I have the best job in the world. I am a part-time nanny for a precious one year old named Lila. Prior to this job, I never knew the impact a responsibility like this would have on my life. Honestly, I never imagines how a toddler could change my entire perspective on life in general. Lila is a bubbly and “happy go lucky” kind of girl and her smile lights up a room. She has the most adorable blue eyes and loves her “brother” (dog) Tigger. Certainly, I might be a bit biased, but she is the most perfect little girl on the planet. She is just like any other year old, except for one small difference…Lila has down syndrome.
Whenever I talk about Lila to others and mention she has down syndrome, many's first response include the words "oh how sad." I really do not like this reaction. Just because Lila has down syndrome does not mean she is starkly different from other children her age. After falling in love with her, I realize while it may not be my place to take offense to a stereotypical response, it is my opportunity to help educate those responses with the wonders and amazing development of a child such as Lila.
Lila is the one who inspired me to observe at Siskin. Lila has been accepted to the Siskin program and will be starting at the beginning of summer. From my times of observation here, I know this is where she belongs and I am confident the professionals at Siskin will help her become all she is to be. During my first week, I met and Early Interventionist Specialist as well as Lila's physical therapist. These two individuals taught me many ways to help Lila in her daily development. Wonderfully, she has mastered sitting up by herself. She has just started to crawl and I do exercises with her to provide the physical support she needs. I feed her with a bottle sitting upright with support under her chin. I do pre-feeding exercises with her that will ultimately help her with her speech development as she grows.
Lila inspires me everyday. She has some challenges ahead of her, but everyday I am with her, I see her rise to the occasion to accomplish new things. She has just started to babble like crazy and I love seeing her use baby sign language to sign for the things she wants or needs. It is nothing short of amazing to see how quickly she learns. I can't imagine having a job that is any better. I get to play with her, laugh with her, and watch her gain new strides each and every day. She is blessed with such a great family; so loving and proactive to do anything and everything to support their precious baby girl. What Lila gives best is her unconditional love. I am the one blessed beyond measure to have her in my life.
Whenever I talk about Lila to others and mention she has down syndrome, many's first response include the words "oh how sad." I really do not like this reaction. Just because Lila has down syndrome does not mean she is starkly different from other children her age. After falling in love with her, I realize while it may not be my place to take offense to a stereotypical response, it is my opportunity to help educate those responses with the wonders and amazing development of a child such as Lila.
Lila is the one who inspired me to observe at Siskin. Lila has been accepted to the Siskin program and will be starting at the beginning of summer. From my times of observation here, I know this is where she belongs and I am confident the professionals at Siskin will help her become all she is to be. During my first week, I met and Early Interventionist Specialist as well as Lila's physical therapist. These two individuals taught me many ways to help Lila in her daily development. Wonderfully, she has mastered sitting up by herself. She has just started to crawl and I do exercises with her to provide the physical support she needs. I feed her with a bottle sitting upright with support under her chin. I do pre-feeding exercises with her that will ultimately help her with her speech development as she grows.
Lila inspires me everyday. She has some challenges ahead of her, but everyday I am with her, I see her rise to the occasion to accomplish new things. She has just started to babble like crazy and I love seeing her use baby sign language to sign for the things she wants or needs. It is nothing short of amazing to see how quickly she learns. I can't imagine having a job that is any better. I get to play with her, laugh with her, and watch her gain new strides each and every day. She is blessed with such a great family; so loving and proactive to do anything and everything to support their precious baby girl. What Lila gives best is her unconditional love. I am the one blessed beyond measure to have her in my life.