Good Luck Daddy!

Chief Chilliniwik wants to wish her Daddy good luck! 

Today is the big chili cook off to benefit our favorite charity devoted to individuals with special needs.  Although Josie's quarantine prevents her from attending, Grammie Deb made her the most adorable apron and chef's hat for the occasion.  Just try not to smile when you look at the above picture - I dare you!  It has been blown up and will have prominent placement at our chili booth.  Thank you, Grammie Deb - you are an amazing talent and such a loving and thoughtful lady!

Daddy and his family are HUGE University of Illinois Fighting Illini fans (in case you haven't noticed by 99% of his casual attire) so it was a no brainer that his chili would be themed "Fighting Chillini".  Catchy, huh?  Perhaps it's not the best strategy if you're entering a Chili Cook Off in any Big 10 state besides Illinois, but in our case, team loyalty prevails.

The controversial team name didn't hurt him too much last year -  Fighting Chillini won 3rd place.  Here we are celebrating:

Last night as we were looking at these photos, Travis said "Can you believe just a year ago we didn't have Josie?"  Oh how our lives have changed!  Her presence in our family makes our commitment to the cause so much more meaningful and although she cannot attend in person, she is there in spirit.  Good Luck Team Fighting Chillini!

Josie is 10 months old today!

Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby's First Snowsuit

Do you remember when you got your first snowsuit?  Perhaps it was a snazzy, pale pink little number with fur around the hood that was so magnificent that you couldn't control the urge to frantically clap your mitten covered hands...

...and as your first snowsuit frenzy escalated, so did the clapping until you kind of lost your balance...

...and clapped yourself right over!

But your little tumble probably didn't even faze you because you were so pumped up about your new snowsuit that you couldn't wipe the new snowsuit grin off your face! 

And you knew you looked darn good in that furry pink snowsuit...So good that you threw your arms in the air and said 'Do I know how to rock a snowsuit or what?!"

Today's entertainment brought to you by Josie's Mama Hop who sure knows how to pick a snowsuit that will provide smiles all around!

New Shoes!

What's this?

New Shoes!

Yaaaaaay for new shoes!!!!

(I can't believe I actually got her to clap on command!)

Well, they're not actually new.  You see, these adorable Robeez were a gift from YaYa months ago.  But Miss Josie just now fits into size 0-6 months shoe size and there's still plenty of room at the toe!  They sure look cute on her and they match 99% of Josie's perpetually pink wardrobe.  YaYa keeps this kid looking stylish!

Speaking of YaYa, Josie can't wait to show off her new shoes to YaYa in person this weekend.  YaYa and Papa are coming to visit us to support Daddy as he enters a chili cook off fundraiser to benefit our favorite charity.  This charity does awesome things for individuals with special needs in our community and we are so excited to take part in this chili cook off for the second year in a row.  Daddy's chili took 3rd place last year so we're looking forward to another successful year.  Regardless of how our team ranks, we know we're going to have a great time supporting a great cause!

Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne brave the elements to visit

All of Leanne's snow shoveling paid off.  She and Mama Hop made the trip to see Josie (Catfish with Ketchup).  It was a short visit but it was jam packed with lots of quality time.  Josie showed off the new skills and abilities that she's attained since the last time they were here and Mama Hop was especially impressed. 

How big is Josie?  Sooooooo big!

Story Hour with Aunt Leanne

In the past week alone, Josie had made progress waving, clapping her hands, drinking from a cup, and pivoting on her stomach.  Call her stubborn, or maybe just too humble to show off, but she's far more inclined to demonstrate her new skill set when she thinks no one is watching instead of when we are enthusiastically prompting her.  Josie is also experimenting with vocalization and despite my pleas, she does not seem to understand the importance of using her "indoor voice".  This kid is loud!

