Some of the first things I did when...

was to research. For some time we were not getting a very successful start to breast feeding and all the research I did showed that breastfeeding would be helpful in helping to teach Hope to keep her tongue in her mouth, more control of the tongue. So I needed to research which bottles would help with this also.

Do a search.

My searches were

Down syndrome and bottle feeding
Down syndrome and breast feeding
Down syndrome and keeping the tongue in (don't do that search as it one of the first web sites was about spanking the child to keep the tongue in. YIKES.
How to help the tongue and Down syndrome.

Hope these help.

Hugs
Debra and Hope

Some things we did when Hope was 0 to 6 months...

Hope at birth.
Hope at 6 months
My first thing that I had to do with Hope was to get off this internet and forget about all that went with the words Down syndrome and look at my baby as just that, a baby. I had our Early Access people come in once amonth. Just to meet them and not get overwhelmed. I was glad I had met them because we had noticed that Hope seemed to turn her head only to one side and because I had met them, I felt comfortable at calling them to hae them look at this and make sure it was nothing.

So first enjoy and next would be to research a board that is positive, can fight and most times get through it without any major breakups, and that are willing to share their ideas and heartaches and accomplishments. I found that in one board and although sometimes we act to much like a family, I am glad that I have them around.

So that is one of my first things I did when Hope was 0-6 months. I did do some reasearch but tried to keep it at the minimal and to keep my self from looking at what I had to do with Hope 1 year, 2 years, or 8 years from now and just try and look at the next six months. That way I am ahead but still not so far that I can't remember what I have made or learned.

Hugs Debra and Hope

Quote for the day....

This is a quote from a book a friend of mine was reading....

"I strongly believe that behind the success of every disabled child is a passionately, committed, intensely engaged and totally empowered parent. Usually but not always the child's mother."

Not sure where that comes from but I also know that there is a difference between what the world sees as success and what I see as success. Hope you enjoyed.

My first post about what has been helpful...

Velcro....

It is a wonderful invention right up there next to duct tape. I have used to to attach things to file folder games to help with matching things. I have used it to help with sequencing things and have seen it used where someone writes letters, blends, vowels and things on it so it can be used to create words.

One hint....

When using the velcro, attach the soft side to things you are wanting to stick the object to and the rough side to the things that you stick to it. This makes it helpful to stick the item to a rug or other things with velcro.

Thanks to my sweet friend for letting me in on this secret.

Well, a new blog...

I figured I wanted something to document how we are teaching and working to help Hope learn. Also to just post how Hope is doing in general.

Hope that you enjoy.