What a Difference a Year Makes

Here is Ben on his first ever day of school last year, when he was 5.

Isn't he cute?

Here he is on the first day of school this year.

Still cute, but a year older, and a lot cheekier!

It's Not Me, It's You.

I took Luke and Emily to see the dental nurse today. Em was due for a check-up and Luke hadn't been before as he didn't have any teeth! So off we went this morning. I had let the nurses know that Luke has Ds when I made the appointment, and said I had some concerns that he was missing some teeth. I said I wanted someone with experience with children with Ds, and if not, a referral to someone who was in the know. The lady assured me that the nurse was very experienced, and would refer me on if there were any problems.

So in we went this morning. Emily got the all clear, and was rapt with 2 stickers, a new toothbrush, and a necklace made in the shape of a butterfly which the nurses had made using dental supplies. I loved them too when I was a kid.

Luke was up next. He stayed in the buggy and the nurse had a quick look in his mouth. She agreed that the teeth alongside the middle two in the bottom row were probably missing, and said she believed this was common for 'Down syndrome kids'. She went on to say a few more things about 'Down syndrome kids' before I told her (as nicely as I could manage) that Luke was not a 'Down syndrome' but was a boy. He happened to have Ds but he is mainly just a little boy. The nurse blinked then kept talking. She said that the missing teeth were probably not a big deal, and then when I said something about braces, she said Luke probably could not have braces because it would be too difficult.

I just looked at her. The woman was not saying it would be difficult for any medical reason, but difficult because Luke would be difficult. The little boy who to date has been the easiest of my three children. Who had a blood test this morning, and only let out a little growl of frustration because they were holding onto his arm.

So the mama bear came out. "If Luke needs braces, he will have braces, just like my other children." They looked at me with pity. What is with these ladies? They are probably congratulating themselves for handling me so well. And I just want to slap them.

So I'm sorry to break this to you ladies, but it's not me, it's you. And all those like you, who only see that extra chromosome and miss all the beauty it holds. And man am I sick of people like you.

Climbing

During the week, there was shouting coming from the garden. Emily, whose voice could cut through steel, was calling for me at the top of her lungs. I am surprised every "Mum" in the neighbourhood did not come running! When I got outside, there was Luke, at the top of the stepladder, and Emily holding on to his ankle to stop him from falling. I couldn't believe it. Turns out Neil had been using it when he was working on the playhouse, and Luke can climb. Unfortunately he did not tell us he could now climb, or that he planned to go up the ladder, but luckily his sister was on hand to prevent a disaster. I was impressed that she had the presence of mind to hold him and call out. She is only 3 after all.

So the ladder is now always put away. The ladder to the trampoline has gone too, because he climbed up that when I was hanging out the washing. I spoil all his fun!

Last night Luke took his milk and plonked himself down in Ben's lap for a cuddle. So cute! So then Emily wanted a turn. Lucky Luke was happy to oblige :)

More holiday pics

Luke with Rebecca and Gayle. You can tell what he thinks of this!
Luke was very impressed with his big brother on a real motorbike.

Checking out the working dogs with Anna, but really checking out Ben on the bike.

Ben was lucky enough to have a go on Sam's motorbike. I think it's safe to say he loved it!

Who Loves Pepper?

We have been away on holiday for the past 8 days, and school is starting back tomorrow, and Emily is off to kindy this afternoon. But first, here are some of my favourite holiday snaps of Luke and his new best friend.

Our dog would never sit still enough for this...

or this...

or this!

We love you Pepper!