by Today was the HADSA Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. HADSA (Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association) is one of the organizations that has been incredibly supportive of our family, and we enjoy being able to give back so that they’re able to continue to support other families in the area, and also continue to offer events where we are able to come together with other families. Although every child with Down syndrome is different, there are some common issues that many of us face, and there are definitely times where we are able to learn and relate with one another.
Due to the rainy weather, the walk was moved inside of Lindale Mall. AJ walked from the front of the mall, down the entire right side, and halfway up the other side, stopping just before the kids playground. He actually stayed with the flow of traffic, and only needed a couple of minor redirects. For the most part he would follow the people in front of him, or at least go the direction he was pointed.
I have no idea what distance that is, but for him, it was pretty darn far. I think I asked him about 20 times if he was ready to stop walking, and every time he shook his head “no” and kept on plowing forward. I almost stopped him a couple of times. His heart condition often shows itself when he’s being active. AJ doesn’t care – and will keep going until his legs can’t go anymore. But his lips and fingers will start to turn a little blue if we don’t make him take a break.
Thankfully he decided to take a break on his own. He plopped down in the middle of the walk and had a seat right there on the floor. I carried him for the rest of the route, but it wasn’t long before he was demanding to walk again. He really enjoys the freedom of being able to get around in his walker.
He also got his first solo ride on a carousel. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but he did ask to go a second time around.
You would have thought he would have crashed into a nap after all of that, but he didn’t. We all (AJ included) walked over to Cheddars for lunch, where AJ got to open birthday gifts from family.
AJs favorite part of having a birthday celebration is getting to tear up paper. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for AJ, just wrap up anything in a box. Heck, you could probably wrap an empty box and he would love that too. Especially if it’s big enough for him to fit into it. We often joke he’s part cat “if I fits, I sits” definitely applies to AJ and boxes.
He did really enjoy the things inside of the paper too, everyone did a great job of getting him things he loves. Animals that make noise (I’m told it repeats back what you say, but it was too noisy in the restaurant to try it), action figures, exploring toys, PJs, and shoes. Yes. Shoes. The kid loves shoes.
Thank you to everyone who came supported us for the walk – either in donations, in walking or even in sharing our posts about it. It truly makes a difference.
And thank you to our families for a great day out!
