November Ramblings

For me, the fall semester marches on.  As always, work has been very busy, but not stressful.  I am very much looking forward to Thanksgiving break, in 2.5 weeks.  After break, it's just another 6 days of classes before the week of final exams.  I sense some of my students burning out already.  Some have given up, most likely because they know they haven't been doing well, so why bother.  A good number are still very much in the game and have been working as hard as possible.  I applaud them and cheer them on to the end.

Christmas break is always welcoming.  This year is no different.  I am looking forward to seeing Bun Bun's excitement grow with the lights, sounds, and smells.  No doubt, the kids and teachers in her class will be excited.

This Halloween, she did get a little more into it.  Well, at least I kind of had her dress up (as a Pink Poodle) and took her trick-or-treating to just a couple of neighbor's homes.  She doesn't eat candy, neither does Daddy, so guess who has been consuming more chocolates than usual?

Overall, Bun Bun has been doing well in school.  She continues to receive all of her therapy while she's at school - occupation, physical, speech therapies, and special instruction.  She's been gaining a little more core strength day by day.  She seems more comfortable climbing up and down stairs, alternating legs.  Lately, she's learning how to jump.  It's another one of those physical activities that I take for granted.  Speech continues to be her biggest challenge.  She is able to articulate, "Hi!" and approximates "Uh-oh", "Bye" and the Chinese "Aye-ya!"  Of course, she continues to sign.

Someone's post on Facebook said something to the effect of Down Syndrome is a journey I never expected to take, but I sure like my tour guide.  There is a lot of truth in that.  I personally think I have the cutest and sweetest tour guide.  Do I wish she doesn't have DS?  Sometimes, only because I think about her future and all sorts of the challenges she will face.  I am comforted to believe that she will be OK.  We do all we are able now, take it one day at a time, and overcome one hurdle at a time.  For now, I will cuddle and kiss her every chance I get.

Bun Bun, the Pink Poodle.  Halloween costume made by 婆婆!

Bun Bun's Chinese outfit, purchased in San Francisco 2 years ago.  This was her "dress up" outfit for school, the day before Halloween.  It fit pretty well here, but I'm sure she'll quickly outgrow it.