Sunday, May 13, 2012

Matthew and Patrick

Patrick taking care of Matthew : )


Now I have 2 toddlers!  My babies are both walking around everywhere so that means I'm chasing them around everywhere!  It's amazing, because the same week that Patrick (now 14 months) began walking nonstop, was the same week that Matthew took off as well.  Matthew had taken steps independently right before his 3rd birthday and was walking if we held one of his hands, but he had still mostly crawled everywhere.  Well now finally, at 3 years and 5 months, he is walking all the time.  Whew, what a relief!  He has small orthotics (kind of like Sure-Steps) but now he is even walking at times with no orthotics or shoes on.  I'm hoping that he will eventually not need the orthotics as his ankle strength grows.  


Matthew has been in a special-ed preschool class since December and is loving it.  He is learning a lot of sign language and also saying more words.  It's a big help to me as well, because I now have more time to devote to homeschooling the other children.  He loves going too.


Patrick is such a joy and of course seems so "advanced" compared to Matthew.  People warned me that this would happen when you have a Down Syndrome or other special needs child and then have a typical child.  The younger, typical child seems like a genius or whiz-kid.  It's crazy how we as parents forget how fast our little ones can learn and how fast they grow-up. 


 God knew that Matthew would need Patrick.  He motivates Matthew already and they are becoming great buddies, ie"partners in crime" : )I know as time goes on, that Matthew will need Patrick more and more and Patrick will care for him and protect him.  I love watching them together!  It's a busy, busy time but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

6 comments:

  1. How very sweet you are a wonderful mommy and example. Happy Mother's day!

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  2. Aww, thanks for sharing this sweet post!!
    I absolutely love reading your blog!!
    I'm not sure if I have ever commented before, but I am a busy mommy of seven children, and I tend to read blogs, but not always comment.
    I couldn't resist to comment this morning. They are two VERY CUTE boys!!
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Lisa

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  3. My sister has DS (#2 of 4 kids) - and my mom has said that it was really good for her to have a younger sibling around to "motivate" her. She would think she couldn't say or do something until her little sister did it, and then she wanted to do it/say it too! I can see that working well for your boys - the little brother is there to help push big brother along - just like your picture! :) I'm glad they're both walking!

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  4. It is so perfect that they have each other. Bless you and your family.

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  5. How have we known each other and I have not known that you have a blog! That's wrong, just plain wrong! I want to read this!

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  6. This post has encouraged me in many ways!!! First of all, my baby with down syndrome is now two and not walking yet. Well, he does walk, but he also wants to hold our hands and is very cautious. And he is just not totally stable. It is encouraging to see that he will walk on his own one day!!! Also, I homeschool my kiddos and have no idea what I am going to do about therapy when he turns three. They come to my home now, but are telling me he will transfer to the school system when he is three. I just cannot imagine letting him go away from me. We are praying about this. But it is encouraging to see a positive experience you are having with him in a special ed class. And it is encouraging to see how his baby brother is helping him along. What a blessing!! Thank you SO much for sharing. I have read your blog for a while, and I love it. It is very encouraging. I am not sure if I have commented, but I really enjoy it. Your #8 drama queen reminds me of my Mary. All your children are precious.

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Thanks so much for your comments! I love them and they keep me writing. I really do read each one.