Big Sister Idolization

 Merryn adores Josie.  Merryn's first word was "Hug" - one of Josie's top requests.  Her first two-word phrase was "Night Night DoDo" (JoJo).  And her first three-word phrase was "I love you" - another one of Josie's favorites.  And to this day, Merryn's most frequently used word is "DoDo" - hands down! 

They are attached at the hip and when Josie isn't around, Merryn is Miserable with a capital "M".  Merryn always wakes up from nap first and all she does it ask for "DoDo?  DoDo?" until Josie wakes up, at which point Merryn blazes down the hall into the nursery excitedly shrieking "DoDo!  DoDo!" the whole way. 

 In true little sister form, whatever books, music, or activities Josie is into suddenly become Merryn's favorite.  If Josie is wearing a bow, Merryn wants to wear a bow.  If Josie wants to hear "Tik Tok," Merryn wants to hear "Tik Tok".  If Josie wants to read "Brown Bear," Merryn wants to read "Brown Bear".  And if Josie wants to have a tea party, then Merryn's the first person to issue the "Cheers!".

So it should come as no surprise that Merryn has developed a sudden zeal for dancing - seated dancing, that is.  Oh and just wait until the end of the video when Josie gets praised for her walking...

A little JoJo & Aunt Leanne fix

We're still alive!  Our Instagram friends can vouch for us.  It's just that our time and energy is being sucked dry by the demands of moving: paperwork and decisions for the new house, transition planning for the "in between" period (I have to live in a hotel room with two toddlers for how long?!) plus having daily showings of the current house, on top of the pressure to keep it spotless with "Double Trouble" actively trying to undo my efforts. 

 

Great!  Thanks for throwing your food on the floor after I just mopped it.  Prospective buyers appreciate that "lived in" feel.

 

Sure, go ahead and pull every book you own off the bookshelf and scatter them about.  It really adds character to this room.

 

Yes, discard your coat shoes, socks, leggings, shirt and diaper after I just spent 10 minutes putting them on you and we're on our way out the door for a showing.  Fantastic idea!  "Have a naked baby greet prospective buyers" is the number one tip on every HGTV show.

 

Oh and then there are scheduling "exit appointments" with all of Josie's specialists...and then rescheduling them because of the snowstorm that just struck...and then begging the doctor's nurse to PUH-LEASE pull some strings and work us in before June 11...then trying to get referrals for physicians and services in our new destination. 

I used to keep my camera in a designated spot on my kitchen counter where it was easy to grab and start shooting dozens of photos of our daily antics.  Right now, other stuff takes priority, but I can't wait until things slow down and I can reunite with my DSLR BFF.  But for now, cell phone pictures are a lot more convenient. 

 

This morning's showing was cancelled because of weather, as was Aunt Leanne's day program.  So we took the opportunity to Skype and I got some video footage of it.  It's not one of our most entertaining videos but it should provide a little "fix" for all those JoJo and Aunt Leanne fans out there. 

 

P.S. Did you notice Josie's not wearing her glasses? Yes. The lenses have been scratched into oblivion. When I called, I was told that they are "scratch resistant" lenses but I think someone was asleep on the job that day and gave us the wrong kind...either that or that "scratch resistant" coating is about as durable as a piece of tissue paper. Anyhoo, those have been sent off for replacement so little Miss Josie JoJo should be rocking her pink spectacles again within a couple weeks.

 



Mama Hop Monday - Volume 6

 

Question:

I think my family is being called to adopt a child with Down Syndrome from somewhere in Eastern Europe, where they are not appreciated or respected at all. We have no experience with adoption or special needs children, any advice?

-Anonymous

 

Answer:

Anonymous:  Yes, special needs children are not treated so well in other places and I admire your consideration of adoption. Like all children, special ones require love, care and patience. Parents often have to be more pro-active. I know people who adopted Russian orphans, but that cannot be done now. They said it was difficult. My cousin has worked with an Eastern European orphanage and I questioned her about this, but have not heard back yet. When I do, I will have Elizabeth include the information in her blog.

-Mama Hop

 

Question:

I am so excited! Mondays are now my favorite day of the week. I thought of another question, although I commented questions before as well.  Mama Hop- which terminology do you and your family prefer- Down syndrome? Down's? Does the term "Down's" bother you? I know the vernacular has changed over the years and you have over 30 years of experience here. What's your take on it?

- goldenleaves

 

Answer:

Golden leaves: Thank you. Glad you like this part of the blog. Regarding terminology, "Downs" does not bother me considering Leanne's first pediatrician called her a "Mongoloid".   He did not last long. At the same time, Leanne does not want to hear the "Downs" distinction made.   My take is that much political correctness has gone overboard.

-Mama Hop

 

Question:

On the lighter side, I'm interested in Mama Hop's beauty secrets.

