War of words
Switzerland, as I may have already mentioned, can generally be a great place to live.In the name of democracy, it can also be transformed overnight by a rather uncomfortable atmosphere.For example, when we first moved here in the summer of 2007, (I know, I know, I can't believe it either)

31 for 21: All over bar the shouting
Last day.My 31 for 21 challenge is almost complete.I can truthfully say that Down syndrome awareness month 2009 has been an enlightening, enriching period for me personally and I've been thoroughly engrossed in scribbling my way through it. I have learned so much since the beginning of the month!I've written several entries about thoughts I didn't know I had until I started writing them; and thanks to the discovery of a whole new universe called the blogosphere, I've been fortunate to meet and read about a truly diverse and eclectic bunch of new on-line friends and their families whom I would never have known were 'out there' were it not for either

Trunk or Treat
School Halloween party. It was all far too traumatic. So I'll just post the highlights as I saw them:

Oh happy holiday market
This morning Jaime and I attended a meeting together.The planning for Sebastian's school holiday market has begun. It's an magical shop-until-you-drop affair. I stepped in and helped to organise it last year (blithely volunteering, how you do, in the early days of Jaime Kay's life when she slept a lot. Then I remembered that having a baby is quite a lot of work, but by then it was too late!).This year, however, I figured it was better for everyone if I didn't chair the thing; (we were all surprised to discover that I'm fairly unreliable - imagine that, based on what you know of me so far!) but I am so excited to at least be part of the team again, especially as

Having a baby with Down syndrome: good stuff I have learnt on the way
Down syndrome awareness month is drawing to a close. My final thoughts on the matter for another year. Hey, if it helps one person as they roam through cyberspace, it'll have been worth it after all. 1. Down syndrome is simply not as terrifying as it may first seem. It's a baby at the end of the day; a baby who is more alike than different. Jaime Kay's my baby. I will always love her no matter what. The rest becomes surprisingly easy.2. Having said that, it's ok to grieve. You don't have to be thrilled and pretend it's all fine if you don't feel that way. As with all things, it's better out than in.