Little Man

Hey!

Happy Fall officially!

Here's the latest I found in case you are planning a trip up to see the colors of the trees. Click here!

I drove the covered stretch this week, and man, those maples! They light a fire in my soul!

The maples are the most vibrant at this point. I think the oaks, birch and popples still have some time yet... at least where I've been! Hopefully that link will keep you updated.

Otherwise, life is good, eh?

Especially if you have gratitude.

Brady P is still becoming an independent young man. 

I had to rearrange his room, so he has a fun, organized place to go and be with his imagination. He loves it!

Even before he snuggles into bed, he sits up, looks around and assesses the set-up.

"Mummy! That's my office. That's my toys. All my animals. And my CDs!"

Ha! 

What a lucky kid. He gets to use CD's! I always thought he would be a DJ. Now he can pick his own tunes, and feel cool trading the discs out. I love watching him be him. That's the goal in life for us all!

He also got a new basketball hoop from Uncle Matt and Auntie Alex. Man, that kid can shoot! Shot after shot, he just gives it! He doesn't make them all (then we'd have to put it higher!), but he makes enough to stay motivated.

Brady P. He has so many talents that I am so curious to see what he settles into when he really is a man.

He gets a little closer every day.

I hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping!

Here's to your perfect pumpkin!

Going Places

Hi!

Did I tell you we have a second grader?

Again!

Ha!

He started kindergarten a little early age-wise because he was ready. And he really was! He did great!

But now things are moving a bit faster in class, so everyone decided that this would be his repeat year. When a child with an IEP for a delay starts school early, it's pretty much a given that they will repeat a year. 

This is the one.

And it's perfect! All of the older kids from the past few years are going to Calumet school now, so B is one of the oldest in the school! Quite a different dynamic. Different, but good because change is part of life.

Miss Liz, his personal aide (and magician) said he is doing so well already this year. His output for actual work has really increased. We are so proud!

All the therapists that came to visit so far are thoroughly impressed. I tell ya. This kid isn't going to let anything slow him down.

Neither am I!

He's definitely changing and growing up, and I need to honor that. 

One way we did this was to get us new ride. A "motorcycle!!!"

We call it that because it's more exciting to say than an E-bike, which it is. But it kind of looks like one too!

On our way the first day of school!

We take it to school and to the shores and lakes and wherever we want to go. It gives us so much freedom, and I know he feels so cool on it. He sure is excited to ride it each time. He knows the rules about what to wait for before he can get on and off. And he can crawl up and down by himself!

What a little man. 

When he's on, he makes sure to hang on tight with both hands. That's another rule! He's doing really well. We are both not quite as scared as when we started. That bike is much heavier than I'm used to.

So far we really love our Rad Power Bike. Such a great find to keep us motivated to go places.

Where will you go next?

Best Job in the World

The other day B and I were coming back from throwing rocks at the beach by the bakery.

Like many of our escapades, this one ended up with him riding on my shoulders for the last few blocks home. My almost eight-year-old can ride on my shoulders. That's pretty impressive!

As we passed a row of cabins, a young couple (middle-aged? I don't know!) walked past us.

"Hi!" I said because Brady P taught me to always reach out.

They did not say hi.

But then the woman looked at us and said, "You have the best job in the world."

It took me a minute to figure out what she meant. Because I am a mom? Or... because I am the mother of a little person with an extra chromosome?

Maybe that was it!

Cuz I am Brady P's mom!

I have the best job in the world!!!

I am so lucky!

And, you know what? She is right!

It is the best job in the world.

I have made it my priority to be the best mama I can be, so he can be the best person he can be.

Let me tell you, I wouldn't trade this journey for anything.

It took me too long to register what she may have meant for me to respond to her (I was already home!), but I am curious how she knows that.

Does she have this job too? Does she know someone else with this job? Does she want this job?

I don't know. 

But thank you, lady, for understanding the magnitude of this job, seeing it as something great and sharing that with me.

Do you know who else I would like to thank? All the people who see us in Copper Harbor, recognize us from this blog, and say hello! 

I really don't know if people are reading this, so it's nice to get positive confirmation. A shout out to Heather and Al -- the last people to introduce themselves!

See? We are all connected!

Hello from the best lake in the world!