When Dylan was born and we found out that he had down syndrome... so many things went through my mind as to what his future would look like and how hard things would be for him? We knew things would be a little bit more of a struggle for him, and that it would take a little longer for him to meet his milestones, but we knew that he would have no problem doing awesome in life and striving for every goal possible. That beautiful, strong and loving little extra chromosome would not keep him from reaching every goal and dream he will ever want. He is a strong and awesome little boy from the day he was born. He will do anything if he puts his mind to it!

 

 

When Dylan was about 12 months we started physical therapy at an amazing therapy place by our house. He started going 2 days a week and then we added a 3rd day as he got older. His sessions are an hour long and they work on his core strength, his leg strength, they climb stairs, go down slides, play in ball pits and much more. We are so lucky to have such amazing therapists who work hard with Dylan and he works hard with them. Greg and I work very closely with the therapist to ensure we are doing the same things at home with him. He gets so excited to go to therapy everyday and it makes me so happy. 

 

 

With all of Dylan's hard work over the years, the day has finally come, the day that I have been dreaming of, praying for and praising Dylan for every single day.  He is walking, walking and walking. He is anywhere and everywhere. Our little determined, motivated and strong awesome little boy has reached one of his goals he has been working so hard for. He won't be running anytime soon, but we take one step at a time! This is just a reminder that we can do anything if we put our mind to is. This little boy gives me the motivation and strength to strive for my goals and to live an amazing life. Dream big and set goals and with that we will achieve anything and everything!

 

IMG 6837 from Michelle Lopez on Vimeo.

World Down Syndrome Day-2015

 Tomorrow will mark the 9^th Anniversary of “World Down Syndrome Day” and each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them grows louder. But there is still so much more to do!

Today is the day that some in the world have seen fit to change the virtue and value of the lives of those with Down syndrome. You can count our family in on this day! There is so much that comes to mind for Dylan, myself, Greg and his baby sister that highlights our appreciation and gratefulness for Down syndrome.

Over the last two and a half years our journey with “disability” in the context of raising a growing and young family we often wondered what the impact of Dylan’s life would be? Would he be able to play, grow and learn like other’s his age? Would he be accepted by others, would he be bullied? There are many other questions that can flood the mind of a parent in the midst of disability. A parent’s response to the ongoing challenges brought on by a child’s diagnosis directly impacts every relationship in the family. By God’s grace over the last couple of years we have been able to see, hear, and experience the impact that Down syndrome has had on Dylan first hand. He is nothing but pure joy, and has love written all over his face. When people ask me “how is he doing”? This is my response: “He is doing amazing! He will go far in life because he is one determined little boy. Dylan will reach his own goals just like your child will and on his own time.” I will push him because I am his mom and I only want the best for him. He will do things that he wants to do, he will play the sports he wants to play and he will learn the way he wants to learn and follow every dream that may come his way. Just because he is different, does not mean he will be anything but perfect! I am his voice and a voice for all of the other families out there. I will fight for my son and continue to change the views of these amazing kids, and pray that we will see more inclusion around the world!

There are so many little ways that their character and worldview has been impacted by disability. They recognize the good in everyone and always have a smile on their face! Disability is obviously in our midst, but Dylan is just Dylan, he is our primary existence as an individual, our son, and a loving human being that god created. We know that we have a long way to go in our parenting, but it is no different than any other parent in the world. It has been a great encouragement to see that disability has not served as a wedge between our family and the character of God. No, far from it. Down syndrome, and disability in general, has been nothing but pure joy and more love then I could have ever imagined!

I truly hope both of my children know how much we love them, and how much we have prayed over them and how much joy they bring to our hearts. As they grow older and the voices of this world become louder in their lives, I pray they always know how much they are loved and stand tall for who they are as a person and, that they were put on this earth for a reason!  So on this day our family stands blessed, proud, changed, and more in love with what Down syndrome has brought to our lives. This is all in part of God creating Dylan together especially for our family!

God made my brother perfect

If you are the parent, family member or friend of a person with Down syndrome, you should be contemplating how to celebrate one of the most important days of the year: World Down Syndrome Day.

03/21 is the day set aside to celebrate the triplication of chromosome 21 that is the genetic composition of people with this condition.

This special event has been created to generate awareness about the abilities and possibilities of people with Down syndrome. As a special fact, it is estimated that around 6 million people in the world live with this condition and we are all more alike than we know.

Happy Down Syndrome Day!

Guest Post - Green Mom Company

 About a month ago I was asked by a very dear friend of mine Sarah and blogger of www.greenmomcompany.com to be a guest on their blog. I was so excited to share my thoughts and point of view on the EZPZ happy Mat that I bought for my son Dylan awhile back. We bought it to encourage and help with self feeding and not depend on mommy so much. This Mat has been a life saver for us and has really taught Dylan a lot about his eating and learning and trying new foods.

When Sarah and I met we hit it off instantaneously. I love her passions in life, I love her smart and fun personality and the love she has for her family and son. As moms we believe in the same things and always wanting what is best for our families. Safe, fun and Eco-friendly. Hope you like it!

Click photo to view my post!

Michelle, xo

Haylee:: 4 Months

Happy 4 Months to our sweet baby girl! You smile all the time now, you are almost rolling over, last night you finally slept from 7-6 and mommy and daddy actually got some sleep. You weigh 16 pounds and are in the 85 percentile for height and weight, you almost hold your bottle and can be very stubborn at times-(not sure who you get that from, but I think it's safe to say your dad) you don't like your diaper wet, you scream just because sometimes, and it drives your brother nuts, but I promise he will get over it and you will be the best of friends! Miss Haylee your sweet smile and beautiful heart brings so much joy to our family. We love you so much!

4 Month check up with mommy

A sleeping baby or should I say (sleeping beauty) never gets old

These two just melt my heart. Their friendship and love grow each and everyday and it makes me smile to know that these two will be best friends and do everything together one day. Dylan is the best big brother ever!

Shine Brighter Then A Night Star

 As we approach our IEP meeting and school decisions for our little man it scares me to death to see this little boy start school, but at the same time my heart is filled with joy knowing he will do just fine because he is a strong and loving little boy! One of my visions and dreams is for Dylan to be excepted just the way he is and just like you and I. I want people to see his disability because that's who he is, but I don't want people... to use that as a crutch. He is beautiful inside and out. I have always wanted Dylan to have the chance to go to a typical preschool along with his special education school to. He needs both of them because he will learn harder. I pray for the hearts of the kids at his new school will be softened because of him and know that the world makes us all different, but more alike then we know!

 

 

I met with a typical preschool about 3 weeks ago and had a meeting with the director, we talked about my dreams, my concerns and my goals for him. We talked for hours. I left leaving there with a great since of peace knowing I went in there with my whole heart fighting for my son and for other families one day to find him a place in life of acceptance and to be his best advocate always!!!! Today we got the call they would love with open arms to have Dylan be apart of there school and family. Dylan will be the first student to attend this preschool with a disability so to all the other preschools that I called and all you could tell me is that you are " not equipped" for my son to attend your school, well your school was not right for him anyways. Always stay true to your dreams and never give up. All I can say is this: To the future classmates of my son, your hearts will forever change and the beauty in your eyes will sparkle because of a love and friendship you will gain you will never have one like that! My son is amazing and beautiful, he is awesome and strong and Dylan you will shine like you have never shined before!

 

"Always be your own different"

 

 

Michelle, xo