Advantages.

There are advantages to living in a smaller community.

EVERYONE knows Mallory.

We cannot go for a walk, attend a community event, or shop without somebody saying "hi", giving a hi-5, or a great big bear-hug.  The kids that Mallory is growing up with, have really been gracious and accomodating.  They understand her.  They may not get the whole Smith-Magenis Syndrome thing, but they get the fact that Mallory is still a kid.  It just melts my heart to see this.  It makes me happy to be in our small little town and not lost in the shuffle. 

Mallory's Tattoo

During the fair, there was a vendor that was doing Henna tattoos. 

Mallory wanted one very badly. 

Since the tattoos only last 2-3 weeks, I let her get one. 

She picked out the design and then wanted her name as well.

She was very excited but held very still while the artist finished her work.

Mallory loved her tattoo.  She showed it to everyone she knew. 

This will probably become a routine fair activity for her.

Baby Love.

Mallory loves her baby cousins. 

She obsesses over what Brogan and Cole are doing all the time. 

The poor boys hardly get any breathing room when we visit. 

Back to riding.

Riding sessions have started again. 

Thank goodness they waited till the 100 degree weather was over with.  

She rides at 3:30 so feel free to join us any Sunday till October 17th.

Good.

We are in a good place. Summer has been good. Mallory has responded well to her meds. She is sleeping well. The support we have at home is helping. Our trip to Denver is postponed till mid September. We have had some of Mallory's annual checkups done this summer and she is right on track.

Mal's New Ride

We recently got a tandem bike so that Mallory could travel for longer distance. You see, she loves her bike but has difficulty going for long rides. This posed a problem for our family. We wanted to still be able to go on long bike rides but didn't want to leave anyone behind.

Todd & Mallory took the tandem bike out for a ride and she loves it!

Been there.

http://71toes.blogspot.com/2010/05/zoo.html

This post by a fellow mother really hit home with me. I have experienced these same feelings. The fear of the unknown of raising a child with special needs so often creeps in and covers up the joy that can be found in every day.