Retta turns TWO!!

The evening of the Buddy Walk (after everyone went home and took a good nap) family who had traveled to San Antonio joined those of us in San Antonio at our house for a family pizza party to celebrate Retta's 2ND BIRTHDAY!!

We practiced the "Happy Birthday Song" and how to blow out the candles on the Fisher Price Birthday Cake for months, so we thought Retta would be prepared!

(Cousin Noah's fingers creeping in to sneak some cake!)

But, once grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all started singing "Happy Birthday," Retta became a little scared. Her eyes became very big and she nervously clapped her hands.

We helped Retta blow out the candles.

...As soon as the candles were out and everyone started cheering... she broke down. 

It was all a bit overwhelming. 

Being stared at by 20 people while being sung and pointy birthday hats (scary!) were Retta's "not so favorite things" about her 2nd birthday. 

But she recovered! 

Here is Retta looking at books with her great-Bapcia!

And then it was time for presents!!!

But after opening a few gifts, Retta became preoccupied with her new loot and was not interested in opening the rest. So we took our time opening a few gifts a day for the next few days and celebrated Retta's Birthday everyday until her actual birthday on October 6th!

Retta checking out her new, pink play stove!

And taking her new baby doll for a stroll in her new baby pram.

 After a few days of learning how to control the momentum of the baby buggy, Retta no longer allows anyone to help her push her babies. She will push your hand away to show that she can do it all on her own! 

***

Then, on Sunday the 6th we took a family trip to the San Antonio Zoo! 

The weather was AMAZING!

Retta really enjoyed the hippos swimming with the colorful fish!

Retta and Dada posing by the elephant!

Retta pet the black pig...

...and the pink pig!

 Dada held Retta up as she did not want to stand, but rather sit in the mud along side the pigs.

Retta even pulled the goats horns!

It was a wonderful day with our 2 YEAR OLD!! 

DSAST Buddy Walk 2013 Kicks Off Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Retta had a blast at her second Buddy Walk! The heat and humidity didn't dampen her spirits!

"Retta's Rainbow" Buddy Walk Team raised over $1,900.00 benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas thanks to LOTS of love and support from family and friends who generously donated in honor of Retta! 

 Here is Retta hanging out in her decorated pink wagon float!

Retta and Mom welcoming our team members!

Aunt Julia, Cousin Noah, Cousin Matt, Mom and Retta!

Retta with her friend Emma sporting matching rainbow hair bows Emma's mommy had made especially for the Buddy Walk!

What wonderful friends!!!

 Nicole and Austin even drove all the way from Houston to parade with us!!!

Here is Austin sporting his rainbow spirit! 

"GO RETTA!" 

Retta practicing her parade wave!

Retta and "buddy" Emma leading the team!

Parading!

Cousin Clint helping hold the sign and Aunt Barbie who also drove all the way from Houston to help celebrate with us!

Allison and Uncle Brian!

Walking, strolling and rolling to bring awareness and acceptance to Down syndrome!!!

Dad, Uncle Russell, Grandma and Clint!

Wonderful friends: Reese, Angie, Josh, Nicole, sleeping Austin and Tanya!

The walk wouldn't have been the same without them!!!

RETTA'S RAINBOW 

2013 BUDDY WALK TEAM!!!

Thank you to everyone who made "Retta's Rainbow" Buddy Walk Team so BRIGHT and COLORFUL!!!!

First Day of Mother's Day Out

Coker Methodist Early Learning Center

09/05/13

(One day shy of 23 months!)

 

Retta was all excited for her first day of MDO!

 

...OK, maybe a little scared...

But she's a trooper!

 

Her teachers, Mrs. Cowger and Mrs. Dilley said she had a "good day!"

She was a little anxious transitioning in the big baby buggy from her classroom to chapel to the playground however, "adjusted well." Our daily report card said Retta was "happy, friendly and busy."  She enjoyed the playground, chapel, music, circle time and most of all the flannel board story.  She ate most of her lunch, slept on her mat for 1.5 hours and had only wet diapers!

 

She was playing with the baby dolls and a new friend when I arrived to pick her up. When she heard me call her name she started crawling as fast as she could to the door! As soon as I got her strapped in her car seat for the drive home she began to cry. All together, it probably was a bit overwhelming for her...but I think she is really going to enjoy it the more familiar it all becomes.

 

We are so proud of you Retta!

 

2013 BUDDY WALK!!!

 

It's BUDDY WALK time again!!! Retta is practicing her parade smile and wave!

 

We'd LOVE for you to join us for a "rainbow breakfast" and celebratory lap around Heroes Stadium Saturday, September 28th!

Bright and early!

 

And to our surprise...a picture of Retta and Szymon arrived in the mail a few weeks ago!

Yes!  A picture of Retta and Szymon from last years Buddy Walk made the front of the 2013 Buddy Walk Brochure!

The Buddy Walk is a national event, however funds raised for the DSAST Buddy Walk benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through programs and services provided in the San Antonio area! 

 

Just this last year Retta was able to participate in a sign language and music class and socialize with her fellow peers at various events and outings including the Children's Museum and Morgans Wonderland!  Funds raised also go to supporting national leadership in education, research and advocacy. The world of Down syndrome research is currently making AMAZING strides (specifically with cognition research)!!! However funding is needed to keep these projects moving forward. So all together, with these supports and resources, individuals with Down syndrome and their families are leading healthier, happier, more self-sufficient lives!

 



 

"Come join me!"