we can choose to see the goodness in it.
There’s something about this journey with Bridget that’s been so powerful, and so empowering. She is growing and learning and reaching milestones. What we’ve seen through her is that what matters most is not what we achieve and when, it’s how true to ourselves we are in the process of becoming.
With Bridget, it’s like all pretense has been stripped away. Through her, I’ve seen a world where boundaries and barriers are not a focus—where stereotypes, expectations and limits do not exist. I’ve seen straight through to the heart of things. I call this “Bridget’s Light”—it’s the truths that are illuminated through her.
Looking at any of my children, I can’t predict today who they will become in the future and what they will attain, or enjoy. I don’t know the whole story of their lives yet—but I will love seeing those stories unfold. The same goes for Bridget. One thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to see who she becomes.
Countdown to TWO
The following is what I sent to friends and family on July 23, 2007, Bridget’s first birthday. Thoughts on Bridget's Second Birthday (along with a written update on her latest accomplishments and a new slideshow) will be posted tomorrow morning...
Thoughts on Bridget’s First Birthday
It has been a year already since Bridget arrived. Today, we’re celebrating Bridget, her entrance into our lives, and the impact she’s had on our family. Our first year together has been amazing...
Bridget is healthy and thriving. She gives (effort and love) freely and unabashedly. She is joy and happiness and all good things. When I look at her, I see purity, courage and strength. To me, she is simply beautiful.
It only took minutes with Bridget to see that she that she just wants to experience Life, like we all do. She has a strong desire to be--to become, to learn, to love--to live.
Others may feel that Bridget has much to overcome, but she doesn’t seem to see it that way. Her approach is genuine, and she is a joyful and willing participant in Life.
Down syndrome alone does not define Bridget. Yes, it’s a part of her genetic make-up that is distinctly hers, but it is not her. Bridget shines through.
When she was first born, doctors were quick to tell us all the things she would have trouble doing. We heard much about the health issues and other limitations of people with Down syndrome, but very little about the enormous potential we would, in fact, see in Bridget. We weren’t told to expect the extraordinary, but that is indeed what we have experienced.
This past year has only confirmed my belief that while we can’t control everything that happens in Life, we can choose to see the goodness in it.
There’s something about this journey with Bridget that’s been so powerful, and so empowering. She is growing and learning and reaching milestones. What we’ve seen through her is that what matters most is not what we achieve and when, it’s how true to ourselves we are in the process of becoming.
With Bridget, it’s like all pretense has been stripped away. Through her, I’ve seen a world where boundaries and barriers are not a focus—where stereotypes, expectations and limits do not exist. I’ve seen straight through to the heart of things. I call this “Bridget’s Light”—it’s the truths that are illuminated through her.
Looking at any of my children, I can’t predict today who they will become in the future and what they will attain, or enjoy. I don’t know the whole story of their lives yet—but I will love seeing those stories unfold. The same goes for Bridget. One thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to see who she becomes.
Thoughts on Bridget’s First Birthday
It has been a year already since Bridget arrived. Today, we’re celebrating Bridget, her entrance into our lives, and the impact she’s had on our family. Our first year together has been amazing...
Bridget is healthy and thriving. She gives (effort and love) freely and unabashedly. She is joy and happiness and all good things. When I look at her, I see purity, courage and strength. To me, she is simply beautiful.
It only took minutes with Bridget to see that she that she just wants to experience Life, like we all do. She has a strong desire to be--to become, to learn, to love--to live.
Others may feel that Bridget has much to overcome, but she doesn’t seem to see it that way. Her approach is genuine, and she is a joyful and willing participant in Life.
Down syndrome alone does not define Bridget. Yes, it’s a part of her genetic make-up that is distinctly hers, but it is not her. Bridget shines through.
When she was first born, doctors were quick to tell us all the things she would have trouble doing. We heard much about the health issues and other limitations of people with Down syndrome, but very little about the enormous potential we would, in fact, see in Bridget. We weren’t told to expect the extraordinary, but that is indeed what we have experienced.
This past year has only confirmed my belief that while we can’t control everything that happens in Life, we can choose to see the goodness in it.
There’s something about this journey with Bridget that’s been so powerful, and so empowering. She is growing and learning and reaching milestones. What we’ve seen through her is that what matters most is not what we achieve and when, it’s how true to ourselves we are in the process of becoming.
