3-21

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. Given the date, it's a perfect fit. How did we celebrate? By opening an envelope to find a signed photo from Chris Burke, inviting us back to NYC next year for the Buddy Walk. And you know what, this afternoon a return trip sounded like a fantastic idea.

Our cause-celebre is upstairs, passed out, zonked after a long day of playing and teething- but thankfully more so playing. Within the past 24 hours, kiddo started (vocally) saying "more" and "flower." We've got a real, big-boy bed waiting in the wings, and we are headed to an open house this Friday for his potential pre-school in the fall. That's right, we might be packing Miles off on the big yellow bus a couple days a week, introducing him to milk cartons and backpacks. We are only in the pre-planning stages; the first transition meeting has been held. Now we are dipping our toes into the bigger pool to see if we like the water...

I'll update as best as I can, but my time is going to be zapped with a beaucoup of school work and on-line classes. Yippee! I'll be spending spring at my computer; at least its a laptop, and I can lounge in the hammock. That's as long as I don't flip out.

Q: Why am I typing this from home, at 9am , on a school day?

A: The Atlantic Assault!

Read all about it here. Rarely have I, as an over-worked under-relaxed teacher, gotten a snow day. Never, until today, have I gotten a rain day. We dismissed early yesterday because our river-front communities were starting to flood. Thankfully, I packed my grade book and lesson plan materials- though I did this cautiously because taking home essential materials is a fast way to jinx a school cancellation.

Note, this closing is a little scarier than your traditional snow day. Our county has some very low lying lands, and many housing communities have popped up along the shores. I am worried about the folks back there, especially since the county has now opened up emergency shelters and are providing aide.

Reports are stating that the water levels are very close to that of Hurricane Isabel, and the Weather Channel has been showing non-stop coverage of the damage done in the Outer Banks- where we were last weekend for the reunion. Apparently, the dunes are gone; numerous houses are expected to fall into the water.

On a happier note, how did I celebrate the chance to sleep in? By taking the time to make Miles and me real grits! (With real cheese- sorry dairy-free diet. Grits just have to have some cheddah cheese added.) Yummy.