As heard...

Driving along with Zach the other day and he says to me...

"Mom. My mouth wants to sing and my body wants to dance so when I say 'Hit It' you put on 'Call Me Maybe'... OK?!"

Guess who's coming to your party??

Zachary's birthday is coming up and he wanted to invite the kids in his class, and a few close friends, to a party at the gymnastics place. He has a friend named Gracie that is in the 2nd grade class that he integrates into and she also happens to have a brother with Down syndrome so she, of course, adores Zach.

The other day his mom sent me this message on Facebook. I have read it so many times and it just makes my heart happy.  

I have to share. So Zach integrates into Gracie's classroom at least on Thursday's when I'm there to help out during Library and music. Since the modernization will start this summer, they are moving out the music room and have been meeting in Gracie's classroom. So the kids walked from the library to their room and Zach doesn't have a desk so Mrs. U looked around the room and noticed Gracie squealing with delight, almost bouncing out of her chair, with her arms stretched out towards Zach. She directed Zach towards a desk next to Grace and they hugged and were so happy to see each other. Then today when they were lining up, Zach was between the two lines and Mrs. U asked Zach to line up right behind Grace again. She's probably aware that they know each other, I mean Grace doesn't hide her emotions. So Grace started clapping her hands in excitement and they hugged again. It was so super cute b/c as Grace rounded the corner our the door, and as she continued to walk, she bent over almost backwards and looked at Zach all googly-eyed. It was the cutest thing I've seen.

A day or two later I got the RSVP from his mom that Gracie would be at his party. I had a feeling he would be excited so I taped his reaction.

Mom: "Hey Zach... guess who is coming to your party?"

Z: "Umm... Umm... Luke." (his cousin who he has been talking about constantly lately)

 Mom: "No... Gracie"

Excitement... pretty self explanatory :)

Z: "She is invited??"

Mom: "Yeah"

Z: "She got my invitation?... in her mailbox?"

"Great!"

 

As heard...

Zach was in showering the other night and Chris went in to check on him. Zach told him "I used your soap daddy! I smell like you! I getting big!"

As heard...

Last night as I was tucking Zach in bed he tells me:

"When Daddy gets home from soccer he will come in and kiss me and then I will go 'whoa' while I am sleeping. Capiche?"

Me: "OK Zach, good night" ... Pause ... "Did you just say capiche?"

Zach: giggling "yeah"

Cast experience - Take 2

Yesterday I get a call from Zach's teacher.

Me: Is everything ok?!?

Teacher: Yes. But..... Zach took his cast off.

Me: HE WHAT? He took his cast off?

Teacher: Yeah, I don't know how he did it but we were at circle time and he just slipped it right off. We were going to try to put it back on but it wouldn't go on easily and didn't want to injure his wrist more.



Seriously kid? Who takes a cast off??! This child never ceases to amaze me. I call the doctor and back we go to get another cast put on. This time they put it up above his elbow so that he can't get it off.



Any bets on if he will get this one off? Because seriously, I wouldn't put it past him.

Our first cast experience

Monday I got a call at work. Zach's teacher tells me that he fell off the monkey bars at school. He cried a bit and they took him to the nurses office and iced it and he seemed ok. He was moving it fine and he did the hand motion to apply hand sanitizer so it didn't appear broken. They sent him home on the bus but to keep an eye on it. I asked him about it Monday night and he told us he fell and was sorta babying it but seemed ok.

Tuesday I get a text from our daycare provider. Zach fell on the same wrist and he cried a little. They were icing it and he was moving it fine and he was happily watching a cartoon. I called our pediatricians nurse and she said to watch it for a few days and if it didn't improve, to call them and we would have it checked out.

We noticed him not moving it at all Tuesday night (he could move it, but chose not to). He wouldn't pull his pants up or use it to do anything. First thing Wednesday we make appointments and get him in for an x-ray. Chris had taken him to the doctor so they were spending the afternoon together and our doctor called and said it was in fact fractured.

Today we took the day off and took him for his cast. We were pretty concerned about how he would act. He gets very anxious around doctors, nurses, medical facilities, anything that remotely looks like it might be out to get him.

After a bit of stalling on Zach's part we finally distracted him enough to get the cast on. He was excited to pick his favorite color!

When we were walking out of the office Zach said to me with a giggle in his voice "I was a little nervous in there". Melt. My. Heart.



Through this whole ordeal this week he has been so tough. He really didn't complain about it much and went to school almost all week.

We were so proud of him for being so brave that we did what any parent would. Took him to the toy store!



I went in to check on him tonight and he just looks even more grown up than he did last night.



But when I see him laying there all grown up... I still see this

Happy 7th Birthday Zachary!

Little Dude,

I know, I know.. you would correct me and say "not little dude... big boy"... but you are my little dude. You make my heart swell with love and pride on a daily basis. Your amazing spirit and ginormous heart makes my world so much better than I ever imagined. I love our cuddle time every night and how the weight of your body just sinks into me and I wrap my arms around your back. You use "we cuddle?" as a negotiation to agree to do things at night. Shower, brush teeth, etc. But what you don't realize is that I want that cuddle time just as much as you do and hope you never stop wanting that as part of our evening routine.

