Times Square Video

October is Down syndrome awareness month. While many bloggers are doing a 31 for 21 blog challenge, I am already a day late and am pretty sure I would fail miserably. However, I do hope to provide more information about Down syndrome this month and will try to post as much as I can. To start I would like to share the video that played in Times Square last month featuring individuals with Down syndrome at the National Buddy Walk. Ben is near the end at the 14:36 mark if you want to fast forward. However, I encourage everyone to watch as much of the video that you can. You might just learn some facts along the way and see some amazing photos.

ABC Signing Kids

Ben's success with the ASL Sign Language program Signing Time has prompted me to become certified Baby Signing Time instructor, so I can share sign with others.  I have created the company ABC Signing Kids and I offer classes and sell the award winning Signing Time products.  I am currently taking more classes to work my way to become a Master Signing Time Instructor.
                                Click here to visit my brand new website.

Technology is SO COOL

       As I sit here at my computer, after watching via a web cam, the National Buddy Walk Video that was shown in Times Square this morning, I am amazed at how cool technology really is.  That I can be in Nebraska, and still see live action in Times Square, and grab a screen print that allowed me to capture the exact moment my sweet little guy was shown on the Sony screen is blowing my mind.  Granted, it is not the best picture.  It is dark and grainy, and it is just a tiny rectangle underneath a giant beer bottle, but it is still so cool.    I overlaid the actual photo, so you can see what it would have looked like if you were much closer.   If you look closely, you can make out his outline and drum stick.

Thank you to the NDSS for putting together a video that promotes the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  Thank you for sending a link for the webcams out to all the loved ones who could not be there, so we could feel like we are a part of the day. It is truly amazing!

We Made the News!

After Ben's photo was chosen for the National Buddy Walk video, the NDSS sent us a press release to send to our local papers.  I sent mine to Cass County Paper and the Lincoln Journal Star.  The Cass county paper ran  just the press release, and not the picture (even though I sent it numerous times).

However, the Lincoln Journal Star sent our one of their best writers who interviewed us on Tuesday and ran this very nice article on Thursday.  It was very cool.

Cindy Lange-Kubick: The W family and the blessings of Ben : The Lincoln Journal Star Online

Plus the photographer was able to do, what only one other has done before, which was to get a photo of us all looking the same direction and smiling.  Quiet a feat.  Thanks Lincoln Journal Star!

My Little Rapper

It started with Ben picking up John's iPod, putting the earbud in his ear, then singing the chorus, Ice Ice Baby.  It appears that a certain big brother has been letting my sweet little Ben listen to his questionable music.   A lot.

Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk

Thank you to everyone who has registered or donated to Ben's Brigade for the 2012 Capital City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.  Through your generosity, Ben earned 3 fact posters (pictured below) that will be displayed along the walk route at the Step Up Walk on October 6, 2012 in Lincoln NE.  A huge thank you to Erica and Images for a Lifetime for taking such adorable photos and for making the posters for the DSAF.  There will be 98 posters displayed along the walk route featuring 39 different Nebraska children with Down syndrome.   They truly are inspirational.  There is still time to register or donate.  Anyone who registers by Saturday the 15th. will get a free t-shirt with their paid registration. 
Click here to go to Ben's Team page:  

                                              We appreciate everyone's support!