With Bridget, it’s like all pretense has been stripped away. Through her, I’ve seen a world where boundaries and barriers are not a focus—where stereotypes, expectations and limits do not exist. I’ve seen straight through to the heart of things. I call this “Bridget’s Light”—it’s the truths that are illuminated through her.
Looking at any of my children, I can’t predict today who they will become in the future and what they will attain, or enjoy. I don’t know the whole story of their lives yet—but I will love seeing those stories unfold. The same goes for Bridget. One thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to see who she becomes.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Super Girl
There's a song on the radio right now that we call Bridget's song. It's Super Girl, by Saving Jane...
I'm supergirl
I'm everywhere
I'm flashing lights
They stop and stare
I'm fire red
I'm on a roll
I'm in your head
and everybody knows
I'm supergirl
Walking every wire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Set the world on fire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one's shining brighter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm supergirl...
I'm supergirl
I'm everywhere
I'm flashing lights
They stop and stare
I'm fire red
I'm on a roll
I'm in your head
and everybody knows
I'm supergirl
Walking every wire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Set the world on fire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one's shining brighter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm supergirl...
Super Girl
There's a song on the radio right now that we call Bridget's song. It's Super Girl, by Saving Jane...
I'm supergirl
I'm everywhere
I'm flashing lights
They stop and stare
I'm fire red
I'm on a roll
I'm in your head
and everybody knows
I'm supergirl
Walking every wire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Set the world on fire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one's shining brighter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm supergirl...
I'm supergirl
I'm everywhere
I'm flashing lights
They stop and stare
I'm fire red
I'm on a roll
I'm in your head
and everybody knows
I'm supergirl
Walking every wire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Set the world on fire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one's shining brighter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm supergirl...
Countdown to TWO
Bridget's second birthday is coming up on Wednesday, July 23.
I have posts planned for each of the next three days, so stay tuned for more updates.
Bridget at age two as described by her siblings...
Emmy says: "She's cute, she's funny, she's strong, and she's really, really good at saying and signing stuff like 'Hi' and 'pancake'!"
Brian says: "She's fast, cute, loud, funny and curious."
Kyle says: "She's talented, happy, curious, and strong. She can do some stuff that I can't do (like make a duck sound)."
Sara says: "She's energetic, slobbery, adorable and delightful."
I have posts planned for each of the next three days, so stay tuned for more updates.
Bridget at age two as described by her siblings...
Emmy says: "She's cute, she's funny, she's strong, and she's really, really good at saying and signing stuff like 'Hi' and 'pancake'!"
Brian says: "She's fast, cute, loud, funny and curious."
Kyle says: "She's talented, happy, curious, and strong. She can do some stuff that I can't do (like make a duck sound)."
Sara says: "She's energetic, slobbery, adorable and delightful."
Countdown to TWO
Bridget's second birthday is coming up on Wednesday, July 23.
I have posts planned for each of the next three days, so stay tuned for more updates.
Bridget at age two as described by her siblings...
Emmy says: "She's cute, she's funny, she's strong, and she's really, really good at saying and signing stuff like 'Hi' and 'pancake'!"
Brian says: "She's fast, cute, loud, funny and curious."
Kyle says: "She's talented, happy, curious, and strong. She can do some stuff that I can't do (like make a duck sound)."
Sara says: "She's energetic, slobbery, adorable and delightful."
I have posts planned for each of the next three days, so stay tuned for more updates.
Bridget at age two as described by her siblings...
Emmy says: "She's cute, she's funny, she's strong, and she's really, really good at saying and signing stuff like 'Hi' and 'pancake'!"
Brian says: "She's fast, cute, loud, funny and curious."
Kyle says: "She's talented, happy, curious, and strong. She can do some stuff that I can't do (like make a duck sound)."
Sara says: "She's energetic, slobbery, adorable and delightful."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Loved/The Center of Attention
We spent the 4th of July holiday with my family in Missouri.The fireworks were great, but Bridget was the main attraction :).
Here are a few photos which show the great time had by all--and the huge love for this little girl..
Loved/The Center of Attention
We spent the 4th of July holiday with my family in Missouri.The fireworks were great, but Bridget was the main attraction :).
Here are a few photos which show the great time had by all--and the huge love for this little girl..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
