Early Intervention--Our Mission and Goals for Bridget

Early Intervention (EI) is an important part of life for most families of children with special needs. Health and development related support services are critical from the ages of birth to three.

Since Bridget is two, we will be starting the process soon to transition her from EI to the local school system.

Between now and the end of October, I will post more specifics about Bridget's health and development as well as some thoughts about evaluations, assessments and goal setting.

When we first started services with Help Me Grow, I was asked to write a family mission statement. I had no idea what I was doing when I wrote it, but I did know that I believed strongly in Bridget--in her potential--and in her right to be treated with love and respect. I also knew that Chris and I would approach her learning with creativity and dedication.

After seeing our four older children move from infants to toddlers (and beyond), it became clear that each child reaches milestones on his or her own schedule, and that there is quite a range even in "normal", or typical development. Each child has his or her own strengths and talents as well as areas of difficulty. We understood from the beginning that Bridget would also acquire skills on her own timeline, and that she would have her own set of talents and limitations.

My own belief is that children benefit most from cues-based teaching. So, we focus on skills as she shows readiness (instead of "teaching" her from a pre-existing plan). For our family, it also makes sense to do as much as possible at home--our natural environment--where play doubles as therapy.


Our Mission Statement For Bridget's Early Intervention Services:

We believe that Life is a gift, and that Bridget is a gift. We believe that all people are always in the process of becoming--and that all people seek to find meaning in Life. We value Bridget as a person and as a family member. We realize that she will benefit from specialized services and are committed to giving her every type of support and encouragement to be as happy, healthy and independent as she can be.

We will provide a loving and encouraging environment at home for all of our children. We will be reflective, open and unwavering in our efforts to be the best parents we can be for Bridget and her siblings. Our goal is to be educated and able to make informed decisions about Bridget's care and to be the very best advocates for her in all arenas. We'd like a family-centered, home-based approach to interventions and therapies whenever possible. We want to look for things we can do at home, as a part of our regular lives, to benefit her and give her a great start in Life.

Early Intervention--Our Mission and Goals for Bridget

Early Intervention (EI) is an important part of life for most families of children with special needs. Health and development related support services are critical from the ages of birth to three.

Since Bridget is two, we will be starting the process soon to transition her from EI to the local school system.

Between now and the end of October, I will post more specifics about Bridget's health and development as well as some thoughts about evaluations, assessments and goal setting.

When we first started services with Help Me Grow, I was asked to write a family mission statement. I had no idea what I was doing when I wrote it, but I did know that I believed strongly in Bridget--in her potential--and in her right to be treated with love and respect. I also knew that Chris and I would approach her learning with creativity and dedication.

After seeing our four older children move from infants to toddlers (and beyond), it became clear that each child reaches milestones on his or her own schedule, and that there is quite a range even in "normal", or typical development. Each child has his or her own strengths and talents as well as areas of difficulty. We understood from the beginning that Bridget would also acquire skills on her own timeline, and that she would have her own set of talents and limitations.

My own belief is that children benefit most from cues-based teaching. So, we focus on skills as she shows readiness (instead of "teaching" her from a pre-existing plan). For our family, it also makes sense to do as much as possible at home--our natural environment--where play doubles as therapy.


Our Mission Statement For Bridget's Early Intervention Services:

We believe that Life is a gift, and that Bridget is a gift. We believe that all people are always in the process of becoming--and that all people seek to find meaning in Life. We value Bridget as a person and as a family member. We realize that she will benefit from specialized services and are committed to giving her every type of support and encouragement to be as happy, healthy and independent as she can be.

We will provide a loving and encouraging environment at home for all of our children. We will be reflective, open and unwavering in our efforts to be the best parents we can be for Bridget and her siblings. Our goal is to be educated and able to make informed decisions about Bridget's care and to be the very best advocates for her in all arenas. We'd like a family-centered, home-based approach to interventions and therapies whenever possible. We want to look for things we can do at home, as a part of our regular lives, to benefit her and give her a great start in Life.

