Evie the Extraordinary and Her Mommy: The Journey As We Go

Along with growing taller, Evie is growing in feistiness.  She has definite opinions about everything from socks to books to how she should eat.  I didn't read on any of the Down Syndrome websites that there seems to be a theme of stubbornness in our kids (although every kid is still different!).  But as I've learned from other families, stubbornness is a very real thing.  First, she has the genes for stubbornness from both sides of the family.  Then she seems to have the extra copy of special stubbornness.   But the thing is, she's a cute stubborn.  She sticks out her lower lip and crosses her arms as she emits a "Gaaaah!"  Which just makes me laugh at her. Most of the time. Today I am not laughing.  We decided last night to wean her off the iPad while she eats.  I was inspired by the other parents on the tube-weaning Facebook group I joined, and while I was warned that it would be tough, it is still hard to start the journey. ...

I unexpectedly had some time during the day after Evie's doctor appointment last week, and decided to just bite the bullet and register her in the public school system for preschool (I know! I'm not ready yet either). I had no idea.  I had no idea the level of bureaucracy involved for preschool.   Just to get in the building was a challenge.  I had to walk all the way around to find the ONE set of doors I could enter (totally smart to keep our children safe), and then buzz the doorbell to be let in by the security guard. Then I had to wait for the administrators to finish chatting with each other before I could go in the office for registration.  Then the lady asked me if I had the birth certificate, utility bills, immunizations, physical, and license.  I proudly and confidently said yes.  Then she asked me if I had filled out the registration packet, and I felt deflated.  She handed me a 15 page packet and told me to tell her when she was read...