Adventures of Bubba Bear & Belly Boo

For Dada in Dubai

2007-11-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to remind Dada what we look like (that is when we are all dressed up, clean and being on our best behavior).

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?

2006-11-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, another successful Halloween...Jackson was not to sure about the event, but he was an incredibly good sport. Jackson was dressed as Brown Bear, Brown Bear (from his all time favorite book, and Principessa was Yellow Duck, Yellow Duck). And my precious Addie - well gone are the pretty pink princess costumes! This year she was a cross between a can-can dancer and a zombie (we could not talk her into being Green Frog, Green Frog)! And now for the photos...

Bubba Bear (aka Brown Bear, Brown Bear) and Principessa (aka Yellow Duck, Yellow Duck)

And now for the scary part...

Buddy Walk 2006

2006-11-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Our Buddy Walk was a couple of weeks ago - and I am just now getting around to posting photos. Jackson even walked a bit this year - cause as we told him - it was a Buddy Walk - not a "Buddy Ride". Thanks to all who walked with us, and supported us with contributions. Jackson's Village raised a nice amount for the event and he even had his own cheerleaders - thanks girls!

Life is GOOD!

Zoo Days

2006-11-01T10:11:00.001-08:00

Well, I have been blogger-persona-non-grata for the last couple of weeks. We have been busy having fall fun and working with Principessa Pickle Bug to encourage more sleep! One out of two ain't bad!!

Here are some photos from our Zoo Trip last weekend. Jackson was really not so sure about the backpack or the animals - it was his first trip in a while, and I think he was a bit overwhelmed!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Mom - I am sooooo over this!

Fall Fun - 2006!

2006-10-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe how much they have changed in the last few years!

Pumpkin pics became a lot more fun once he discovered he could throw the pumpkins out of the wagon!
What a pretty smile!

Jay is always giving me a hard time, because there are never any pictures of me with the kids (as I am always stategically positioned behind the lens!).
The oldest three of the kiddos!

Okay, all through now!

Sunday Grains of Gratitude

2006-10-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Grain #1: My oldest daughter Addie. We have been taking "Pumpkin Pictures" since she was 6 months old...my how she has grown.

Grain #2: SD Emma. Emma has been a good-sport about our "Pumpkin Pictures" since she was 5 years old. And now four years later, she is such a beautiful "grain".

Grain #3: Jackson - aka Bubba Bear. Okay, so we can now officially debunk the myth that children with Down syndrome are not "always happy"...Bubba was not too thrilled with the pumpkin patch. Until that is, he learned he could throw the pumpkin out of the cart. Now THAT is some good fun!

Grain #4: Isabella (Bella) aka Principessa Pickle Bug. She was pretty good for her first round of "Pumpkin Pics". Oh, so, many, many more to come in her future!

Grain #5: All the kiddos together for the weekend...PRICELESS.

Thanks Christine for starting the Grains of Gratitude!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Good practice for the teenage years...

Itsy Bitsy Spider and other Childhood Traditions

2006-10-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

There must be something about the age...the age where you have to sing familiar ditties such as the Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Wheels on the Bus, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old MacDonald and the ABC song until you are blue in the face. The age where they want you to read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and "Panda Bear, Panda Bear", 50 times a day, and then just "one more time Mom". The age where children recognize the difference between all the verses of "Baby Bumblebee" and trying to cheat them out of a verse or two to save one's sanity.

This is the age where we are now. And I must confess, I could not be any happier or more delighted. Why? Why be so elated for the repetition, the monotony, the joy of the ritualistic childhood norms? Probably because I was not sure exactly what to expect of Jackson's childhood, and just how many "norms" there would be. There are too many to count; his love of books, his love of music, his love of banging pots on the floor, his love of anything which makes a really, really loud noise! But here we are - mired in the second year of his life - and oh, how glorious these moments and rituals are.

One of the realities of parenting a child with Down syndrome, is the mandate that you slow down your pace. But from that slower pace, comes the gift of enjoying those childhood moments, which may for some parents, rush by too quickly and un-noticed.

As parents of children with special needs, we are supposed to appreciate every moment, every milestone. And we do, but sometimes, just sometimes, we wonder...are our children doing as well as they can, are they doing as well as other children with special needs? We read of the accomplishments of other children with special needs, their milestones which may be different from those of our children - and then the double whammy, my child not only has special needs, but maybe is not developing at the same pace as other children with Down syndrome.

I guess as parents, we are all inclined to compare our children - and parents of special needs children are no different. We all want our children to excel, to succeed, to achieve their highest potential. I, too, am guilty at times of the comparison game. It tends to bring me down, and take my focus away from all of Jackson's successes (truth be known, I do this with my typical children too). And as October is Down syndrome Awareness month, it is time to set aside the comparisons, and celebrate all that is different, and all that is the same. Some may walk sooner, talk sooner, and some may know their ABC's before others.