From Grammy & Papa

We are so privileged to have Bridget in our lives. We are amazed by her accomplishments and amused by her two-year-old assertions of independence. She does have a mind of her own :). We are so proud of her!

Bridget makes us laugh! She does so many endearing things – from whispering “Papa” to throwing her head back and laughing. She loves life and especially her family. It is so obvious that Lisa, Chris, Sara, Kyle, Brian, and Emmy all cherish Bridget and she is growing and blossoming in that love.

We look forward to the years ahead with Bridget. She is a joy and a perfect addition to our family.

From Grammy & Papa

We are so privileged to have Bridget in our lives. We are amazed by her accomplishments and amused by her two-year-old assertions of independence. She does have a mind of her own :). We are so proud of her!

Bridget makes us laugh! She does so many endearing things – from whispering “Papa” to throwing her head back and laughing. She loves life and especially her family. It is so obvious that Lisa, Chris, Sara, Kyle, Brian, and Emmy all cherish Bridget and she is growing and blossoming in that love.

We look forward to the years ahead with Bridget. She is a joy and a perfect addition to our family.

21 Things to Love

In keeping with the "21" theme, here are 21 Things to Love about Bridget:

1. She's super busy, but she's also a big Snugglebug. She is the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy.

2. She's expressive. She loves to raise her eyebrows or wrinkle her nose. She's got one look--a little one-eyed, sideways look--that says she means business, or that she's got your number.

3. She's determined. And, while Bridget is often agreeable, she's two--she does things on her own terms :).

4. She used to haul off and smack my chest when someone asked, "Where's mommy?". BOOM. Right here ->!. She now says "Mom Mom" and lightly pats.

5. She eats everything we put in front of her.

6. When she looks in a mirror, she signs "beautiful", then "baby".

7. When her diaper is wet, she takes it off and puts it on the kitchen counter (?). When it is dirty, she just waves her hand in front of her nose and says, "dee dee" (which means stinky...in case we didn't already notice!).

8. For Bridget, every item is a potential phone (i.e., spoon phone, cookie phone, lipgloss phone).

9. She answers her phones, "Heh-yo, heh-yo, heh-yo?"...then throws her head back and laughs (loudly).

10. She might be part hunting dog...If she wants something but can't reach it, she sits quietly with her arm extended, and her index finger pointing directly to the item she wants. She does not move until she gets it.

11. She knows exactly who she can get a reaction from...and she doesn't give up until the desired reaction is reached many times over.

12. When she says "Papa", she always whispers it (so sweet).

13. She loves Hi-5 on Discovery Kids. She bounces, waves her hands in the air, and sings "Oooh Bop Bop!" to the opening song :).

14. She wipes her own mouth after she "kisses" someone (while we're all wiping our cheeks!).

15. She likes to wear sunglasses on her head and strap a purse over her shoulder.

16. She leans in, smiles & waves, and says "HI!" to babies, or to her own reflection.

17. She says "Ow, Ow!" when she doesn't want to do something or doesn't like it.

18. She pats, gently rubs, or taps us with her fingers (on the arm, chest, back or forehead) to say "I Love You" or "It's going to be okay".

19. Her hair and skin are soft as silk.

20. Her smile...and her voice...and her giggle...are sweeter than words can describe.

21. I could name a million more things. In a matter of minutes this morning, I was able to think of enough things to fill three lists. As Brian said in his post, Bridget makes life interesting. She brings warmth and depth to our family. There's just so much to love...

21 Things to Love

In keeping with the "21" theme, here are 21 Things to Love about Bridget:

1. She's super busy, but she's also a big Snugglebug. She is the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy.

2. She's expressive. She loves to raise her eyebrows or wrinkle her nose. She's got one look--a little one-eyed, sideways look--that says she means business, or that she's got your number.

3. She's determined. And, while Bridget is often agreeable, she's two--she does things on her own terms :).

4. She used to haul off and smack my chest when someone asked, "Where's mommy?". BOOM. Right here ->!. She now says "Mom Mom" and lightly pats.

5. She eats everything we put in front of her.

6. When she looks in a mirror, she signs "beautiful", then "baby".

7. When her diaper is wet, she takes it off and puts it on the kitchen counter (?). When it is dirty, she just waves her hand in front of her nose and says, "dee dee" (which means stinky...in case we didn't already notice!).

8. For Bridget, every item is a potential phone (i.e., spoon phone, cookie phone, lipgloss phone).

9. She answers her phones, "Heh-yo, heh-yo, heh-yo?"...then throws her head back and laughs (loudly).

10. She might be part hunting dog...If she wants something but can't reach it, she sits quietly with her arm extended, and her index finger pointing directly to the item she wants. She does not move until she gets it.

11. She knows exactly who she can get a reaction from...and she doesn't give up until the desired reaction is reached many times over.

12. When she says "Papa", she always whispers it (so sweet).

13. She loves Hi-5 on Discovery Kids. She bounces, waves her hands in the air, and sings "Oooh Bop Bop!" to the opening song :).

14. She wipes her own mouth after she "kisses" someone (while we're all wiping our cheeks!).

15. She likes to wear sunglasses on her head and strap a purse over her shoulder.

16. She leans in, smiles & waves, and says "HI!" to babies, or to her own reflection.

17. She says "Ow, Ow!" when she doesn't want to do something or doesn't like it.

18. She pats, gently rubs, or taps us with her fingers (on the arm, chest, back or forehead) to say "I Love You" or "It's going to be okay".

19. Her hair and skin are soft as silk.

20. Her smile...and her voice...and her giggle...are sweeter than words can describe.

21. I could name a million more things. In a matter of minutes this morning, I was able to think of enough things to fill three lists. As Brian said in his post, Bridget makes life interesting. She brings warmth and depth to our family. There's just so much to love...

From Sara, Almost 13

When I think of Bridget, I think of lentil soup, pancakes, and Burt's Bees baby wash. These items may sound completely random...but to me, they have purpose and meaning. Some of my best memories with Bridget are of snuggling after a bath, and her smelling like the Burt's Bees wash. It's kind of like her signature smell. I think of lentil soup and pancakes because those are two of her favorite foods to eat. I also have some not-so-good memories of cleaning lentil soup out of Bridget's hair and clothes :). I love Bridget so much, and I don't know what I would do without her. Since she was born, I have learned not to judge people by their imperfections, but to like them for who they truly are. This is the same with Bridget. I don't treat her any different than I would treat a sister without Down syndrome, and there are too many good qualities to name.

Love,

Sara

From Sara, Almost 13

When I think of Bridget, I think of lentil soup, pancakes, and Burt's Bees baby wash. These items may sound completely random...but to me, they have purpose and meaning. Some of my best memories with Bridget are of snuggling after a bath, and her smelling like the Burt's Bees wash. It's kind of like her signature smell. I think of lentil soup and pancakes because those are two of her favorite foods to eat. I also have some not-so-good memories of cleaning lentil soup out of Bridget's hair and clothes :). I love Bridget so much, and I don't know what I would do without her. Since she was born, I have learned not to judge people by their imperfections, but to like them for who they truly are. This is the same with Bridget. I don't treat her any different than I would treat a sister without Down syndrome, and there are too many good qualities to name.

Love,

Sara

From Kyle, Age 11

One thing that I really enjoy about my little sister Bridget, is her kisses. It is really funny, if you put your face close to her normally she will lean over and lick you on the cheek. That is what she considers a "kiss". Sometimes you don't have to get close to her and she will come over and give you a kiss. She always has a really sweet smile on her face after she gives a kiss. I really like that about her!

