Self-promotion Saturday

The reviews are coming in on the newest book! I am so excited, yet, at the same time, I am filled with humility and gratitude.  I am humbled enough to hesitate to self promote as much as I need to without seeming like I am continually "tooting" my own horn.  I am filled with gratitude that this life with Down syndrome is teaching me many Life Lessons.  Those lessons are taught in the form of a pint sized, 3 foot, blue eyed, strawberry blond, chatty patty, hugging baby girl. 

As I continue to travel this road with Cora I will continue to share the Life Lessons I am learning.  In hopes they will ease the path for other travelers on this journey, or maybe ease the path for those whose lives are touched with moments of chaos, hardships or trials that have nothing to do with Down syndrome.

With that, I have dubbed today Self-promotion Saturday!

Blessings my friends

Uplifting Down Syndrome

The newest book is published and available on amazon.com.  This is the third book I have written. I am happy with how this book turned out.  I wanted to write something inspirational for all the parents who are traveling this journey.  I think I accomplished that with this book. 

The real beauty of the book is it would be a good read, with many lessons and inspiration, for any parent or adult.  I hope you enjoy the new book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blessings,
Katrina

Pink Earmuffs are sometimes necessary

I need to share a story with y'all.


 Since getting my medical clearance and being able to again lift Cora, I have been taking Cora with me to Pickford when I run errands and to encourage her walking skills.


Adventures always motivate!


 While walking into the grocery store an older woman pulled up in her car. She got out of her car, the whole time watching Cora, and walked over to us.
"Oh, she is so adorable. How old is she?" She asked me.
 "Thank you," I said, "She is almost three years old.". 
 "Well," the woman replied as her smile faded away and was replaced with a stern look, "She should be walking so much better than that. You shouldn't be holding onto her hand and she should be walking on her own!". 
 I looked up and smiled at the woman. This beautiful, over seventy year old woman who was my elder and deserved the respect from me that her years demanded. "I think, for a child who has endured two open heart surgeries, she is doing phenomenal. Have a blessed day."
With that I walked away. Cora said "Bye" and blew her a kiss as we walked away.  Cora in her adorable snow boots crunching the snow as she worked at walking across the parking lot and into the store.

There continues to be moments on this journey where I long to be able to turn off the sound of another person's voice.  To push a button that floats in the air so I won't hear the words spoken in negativity to the progress that Cora has worked so hard for.  Often we have to find the next best thing.


While walking away from this woman and trudging through the parking lot as a snail's pace, each step a victory for my Little Button, I had one final thought about the encounter as Cora navigated the  step up and through the sliding doors and into the store, Where are Cora's pink earmuffs when I need them!!!

This journey with Down syndrome has taught me many lessons, lately the new ones seem to have a common theme.  I am learning to not take on another's comment, to not hold them as personal attacks.  I leave the conversation, or situation, with my head held high and my gratitude/peace of mind intact.  I refuse to allow another person who is negative to take up residence in my mind, after all they aren't going to pay rent for the space they occupy!  

I leave you with that thought today.  Increase awareness, defend your child, but do it with gratitude in your heart and a "not for rent" sign posted on your forehead.

 

((Lately Cora's favorite pasttime has been putting on the pink ear muffs I use in the summer time when I mow the lawn.  For an inspirational poster with her picture go to:  www.facebook.com/thegiftedchoice))

 

Cora keeps on growing!

Having reached the 90% on her growth chart, and spending time shopping for new clothes for the growing girl, I really noticed the change in her today.  She was playing in her favorite kitchen cupboard when I kept hearing her say, "Ouch".  I turned around from doing the dishes to find my Little Button was hitting her head on the cupboard interior.  She has grown so much she can no longer just reach into the cupboard without banging her little noggin on the wood.

Sep 2013

Jan 2013

This New Year is bringing many changes into my and Cora's life.  I hope you are open to the many changes it offers you.  Strive to grow and thrive in 2014, instead of staying stagnant and in the same ole rut as usual.  Stop and ask yourself, "Am I still banging my head on the same closed doors or am I making adjustments so I can move forward?" 


Keep enjoying our travels as we walk the road paved with Down syndrome and I will continue to challenge you just as Cora's daily adventures challenge me and teach me Life Lessons.


Blessings,
Katrina