Testing the Limits.

Mallory had her Spring Program this evening.
She has been preparing hersef for this night for weeks.
Singing songs is something she loves to do.

The evening went well and Mallory eagerly participated however she was just a little bit ornery.  Mallory was intrigued with what her classmates were doing and had times where it was hard keeping her hands to herself. 

At times she would get distracted and try pulling the ties on the stage curtain.  Fortunately, she never did get the ties undone.

Great article!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-marshall/life-with-sms_b_1413373.html

I came across this article today and thought it was worth sharing!

More Easter Goodness.

Mallory had more Easter fun over the weekend with the Walter-side of the family.  This time she got to hide and hunt Easter eggs!

We also colored Easter eggs and Mallory wanted to participate.  She actually did a great job of dipping her eggs and ended up coloring 3 of them.  I have noticed that the older she has gotten the more willing she is to try things.  In her younger years the sensory input of activities like this would have turned her off.

One more hurdle overcome in the world of Smith Magenis Syndrome.

Our Easter Bunny.

Mallory got to play Easter Bunny at the Blanton Family Easter.
She loved it!

She was so excited to hide easter eggs for her cousin, Cole.

The bonus of the day was some quality time with Grandma Dawn.

A Good Trip.

Over Spring Break, we headed to Colorado for Mallory's check-up at the Children's Hospital.
We were a little anxious about the trip, because the last few trips have been rough.

I was pleasantly surprised. 
The car ride went better than expected.

We had a wonderful visit with my Aunt Arlene.

As always, we enjoyed our lodging arrangements.
Matt (my cousin) & Karen make staying in their home so enjoyable.
The kids love the calm, loving atmosphere at their home.
We ended up staying an extra night (3 instead of 2)!

Instead of resisting, Mallory actively participated in some family fun in the mountains.

Mallory's syndrome at times is challenging.
It make travel difficult and can make the best laid plans fall through, but I wouldn't pass up the highlights of these trips for anything.

When I grow up....

Mallory recently completed a project at school on careers. 

She rather excitedly brought her assignment home to show us.

As she showed me her paper, she informed me that "I give shot. To Jackie's Horse."

Heart Check.

Mallory had her annual visit with the cardiologist in K.C.
She got to spend the whole day with Mom and Dad. 
No brother. No sister.
The cardiology office had moved to a new facility attached to KU Med Center.  It was a wonderful experience.  All her tests and visits in the same building, on the same day.  Brilliant.

Mallory did pretty well in between tests.

This was her preferred position on the exam table.
It's no wonder that I have to take her to the chiropractor every month.  Notice the mismatched socks?  They are her fathers.

After her EKG, Mallory kept busy with all the little stickers that were stuck to her chest and arms.

Overall it was a good visit.  We will return again in a year for the same routine.

Mallory and her cardiologist.
12 years with this man.  He is a lifesaver and truly the best.
I made him promise me that he will refer us to the 2nd best cardiologist in KC before he retires.  We even pinky-sweared on it. :)