3rd Annual 31 for 21 Blog Challenge

You may have noticed that I am not writing here as much lately. There are a lot of reasons for that. We're busy.

 Georgia is in school, we've been going to the Y, I have become more involved in my church (choir and chalice circle), we're always working on the house or yard, or grocery shopping, going for walks, we still have therapies (though soon enough we will have school visitations to find the right one for Georgia to transition into sooner than I can really even fathom), we have terrible two attitudes, and almost-one-year-olds with new teeth and many many needs and desires, there's the constant crumbs covering our floors that need sweeping, there's being on the board of our local parent DS group, and a member of the alumni association at my alma mater, there's helping to plan a dance for people 13+ who have DS, and the technology committee, there are new friends and get-togethers, there are decisions to be made, houses to refinance (well, one house), doctors and flu shots and dentists and oil changes and travel arrangements and bulbs to plant.

Oh, my!  We are busy!

And so, I will get to the point. I have to admit that I am not sure I can accomplish the goal of 31 for 21 this yead--the goal to blog every day in the month of October. I know I definitely cannot manage the administration behind it as I mentioned before. There is part of me that feels like I have nothing more to say about DS per se, but then I realize it's only because it's such a part of our lives that it doesn't feel like some...some separate topic.

But I suppose that's partly the point. We live our lives and they are full, and part of that fullness involves DS.

Lately, I have been realizing that DS...the fact of it, the fact of it as part of my daughter...has gotten both easier and more difficult to deal with. The issues are broader and perhaps have more impact, the pains more profound in a way (in my personal experience) than simply finding out my baby has DS. Our day to day life has nothing (and everything) to do with DS. But it's also become easier. I am always learning better how to advocate for my child and she continues to astound me with her perserverance.

I have been thinking about 31 for 21 for a long time. Trying to decide if it's something I feel I can do. If it's something that I even want to do. If I have anything to say.

I really don't know. I imagine I will. Afterall, we are entering a loaded time with this transition and all. (And if you know me at all, you probably know there is seldom a time when I don't have something to say...not, mind, that I always say it.)

So. I guess I am doing it. In part because it's not just for me. It's for the new parents of kids with DS out there. I won't be posting "fun facts about DS", and given my current mental state and calendar I can't imagine that I will even wax too philosphic about much at all. But I'll give it a go.

Won't you?

Grab a button by copying and pasting this code into your blog:

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/09/3rd-annual-31-for-21-blog-challenge.html"><img  src="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/31for21button.jpg" alt="Get It Down; 31 for 21" style="border: medium none ; width: 125px;"></a><br><div style="text-align: left;">

MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO SPACES in the HTML when you copy and paste!!!

Oh, and in case you were wondering about the rules. It's simple. Commit to post on your blog at least once a day for the thirty-one days of October (which is DS awareness month). You can write about DS or not, you can have a family member or friend with DS, or not. Just choose to do it and do it. Raise awareness of Down syndrome by taking part. It's that simple.

On October 1st I will put up a Mister Linky widget so you can sign up for the challenge. Thanks!

Comments

[maya]

Tricia,
YAY! I am so glad you're doing it. And that means I'm doing it too.
And I don't know why but this post made me cry.

[Elizabeth]

Thank you for doing it! I am in.
And I look forward to reading WHATEVER you have to say.
but for one of those thirty one posts I demand to see some paint!

[Anne]

I like to say that Ds is both a part of our life, and apart from our life. It sounds as if you, too, know exactly what I mean. :-)

[Michelle Z]

I love what you say here - how DS is a part of everything, but it's not everything.

[Kristin]

Cool - I'm in.

[RK]

I'm glad it's time again...now the trick is actually doing it. SO hard. But I'm gonna do my level best!

[Mary]

I can completely relate. Having a child with Ds has changed me and become part of me.

Count me in.

[Michelle]

I'm in too; although I have no idea if I can blog every day for the month; I haven't been able to blog every day for a week in so long...I have no idea what I'm going to blog about! LOL But I agree with you in that it's a good thing to keep doing just to raise awareness and for the families that come along after us looking for information, or just, what life is like. I'm sure having the mr linky up will help tremendously!

[starrlife]

Oh my gosh- I guess I'll have to try- but I'm warning you I might lose my mind in the process!

[Karly]

Love this.

"...it's such a part of our lives that it doesn't feel like some...some separate topic."

So true.

[jessie]

take a stand and be the cause!

I am inspired!

[AZ]

I am in I hope I will be able to blog all the days

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1226237103]

Not sure if doing this right, after a full day teaching, not as sharp as in the AM...my 5 yr. old son has DS and started Kindergarten this year. I am amazed that he continues to surprise his teachers by just how much he can do. It is a usual reaction since he is non-verbal. But, being non-verbal doesn't mean unintelligent! I am so proud of my little stinker!

[Lori O'Donnell]

I have never done this before but I can try. Thanks Trisha! You inspire me!

[Jo]

thanks for starting this! i'm game!

[Cole]

Count me in as well!

[carina]

i'm so glad that you can commit to doing this, there are so many childhood diseases, and issues, that people just don't know enough about. my dd is a march of dimes baby, and i want to give everyone praise for never giving up on their blessings.

[jessi]

teething is awful and such a time suck all around. I'm just in awe you get so much else done! I barely make it out the door most days!

[Trisha]

we had a child with trisomy 18 (I know not the same as T21) It was heartwarming to read what you're doing to raise awareness!

[Rebecca C.]

Thanks for inspiring me!

[rachel]

I think what you're doing is awesome mama!