This post was originally on my old blog Pancakes in Bed. I decided to bring it over and update it for Surprisingly Special because it’s an oldie but a goodie! A busy bag is literally a bag full of things to keep your little one busy while you are out and about and they might otherwise… Continue reading Sagan’s Busy Bag
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! For St. Patrick’s Day and for the beginning of spring, I decided to do a week of rainbow themed play! I remember two years ago when I was trying so hard to help Calvin learn his colors and I was feeling frustrated because it was like they just weren’t sticking for… Continue reading Rainbow Week
I’ve shared about how my second son’s diagnosis of Dup15q syndrome was difficult for me, and the things I wish I’d known in those early days of coping with such surprising news about my baby boy. One of the things that was, and still is, difficult about being a parent of a kid with a rare… Continue reading How Instagram Helped Me Embrace My Son’s Diagnosis
Before I get started writing about our 5 senses activities, I want to take a sec to clarify what I mean when I say “Tot School.” The name “Tot School” was coined by homeschool mom and blogger, Carisa, from the website 1+1+1=1. Here’s Carisa’s quick definition of Tot School: “Tot School isn’t really school at all,… Continue reading Exploring our 5 Senses
All aboard the Alphabet Train! Choo! Choo! Here’s a cute letter matching game for train-obsessed toddlers like my son Calvin. Calvin is my 22cutie and I am working with him on letter recognition. He is about to be 4 years old, and I’m feeling a teensy bit concerned that he won’t know all his letters… Continue reading Alphabet Train Game
Some days this mama just does not have the strength for a messy art project. Which is why I’m so glad I found this idea for mess-free marble painting from Sunny Day Family! The inspiration for this particular art project was my dad’s birthday. I wanted to make him a handmade card from myself and… Continue reading Marble Jar Painting
Today on Rare Disease Day, I invite you to learn more about 22q deletion syndrome and dup15q syndrome! Let’s start with 22q! 22q deletion syndrome is not all that rare! It is the second most common chromosomal syndrome after Down Syndrome. With Down Syndrome, there’s an extra copy of chromosome 21. With 22q deletion, chromosome… Continue reading Rare Disease Day: Get to Know 22q and Dup15q
Rare Disease Day is February 29th! That’s this coming Monday, you guys! Join me in raising awareness and support for individuals with rare diseases and disorders. So, what is Rare Disease Day and why do I care about it? From RareDiseaseDay.org Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The… Continue reading Getting Ready for Rare Disease Day
Smells like snack time! Yes, we’re still talking about our 5 senses around here, and now we’re exploring our sense of smell. I put together this little smelling guessing game for the boys using some of their favorite foods and some paper cups. Super simple! (Just the way I like our tot school activities!!) I… Continue reading Guess That Scent! Sensory Play
When we found out our first baby, Calvin, born with 22q deletion syndrome, was going to be a big brother – and much sooner than we expected! – I tried to imagine what the future would hold for him and his baby brother. With no reason to worry about a genetic anomaly affecting my second… Continue reading A Big Brother with 22q
Surprisingly Special 