But in the end, they have all brought something so priceless to their families, the need to slow down the frantic pace of life and just enjoy another round of "Itsy Bitsy Spider".

Hope you can join us for our Buddy Walk this year - it is sure to be bigger and better than last year's event!

PS - I encourage you to visit a blog called, “Lovely and Amazing”. This blog details a mother’s life with her two children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Her blog entry, titled “Humble Pie” inspired this blog entry.

Slow Cooker Thursday

2006-09-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here's another good one, straight from the Grammy files! It's great with Thanksgiving dinner.

Corn Pudding

8 oz. cream cheese
2 eggs (beaten)
1/3 cup sugar (you can substitute Splenda)
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 can creamed corn
2 1/3 cup frozen corn
1 cup milk
2 T butter
1 t salt
sprinkle nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in crockpot. I would stongly suggest either greasing the crockpot or using one of those diposable liners, as it can tend to stick. Cook on high for 3-4 hours (until it is set).

For more recipes visit Sandra.

Sunday Grains of Gratitude

2006-09-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

Grains of Gratitude

1. I really owe a debt of gratitude to Christine (Brady's mom) for beginning this blog topic. I was not feeling the most grateful this morning, but after being a bit more introspective, I am happy to be able to turn my temporary "baditude" into gratitude!

2. For the "down" time I get to spend with my kiddos. Yesterday we spent all day running errands together and playing during the afternoon. No schedules, no homework, and we ordered take-out, so no dishes!!!

3. My health and the health of my family. My MIL (who is such a dear, dear woman) is facing a very tough road. Her BIL and one of her best friends are facing challenging illnesses, and we are praying daily for a miracle. I hold them and their families in prayer, and am thankful for the health of my kiddos.

4. I am sooooo very grateful that the "Nap Gods" aligned themselves today and Bubba Bear and Principessa Pickle Bug napped at the same time, allowing me to get a few things done (including this list).

5. My thoughtful DH who sat through a ballet this week, because he thought I would enjoy it. He was right, it was so magical to sit and watch two hours of dance. Oh, how I have missed dancing - one day I will have to do so again (and not just in my living room when no one is watching). I also have to throw in an extra gratitude for my Mother and friend Lilia, who watched the kiddos while we were out! Not an easy feat with the Principessa!

If you are participating, pop over and let Christine of Brady's Bunch know that your list is up.

Blessings to all for a great week.

Five Ingredient Friday

2006-09-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, another new idea for posting...this comes from Overwhelmed With Joy head over there for more neat five ingredient recipie ideas and also for sharing holiday recipes.

Turkey or Chicken Pot Pie (thanks again Grammie!)

3 lbs. cut up chicken or turkey (use the turkey from Thursday Slow Cooker recipe - below)
1 package frozen mixed veggies
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups broth (I use the reserve from the turkey)
1 can of biscuit mix

Mix turkey/chicken and frozen veggies in 9"x 12" glass pan. Stir soup and broth, pour over chicken mixture. Top with refrigerated biscuit mix.

Cook at 425 for 25-30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Thursday

2006-09-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in Slow Cooking Thursday. If you want to join, head over to Diary of a SAHM and find out how. This is not a difficult recipe at all - but it is better than any Thanksgiving turkey I have ever had (it is so moist), and the leftovers are great for Turkey Pot Pie (see tomorrow 5 Ingredient Friday for recipe)

Slow Cooker Turkey (thanks Grammie)

One fresh turkey breast (not the pressed kind, but the kind with the bones)
One large onion (or two small ones)
Poultry Seasoning

Cut onion into small quarters; stick inside the turkey cavity.
Season with Poultry Seasoning (I use something called One Step Chicken Seasoning)

Cook at low temperature for 6-8 hours.

This is perhaps the easiest slow cooker recipe - but also one of the best.

Grains of Gratitude...

2006-09-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

1. For Jay's safe return home from Asia.

2. For Bubba Bear's speedy recovery from his sick bug which bit him this weekend.

3. For the time spent with family this weekend. My grandfather passed away and it was really a nice time to connect with family - some estranged relationships may be on their way to being healed.

4. For Principessa Pickle Bug's laughter in the morning. It is a welcome thing after she has been up all night and I am completely sleep deprived, to hear such sweet baby giggles.

5. Did I mention Jay's being home??? Welcome home Babe, we really did miss you!

As this blogging stuff is still relative new to me, this is from another blog site, so I think I have done this correctly. If you've written your gratitude post, don't forget to stop by Christine's to let her know!

Missing Dada...

2006-09-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here is our update for the week...

We are really missing Jay this week, as he is out of the country travelling for work. So, I took a few pics before he left, and am finally getting around to posting them. This is for you Babe!

This week was pretty good round here - Jackson (aka Bubba Bear) continues to be doing really well in school. Addie is making the transition to Middle School with ease. And Bella Boo (aka Principessa Pickle Bug) seems to be sleeping a bit better this week.

