I just had to share this picture of Landree at church on Sunday. Every time the
music starts, her hands go up in the air. It’s like she can’t even help it. She loves it so much it’s just a reflex! I kept thinking her little arms would get tired, but she kept them up. It’s nice to see that she likes church
music as much as she likes Dierks Bentley’s song 5-1-5-0. Up until now that was her favorite. I noticed on Sunday that while she loves all of the music, her favorite song seems to be “Because He Lives.” She raised her arms and had a
smile plastered on her face the whole time. She fusses a little when the music stops but she’s usually asleep by the time the sermon gets started. She’s only in it for the music!
Landree is 8 ½ months old now. I can’t believe it! I know I say that every month, but it’s true. She’s gotten so much
hair that it needs to be in a pony tail or it’s too wild. She’s laughing out loud more and more, especially at her daddy’s singing. (His singing is pretty funny!) She stares and smiles at her big brother as if he’s the greatest
thing ever! Every now and then she will say something that sounds like Mama or Dada. Of course Rick and I try to get her to say it all the time. She thinks that’s pretty funny too. When I look at her and say “Mama” she gives a big smile.
Then she usually takes her hand and does the sign for mama on my chin. She definitely knows what she’s doing. The sign for mama and dada are the same except for one sign is done on the forehead and the other is done on the chin. She knows to do the sign
on my chin and her dad’s forehead. Smart girl!
Landree has made great strides in learning to
like fruit. I’ve gotten lots of comments and suggestions about the fruit video I posted a while back. I think her dislike for fruit was compounded by being tired and grouchy. She might get that from me! Her daddy doesn’t like any of
his food to be mixed or to touch each other, so he was reluctant to mix the fruit with other things. Apparently Landree doesn’t mind her food being mixed. Once I started mixing her fruit in with other things, she started eating them with no complaints.
I don’t even have to mix them anymore.
A few weeks ago Landree’s
picture went viral on facebook. The response has been overwhelming. Hopefully people will remember her smiling face the next time they hear something about Down syndrome. It’s been really cool to hear from people in all different parts of the world.
I haven’t gotten to respond to all the comments and messages, but I’ve read every single one. I love hearing your stories and seeing pictures of your kids so keep them coming!
Tomorrow we take Landree back to see the genetic specialist. To be honest, I’m not sure what this visit is about. I just know we were supposed to go
back in 6 months. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I hope everybody has
a great week. I’ve constantly been thinking about the explosion in West. I know there are hard times ahead and this week will be especially tough. The people of West will be in my prayers.