From Kyle, Age 11

One thing that I really enjoy about my little sister Bridget, is her kisses. It is really funny, if you put your face close to her normally she will lean over and lick you on the cheek. That is what she considers a "kiss". Sometimes you don't have to get close to her and she will come over and give you a kiss. She always has a really sweet smile on her face after she gives a kiss. I really like that about her!

From Brian, Age 9

Bridget is my little sister. I am very proud of her.

People with Down syndrome might learn slower, but she sure knows a lot. She knows sign language. She can sign words like cheese, shoe, more, cat, ball, NO, touchdown, love and BABY (I like how she does this one)!!!!. She can also talk and she can say... duck, cat, no, yay, hi and...mom. She pretends to burp and cough and cry. When she smiles it makes me smile. She is SOOOOO CUTE! I'm happy to have a sister like her.

Without her, life would be pretty boring.

From Brian, Age 9

Bridget is my little sister. I am very proud of her.

People with Down syndrome might learn slower, but she sure knows a lot. She knows sign language. She can sign words like cheese, shoe, more, cat, ball, NO, touchdown, love and BABY (I like how she does this one)!!!!. She can also talk and she can say... duck, cat, no, yay, hi and...mom. She pretends to burp and cough and cry. When she smiles it makes me smile. She is SOOOOO CUTE! I'm happy to have a sister like her.

Without her, life would be pretty boring.

From Emmy, Age 6

my little sister bridget is rele cute. we share a room. me and bridget roll a ball, watch tv, and laf together. and i love her so much.

love emmy

From Emmy, Age 6

my little sister bridget is rele cute. we share a room. me and bridget roll a ball, watch tv, and laf together. and i love her so much.

love emmy

Loving You, Forever & Ever

I wrote letters to each of my children when I brought them home from the hospital. Since it says so much about getting to know her and our first few weeks together, I'm sharing my letter to Bridget:

Dear Bridget,

You are one month old today, and we are preparing to leave Children’s Hospital tomorrow. We are all so excited!

You arrived early and needed surgery, so we have not been able to bring you home yet. We have everything ready, though, and will be so happy when our family is finally all together. You were part of the group long before you were born—and it’s been hard not having you at home…you belong with us.

You amaze me. For such a tiny thing, you have already shown us so much about who you are. Your strong will and determination, strength of spirit and sweet disposition have touched us all.

You've made it through a lot already and have shown that you will meet a challenge head-on and give everything you have to achieve a goal. You give--effort and love--freely.

You and mommy have been quite a team these past few weeks at the hospital. Someday, I'll tell you all about how hard we worked together on getting you to eat by mouth.

You are leading the charge. I am just translating, and believing in you. Together, we are already beating the odds.

I can't begin to describe how much you mean to me. I can tell you that I could not love you more than I do--and that I could not be more certain that you were meant especially for our family. I feel so lucky to be part of your life.

Sweet, sweet girl, you make me smile. I promise to always take care of you, love you and enjoy you. I'll match your strength and determination and will love learning and growing right along with you.

I can't wait to learn all about you. I wonder what will interest you, what you'll find funny, and what will make you happy. I look forward to all the beautiful surprises that lie ahead.

I'll love you forever and ever,

Mommy

Loving You, Forever & Ever

I wrote letters to each of my children when I brought them home from the hospital. Since it says so much about getting to know her and our first few weeks together, I'm sharing my letter to Bridget:

Dear Bridget,

You are one month old today, and we are preparing to leave Children’s Hospital tomorrow. We are all so excited!

You arrived early and needed surgery, so we have not been able to bring you home yet. We have everything ready, though, and will be so happy when our family is finally all together. You were part of the group long before you were born—and it’s been hard not having you at home…you belong with us.

You amaze me. For such a tiny thing, you have already shown us so much about who you are. Your strong will and determination, strength of spirit and sweet disposition have touched us all.

You've made it through a lot already and have shown that you will meet a challenge head-on and give everything you have to achieve a goal. You give--effort and love--freely.

