I went to work out tonight at the YMCA, and I brought Jeremy and Gabi with me. Jeremy worked out, too. And Gabi went into the childcare there. The childcare area is jam-packed with fun things to do. It has a giant slide and ball pit area, computers, and toys of every kind. I have to say that I was nervous about bringing her there with so many kids. Gabi gets nervous around loud noises and crying kids. Trust me, I see the way she acts around Preston when he's crying. But as I was signing her in, she went with one of the workers right into the childcare. As much as I want people to treat her normally, I also feel that it's not fair to not them them know at least a little bit about Gabi. So, this is what I said to the girl sitting at the check in:
"I wanted to let you know that she has Down syndrome. She is more like a 4 to 5 year old than an 8 year old. I just wanted you to know so you aren't expecting 8 year old behavior from her."
I am hoping not to get reamed by other parents who prefer not divulge such information, but it makes me more comfortable to do that. Besides, it's the truth. She isn't like most 8 year olds. I see them and there is a difference in the way they act and behave.
The girl had a look on her face like she already knew she had Down syndrome, but I never know whether people are that observant or not. So, I don't like to assume that they know. Then she says, "I am a special ed teacher. So, usually they will come get me whenever they need assistance with any of the kids." That did make me feel more comfortable as I went to go work out.
Gabi had so much fun that an hour later when I went to pick her up, she didn't want to come with me. At first, I approached the windows just to observe her playing. I often will do that so I can see how she does when she doesn't realize I'm watching. She mostly plays independently. It's not that others won't play with her, but that she chooses to play that way. It's kind of a side effect of waiting 7 years between each of your children. They learn to play independently and eventually prefer it that way. Eventually, she did get a glimpse of me watching her through the window. I thought she would get excited and yell "Mommy" while running to the window where I was at. Do you know what the little stinker did? She ignored me! I think she knew that I was ready to leave so she pretended not to notice me.
I proceeded to sign her out, and they went in to get her for me. She was reluctant to come out of the play area, but eventually did and got her shoes on. I turned for a moment to talk to the girl who was sitting at the checkout and Gabi took the opportunity to make a mad dash back into the play area. I opened the door back and asked if she was ready to go. She quickly responded with a big "No!" The staff thought this was hilarious. But I know the secret weapon... "Gabi, I am going to get something to eat... aren't you hungry?" To which Gabi responded... "Oh yes, Mommy, I so hungry." And we walked out the door.
I went to work out tonight at the YMCA, and I brought Jeremy and Gabi with me. Jeremy worked out, too. And Gabi went into the childcare there. The childcare area is jam-packed with fun things to do. It has a giant slide and ball pit area, computers, and toys of every kind. I have to say that I was nervous about bringing her there with so many kids. Gabi gets nervous around loud noises and crying kids. Trust me, I see the way she acts around Preston when he's crying. But as I was signing her in, she went with one of the workers right into the childcare. As much as I want people to treat her normally, I also feel that it's not fair to not them them know at least a little bit about Gabi. So, this is what I said to the girl sitting at the check in:
I am hoping not to get reamed by other parents who prefer not divulge such information, but it makes me more comfortable to do that. Besides, it's the truth. She isn't like most 8 year olds. I see them and there is a difference in the way they act and behave.The girl had a look on her face like she already knew she had Down syndrome, but I never know whether people are that observant or not. So, I don't like to assume that they know. Then she says, "I am a special ed teacher. So, usually they will come get me whenever they need assistance with any of the kids." That did make me feel more comfortable as I went to go work out.
Gabi had so much fun that an hour later when I went to pick her up, she didn't want to come with me. At first, I approached the windows just to observe her playing. I often will do that so I can see how she does when she doesn't realize I'm watching. She mostly plays independently. It's not that others won't play with her, but that she chooses to play that way. It's kind of a side effect of waiting 7 years between each of your children. They learn to play independently and eventually prefer it that way. Eventually, she did get a glimpse of me watching her through the window. I thought she would get excited and yell "Mommy" while running to the window where I was at. Do you know what the little stinker did? She ignored me! I think she knew that I was ready to leave so she pretended not to notice me.
I proceeded to sign her out, and they went in to get her for me. She was reluctant to come out of the play area, but eventually did and got her shoes on. I turned for a moment to talk to the girl who was sitting at the checkout and Gabi took the opportunity to make a mad dash back into the play area. I opened the door back and asked if she was ready to go. She quickly responded with a big "No!" The staff thought this was hilarious. But I know the secret weapon... "Gabi, I am going to get something to eat... aren't you hungry?" To which Gabi responded... "Oh yes, Mommy, I so hungry." And we walked out the door.