I haven't had a chance to be involved in any type of support group since Kayla was born (except online!) so I was excited about the possibilities of being involved with this group.
I found an email for someone in this group and we emailed a couple of times before I actually moved here.
Several weeks ago I took Kayla to a kid's event at Borders. I thought I noticed a little girl with Ds across the room, but wasn't completely sure. Within several minutes she came over to check Kayla out and eventually I was able to chat with her parents.
During our conversation the father told me his wife gets together with some other families once a month for a playgroup and I asked if it was the same group I found online - and it was! Small world for me to run into someone at Border's that is a part of the Ds support group!
She gave me more information on the playgroup and I was a little disappointed because they meet on the 3rd Wed of the month at 10am...which means Kayla is in school and wouldn't be able to meet the other kids. But this lady just happened to be hosting the next playgroup and it was on a Wed that schools were closed; unfortunately her daughter was very sick and she had to cancel.
Two weekends ago she called me up and invited me and the kids over for an impromptu playdate; Kayla and Lucas had fun playing with their daughter and I enjoyed talking her parents.
She rescheduled the playgroup to this past Wed, and since it is Spring Break here (hence my absence from blogging!) Kayla was able to go to the playgroup. There were 3 kids there age 2-2.5, a 4 yr old, and two 5 yr olds (including Kayla). All of the kids got along well and I can't tell you how nice it was to find this connection of other families...finally!
It's just too bad that Kayla will miss out on the playgroups during the school year. There will be a "Spring Fling" at the end of this month, on a weekend, so I'm looking forward to that and meeting even more of the families.
Making connections...it's a wonderful thing!
16 comments:
Sounds great.
how nice I wish I had someething like that when I was younger to meet nice kids with disablities it is hard since I was mainstremed. Is she still in brownies come vist me.
I've been so encouraged by your blog. I put you in my favorites and from time to time, I'll check up on Kayla's progress. I am so happy for you and Kayla having the support you desired. I hope it works out in your favor. I don't remember how I came across your blog, but so glad I did. I have a baby who was diagnosed with Ds. She will be two in May. It was difficult for me in the beginning, but reading your blog helped me. I also read Jennifer's book "Roadtrip to Holland." Best book I could've read. Thank you. I would love to see you on twitter or facebook. You have so much to share with other women. God bless.
Jasmine
That's great! I bet the new connections with the new friends will be great! Enjoy!
How nice. We just had our first outing with other kids w/ Ds last Sunday. It was great to connect. Sounds like Kayla and you will benefit from it.
Always nice to have a good network surrounding you even if Kayla cannot make it!
I'm glad you're finally getting to connect with someone IRL. I totall know what you mean. I haven't really connected with many people here. I met one lady and her kids at swimming lessons a few years ago, her youngest son has DS. We've stayed in contact and hang out when we can and it's been nice. Kaia's teacher also put me in contact with a mom that she knows from the other school she teaches at. This mom's little girl is in her class and has DS. the mom has heard about Kaia and wanted to me us and hang out. I'm so excited to have someone to really connect with. Our friends all love and accept Kaia, but I can't really "talk" to them about stuff...stuff you can't really get unless you live it.
That is awesome! After 10 years and still living in the same area we still don't have any real connections...our Ds group is only 30 min away but I haven't found it to be a fit for us. Hence the blogging has been a "wonderful" blessing for me! I'm very thankful I have found blogs like yours.
That is wonderful, I'm so happy you found them. Maybe you can meet family's with kids a little bit older as well that will do things around a school schedule.
Good for you for reaching out and making it happen.
I'm glad you were able to meet up with them. It's a shame the play group is during school. Maybe as some of the other kids get older, the time will change.
We have a great support group here in Columbus. When Leah turns three, I will begin to take her to playgroup dates! I'm really excited about it. It really is nice to have a supportive group so close.
I'm glad your found a group. It sounds really nice!
love ya,
mimi
That's so wonderful you were able to meet some other folks. I am happy Kayla and you are making friends!
That's great! It is lovely to see other families and swap thougths and experiences - and it is sonicewatchinga bunch of kids play together too. Hope you had a good break.
Oh good! I'm so glad y'all are making some friends.
That is great! I know that meeting up with the ladies makes all the difference for me especially after a couple of rough days. Hey, just read about your next assignment to SC! And we are leaving for Chesapeake in June :( You will LOVE Charleston though. I have many friends in the area and will gladly ask them anything in particular that you are looking for. let me know if I can help in any way.
Post a Comment