ER

We went to the ER this morning.  Liam's fever was 104.5 and he vmoited all the milk he nursed in the morning, I mean really vomited.  There's no doubt now I know the difference between spit up and vomit.  Poor little guy.  And my breasts hurt, he hasn't eaten much in the last 18 hours.  He was all jittery and jerky in his movements.  Something didn't feel right.  BUt he's ok.  He's on antibiotics for a sinus infection, and they took a chest xray just in case.  His lungs show a possible lung infection, but basically we're alright.
So I thought my mama instints would be more secure with the second child.  I thought I'd be more relaxed about everything.  But having Down Syndrome put a curveball in there.  I'm always wondering: This ___, is it a DS thing?  And so I'm always a little worried.
On another note, we went to a neurodevelopmental evaluation in the Bay Area with NACD and felt really positive about it.  We, Pedro, my mom and I, finally felt like: Ah, someone who really knows about DS and our little guy's challenges and potential. We have a plan to implement at home, a lot of sensory stimulation and receptive knowldge. Flashcards of familiar objects first, reading, eductaional TV (to develop macular vision), and more.  Things we would do anyway with any baby, but now we are more conscious of it. Sensory stimulation gloves, mouth stimulation several different ways, help crawling, 20 + times a day, deep pressure.
His constant congestion.  I was told to go off dairy- ARHHH!!! I had suspected this for a while but needed someone to tell me to do it in order for me to implment the change.  It's been almost 3 weeks.  Not sure if it's helping, cause now he's sick and of course congested.  But I am doing it, and Lupe too more or less.  There has been no cheddar in this house for a while, a first for us.  I actually bought some soy cheddar.  But soy cheese doesn't melt.  it's a bit strange.  Goat cheese is ok, raw is better- so chevre is my new best friend. Yeah! Goat cheese and figs on a bagel- yes please! (I won't start trying to cut out gluten yet, litttle by little!)

Today is Saturday and there is a fun sounding Strawberry Festival in AG.  There is always something going on.  I see my friends doing things with their kids on Facebook: the pool, farms, festivals,date nights, girls nights,  etc.  And I feel like there's always some reason I can't go. Someone is always sick or....sigh. 
I need to stop thinking of things I "should" be doing with my kids.  I am doing a lot.  Maybe it's time I reached out and met the other mamas in the North County who have special needs kids and do things together.  I've been hesitant.  I don't want to hear about all thte possible future issues my son might have.  Is that normal?  But on the other hand, those mamas understand the challenges. 
Lupe's birthday is next week, my amazing girl will be 4.  I wish I could have a big fiesta and invite the many many friends we have and kind people in our community. But we can't.  It's just too much to handle.  So it will be a very very small celebration. But special.  All pink. 
Maybe a bigger celebration for Liam's FIRST birthday coming up in just over a month (No way no way- how can that be??!).
Thanks for reading dear friends and family, this little peek into our lives.....