My First NDSC

(Mommy has been working hard on a super cute video of our trip down to San Antonio for the National Down Syndrome Congress but for some reason she cannot upload it so I guess she will just have to post pictures.)

Yes, Carrington is right. I have been working so hard the past several days to put together a video of all the things we did at our first NDSC. Ok, so I was able to make the video (don't ask how long it took me to do that) but I have no idea how to put it on here.

Our family learned of the NDSC last year and we vowed that we were going to attend it this year. We were lucky because it was in our own backyard of San Antonio, TX which is a mere 4 1/2 hour drive for us. Dana and Teresa were our helpers with the children for this conference which enabled Brian and I to attend the workshops. Now I have been around children and young adults with Ds for over 26 years but never have I been so impacted as I was this conference. My beliefs have always been that everyone has value and worth and that is no different for individuals with Ds. The atmosphere at this very fancy hotel/conference was one of total acceptance, love, appreciation, and success. Everywhere you turned someone would say hello, compliment how beautiful my children with Ds were (as well as my other children), or just show compassion and would occasionally stop my runaway Evelyn before she took a wild ride down the escalator. I watched (ok so maybe it was like stared in a good way) at the young adults who had Ds and how they were hanging out together, ordering coffee at the highly overpriced but yummy Starbucks, and just doing their own thing. More than one time I would get on the elevator and one of these amazing young people would be on there and would strike up a conversation with me. I just wanted to keep riding the elevator so we could just continue talking. At one point I considered not going to a single workshop but rather get a camcorder and just walk around recording the amazing things that were happening right before my eyes. Can you imagine how this could impact those over in Ukraine who have no hope nor love for our little ones with Ds? This could show them the potential of these angels and hopefully change their views of our children. Yes, I am well aware of the potential of individuals with Down syndrome, of their worth, and the fact that they deserve the same love and respect we all seek but this trip was different. This was life changing for me and for quite some time I could not figure out what made it so different. Then on one elevator ride it hit me: I am a mom of children with Ds and I am looking at the future that is possible for MY children. Talk about one of those "Mommy Moments" you will never forget. I only wish I could share with you all just what is going on in my heart and head after this weekend but it is something that is so personal I can't really find the right words. Next year the convention will be in Washington D.C. and we will be there for sure.

Now we also realized that this convention was a bit much for the Princess to handle. True she was like a mini celebrity there with so many of the people who prayed for her coming to meet her and see just how wonderful she is doing but unfortunately we think that the noise and expanse of the convention area was just too much for her so we had to take her back up to the room so she could settle down. She has pulled out most of her hair and seems to do so when she is stressed. As her Mommy I needed to know what was hurting her so much and after much talk with my friend Rachel I think it comes down to her needing to feel secure in a small space without so much noise and light. That is what she was used to back in that place she was forced to languish in for 3 long years but as her Mommy I did not want her to have to face those conditions any longer. Rachel also pointed out that she is not facing those conditions but rather just needing to adjust to her new life a bit slower and different than my other children. So now we must back up and analyze what is it she needs and focus on that for a bit of time. Carrington was blessed to meet so many of you all and she also met Andrea Roberts, the founder of Reece's Rainbow.

As I try to look into the future of my children I see so many possibilities for them. While others seem to be so concerned with the idea that my children will live with me for the rest of their lives I am more looking at the fact that my children are going to LIVE; the where is not important. I can see our family attending these conferences for so many years to come and one day watching as my children with Ds order coffee with their friends, eat dinner with their friends, and just talk about what matters to them. That is all I want: happiness for ALL of my children.

Now here are some of the pics ( in no order bc I am so tired) that I wanted in the video (you know the one I cannot upload).

Madelaine and Ethan stopped long enough for me to get a snapshot of them enjoying the pool at our hotel.
Ethan and this water slide were inseperable.
Princess Carrington meets Andrea Roberts. What a special time this was for both Carrington and us!
I was so blessed to meet Monica and David, the couple with Ds who have a show on HBO which chonicles their life as a married couple of 6 years.
Hudson rode on a real Texas bull.
Ethan was all grins as he sat in the saddle of this giant bull.
Reagan was having the time of her life at Morgan's Wonderland
Hudson was all about safety in the hotel pool.
Madelaine and Ethan were all snuggled in the bed. Did I mention that all 9 of the Burman Bunch were in one room?!
Evelyn loved the merry-go-round at Morgan's Wonderland.
Madelaine took Reagan to fish off of the pier at Morgan's.
Daddy had to show Ethan just how you catch a fish. My only thought was please don't catch one, they are yucky!!!!
The love of my life and protector of our family! It was over 105* that day but Brian made sure we all had fun!

Owen and Hudson found what interested them:water!
Reagan was in awe of all she saw as we went through Morgan's Wonderland.
Owen was cautious on the ride for the first time but then he did warm up to the fun we all were having.
Ethan just loved this dragon he got to ride.
My sweet Madelaine has such a loving and playful soul.
Hudson would not let go of the pole but he really was all excited.
The whole Burman Bunch at the entrance to the park at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio.
I just love this little gift from God! She kept giggling as I kissed her.
Daddy was such a sport to go down this roller slide with his Princess.
What a beautiful work of art to greet all who enter Morgan's Wonderland.
All the kids climbed aboard the jeep just outside the ride.