Tuesday, July 28, 2009

No Pity Parties

Just the other day I met a new friend at a park with our babies and she asked me with frown on her face and a sad tone "Will he ever walk or run?" I told her OF COURSE! And he will probably play soccer, play t-ball or be on the swim team. Of course!

Sometimes people (myself included at times) want to focus on all the things Joaquin is not doing right now. Some people still feel pity for Joaquin. I think this is the hardest part of having a child with DS, when people feel pity or sorrow for Joaquin. So, I thought it was time to switch the focus a little bit. It's time to stop thinking about all the things he isn't doing or can't do right now.

Things Joaquin IS doing and CAN do right now...

move anywhere he wants to go and FAST
put himself in and out of the sitting position
crawl on hands and knees
pull to stand
play peek a boo
say mama, papa, nana, all done, bye ("buhh"), dog ("duhh"), grandpa ("gahpah"), ball ("bahh"), agua
eat at the kitchen table with the family
drink from a straw cup
wave bye bye and hello
sign "more" and "all done"
play ball
play on the drums, piano and maracas
smile, socialize, make eye contact and FLIRT!
get shy
gnaw on his teething biscuits
escape out the front door
get into cupboards he's not supposed to
put things in and out of containers
purposely put his feet in his mouth and grin when you say jokingly "Don't eat your toes!!"
rip his brother's favorite books
throw a small fit when you say NO
pull his lower lip up and frown when his brother takes something away from him
give kisses on command (watch the tongue!!)
push his brother away when he's had enough
laugh and giggle when you tickle him
splash and play with water
have 1/2 hour conversations with us in the morning
beg to get into the shower or bath whenever someone is in it
wrestle with his brothers
follow the dog
sleep through the night
cry when he is sad
screech with joy when he is happy

I'd say he is doing just fine...thriving actually!

18 comments:

  1. I'm still convinced he says "I did it", and it's pretty adorable too :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Meg: Stay tuned for my upcoming post re his new phrase :)!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love to read the "My baby Can" posts.Sounds like Joaquin is doing wonderfully!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post, Jennifer. John Michael hasn't said "Mama" yet. Still waiting patiently. BUT, he's getting closer to walking. Hurray. Or maybe it'll be the end of my freedom :-o

    So glad Joaquin's doing wonderful things. I love to read what kids can do.

    ReplyDelete
  5. yeah, I'd say he is DEFINITELY thriving!!

    WTG, Joaquin!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You go Joaquin!!! Show them how it's done!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, pity is the worst....especially since there is absolutely no reason for it!

    Joaquin is a star and is learning and growing and an amazing little guy. Can't wait to meet him in just a couple of days!

    ReplyDelete
  8. sounds like there is no reason to be pitying joaquin!!! he is an awesome little boy, but he would be regardless of any accomplishment :)

    i love showing new moms all the things my son can do. i remember being in their shoes and thinking my son wouldn't be able to do anything. soon enough the new moms figure out they were wrong just like i was.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post! He CAN and IS doing SO much...totally thriving and it has been so fun to watch his development through your blog and celebrate with you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, I can't believe all the things he is doing!! He is amazing!!! I think if someone would of said that to me I would of started laughing as there are sooo many things they can do, you are so right. Sam turns 1 today and I am sure those comments are coming since he isn't walking yet. Loved your post and all the things that he is now doing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. He is doing great and will continue to amaze everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  12. He is doing wonderful and he will do what he will do when he does it and show us all how underestimated he has been by people who don't know him!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great post! Joaquin is doing so much! Pity is OUT, praise is IN.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'd say he is doing just fine too! What an amazing little guy he is! I don't like the pity parties either! I guess it becomes our job to educate these people. I will do it proudly!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sounds like he is doing so great. I can't wait to catch up more with you at the conference this weekend. Ditto on this post, by the way...I was feeling the same way and made a new blog for Courtney to highlight all she CAN do (www.courtneysabilities.blogspot.com) if you want to check it out.
    PS-to Monica Crumley-It took my Courtney years, but you will be overjoyed when he initiates "I love you, Mom" on his own too! Don't worry, just keep being patient, it will come!

    ReplyDelete
  16. We're so proud of everything you do Mr. J.
    xoxo, your buddies Matthew and Mary Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  17. Um, you forgot this one:

    Look absolutely adorable and make you want to eat him up!

    ReplyDelete