Today

I have been doing a lot of posting and linking over on our Facebook page, and realized that I had not touched this page for too long... The Angel Unaware giveaway came off beautifully, but I have not heard back from "Kelly" I commented on her blog, but I cannot find her email....if this is you, please email me at underwater9800 (at) gmail.com!! I'd love to get you your book!! I am disappointed in the lack of response for the possible giveaway in conjunction with the Designer Genes...I am trying to figure out a back-up plan...I'll let you know the status on that... Would you mind to comment here or on the Facebook page of how old your lovies with a bonus chromosome or other disability is? So I know if we actually have maybe a tighter grouping of ages? It will affect my ideas...Thanks!! We have some of our community that really need your prayers!! Please look at the Opportunities tab for more to the story! I am waiting on a phone call concerning Elise's school situation for next year. I will let you know more later. Please join with me to pray for the right changes for her!! I promise more soon...but I didn't want to think that I had abandoned you!! :)

Business Day

I have two giveaways in the works!

The Dale Evans book Angel Unaware

and the Designer Genes one

I have decided to extend the Angel Unaware to World Down Syndrome Day, March 21! So make sure you are entered!! Comment here, on the original post, or on the Just a Little Bit Downsy Facebook page; or all 3!!! (If Google is having a bad day and you don't Facebook, you can email me your entry, too!) This book is not just for those who have people with Down Syndrome in our lives!! It's for everyone!! Really, it is beautiful and you really need to read it!!!

The Designer Genes one? I need more pictures of your cuties rockin' that extra gene with flair! Thank you to those who have sent in your pictures already! (Make sure that you send written permission to post your pictures!) Also, in my head, I had new or handmade stuff to be offered for the aged giveaways, but in the spirit of my commentary of how you can dress with style cheap, your hand-me-downs would be great, too!! Thank you to Ellie's mama for offering a pre-rocked Gymboree outfit and giving me that idea!! Check out your babe's closets! If they are anything like mine, half is all out-grown anyway! Funny shirts and snazzy socks? Come-on, I know you've got something!!

I look forward to celebrating with you!!

Designer Genes and Designer Jeans

We've all seen them. People with disabilities that are dressed horribly, with bad haircuts, who LOOK like they have disabilities, from a distance! Clothes that underscore the fact that they DON'T look like everybody else and awful hair cuts make me nuts. With all the resources out there, you can dress your child inexpensively and you can get cute stuff!! I know!! I am the queen of consignment sales and hand-me-downs!

Please don't tell me that your child has to have a bowl cut from the 70's and sweats, because they don't! Elise is not a girly girl, so bows and skirts have been off the table for...well, ever since she could say "no"! I am standing here to tell you however, jeans can be flattering if you shop long enough. There are yoga pants or exercise suits if they want the soft and squishy option. There are flattering colors, and colored hair elastics.

If your child is willing, a hair bow or a cute hat will go a long way. Wouldn't you love your child to be stared at for rocking a fantastic bow? Or a handsome rugby shirt? Instead of a horrible haircut? Or 80's ginormous eye-glasses frames??

Seriously, this was my pet peeve even before I had Elise. I hate it when parents don't try for their kids with special needs. Even if thay advocate for them and love them, trying a little bit more in the mornings will be a support with their interactions with peers that many of them forget! Elise has had more conversations with other (typical!) kids at Kroger over her Twinkle Toes shoes (that I bought for $10 used!) than ever before!

I am proud to say not everyone falls into this trap...and I would say that I see it less and less as the years go by...but it is still out there more than I care to admit!!

I would like to give a "shout" out to those that I have seen that go out of their way to make people stare at their kids style more than their disability!

The most recently famous is Nella.
But also cheer the styling of Ellie Bear, Ben, Rozie, Sean, Angela, Alex, and Axel!

Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should over dress our kids. I am not saying that they should all be cookie cutters of perfect. I'm not saying that hair cuts are not a nightmare that may perhaps result in not cutting for too long, or a weird cut due to thrashing about during a cutting. I am certainly not saying that sensory or just personal style may not have an impact...but there are ALWAYS options that can be made to tweak their own styles!

So I challenge you to help your kids WORK their own style! And don't throw up your hands because it makes it extra work. It is worth it, for their own sense of self, and how the world sees them...whether it should or not.

I am going to do a stylin' giveaway...but I need help. I would LIKE to do an age-appropriate giveaway in April... One item to amp up somebody's style in every age group! FOR THE KIDS!!! I've already got tween/adult male and female covered. Could I get any volunteers for kids? Infant up to tween? Hats, Hair-bows? Really anything goes!! Please contact me with your donations. Please contact me at underwater9800@gmail.com.

Also!! If you're willing, I'd love to post a picture of your beauties working those designer genes!! Please send the pictures to the same email!

Thank you!!!