Thirty-Two

Today we celebrated a milestone that I admit, I wasn't ready for. I would have never thought just weeks after her 7th birthday I would be kissing my baby good bye as she attended her first slumber party. Sending even a typical first grader on an overnight is a big deal, but sending this little one with Down syndrome was monumental.

 Cause let's face it, she's a little awkward socially.

While she knows no enemy, she hasn't quite mastered interacting with her peers during play. She is perfectly content doing her own thing. So was I worried about this party? Oh yeah.

I've seen more than I really want to on the playground. They don't have to say anything, I know what some of the other kids are thinking. Their actions speak louder than words.But now it was time. I had to send my little princess out into the real world. No teachers, no paras, no mom. (Well, there was a mom there, just not Chelsea's mom.)

So I did what any mother would do, I set her up to be a rock star! I made sure that the gift she brought was of HIGH interest to the birthday girl, and I asked what activities they would be doing at the party. 'You're going to rent Just Dance for the Wii?' Well ... Chelsea has that game, she can bring it! And let me just send a couple of extra Wii remotes so all four girls can dance at the same time! (Bonus points!) Super cute jammies? Oh yeah. Fancy slippers? Done.

Sounds terrible, I know. Typically I'm not this materialistic. At all. I've just learned to accept that most of the world is, including first graders. Chelsea has had a lot of disadvantages coming into this world, so I'm going to do everything I can to give her any advantage possible.

And guess what? She did great! I am so thankful for the little friend that invited her over. Was she encouraged by her mom to invite Chels? Maybe a little ;) But I truly believe that she WANTED Chelsea there, and she went against the grain by inviting the classmate with Down syndrome. And I love her for that!