Josie shows Aunt Leanne how she practices her skills and abilities in the mirror daily

  

Mama Hop shows off her new locket featuring a picture of Josie

After a customary outing to Starbucks, Aunt Leanne and Mama Hop settled in to babysit Josie so I could enjoy a rare evening out to dinner with my friend, Abbey.  Their help is very much appreciated as a night out is truly a luxury. 

The Divas cuddle in their pink pajamas

What a way to end the week; first, a visit from Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne and then Daddy returns home from his business trip to Germany.  He even brought Josie back a children's book in German so Josie could brush up on her foreign language skills.  The reunion was absolutely heartwarming and it was apparent both Josie and Lillian desperately missed their Daddy.  

Josie has a funny way of demonstrating her affection.  Nothing says 'I missed you, Daddy.  I'm glad you're back' like a good ole finger poke to the eye... 

...and an attempt at pulling out an eyebrow...

...and if you really missed someone, nothing conveys the sentiment better than yanking off his nose!

Somehow all torture is forgiven with a little smooch on the head.

Welcome home, Daddy!

I have a whole new appreciation for you single moms out there.  This past week was challenging and lonely.  I'd personally like to apologize to anyone who made the mistake of calling me and ended up having their ear talked off a lot longer than anticipated.  Adult interaction is a precious commodity that one can't fully appreciate until it's gone and they're quarantined in the dead of winter with a 9 month old.  Special thanks to neighbors, Deb and Verl, who kept our groceries stocked and our driveway cleared in Travis' absence. I'd also like to thank Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne who always do their best to keep us company when Big T has to go on a business trip.  They are the best! 

Someone is MAD...addendum

I just spoke to my mom; Leanne decided to take matters into her own hands this afternoon.  She headed outside with the snow shovel (even though the driveway had already been cleared) and made sure it was spotless!  "Clean as a whistle" according to Mama Hop.  Aunt Leanne will do anything in her power to remove obstacles that stand between her and her beloved Catfish with Ketchup.  Doesn't that just warm your heart?  

Someone is MAD!

Well folks, Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne were supposed to be driving up to see us today but unfortunately some incelement weather has interfered with their plans and Aunt Leanne is NOT happy about it...

dear elizabethannnie


i have your house i mad

you see baby today

jose catfish

ketchup

siister

frry rice nicknamesh

shovel snow

off

get out house

board

off mind

leanne

chesesbugerhead

nickname

 
Apparently she's mad and she's bored out of her mind.  Not a good combination!  Hell hath no fury like an Aunt being kept away from her beloved Catfish with Ketchup by a stupid snow storm!  Someone get Al Roker on the phone and tell him to fix it...or else!

Mic-Key Button Friendly Attire

I don't always post as frequently as I would like but let's face it: we're semi-boring people and it's not everyday that we have a "blog worthy" experience.  However, this next little tid bit is DEFINITELY blog worthy and I am so proud of the parties involved that I just had to share. 

Let me preface this segment by saying we totally ripped this idea off of Pudge and we are unapologetic about it because that girl is chalked full of excellent ideas!  As you know, Josie got her Mic-Key button last month and this has created a bit of a wardrobe dilemma for me.  You see, she has a lot of outfits that involve a onesie, pants, and a cardigan.  The problem is that in order to access her Mic-Key button during her bolus feeds, I have to take off her pants and unsnap & hike up her onesie which isn't very convenient nor is it terribly modest (thank heavens we don't leave the house).  

With Pudge's clever idea, Mama Hop's ingenuity, Mama Hop's next door neighbor, Karen's fabric, and Grammie Deb's sheer talent, Josie has a new wardrobe of Mic-Key button friendly attire.  I've always hated that expression "It takes a village to raise a child" but apparently it takes a village to create a super cool Mic-Key button friendly ensemble.  Check it out:

I love, love, LOVE it!  I must say that we are so lucky to have Grammie Deb next door as she is a remarkably talented babysitter, cook, and quilter.  In fact, that quilt Josie is sitting on was made especially for her by Grammie Deb and all of the patches have significance. My personal favorite patches feature wine bottles to remind Josie of Mommy's favorite beverage! 

