Buddy Walk=Ball of Energy and Love

"If you come to a Buddy Walk, the reciprocal love that you'll give and you'll get will blow your mind."

-Buddy Walk Ambassador and Actor John C. McGinley, as heard on The Today Show this morning.

It's true. Come see for yourself! Well said, John.

Buddy Walk=Ball of Energy and Love

"If you come to a Buddy Walk, the reciprocal love that you'll give and you'll get will blow your mind."

-Buddy Walk Ambassador and Actor John C. McGinley, as heard on The Today Show this morning.

It's true. Come see for yourself! Well said, John.

Remnants of a Day Well-Lived

Tonight, as I was getting ready for bed, I realized that I am glowing...literally. I have glitter throughout my hair, all over my face and on my clothes. I've been working on our signs for the upcoming Buddy Walk, and they are full of sparkles.

I also noticed that there are small pieces of salmon in the bathtub. We had salmon (one of Bridget's favorite foods) for dinner, and I gave Bridget a bath tonight before bed. She had fish in her hair, and down her diaper, so the bath was much needed...and enjoyed.

We've had a relaxed couple of days with daddy in town and the kids off school, and Bridget has been my little Lovebug.

Today was a regular day--a very "normal" day. I cleaned and cooked and laughed and read. I loved and was loved in return. I am heading off to bed feeling content and happy.

Salmon in the tub...glitter in my hair...remnants of a day well-lived.

Remnants of a Day Well-Lived

Tonight, as I was getting ready for bed, I realized that I am glowing...literally. I have glitter throughout my hair, all over my face and on my clothes. I've been working on our signs for the upcoming Buddy Walk, and they are full of sparkles.

I also noticed that there are small pieces of salmon in the bathtub. We had salmon (one of Bridget's favorite foods) for dinner, and I gave Bridget a bath tonight before bed. She had fish in her hair, and down her diaper, so the bath was much needed...and enjoyed.

We've had a relaxed couple of days with daddy in town and the kids off school, and Bridget has been my little Lovebug.

Today was a regular day--a very "normal" day. I cleaned and cooked and laughed and read. I loved and was loved in return. I am heading off to bed feeling content and happy.

Salmon in the tub...glitter in my hair...remnants of a day well-lived.

Glitter & Sparkles

The meaning behind our Buddy Walk banner:

Bridget is surrounded by light. She is light.

We have learned big, important lessons through knowing and loving her--but it is the small moments of everyday life with Bridget, the countless little bursts, that fill our lives with meaning and joy. We spend our days together reflecting and accepting, learning, laughing, and loving. The larger significance is not lost, and sparkles are everywhere, in every room—filling our lives with glitter—and tiny flashes of light.

Glitter & Sparkles

The meaning behind our Buddy Walk banner:

Bridget is surrounded by light. She is light.

We have learned big, important lessons through knowing and loving her--but it is the small moments of everyday life with Bridget, the countless little bursts, that fill our lives with meaning and joy. We spend our days together reflecting and accepting, learning, laughing, and loving. The larger significance is not lost, and sparkles are everywhere, in every room—filling our lives with glitter—and tiny flashes of light.

What Sarah Palin Has Done...

What Sarah Palin has done for the Down syndrome community and beyond:

September 3, 2008--the day millions became aware that Down syndrome is not something to fear. In the course of one evening, Ds awareness reached new heights as an international audience listened to Gov. Sarah Palin speak at the Republican National Convention and also caught several glimpses of her beautiful son Trig (who happens to have Ds).

Whether it was seeing Trig with his dad, being fed or sleeping in a sibling's arms (even watching his seven-year-old sister lovingly holding him, then lick her hand and reach down to "slick" his hair); or seeing Sarah Palin herself proudly carrying him on stage (with Trig facing outward)--the message was clear: We are not hiding our son, or our love for him. Trig is an important member of our family. He is an individual, a person, who is accepted, valued and loved.

(Associated Press Photos)

In one evening, Gov. Palin and her family have shown that families are made of individuals--bound together by love--that work together to overcome obstacles; that disability is a natural and normal part of Life; and that people with Ds deserve the same love and respect as anyone else.

What Sarah Palin Has Done...

