Medical Student Talk

Great pic of the Simian crease on Felix's palm

What an amazing day!! I was given the opportunity (through Down syndrome SA), to share Felix's story with some Medical students at Flinders University today. There were three other Mums who also spoke, and it was fantastic to hear what they had to say, as all of our stories are a little bit different. Felix was invited to come along as well, and had a great day making lots of new (adult) friends, and meeting another gorgeous 15 year old, who also has Down syndrome.

We were invited to a BBQ prior to the talk, which eased any nerves we might have had. The students were wonderful. They were so welcoming, and made us feel totally relaxed. Felix was in heaven, climbing up and down the University steps. Up and down, up and down, over and over again. My apologies to the very thoughtful students who followed him around. I'm sure several of them will be sleeping very soundly after being put through their paces by a very active 3 year old!! Another mention must go to the guys who carried Felix, and the pram, up and down all of the stairs when we arrived and when we finished. Their assistance was very much appreciated!!

Sprung!! I said "one book" Felix!

I was so proud of Felix today. He was at his charming best, giving everyone 'high fives' or 'fist bumps' as he wandered through the crowd. He is such a people person and was definitely in his element, surrounded by so many adults. He had the spotlight and he made the most of it! I really hope the students could see, by looking at Felix acting like a typical toddler, that having a child with Down syndrome is pretty much the same as having a 'typical' kid. They are busy, active and fun loving, with a bit of a tantrum thrown in for good measure (when I stopped him climbing the stairs for the 50th time!)

I loved sharing Felix's story, and having the opportunity to talk about our good and bad experiences with Medical professionals over the past three years. The students were really responsive and asked lots of great questions. I feel that the future looks bright if these students are going to be the next generation of Medical professionals. They seemed genuinely interested in learning how to approach delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis, as well as caring for a patient who has Down syndrome. Lets hope that over the coming years, we will be telling more and more positive stories about those in the Medical field, and less negative ones.

Bit blurry... Felix and Igglepiggle in the car
on the way home today...they were both tired!

Today was a busy one for both Felix and I. We were in the car, driving to the city by 7am and didn't get home until 7pm tonight. I know I've said it before, but he is SO good in the car! His car DVD player decided to stop working about ten minutes after we left this morning, but he didn't mind. He just sat, looking out of the window, occasionally signing sheep or cow, and making the appropriate noises as we saw them in the paddocks as we drove past. Once we reached the city and had to stop at traffic lights, I would sometimes reach back and grab his leg, making him giggle his head off and sign 'again' (and say "gen"). He's so easily amused...it's awesome!! After his long day, he fell asleep twenty minutes after we started driving home, and slept for two hours. It certainly makes the long drives easy when he's so content.

On Saturday, Felix has his first RDA (Riding for the Disabled) lesson. I'm slightly apprehensive. I would like to think that he will sit up on the horse, like a pro, and be completely fearless, but if I'm honest, I think he will probably freak out! I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised! Watch this space....