He is what he is. He'll be what he'll be.

Yep, I'm aware I haven't updated on Bennett in quite some time.  After all, "our unexpected journey" was created because of him.  But I've been wrapped up in my crafts, in our lives and I guess it just goes to show you that life can be totally "normal" when you have a child with Down syndrome.

But how's Bennett doing?  Well I think he's doing great!  He's the sweetest boy I've ever known:) and he's learning so much.  And for the most part this is how I think and how I go on and life is normal.  But then I see another kid the same age and often younger and then WHAM!  Just like that, the delays coming flying in my face.  Hmm, almost forgot he had Down syndrome but that just quickly reminded me.  Great.

These times are few and far between but I can only imagine they will become more frequent as he gets older. I'm not naive.  I'm not in denial.  I'm realistic.  And although the reminders can totally suck I still wouldn't change a thing.  I don't care what kind of problems (or so I've heard),  I have to go through when he gets older, I like him how he is, it's just a little reality check I suppose.

So this is what Bennett is doing at 2 years and 22 months old. Promise I'll have some video of this sweet boy up soon:

• B knows many of his colors (words and signs): red, blue, yellow, green, purple-he loves to say "lellow"!
• B walks all around, bends down to pick things up, backs up, turns in a circle, kicks a ball, throws a ball, tries to catch a ball

No running yet-fine with me!  Why on earth would I want him to run from me!?

• B asks for help, tells us when he wants to eat, asks for more when he wants more of something, tells us when he's "all done", when he wants down, when he wants up, says "hi" and "bye" to everyone;), asks for his "bippy" (sippy cup), he says lots of words and tries to repeat what we say but to sum that up, he uses one word phrases.  He does not talk in sentences, not even close.  Whatever.
• B likes to count to 3 when he's getting ready to kick or throw a ball.
• B likes to do fine motor skills like put small things in small containers, string beads, puzzles (although he needs to work on getting the right puzzle piece in the right spot), shape sorters, stacking, etc.
• B loves to help clean up- (he's soooo my child-who-hoo!)  Seriously, I tell him to clean up and he's like a mad man cleaning up every last piece....LOVE IT!
• B is getting very good at following directions: like cleaning up, taking his shoes off, putting shoes in the basket, getting a book to read, placing his cup on the table "nicely"-who doesn't like a kid that follows directions?!
• B loves to watch basketball and golf with his daddy!  He cheers when the player (any player) makes a basket or gets the ball in the hole, although Mike's not always happy at who he cheers for when it comes to basketball;)  

"No Bennett, we DON'T cheer for NC State or Duke, we cheer for Carolina.";)

• Perhaps my favorite one of all and I hope it never changes:   B loves to snuggle, particularly with his momma;)  Although he is starting to give out his sweet hugs with PATS ON THE SHOULDER to lots of people now!  But there is something about this sweet boy when he holds me so tightly and strokes my arm, pats me gently while he lays his head on my shoulder and sucks his thumb.  I mean, how can I not melt?   Mikes gets it too though.  B really loves his daddy.   

These are the times that make me realize he was made just for us and who gives a darn if he has Down syndrome.  And the fact that he reminds us of that several times a day with his sweet snuggles, I don't know, I think it's a God thing.  So maybe it's God reminding us;)

So I know there are tons of things Bennett's not doing compared to other kids and I'm sure even compared to other kids with DS.  Whatever.  He is what he is.  He'll be what he'll be.  Is he high functioning?  I don't know.  Is he low functioning?  I don't know.  Do I care?  Not really.  Seriously.  I kind of find either term slightly offensive because either way someone is offended by it.

We work with Bennett, his therapists work with him. He learns, he gets things or he doesn't get things, so we continue to work on it.  Could I do more?  Probably.  Would I be happier if I did more?  Maybe, if he was doing more but do I want to kill myself to make my son like other kids when I don't even know if that's possible?  No.  If I feel I need to work more with him on something, I will.  Trust me, I go through stages where I tell Mike:

 "Now don't just let Bennett sit there and play with some toy! Work on his puzzles, work on his colors, work on his flash cards."  And then there are other times where I just think he needs to play.  

Is it hard that I even have to think about that with my child...

Should I just let him play or should we be working on something?  Am I doing enough?  Where are the flash cards!?  

Yeah.  But that's what we've been given and I'll gladly take it in return for the snuggles I get every single day from this boy.   Not to mention the PURE joy that comes when he does accomplish something new.

He is what he is.  He'll be what he'll be.  

And I thank God for reminding me of that every single day.