Back to School

August was a busy month for us and a lot of things happened. The biggest happening was the return to school for Ethan and Noah. Ethan is in 8th grade and seems to be enjoying himself. He wrote a funny paper telling about himself for his language arts class - - some phrases were, "here are a few fun Ethan Garner facts," and "my brother Noah has Down syndrome with a side of alopecia," and "my family is equipped with the standard issue mom and dad." Not sure how I feel about being called "standard issue," but it was pretty funny anyway.

Ethan is doing cross-country this year, his first school sport. It requires a certain amount of effort on my part, because Noah's bus comes at the same time that Ethan finishes running, so I have to pick them both up from school every day. It's worth it though, and I'm very proud of Ethan for running, even when it's so humid and hot outside. I'm also proud of Ethan's work in scouts; he has earned enough merit badges to become a "star" scout (next is "life" and then "eagle.") He wants to get his eagle by the end of next summer, which would be great, because he'll only be busier once he gets into high school.

Noah is a big fifth-grader now. Somehow over the summer he grew taller and looks skinnier. I'm relieved he's so fit, because a lot of kids (and adults) with Down syndrome struggle with their weight. Luckily he has pretty healthy eating habits - - I don't know any other kid who likes V-8 as much as he does!

We recently took Noah in for an MRI (under anesthesia) of his lower spine. We go back to the doctor tomorrow to discuss the results. We're trying to discover the reason for his lack of sensation in his . . . bowels. Just another step in the long long road to continence.

Noah did 2 weeks of extended swim/play camp at the beginning of the month. He is really fearless about getting in the water, and I hope we can continue to work on his swimming skills. He was really excited about our annual DS picnic, but on the day it was held he got a high fever and Scott had to take him home. Ethan and I stayed and had a great time. I'm still writing the bi-monthly newsletter for our group - - I really enjoy my association with the good people that volunteer.

Scott has been traveling like crazy, he's gone this week from Monday to Friday. When I told him I missed him he said, "do you miss me or my help with the kids?" I had to admit it was a little of both. I don't know how single mothers do it! But Scott is very helpful when he is home and allows me some "me" time. He loves taking the kids swimming at the gym and they love to go with him!

Meredith is getting so big (literally - - she is off the charts for height!) She is at such a fun stage, learning new things all the time, toddling around everywhere, and babbling in her sweet little voice. She loves to sing along with music in the car and she has a funny little dance she does, too. She points at everything and says babble-words in an inquiring voice. I'm enjoying reading books to her and playing with her. She's also into everything, makes giant messes, and squawks when she doesn't get what she wants. But she's so cute that I just have to smile and give her even more hugs and kisses. Her bangs got so long that we finally trimmed them, she was looking like a sheepdog! Now her hair is a little more "styled." I love buying new clothes for her, still haven't gotten over the novelty of having my own little dolly to dress.

My own big news is that I've started a graduate program. I found an online one that I really liked - - it's a Master's in Liberal Studies with a focus on the Humanities at Fort Hays University. I have a lot of freedom and can take just one class a semester, which is perfect. I started my class on Monday and I'm enjoying it, even if I feel a little stressed out. I haven't done critical thinking and writing like this for a very long time. I'm also still learning how to use the online discussion board. But the topics are fascinating (the class is "Information Literacy: Applied Research for the Digital Age".) I have 2 exams, a 20 page paper, and weekly discussion questions. So it's a little overwhelming right now, but this is really something I've wanted to do for a long time, and in 5 years I'll be 5 years older whether I do it or not, so why not just do it?!

I'm super excited to go to Kyle and Linzi's sealing next weekend - - Scott is going to be watching the kids so I'll be free to hang out - - yay! Not that I don't love my little ones, but everyone needs a break now and then, right?

Love and miss you!