WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

This says it all

I love poetry, I think it is genetic. My Nonna(Grandma) was a poet and her book of poems is one of my most cherished possessions. I even have a book of poems that I keep and write whenever I'm inspired. I recently found a poem that could be my favorite of all time. It explains exactly how I feel about Riley. I wanted to share this poem with all of you. It truly says it all.

Two Words
by Cheryl Ward

Your birth brought us closer
As death lingered near
Your strength as you struggled
Gave flight to our fear
Down Syndrome they whispered
days after your birth
Two words that portrayed
A false image of your worth
Those words did not tell us
Of the love you would bring
Or the power your smile has
To make our hearts sing
Down Syndrome didn't tell us
What kind of child you would be
Filled with amazing surprises
Shared with your father and me
Hard work, determination,
Teaching and learning, it's true
Down Syndrome means much of this
For each of us, not just you
Wonder child, spirited child
You've grown and you've thrived
Your every achievement
Still fills us with pride
No matter the voice used
Two words can't describe
The fullness you've added
To so many lives
Down Syndrome, those frightening words
Whispered so long ago
Never did they prepare me
For the person I now know.

Wordless Wednesday

SOMETHING NEW

Hey everyone, I'm starting something new tomorrow. Taking the idea from several of the wonderful blogs I follow, tomorrow will be my first Wordless Wednesday. Every Wednesday I will create a blog post with pictures from the day, no words. So check back each week to see new pics of Riley. I hope everyone enjoys these pics of everyday life with our incredible little girl.

My little gymnast

I was thinking today about this summer. Reminiscing on some of my favorite Riley moments from the past few months. I thought about Field day. This year, field day at daycare was Pirate themed. The playground was set up with all sorts of Pirate activities, they even gave her a skull and crossbones bandanna and tattoo. . My dad and stepdad(Riley's granddaddy and Papaw) came to see her participate in all the events and we all had a great time. I must admit when we saw the "Walk the Plank" game I was a little nervous. Riley is a bit clumsy(she gets it honestly from me, this has absolutely nothing to do with DS)so I was worried she'd fall, or need help. To my surprise, she walked the plank as if she was an Olympic gymnast. Check out the video. My favorite is at the end she acts like she's gonna jump off then casually steps, its hilarious. I hope this video reminds me never to underestimate Riley and her abilities.

Game time

Football season is upon us. Tomorrow night is the first game of the season. For those of you lucky enough to live in the great state of Louisiana, you know I'm talking about the LSU TIGERS. To say that we are passionate about LSU is a bit of an understatement. Riley could say "Geaux Tigers" before she could say her name. So as we prepare for another season of Tiger football, I thought I'd share some of my favorite LSU photos. !!!GEAUX TIGERS!!!!

Tender moments with Riley are my favorite. Last night, after bath time, Riley and I sat in the living room together. We watched Wonder Pets while I braided her hair.(Sometimes she sleeps in braids so her hair will be wavy the next day). She hates when I do her hair for school in the morning, but sat perfectly still watching the Wonder Pets save a baby sea lion. We snuggled together singing the Wonder Pets song. "whats gonna work,..TEAMWORK, whats gonna work...TEAMWORK. And when I finished her hair she hugged me and said, "Thank you mama, I look cute!" And she did!