You and mommy have been quite a team these past few weeks at the hospital. Someday, I'll tell you all about how hard we worked together on getting you to eat by mouth.

You are leading the charge. I am just translating, and believing in you. Together, we are already beating the odds.

I can't begin to describe how much you mean to me. I can tell you that I could not love you more than I do--and that I could not be more certain that you were meant especially for our family. I feel so lucky to be part of your life.

Sweet, sweet girl, you make me smile. I promise to always take care of you, love you and enjoy you. I'll match your strength and determination and will love learning and growing right along with you.

I can't wait to learn all about you. I wonder what will interest you, what you'll find funny, and what will make you happy. I look forward to all the beautiful surprises that lie ahead.

I'll love you forever and ever,

Mommy

For Parents with a New Ds Diagnosis

"People with Down syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute to their families, friends and communities."

-NDSS Chief Operating Officer Jon Colman

If you have received a new Down syndrome diagnosis...you are probably looking for some basic information and a good, strong dose of hope right about now.

Know that you are not alone, and that Down syndrome itself isn't as scary and overwhelming as it may at first seem.

Not long ago, you might not have found much encouraging information about Down syndrome. Parents, family members and others who have experience with Ds, though, will often talk about the many rewards of a life including a family member, friend, or neighbor with Down syndrome.

Advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Today, many people with Down syndrome:

• Attend neighborhood schools and learn in typical classes alongside their peers without disabilities.
• Graduate from high school and go to college.
• Comprise a vibrant part of the American workforce.
• Actively participate in the social and recreational aspects of their communities.
• Live independently, make their own choices, and advocate for their rights.

While some people will make assumptions and predictions about what children with Down syndrome are capable of accomplishing or how they might be limited in life, it is impossible to predict the future for any child in terms of health, achievement or ability.

All children deserve and need love, attention, guidance and nurturing. All children benefit from a loving, accepting, encouraging, stimulating and positive home environment.

There's no telling what our children will accomplish, and what they will be happy doing. With our guidance, attention and love, the world is full of possibility--for them, and for us.

For Parents with a New Ds Diagnosis

"People with Down syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute to their families, friends and communities."

-NDSS Chief Operating Officer Jon Colman

If you have received a new Down syndrome diagnosis...you are probably looking for some basic information and a good, strong dose of hope right about now.

Know that you are not alone, and that Down syndrome itself isn't as scary and overwhelming as it may at first seem.

Not long ago, you might not have found much encouraging information about Down syndrome. Parents, family members and others who have experience with Ds, though, will often talk about the many rewards of a life including a family member, friend, or neighbor with Down syndrome.

Advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Today, many people with Down syndrome:

• Attend neighborhood schools and learn in typical classes alongside their peers without disabilities.
• Graduate from high school and go to college.
• Comprise a vibrant part of the American workforce.
• Actively participate in the social and recreational aspects of their communities.
• Live independently, make their own choices, and advocate for their rights.

While some people will make assumptions and predictions about what children with Down syndrome are capable of accomplishing or how they might be limited in life, it is impossible to predict the future for any child in terms of health, achievement or ability.

All children deserve and need love, attention, guidance and nurturing. All children benefit from a loving, accepting, encouraging, stimulating and positive home environment.

There's no telling what our children will accomplish, and what they will be happy doing. With our guidance, attention and love, the world is full of possibility--for them, and for us.

Hope, Possibility & Potential

When Bridget was tiny, I found very little encouraging information--anywhere--about raising a child with Down syndrome.

In the endless hours spent searching, I uncovered a few things, though, that had a big impact on me--that gave me comfort, and more importantly, hope. Images and descriptions of everyday life with Down syndrome meant so much to me then...and gave me a glimpse into our lives now. Seeing other children and their families finding their way gave me great confidence that we, too, would find our own center of balance.