-Lena

 

Me too! She's gorgeous.

-Amanda in CA

 

Answer:

Lena and Amanda: Thank you, thank you! You and others humble me. Weeks ago, Elizabeth told me to fess up. Okay, I wear nothing but the best make-up from Walgreen's, AKA Maybelline mascara, shadow, and liner. Cover Girl powder on my nose unless I am going out, then slap more on the rest of my face. I do hydrate: coffee, water and pinot grigio of course. Take care ladies.

- Mama Hop

 

No shoes, no shirt, BIG problem

About a half hour after I put the girls down for their naps this afternoon, I heard lots of squeals and giggles coming from their nursery.  I poked my head in and found...

Double trouble

This is not the first time I've discovered a sisterly shenanigan like this.  The one I lovingly refer to as "Hurricane Merryn" has developed quite a penchant for streaking.  Josie always wears a onesie under her clothes to prevent Mic-Key button removal.  Looks like Merryn may be joining the Onesie Club to prevent diaper removal.

And as for the Clever Companions Conspiring to have mom Committed Club, well, it looks like I'm fighting a losing battle. 

Perhaps I should reconsider my decision to have them continue to room togther in the new house...

Bubbles, Band-Aids, and Aunt Leanne's Antics

Valentine's Day 2013 was a genuine celebration of love and family as the girls were reunited with their Dad, who had been away on a particularly lengthy business trip to Germany.

 We Skyped and talked on the phone every day while he was gone but that's no substitute for having Dad right here with us.  Dad never returns from a trip empty-handed and today was no exception.

 While Dad was disappointed that his pursuit of a singing animal turned up dry, the girls were delighted with the Band-Aids and bubbles that he returned with.  Very few things thrill Josie as much as bubbles.

 The girls weren't the only ones who got gifts.  Dad brought back a beautiful scarf and some German wine for mom, and some candy for Aunt Leanne, which Merryn immediately tried to swipe.

Speaking of Aunt Leanne, Mama Hop emailed a picture of the Valentine's Day card that Aunt Leanne made for her:

It reads:

Happy Valentine's Day

I give you

Starbucks Chip Chocolate

Whipped Cream Chocolate

Syrup

Chip

Frappucino

 

Did you notice what my sister intends to give my mom for Valentine's Day?  Reminds me of my mom's birthday a couple of years ago (click here).  Likewise, Leanne insisted on getting me Starbucks for my birthday, and she kept saying "my treat".  But guess who conveniently forgot her wallet once we got there!

 

Oh Leanne!  You are a trip!

 

Here's wishing you a Valentine's Day filled with all of the love, chocolate, and cheesiness that one holiday can hold!

Cheers!

 

 



Elbow Grease

Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne joined us for a couple days of hard labor; we needed to get this house in mint condition prior to listing it. 

 

Leanne's first order of business: to show off this catfish she made for her beloved Catfish with Ketchup.  She was very proud of this masterpiece and she insisted it have prominent placement in our house.  She was also adamant that I blog about it so Leanne, here you go:

But the showing off didn't stop there.  No sirree!  Leanne brought her Special Olympics medals and happily posed for a photo wearing them.

Meanwhile Mama Hop got right down to business.  Her first task was to complete her Mama Hop Monday post.  Then,  she tackled the daunting task of replacing batteries in Josie's singing animal collection.  She went out to her car and retrieved her trusty tool kit:

 Oh. My. Goodness. This little project took the poor woman the better half of the day.  With the precision of a surgeon, Mama Hop operated on those singing animals and healed them one by one.

 Aunt Leanne took over most of the childcare duties.  She made sure the kids were fed, clothed, and entertained and by 6pm, she was so worn out that she crashed on the sofa.  I can relate, Leanne.  Trust me.

Mama Hop and I tackled more projects the next day.  We scrubbed every surface until they sparkled and we packed up some "clutter" so the house would appear tidier and more appealing to potential buyers.  Just look at Mama Hop using her elbow grease to remove scuffs from the walls:

Once again, Leanne assumed the ever important task of monitoring the children while Mama Hop and I HGTVed the place.

 Later that night, we got cleaned up and went out to dinner to reward ourselves for our accomplishments and to celebrate Valentines Day.  I am so grateful to Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne for coming to help out.

 

You know what else I'm grateful for?  Leanne's new signature expression: the wink.  You know how Josie is known for "the face"?  Well, I'm pretty sure this is Leanne's new favorite face and I love it!

Just when we thought she couldn't get anymore "diva"!

 

Here are a few more photos from the last few days that are probably familiar to our Instagram friends but they're worth sharing with the rest of the world:

Once again, we'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne for the fun times and for hard work! 