I love you buddy.

Zach's teacher...

In October I mentioned to Zach's teacher that I was doing the 31 for 21 and if she so felt inclined, to write a little blurb about Zach. She emailed it to me today and it filled my heart with joy to read it.

Teachers, especially special ed teachers, are truly unsung heroes. Zach's aides and teachers mean so much to our family and I am so thankful for them.

Zach Hiatt embodies exuberance as well as heart.  Zach is in my class at school, and I am lucky enough to be Zach’s teacher. Zach’s smile just lights up our room.  Every morning, he’s got the greatest hello for everyone.  When he shares something during group time, his story is punctuated with gestures and demonstrations like when he says, “I’m Buzz Light Year, to infinity and beyond!” with a swish of his cape and a leap.

Not only is Zach exuberant, he’s got a great heart. One day, I was having some medical issues so I took the morning off of school to see a specialist.  When I returned, the sub teacher was finishing reading a book to the students.  I quietly sat down on the floor next to Zach.  Zach beamed and leaned into me and said, “Rhonda, we missed you.”  My heart melted.  It felt good to be missed.  Then Zach said, “Where were you?” and I said at the Dr.’s office.  Zach then said, “Are you, O.K., Rhonda?”  When I told him I was O.K., Zach said, “Did the Dr. give you a lollipop?” That cracked me up.  It felt good to laugh.

I feel so privileged to be Zach’s teacher, and I often wonder, “Who’s teaching who?” because I learn so much from Zach’s love of life and his tender, good heart. I love watching him grow up and learn new things—every day it’s something new with Zach!  The latest thing is “I got it, Rhonda.”  Thank you, Zach, for all you bring to all of our lives!

Teacher Rhonda

Thank you Teacher Rhonda. For everything that you do.

As heard....

This morning Zach was in his room picking out his clothes for school. He had been in there for a couple minutes so I went to make sure he wasnt pulling all the clothes out of his drawers. He was standing in front of his closet holding 2 shirts. One had a flying baseball on it and one had a stick figure playing drums with the saying "I Rock". He said "Mom... I need help choosing my shirt". I said "well, do you feel like a baseball player today, or a rock star?"... He smiled and said "baseball player"and put the other shirt away.

Love that kid!

Proud Mom Moment

Last night we went to a picnic at Zach's school. It was nice to have time to sit and chat with his teacher and one of his aides. It warms my heart to see the relationship they have with him and experience the love they obviously feel for my boy. They are such a huge part of Zach's life and I was glad to be able to talk with them in a relaxed setting. Since I don't get to do the drop offs and pick up's because of work I rarely get a chance to talk with them face to face. Emails and notes back and forth in his backpack can only do so much.

Anyway... on to the proud moment...

His aide says to Chris and I "He is the smartest kid with Down syndrome that I have ever met. And I have worked with a lot".

Can I get an "Awwww"....Or how about a "Hell Yes!"

I could tell she was completely sincere. Like she was saying "this kid is going to do big things, no doubt about it". (For the record... that was not a direct quote from her.. that was just what her facial expressions would have said had they been able to talk)

I have always known my kid was brilliant but I also have limited experience with individuals with Down syndrome so it is hard to know where he falls in comparison. Not that you should ever compare kids but... you know what I mean?

Here is a picture of him from last night working really hard at the hula hoop.

Project Surf Camp

I have been behind lately on blogs but did not want to forget to post about this. Zachary had the opportunity to participate in an amazing program this summer called Project Surf Camp. This is an awesome non profit organization that takes individuals with special needs surfing. They operate on donations from participants that are only a fraction of the operating cost but they will never turn a camper down if they are unable to pay. They recently received a grant from Pepsi in the amount of $50,000. Pepsi, instead of buying outrageously priced Super Bowl Commercials, donated $300,000 (that I am aware of, it could be more) to several non-profit organizations across our country. If we were a soda drinking household they would definitely have our business!

Zach was pretty hesitant about the whole thing to begin with. We had to force him into the wetsuit. I knew that once he got out there he would love it. He did great and had a wonderful time. He didn't get up on his feet this year but... he is only 6! We look forward to him participating next year.

Here are some pictures:

"But I no want to wear this!"


Pre-surf pep talk with my Daddy


Warmups


Learning the moves




Headed out to the waves


Riding one in


A picture is worth a thousand words...




Hi Fives for his teachers


"This is so fun!"

As heard...

Hannah: "Mooooom"

Me: "Yes Hannah"

Hannah: "I want a kitty and a doggy and a baby brother"

Zachary: "No baby brother! I not a baby! I'm a big boy!"

Birthday Boy!!!