Grammie Deb fitting Josie for her new Mic-Key button friendly wardrobe

That Grammie Deb is one clever lady and we love her so much!  Special thanks to Pudge, Mama Hop, and Mama Hop's neighbor, Karen, for their important contributions to this effort. 

Email Update from Aunt Leanne

Aunt Leanne - sassy as ever!

dear jose catfish with ketchup nickname

went to school space

washers with bags boxes

we had breakfast

yogurt

strawberry shortcake favered

grape juice

forlunch

roastbeef

sandwiches

pasta

salad

juice

choclate


love leanne chesesbugernhead nickname



Explanation: Leanne assembles small bags of washers and screws as part of her job at her day program.  As usual, the rest is a detailed description of her recent meals!

FAQ's

Why does Leanne call Josie "Catfish With Ketchup"?  How did you adopt Josie?  Do you have any advice for siblings of individuals with Down Syndrome? 

Answers to these questions and more can be found on our new page:

 

You can find the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) tab at the top of the blog:

If you have a question for us, email it to dualdownsdivas@gmail.com. 

Aunt Leanne is back!

Look who came to keep us company while Travis was on a business trip: Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne!  It was just a brief visit but we crammed in lots of fun.  Leanne came armed with books to read to her favorite niece.

She was insisted that Josie pick one and she waited patiently until Josie touched a book.  Naturally, Josie gravitated towards a classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Special thanks to family friends, Gale and Jay for adding some much needed Dr. Seuss literature to our library!

Leanne's always willing to lend a  hand whether it be feeding Josie or doing some grocery shopping with me.  It doesn't hurt that there's a Starbucks in our grocery store.  You know she lives for Frappuccinos! 

While we were in the grocery store, we saw a young man who had some special needs and appeared to be working on life skills with his staff member.  As we passed him, Leanne leans over and whispers to me...

Leanne: "I think he's Downs!" 

Me: (choking back surprised laughter that she wants to initiate gossip about this topic)"Well, that's the pot calling the kettle black.  Who else is Downs?" 

Leanne: "Catfish with Ketchup"

Me: "Yes, and who else?"

Leanne: (names about 10 of her chromosomally enhanced peers, selectively withholding her own name)

Me: "Who else in this grocery store is Downs?"

Leanne: "Kevin!"  (Kevin is our beloved chromosomally enhanced bagger)

Me: "Leanne!  What about YOU!  Are you Downs?"
Leanne: "Why do you want to talk about that?"
Me: (LOL!) "YOU'RE the one who brought it up!"

Leanne: "It means you're special"

Me: "That's right - it means you're cool!" 

Oh Leanne!  There's never a dull moment with you around.  That's why you absolutely must come back and visit soon!

Now here's one for the scrapbook!

I was going through some old pictures and I saw something that struck me as kind of funny.  I didn't notice it back in October when the photo was taken but now that I look at it, I don't know how I missed it...

Same cheesy grin and everything! 

The key to crawling

Josie has developed a new obsession: our dog, Lillian.  Josie tracks Lilly's movement around the room and excited flaps her arms when Lilly gets temptingly close.  However, Lilly's no fool: She doesn't get that close unless we bribe her with treats.  We've been working with Josie on using "nice hands" to pet the dog but the moment we glance away, Josie grabs a clump full of fur and tries to pull it towards her mouth.  Hey - she just wants to see what Lillian tastes like!  Vanilla ice cream?  Mashed potatoes?  Every white flour based, refined carbohydrate indulgence all rolled into one delicious canine?

Yesterday, Lilly brought her chew stick and ropes and sat inches away from Josie.  You could sense Josie's excitement and it occurred to me: This just may be the key to crawling. 

It's a good thing Lillian moves swiftly because Josie's coming for her and it's just a matter of time!