Mama Hop Monday - Volume 5

 

Mama Hop is very committed to her role as our CCE advice columnist.  We all regret missing last Monday's installment of "Mama Hop Monday" - especially Mama Hop.  So as soon as she arrived here this afternoon, she unpacked her laptop, got out her paper and pen (yes, she requires both) and she got down to business answering questions.  If you have a question that you would like featured on a future edition of "Mama Hop Monday," leave a comment or email DualDownsDivas@gmail.com.  If you wish to remain annonymous, just let us know.  Without futher ado:

 

Question:

Please thank her for doing this, I've wanted to hear from her for so long.

- Robin

 

Answer:

You are welcome Robin. I enjoy doing this and hope some of my responses are worthwhile.

- Mama Hop

 

Question:

Elizabeth, I think you've mentioned how your Mom expected you and Leanne to act like "ladies." I'd love to hear Mama Hop's advice on training and disciplining a child with Down syndrome. Also, what was the best thing she did to promote such a great relationship between sisters?

- Lisa

 

Answer:

I expected the girls to act like ladies, but once they began school, they refused to wear dresses. Just kidding.   It took Leanne longer to learn things but since she is 3 years older, there was time to work with her. As far as discipline, I used lots of positive reinforcement and I would withdraw privileges when needed. Both girls were always close, but also had their own activities and friends.

- Mama Hop

 

Question:

As a special education teacher and parent of a special needs child what are Mama Hope's thoughts on inclusion?

- Anonymous

 

Answer:

Anonymous--I could go on forever regarding my thoughts on inclusion since I have seen pros and cons. It totally depends on the child and program. Socially, it helps all the students to be more appropriate and understanding. At the same time, I think it is questionable regarding academics. The child often should have a one-on-one attendant. I have seen where special ed students have been dumped in a large classroom and have not benefited at all. As I said, it depends.

- Mama Hop

A Progress Report from Aunt Leanne

As previously mentioned, Aunt Leanne babysat last weekend while Travis and I went house hunting.  When we returned, she was eager to share her progress report on our children.

In signature Aunt Leanne style, she served up a hearty helping of brutal honesty.  Girlfriend shoots from the hip so if you can't handle the truth, don't ask Leanne:

Ouch!  Can you imagine a one year-old and two year-old who haven't perfected the art of compromise?!  I better start assembling care packages to send to the juvenile detention center.

* Because I know you're going to ask, Aunt Leanne's shirt was made by my friend, Lauren, an incredibly talented seamstress who creates the most adorable custom apparel!  If you want a shirt like Aunt Leanne's, you can get it here. 

Announcement

Hello Blogosphere Friends!  We know, we know - we missed Mama Hop Monday.  Please accept our most sincere apologies.  We'll make it up to you. 

We have a good reason though - life has been crazy busy around here because of a major life change that will transpire in the upcoming months: we are moving!  No, we're not changing the URL of the blog.  Our family (Travis, Elizabeth, Josie, and Merryn) is relocating to another state.  This announcement comes with mixed emotions.  While we are very sad to be leaving all of our wonderful friends in our current residence, and while we're heartbroken over moving further away from Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne, we are very proud of Travis for receiving a promotion and a chance to embark upon new career opportunities. 

Those of you who have clicked on the "About Us" tab at the top of the blog, know that in the past 10 years, we have lived in 5 different states.  Travis' career with a large global company has provided us with a nomadic and adventurous lifestyle.  This past weekend, Travis and I flew to state number 6, to try and find a little dwelling for our migratory family.

Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne were kind enough to keep the girls so that we could focus on our house hunt without being distracted by the constant demands of busy toddlers.

 We knew our little ladies were in very competent hands.

 Our Instagram followers (Follow us: CatfishWithKetchup) saw up-to-the-second pictorial updates of the weekend including Aunt Leanne's chicken impersonation and my pursuit of the perfect cold weather hat!

 While I'm not keen on revealing our actual location to the Worldwide Web, I will say that our new residence is renowned for being cold.  Like polar bears and igloos cold! Well, not really.  But it's pretty darn cold and quite snowy.  But upon flying back home, I realized our current residence is pretty darn cold and snowy as well so we'll just upgrade our snow boots and grease up our toboggan (we don't actually own a toboggan but we may need to consider getting one).

Have no fear - we're not slated to depart for a couple of months.  And Mama Hop and Aunt Leanne have vowed to call and write and Skype.  Mama Hop is learning to use her new digital camera so she can send us photos of the original diva regularly.  I'm trying to talk her into getting an iPhone so it's even faster and easier!  And of course a long drive/short plane ride won't keep them away from their beloved Catfish With Ketchup and Banana Split.  No Sirree! 

Be sure to tune in tomorrow to see video of Aunt Leanne describing her weekend of babysitting.  In true Leanne fashion, no words are minced and no detail is sugarcoated.  It's must-see-Aunt-Leanne-tv!