Author Archives: Tammy and Parker

I am the mother of 5 wonderful kids. My youngest, Parker, is a medically fragile blessing with Down's Syndrome. I am @ParkerMama on Twitter.

Plays Well With Others

Yesterday Parker had the opportunity to play with a couple of friends, who along with their parents, stopped by for a quick visit. My heart soared as I watched Our Brave Hero butt hop over to join in the playing that was happening in our family room. Parker has decided that hanging out with friends…

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Pride In Association

There is a lot that I am proud of. My husband. My kids. My recent 44 pound (and still counting..sigh…..) weight loss. But today I am proud of so many of my friends who went out of their comfort zones to try and explain the hurt and damage caused by the use of the word…

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Tropic Blunder: The Protests Continue

I just read that Newsweek is proclaiming Tropic Thunder the best comedy of the year and that the OCregister gave this movie an “A”. Ebay has auctions for THOSE shirts. You can report this item by going to the bottom of the page and clicking on “report this item” then click on “prohibited or banned…

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Once Upon A Time There Was A Retard….

Such is the tag line to a new, big budget, R-rated summer movie opening today. “Tropic Thunder” is a comedy produced by DreamWorks/Paramount, and directed and written by Ben Stiller, who also stars in the movie. The plot includes a group of pampered actors, lost in the jungle while making a war movie. Tugg Speedman,…

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Flannel Boards and Stories

Want to inspire imaginative play and develop fine motor skills for your toddler or preschooler? Need a great tool for grasping and holding your child’s attention for a story or to introduce a new skill? How about a quiet yet engaging travel companion? Flannel boards to the rescue my friends. You can purchase flannel boards….

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Licensed To Asphyxiate

That’s Stinkbomb. Parker Stinkbomb. Licensed to asphyxiate. It took a whole day for the doctors to discover the gamut of Parker’s issues after he was born. Just when we thought we had them all figured out, God decided to save the best for last. He sent this bit of information via Parker’s Pediatrician. It went…

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This Just In

Parker and I give two big thumbs UP for the University of Michigan’s bicycle program. Did you know that just 10% of kids with Down syndrome learn to ride a bike. And I didn’t know that autistic children have similar issues when facing this challenge. You can read the entire article at Freep.com Then you…

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Playing To Learn

It is a simple fact that kids learn through their play. And as a teacher I take full advantage of this situation. Two of Parker’s all time favorite things are balls and frogs. What better objects to use to begin our journey of learning how to sort? Red frog goes with……red frog! But sometimes things…

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Brave Hero and the Feeding Specialist

Most of us take our ability to eat for granted. For those with feeding issues, eating can be something to fear. Think about it. Getting that snickers bar from your mouth to your stomach requires you to: hold your breath…..actually swallow…..and protect your airway….. all at the same time. Add the dislike of flavors and…

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A Letter To Our Occupational Therapist

Dear OT, My son absolutely can and does reach across midline, on a regular basis, spontaneously during regular play. Oh. You need proof, eh? Here is Parker bearing weight on his left hand while crossing his midline with his right hand to correctly place the puzzle piece. And the reverse: And, yes, my son can…

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