What Sarah Palin has done for the Down syndrome community and beyond:

September 3, 2008--the day millions became aware that Down syndrome is not something to fear. In the course of one evening, Ds awareness reached new heights as an international audience listened to Gov. Sarah Palin speak at the Republican National Convention and also caught several glimpses of her beautiful son Trig (who happens to have Ds).

Whether it was seeing Trig with his dad, being fed or sleeping in a sibling's arms (even watching his seven-year-old sister lovingly holding him, then lick her hand and reach down to "slick" his hair); or seeing Sarah Palin herself proudly carrying him on stage (with Trig facing outward)--the message was clear: We are not hiding our son, or our love for him. Trig is an important member of our family. He is an individual, a person, who is accepted, valued and loved.

(Associated Press Photos)

In one evening, Gov. Palin and her family have shown that families are made of individuals--bound together by love--that work together to overcome obstacles; that disability is a natural and normal part of Life; and that people with Ds deserve the same love and respect as anyone else.

Shine On, Bridget!

This is our banner for the Buddy Walk:

Shine On, Bridget!

This is our banner for the Buddy Walk:

**Bridget 25 months--Signs**

Thank You
Play
Baby
Diaper
Eat
Hurt
Love
Hungry/Food
Duck
Cat
Butterfly
Mad
More
Shoes
Touchdown
Sorry
Happy
All done
Please
Daddy
Hi
Bye-bye
Cracker
Go Bucks!
Yes
Mommy
Grandma
Stinky
Beautiful
Bath
Night-night/tired
Banana
Apple
Pancakes
Book
Gentle
Monkey
Shadow
Ice Cream
Cheese
Again
Cookie
Funny

**Bridget 25 months--Signs**

Thank You
Play
Baby
Diaper
Eat
Hurt
Love
Hungry/Food
Duck
Cat
Butterfly
Mad
More
Shoes
Touchdown
Sorry
Happy
All done
Please
Daddy
Hi
Bye-bye
Cracker
Go Bucks!
Yes
Mommy
Grandma
Stinky
Beautiful
Bath
Night-night/tired
Banana
Apple
Pancakes
Book
Gentle
Monkey
Shadow
Ice Cream
Cheese
Again
Cookie
Funny

Bridget at 25 months

From these pictures, you wouldn't know that we are considering changing Bridget's middle name to "TROUBLE"...she is into everything right now :)!

I keep finding her with my calculators (punching the buttons--pretending to talk on the phone), or on the family room couch (remote in hand) changing the t.v. channels.

She is fully capable of walking independently, but is super cautious & still likes to rest her hand on something (anything) before taking a step. She will take a few steps toward the couch or coffee table (or one of us) by herself. She has recently also started squatting and standing in the middle of a room.

This month, she's learned the signs for "monkey", "shadow" and "ice cream". (I'll post a list of the other signs she knows).

If we ask her to do a "shoulder shimmy", Bridget will lean forward, grin & wiggle her shoulders back and forth. She also kicks her foot vigorously if we ask her, "Bridget, can you dance?" :).

We are busy getting ready for the upcoming Buddy Walk. This is our first year having a team!

Bridget at 25 months

From these pictures, you wouldn't know that we are considering changing Bridget's middle name to "TROUBLE"...she is into everything right now :)!

I keep finding her with my calculators (punching the buttons--pretending to talk on the phone), or on the family room couch (remote in hand) changing the t.v. channels.

She is fully capable of walking independently, but is super cautious & still likes to rest her hand on something (anything) before taking a step. She will take a few steps toward the couch or coffee table (or one of us) by herself. She has recently also started squatting and standing in the middle of a room.

This month, she's learned the signs for "monkey", "shadow" and "ice cream". (I'll post a list of the other signs she knows).

If we ask her to do a "shoulder shimmy", Bridget will lean forward, grin & wiggle her shoulders back and forth. She also kicks her foot vigorously if we ask her, "Bridget, can you dance?" :).

We are busy getting ready for the upcoming Buddy Walk. This is our first year having a team!

Happy Birthday, Bridget!

Please click here to view New Slide Show

Happy Birthday, Bridget!

Please click here to view New Slide Show

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!

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!

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 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!).