Florida or bust!

OK...You know how every couple of years you need to take a road trip just to remember why you don't take road trips??  Well this was our year!

We drove to Florida for spring break.  It was such an awesome trip!  I was shocked how well the kids did.  Especially GiGi.  I remember I kept on looking into the back seat completely amazed by her.  I never put limitations on her but I never expected so much from a five year old!  She had her sub sandwich in one hand her chocolate milk in another and she was watching the "Bee Movie" and having a great time.  I thought we would have to make frequent potty stops but of course she proved me wrong!  (it seems she has turned into a little camel these last couple of years!)  I truly was blown away (once again) by her.      

Then when she got to the pool I saw she has also become a little fish!  She was jumping in, doing the back stroke, and giving me a heart attack but I had to let her do it and she was awesome!

I am so glad that we have taught her to face her fears and helped her through sensory issues with patience and strength.  I remember the first time we went on the wave runner and she covered her ears and was very afraid.  We went slow, sang songs and by the end of the trip she was having a great time.   I think some times what appears to be sensory is more about fear.  When I make her feel safe and secure there is nothing she won't do!   

Top O the mornin' to ya!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!  Here are the McGianni kids celebrating St. Patrick's day!  Of course since this picture was taken GiGi has added a purse and every other accessory she can think of!  

6 months ago I joined a boot camp and never thought I would make it through the first week!  I remember praying as I was running and thinking about GiGi at therapy and how I would always push her to "do just one more", and as usual she would always step up to the plate.   So how could I quit?  She has gotten me through boot camp for 6 months now!  I always think how hard she works with low muscle tone and how easy it is for me.  I thank God for all the muscles he gave me especially  after I realize what a gift they really are.

Being in boot camp has allowed me to be a better mother to all my kids and I thank GiGi for her tenacity and motivation.   She never quits and has shown me how great the results can be if you just try.  She gives 100% to her life everyday and she deserves the same from me.

Today I reached my goal of 60 sit ups in 60 seconds and I could have never done it without her!   With her as my inspiration anything is possible!!      

Happy St. Patrick's day!! 

(OK...if you force me I'll drink a beer for you!!)

       

GiGi skiing

OK seriously...I have no clue what I am doing!  Only one picture per post!  Anyone who knows me knows that is impossible!   

Goin' skiing!

Well, the others kids tried skiing at age 5 so it was her turn!  She was awesome!!  I thought for sure she would complain about the boots but she just stood up and asked for her ski's!

A New Era

Hi Everyone, Jen here. I'm the webmaster for GiGi's and am excitied to tell you about this new feature...a GiGi's blog!

We all know how you can't get enough of how much awareness GiGi's is providing for the Down syndrome community and this is going to be a brand new tool to keep you up to date on how we are doing and to highlight some of our day to day activity.

I believe for the most part Nancy will be posting these but from time to time I bet there will be guest bloggers.

As a mom and advocate I encourage everyone to start a blog...help us spread more awareness!! Lets change the world's view of Down syndrome!! If you have one related to Down syndrome, send us the link and we can add it to our blog page.

My inspiration: