Most kids are quick to grow up. Those milestones come so fast in that first year and before you know it you're chasing around a one year old who has a rapidly expanding vocabulary and you just want time to SLOW down! I experienced that...with Weston. He was running by 11 months and climbing out of his crib and constantly giving me heart attacks. And I was so tired and stressed out from chasing him around all day, every day. I didn't realize it then, but I didn't really appreciate how quickly he was reaching those milestones. And then God gave me Colton. And he is completely the opposite of my Weston. He does things at his own pace. Raising a child with Down Syndrome requires lots and lots of patience. There are days when I'm really good at being patient. But after a few weeks or months of working on the same skill, I begin to lose that patience. And it never fails that when I'm almost at my breaking point, Colton learns a new skill. And it may not be a big milestone like rolling, sitting, crawling, or standing, but it's a big skill for Colton....and it gives me that boost I need to keep on keeping on. And I know that is God's way of telling me..."It's ok, Carrie. See, he's getting there. Just be patient...just be patient."
The other day, Weston wanted to look at some old pictures on our computer. We came across pictures of Weston at 17 months old...and all of a sudden, I got really sad. I spent the whole day a little down in the dumps because I forgot where Weston was at 17 months. And I know that I can't compare my kids because it's not the same, it's not fair. It's like apples and oranges. But it still stings a little. Deep down in my heart, I know that Colton is going to four point crawl and pull to stand and walk and clap and sing and talk and run and jump and ride a bike....but it's just going to take a lot longer than it did for Weston. So there comes that word again...PATIENCE. Patience is hard for a person who likes numbers and timelines and plans...and I have to throw all of that out of the window while raising Colton. But that's ok...I'm learning. And when I get totally overwhelmed and stressed out, I pray about it and I remind myself of how far Colton has come in the last 17 months. He used to not be able to get his legs off of the ground while lying on his back because his abs were so weak. Now, he can bring both legs up toward the ceiling and slam then down on the ground like nobody's business. He likes to do that in the pool, too, and make a big ole' splash.
At 17 months, Colton sits really well. He loves to spin circles while sitting on his bottom. He can army crawl all over the house. His latest milestone is pushing himself up from laying to a sitting position (who knew that was a milestone? Don't kids just naturally do that?). He can hold his own sippy cup and squeeze pouch. He can blow kisses, when he wants to. He is a champ at giving high fives with both hands. He can turn the pages of a book. He can stand for longer periods of time, but be careful because when he decides he's done, he's done and will come crashing down. He's eating really well and sleeping really well. He has the cutest little personality and messes with me all of the time. He loves to throw things off of his highchair and even though I give him a stern "NO!," he will look me right in the eyes and slowly take that toy to the edge of the highchair and release it. He thinks that's funny! Mommy keeps a straight face and disciplines him, but I'm laughing inside. Because I LOVE to see that he's being intentional about that. He knows better! He does the same thing about taking off his glasses or crawling to touch things he's not supposed to touch. It really is hilarious! Colton is a babbler. He makes all kinds of sounds. His Speech Therapist said his babbling is progressing...so that's good! Colton will mimic me if he's in the right mood (sounds or faces or actions). And he is just the biggest lover. He loves to kiss and cuddle. Because of his low tone, Colton is the squishiest little guy. We call him our "Fluffy Marshmallow." Nobody hugs better than Colton! We are pretty fond of the little guy. I'm pretty sure he gets the top spot in being the family favorite (wink, wink).
Raising a child with Down Syndrome is really challenging...and it requires a lot of PATIENCE...but it is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Nobody needs me more than Colton. Nobody loves me more than Colton. Colton is going to crawl and walk and talk...and he's going to do great things...it's just going to take time. In the meantime, we will continue to love him, practice with him, support him, and celebrate him.