My thoughts continue to reflect on the five year anniversary of September 11th, my prayers go out to the entire nation, who was so profoundly changed by the events of one day. May we never again know such tragedy.

Hugs and Kisses.

I've Been Tagged!

2006-09-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged - not exactly sure what this is, as I am very new to blogging but here it goes. This time I was tagged by my friend Katrina.

1. What was your favorite thing about being a kid?
Rollerskating, listening to "oldie's" music with my dad on Sundays and playing music trivia games with him.

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subjects were Government and Dance. I ended up studying Political Science in college. And as for Dance, I danced up until fairly recently, when I decided that I was too old!

3. Who was your best friend when you were 10?
Have to answer with two people; Alison and Edith. I am still friends with both of them.

4. If you could be any animal what would you be?
Definitely not my dog...she has definitely been neglected since all the young kiddos have come along (poor Maggie). So, I would have to say maybe a seal. Not sure why, I just love these at the zoo.

5. What would you change about your school, occupation, life right now?
Hmmmm...definitely would have paid more attention in school and appreciated it more. I would love to have obtained my Masters Degree. Now, I would really love to study photography, and as for life...just a bit more sleep. But other than that, life is prety groovy!

6. What's your favorite color?
Browns, Deep Reds, Pumpkin - definitely autumn colors.

7. What's your favorite type of crust and topping on a pizza?
Thin wheat crust, with canadian bacon, green bell peppers and onion.

OK, so who to tag. I tag:
Michelle - Big Blueberry Eyes and Amy - The Flege Farm

Look What I Can Do...

2006-09-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

Okay, though to most of you, this may not seem like a huge accomplishment, for me, this is HUGE. We have been working with Jackson on having him bring his drink to his mouth, drink from the straw and put the cup back on the table without throwing it off (well, okay, so he still does this occasionally - but most of the time he gets it back on the tray)!

I really wanted him to have mastered this before school starts!

Great going Bubba Bear!

Back to School

2006-09-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems like it is back to school time all over the country, and 'round here is no exception.

The older girls started a couple of weeks ago, and Jackson started back to school last week. I continue to be amazed at this little boy. Jackson is the only child with Down syndrome in his school of over 300 families. I will forever be grateful for the school taking the leap of faith with us and letting Jackson attend.

When Jackson was born, I was so consumed with concerns of where he would go to school; and I was so sad because I just loved the school that Addie went to (in fact, I went there a thousand years ago, and my brothers attended as well). So, I was really sad to think that Jackson would miss out on this loving environment. Well, how wrong I was!

The directors of the school were so willing to let us try out the program to see if it was a good fit for us and for them. And we were so blessed to have amazing teachers last year, and great kids in his class. And at the end of the year, we all felt like it was a good match.

My heart soared. And now we begin another year. Another year with great teachers, with great friends, and with great spirit.

As he gets older and my feelings about mainstreaming and inclusion go back and forth (I am all for inclusion if it is the right thing for him), but I am also willing to explore other options if that is what seems best for him. It's funny, but the older he gets, the less I tend to think about the Down syndrome, and just see him for the wonderful, loving, funny and growing Bubba Bear that he is. And just want the best for him, regardless of whether or not that fits into my preconceived ideas.

In the end, I could never have imagined that my son would end up being my best and favorite teacher ever!

Jackson's First Day of School

The Adventures of Bubba Bear and Principessa Pickle Bug

2006-08-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bubba Bear and Princepessa Pickle Bug

(a photo is worth a thousand words!)

Hello all!

Well, as I have proven to be lousy at most forms of communication with loved ones these days (cannot seem to email photos, return phone calls, or do anything which could be considered as thoughtful communication), I thought I would try blogging to keep everyone updated on the going's on of the Fogal (and Eckert) kiddos.

Addie began Middle School and so far is loving every "grown up" minute of it; from changing classes to having more choices in school - she is off to a great start. Now will someone please tell me how it is possible that I am old enough to have her for a daughter???

Emma just returned from an visit to Sweden to visit her extended relatives. She started school as well, but I think she would rather be back in Sweden!

Jackson (aka Bubba Bear) starts school next week, and today we went for a visit to see his new classroom. He turned 2 last Saturday - YIKES, how is THAT possible? He definitely enjoyed his birthday cake (thanks Grammie!), as you can see in the photo. He is still going to therapy several days a week, and we continued to be amazed by him. There is so much joy in this little boy - also a LOT of mischief as well, think we can blame his Dada for that! He loves to read (particuarly fond of Brown Bear, Brown Bear), sing (Itsy Bitsy Spider is a current fav) and do silly things, like chasing water bottles around the house.

Isabella (aka Principessa Pickle Bug) is growing and now thinks she is through being a baby. She is ready for a job. She is a very, very intense little thing, who is just certain that she will be able to sit, crawl and walk by the end of the week.

Stay tuned for more adventures of Bubba Bear and Princepessa Pickle Bug!