Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month...did you know that? Well, inspired by some of my friends I wanted to share 21 things I LOVE about Chelsea before the end of the month. 21 being the magic number because it is the 21st chromosome that is tripled in Chelsea's genetic make up. I feel so lucky to have her, you know you can't special order these kids, it's like we just won the lottery, she's such a blessing, and here's why!

1. I LOVE her slobbery kisses. Lately she only kisses while wiggling her tongue.
2. I LOVE when she pats me on the back while she hugs me.
3. I LOVE the way she bobs her head and bounces when she dances (she's also added a little foot stamp to her dance here lately).
4. I LOVE the big gap between her big toe and the second toe, putting that pulse ox monitor on her toe is a breeze!
5. I LOVE the way she's always been able to smile at me with her enormous blueberry eyes, even before she could smile.
6. I LOVE when she says my name; Maba!
7. I LOVE the way she forgives me without a second thought when I'm cranky.
8. I LOVE her persistence to do ANYTHING she puts her mind to (well before they said she would ... roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, climb, use sign language...).
9. I LOVE the way she sleeps in her bed at night, mouth open, snoring, arms out to the sides, legs bent an open like a frog.
10. I LOVE rocking her to sleep, sometimes I just can't bring myself to put her in bed, I just have to hold her a little bit longer.
11. I LOVE her empathy. When someone is upset, hurt, or in trouble, she can sense it and she immediately reaches out to give "lovies".
12. I LOVE to squeeze her buns!!! They are by far the fairest of them all!
13. I LOVE when she waves and smiles at EVERYONE. It's hard to have a bad day when you're in Miss Chelsea's presence.
14. I LOVE her contagious laughter, she has the sweetest giggles.
15. I LOVE to watch her steal the purses of any visitors that come to see us. She loves toting around bags and it's pretty smart of her!
16. I LOVE how she reaches her arms out for me to pick her up. She loves to be held. 17. I LOVE that she uses her hands to talk. She's brilliant with over 40 words in her sign language vocabulary!
18. I LOVE singing with her! Some of her favorites, If You're Happy and You Know It, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, and You are My Sunshine.
19. I LOVE her silky, golden, fine hair. Absolutely gorgeous.
20. I LOVE that crazy tongue! In, out, ... we don't really care anymore, it's so darned cute!
21. I LOVE her ability to bring people closer together. She creates a bond between persons you would have never imagined even talking to one another. We have made so many phenomenal friends since her birth!

I could go on and on. Want to add something you love about a child w/ T21 to my list? Leave a comment!