DC Kids

Designer Dolores Cortes chooses a Miami girl with Down Syndrome, Valentina Guerrero, for the cover of their catalogue

-Courtesy of the Down Syndrome Association of Miami

The prestigious Spanish swimwear brand Dolores Cortés USA, has chosen Valentina Guerrero, who has Down Syndrome, to grace the cover of their catalogue, as well as the new face of their campaign for DC Kids, an unprecedented choice in the fashion world.

The idea behind the campaign is to highlight inner beauty, breaking traditional molds dictated by fashion and celebrating the differences that make each individual unique.

Valentina, daughter of the TV Host and Producer Ceceliz, and Juan Fernando, was born in September with Down Syndrome, which propelled her parents to create awareness of the wonderful lessons and experiences that she brings, focusing on the daily inspirations rather than on the challenges that the condition may entail. "They teach us much more than we will ever teach them," notes Ceceliz.

A few days after this idea was set in motion, a top executive of Dolores Cortés USA contacted Ceceliz to let her know that they wanted Valentina to be the main model of their new campaign. "I was excited mainly because the fact that they are placing Valentina on the of a catalogue sends a very clear message of inclusion; all children deserve the same opportunities, regardless of their physical, economic, social, racial or medical condition" said Ceceliz.

The cover of the new catalogue of Dolores Cortés USA will be sent to distributors, potential clients, and specialized media. Furthermore, there will be over 500 brochures distributed during Dolores Cortés fashion show at La Gran Cabaña (The Main Tent) at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week on July 20th at 8:00pm in Miami Beach. Posters with her signature smile will greet thousands of guests that attend this famous event.

Dolores Cortés Kids USA will donate 10% of the profits of this collection to the Down Syndrome Association of Miami.

Very Cool!

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

One Mother's Story...

One word...tissues.

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

For Aunt Mary & Steph...

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them.

And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart.

If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog,

and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

- Anonymous

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

Weekly Therapy Update & More

I'll start with some fun pictures.  Raymond and Lily really enjoy sitting with each other on the sofa and draw on their Magna-doodles. 

Raymond will reach over and draw on Lily's board, then she will lean over and doodle on his.  They both think that is very funny!

Chris caught Raymond trying to put the Magna-doodle pen in his g-tube.  Oh boy!

Lily likes Nutella...a lot.

Yesterday, I took Isabella to the surgical center where she is having her dental surgery next Wednesday.  The center offers personal tours with a nurse for children.  She was able to see everywhere they will be taking her and they explained everything that will happen before and after the procedure.  The staff was very nice and very welcoming.  One of the things the nurse told Isabella was that she would have a bandage on her hand when she wakes up.  She continued to tell her that there would be something that looks like spaghetti sticking out from under it that would be used to help her fall asleep.  So to not be surprised when she wakes up and sees it.  When we were walking out to the car Isabella told me she didn't want to be rude to that nurse but the spaghetti thing she was talking about was called a tube.  I then explained to Isabella that most 5 year old's don't know that.   

The nurse also showed Isabella one of the operating rooms.  Isabella had to be fully covered to go in.  Lily, Raymond and I waited in the recovery area since Raymond was in the stroller and it wasn't allowed in the operating room.  Isabella looked like a little doctor.  It was cute to watch her walk holding the nurse's hand like such a big brave girl.  Isabella wore the hat the nurse gave her the entire way home.

Therapy for Raymond is still a little off.  This entire month of July is hectic for us.  Hopefully August will be more on track. 

I also received notification of our mediation with the BCIU (since I didn't agree with their plan for Raymond).  It should take place sometime in the beginning of September.  I will keep you updated on that.  Here are the updates from this week.

"Raymond sat on the floor in long-sit immediately when handed a toy today and did not use ring sit at all!  He practiced floor sit to stand with a lot of help.  He is doing a great job with hopping like a frog and standing like a tree.  He attempted downward dog position one time but refused wheelbarrow walk.  Raymond fatigued after 30 minutes of therapy during routine of play."

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

07/11/2012

"Raymond worked nicely today!

Pizza - Raymond imitated "roll" and signed it.  He said "shake" to tell Lily what to do.  He signed "more" spontaneously.

Doors (puzzle) - Prompted Raymond to sign "open".  He imitated sign and "oh" sound : )  Raymond labeled cow w/ "moo".  He didn't say "more", but imitated lip closed.

Used "all done" words and sign.

Requested "bubble" spontaneously.

-Kristen, Speech Therapist

07/12/2012

Until Next Time!
Lots of Love,

Olympic Torch Relay

You might remember me telling you that Raymond was being honoured by Penny Green, one of the people chosen to carry the Olympic torch.  She ran her stretch of the relay Monday morning in Dunstable, England.  Here are a few pictures from the event. 

 Coca-Cola was Penny's sponsor.

When the torch is lite from runner to runner it is called the kiss. What a neat moment for both people.

A BIG thank you to Penny for honouring Raymond.  You did a wonderful job and we are all so proud of you!  Also, thank you for sending me all these pictures and the t-shirt.  Part of me wants to wear the t-shirt every day because I'm so proud and the other part of me never wants to wear it because I'm afraid something will happen to it.  So exciting!

Bringing people together for global Down Syndrome awareness...how cool!!!

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

Coupon Savings!

I've been keeping track of my coupon savings over this past year.  I thought it would be fun to total it up.  This total sum comes from paper coupons only.  It doesn't include the store sale prices or shoppers cards.  From July 1st, 2011 to July 1st, 2012, my coupon savings were $2,487.85!!!  And no, I'm not a crazy couponer...but I do like saving money.

Gotta love that!

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

Funny...

This totally cracks me up!

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,