I began to understand that we would all grow along with Bridget, and that she would bloom into a toddler...a child...a young lady...an adult...with her own unique interests and personality. At first, everything seemed so daunting. And then, I started to see possibility, and potential.

One of the first websites I found was Alexandra Rose. Easy to navigate and full of useful information, her website was a refuge for me those early days. An adorable picture of her getting busted helping herself to a box of Cheerio's helped me understand that life with Bridget might not be so "different". Check out Pictures of Alex 24 months-age 5.

I also found Emma Jayne, the Wonderbabe, at Lovely and Amazing. One of the first things I read on her blog was: "Emma has Down syndrome, Down syndrome doesn't have her." I liked that statement and have repeated it (Thank You, Emily). Her blog is the most comprehensive one I've seen to date and has a wealth of information, links and pictures--inspiration all over the place. Take a peek at the gorgeous faces on the T21 Photo Gallery. Or read this "Happy Birthday" post, a beautiful example of a mother's love, which describes her perfect and lovable little girl.

I found Maren at Little Miss Magic, who has tons of friends, plays soccer, loves High School Musical, and wears funky glasses. When "Normal" is "Special" begins with mom Carol's thoughts when Maren was little and goes on to describe Maren at age 6. The post is funny and touching at the same time.

I saw the gorgeous and magical photos of Emma Sage, who rides horses, dances, swings and plays in the garden (among other things).

I read Jennifer Graf Groneberg's Perfectly Imperfect, in which she describes how she came to terms with assessments and what they don't reveal about her son Avery. Her descriptions of him still tug at my heartstrings. Jennifer is the author of Road Map to Holland--a must read.

THANK YOU to all of the moms whose writing and photos comforted and inspired me in the early days with Bridget.

I am Paying it Forward...

Hope, Possibility & Potential

When Bridget was tiny, I found very little encouraging information--anywhere--about raising a child with Down syndrome.

In the endless hours spent searching, I uncovered a few things, though, that had a big impact on me--that gave me comfort, and more importantly, hope. Images and descriptions of everyday life with Down syndrome meant so much to me then...and gave me a glimpse into our lives now. Seeing other children and their families finding their way gave me great confidence that we, too, would find our own center of balance.

I began to understand that we would all grow along with Bridget, and that she would bloom into a toddler...a child...a young lady...an adult...with her own unique interests and personality. At first, everything seemed so daunting. And then, I started to see possibility, and potential.

One of the first websites I found was Alexandra Rose. Easy to navigate and full of useful information, her website was a refuge for me those early days. An adorable picture of her getting busted helping herself to a box of Cheerio's helped me understand that life with Bridget might not be so "different". Check out Pictures of Alex 24 months-age 5.

I also found Emma Jayne, the Wonderbabe, at Lovely and Amazing. One of the first things I read on her blog was: "Emma has Down syndrome, Down syndrome doesn't have her." I liked that statement and have repeated it (Thank You, Emily). Her blog is the most comprehensive one I've seen to date and has a wealth of information, links and pictures--inspiration all over the place. Take a peek at the gorgeous faces on the T21 Photo Gallery. Or read this "Happy Birthday" post, a beautiful example of a mother's love, which describes her perfect and lovable little girl.

I found Maren at Little Miss Magic, who has tons of friends, plays soccer, loves High School Musical, and wears funky glasses. When "Normal" is "Special" begins with mom Carol's thoughts when Maren was little and goes on to describe Maren at age 6. The post is funny and touching at the same time.

I saw the gorgeous and magical photos of Emma Sage, who rides horses, dances, swings and plays in the garden (among other things).

I read Jennifer Graf Groneberg's Perfectly Imperfect, in which she describes how she came to terms with assessments and what they don't reveal about her son Avery. Her descriptions of him still tug at my heartstrings. Jennifer is the author of Road Map to Holland--a must read.

THANK YOU to all of the moms whose writing and photos comforted and inspired me in the early days with Bridget.

I am Paying it Forward...