Zachary is 6. I can't believe it. The time has gone by way too fast. We celebrated in normal birthday fashion. With cake. And presents. And this year with some beach fun.

The Lists

Last night I was going over with the kids "The Lists". You know, the naughty and nice lists. I asked the kids if they thought they would be on the naughty list or the nice list. Zach responded "The Happy List!". Love that kid!

Soccer - Season 2

Soccer season is upon us again. This year we decided to go a different route. We thought Zach would do better with peers his own age, rather than a big group of kids all the way up to their late teens. We got him all signed up earlier in the summer. We asked the league if they would let him play in the U5 league. He was only about a month too old but they refused. They said he could only play in U6. No biggie. We went ahead with it. Zach was very excited to start playing again.

We went out to the first practice last week. Zach was excited and ran up to the group of kids. He turned and said "Hi, I Zach!". No one responded. I think they were all concentrating, but still. Zach did well for about 10 minutes, then lost interest. He participated somewhat for the practice but not too much. He didn't quite get the drills they were doing. The majority of the kids on the team played last year so they all kind of knew the ropes, so to speak. After practice there was a kick off party for the season where we picked up jerseys. We pulled the coach aside and told him that we didn't think it was a good fit and maybe Zach wasn't ready. He encouraged us to stick with it and that Zach not listening and his minimum participation didn't bother him. That made me happy. We got his jersey. That weekend was the first game. He did great the first quarter. Just kind of chased the group. I felt really good about it and thought maybe he would fit in. He would be happy just chasing everyone around. He sat out the 2nd (there was a sub). He loved snack time. The 2nd half he wanted nothing to with it anymore. He refused to participate and kept taking off. Chris and I left very frustrated. Not because he didn't play, but because he was so defiant when we tried to encourage him. After thinking about it a lot that day and shedding a few tears, I was convinced that he should finish the season and lots of kids act that way in that age group. I did not want to be a quitter and be the parent of the "special" kid that pulled him out as soon as it didn't work. Zach said he did not want to play soccer anymore.

Practice this week was good for about 10 minutes. He followed the drills well. Then he just refused to do anything again and kept taking off running so one of the coaches was constantly chasing him. It was really frustrating and embarrassing. No other child was doing this and I felt very judged by the other parents. I am sure it was all in my head, but it just didn't feel right. I felt like we were forcing Zach into something he didn't want. The experience wasn't positive and just had me and Chris in a funk the whole evening. I think it also hurt me to hear one of the kids asking their parents "why does that kid keep doing that?". I decided that this is not a good fit. This is not how it should be. It should not be forced. It should not be something that causes us to be frustrated and short tempered for the rest of the evening. I emailed his coach from last season and asked if she would have us back. We got a very excited email back saying to please come back. They have gotten more young kids this year and they are able to split them up into a younger group and older group.

Today we went to practice. It was so refreshing. One of the new players was a boy from Zach's preschool class that Zach just adores. Zach did so much better. And when he didn't want to participate, it was ok. The other kids didn't care. The parents didn't care. Zach got hugs from other players. Several hugs. He never got so much as a "Hi" from a player on the other team. It just felt right. I still feel slightly... guilty is not the right word... but in the back of my mind I feel like we bailed when it didn't go right. But it just didn't seem worth the frustration we were feeling every time we dealt with it. The first game with his old team is tomorrow. I will be sure to update and post pictures.

Kindergarten!!!

Today was the first day of kindergarten for Zachary. He did wonderful. His teacher emailed me and told me that he did really well. Here are some pictures from the big day...









He made this hat at school, it says "I was a star on my first day of kindergarten"

Like father like son....

Zach got a really cool big boy skateboard for his birthday. He bugs us constantly to ride it. He doesn't quite have the stability to do much on it but it doesn't stop him from trying and giving me a heart attack. Doesn't he look so grown up?!? He had fun trying and did best when he sat on his bottom and rolled around on it.



Ta Da!

Party Time!

We celebrated Zach's birthday with a party at the local park with friends and family. The kids had fun playing, eating cake, and being together.

Zach arriving at his party




Posing with his skateboarder cake that he picked out


Loving the attention while everyone sings to him


Cake aftermath (I don't know who handed out the cake, but somehow both my kids ended up with pieces with the black frosting!!!)




Getting ready to open presents


Bowing as he was saying "Thank you" to his guests

As heard....

Driving home from Target yesterday

Chris: Thanks for being such a good boy at the store Zach

Zach: My pleasure Dad

Happy 5th Birthday Zachary!!!!!!!!!!

Zach,

5 years ago you made me a mom. Little did I know how much my life would change by your presence. You have taught me to look at life different. To look at people different. To accept differences. To love completely. Everyday you amaze me with your determination and your whole hearted love. I admire the pure joy that takes over your whole body and the sparkle in your eye when you get excited about something. You have been the most influential person on my life and I love you more than words can describe.

Per your request, tonight we will be dining on hot dogs, french fries and beans.

I love you buddy. Keep reaching for the sky!