My Journal - Week 131 (03Mar12)

Upward and Onward to Bigger & Better Things in the Very Same Place....

I know, I know - it's been another unforgivable few weeks since I wrote.  But, perhaps this will come as some much needed good news for those who I might have disappointment last November.  I decided to re-join the DDSA (Durham Down syndrome Association) executive as VP.  Personally, it sounds so terrible, to go and come - seemingly as I pleased... but in all honesty, it wasn't like that.  Originally, I left because my family life and personal time was suffering - taking a beating to be blunt, AND there was discord among the ranks.  When I left, I told the Chairman (who had asked me on a few occasions to reconsider) that I would definitely revisit the idea in the new year.  I had some time, which for all intents and purposes I will call a sabbatical, to calm, de-stress and "revisit".  There were many things which in hindsight I realize, I could have said "no" to, and stay within my limits.  I shock myself like a pop bottle to a point where the gasses had no where to go but "bang" and blow.  Now, perhaps I will only allow myself a slight shake here and there, which I can "release" on occasion when I need to.

I took a good look at what I gave up and was feeling terrible as I had a great sense of overwhelming guilt saying "sorry and goodbye" to the many people who I was letting down by leaving and not being a part of this association.  I realized that, it doesn't make sense to let it ALL go, when the reality is, I joined the DDSA executive to help people with Ds and my OWN son.  As it stands, I have to undertake this in such a way that I don't undermine my home efforts with helping my own son.  I can't tackle helping "Hunter" if I spend most of my time being too busy with DDSA work because being a part of the Down syndrome Association.  A fine balance is what I needed and what I am now undertaking to do.

This week Tuesday, I am attending a preliminary setting for talks with Porsche (yes, that's right - the car company) headed up originally be Jill Clements-Baartman (Hunter's private speech therapist) in an effort to plan an event with the DDSA.  Porsche was looking to partner with a Charity this year (originally they were talking with Sick Kids Hospital but talks fell through) and Jill took the guns to mention the DDSA.  She made it possible for us to begin a highly desirable partnership with the Executives of Porsche.  After Tuesday, I'll be able to talk more about what is upcoming and in the works.

On the personal "Sandi" front, I've finally registered my Photography business - Random Moments Photography.  It's now official, Random Moments Photography has a master business licence.  My Tattoo Studio: Dragon Ink Tattoos & Piercings Inc. is flourishing - as the new year started, people have been coming in more and more for work.  Welcome to our House is still going strong and my books and magnets still selling.

The kids:
Hunter - Our mischievous 2 1/2 year old is so expressive.  Chattering away, mimicking every new word he hears is very exciting for him as well as us.  Sentences are there, only they mostly consist of jargon with jumbled in clear and precise single words.  We are working on two and three word combinations that are clear.  Right now, our largest unrelated pitfall we have with Hunter is his extreme bad habit of chewing on his left hands index finger.  When he was under the age of one, he chewed on his fingers to relieve teething pains.  Unfortunately, as time went by Hunter continued to soothe himself by chewing and never got out of the habit.  Now his index fingers are calloused and often raw.  We are trying desperately to figure out how to get him to stop chewing his finger off!  The problem is, we usually catch him chewing only at night and 90% of the time he does it unconsciously, until we start asking him to stop.  At that point, finger chewing becomes a war and he is ever more determined to chew.  We've held in in our laps, holding his hands - but this restraining type method, infuriates him.  How does one fix something that for the most part isn't being done consciously?  I've tried band-aiding his fingers, taping his fingers, putting mittens on, maybe tape a sock on....  I'm considering trying something awful tasting like "no nail bite" that our doctor suggested but I know sure as heck that Hunter would defiantly continue to chew right past a terrible tasting finger.  So far, only the band-aids have helped to make him aware of his fingers but he simply gets more frustrated with trying to pry the bandages off and being unable to.  Ideas anyone?

I started off with the left finger thinking - this should do it...

Turns out, we must band-aid both....

Hunter is simply not pleased about this band-aid thing.

Hunter can't stop staring at his two fingers.

At least, they are protected for now.

I wonder how long he can stand to keep his fingers wrapped up?

Hayleigh - Our ever so happy bubbling eight month old baby girl now says "Hi and hi dad, Dadda as well as Momma", waves to her family and can clap her hands!  She's been sitting up since she was six months old, she now stands up with help, can pull herself up to a stand on furniture and feed herself an entire cookie!  Not to mention, she can also shake her head 'NO' back and forth.  Seems like time is just flying by.

How brave!  How cute.... Notice the "Super-baby Baby Bib Cape".

Such deep concentration can only lead to one eventual thing....
THUD... 
Good think the floors are safety rubberized.

Enjoy!  Stop by and check out my photography sites if you have the time!

www.randommomentsphotography.ca

www.purelyrandommomentsphotography.com