Group Hug Apparel

Yes! John's Father's Day gift arrived! He would have gotten it sooner, but I am just a late person with things like this.

This shirt was made by Andrew Banar, a 20 year old recent high school graduate from Canada! Andrew, like Wes, was also given the gift of the extra chromosome of awesomeness.

Andrew designed all of the shirts he sells at Group Hug Apparel. I strongly encourage you to purchase one of these awesome shirts to help Andrew support various charities.

Read more about Andrew!

Eat a banana split tonight - for Ryan

A fellow mama in the Down syndrome community is losing her 21 month old child to a heart defect, regardless of the amount of surgeries he's had since birth. This family doesn't need cards, flowers or gifts... they just want you to eat a banana split tonight with your kids in honor of Ryan. They wish for you to make memories with your children, like they are striving to do every day with their kids.

So please, even if you can't tonight, please have a banana split with your kids soon. Since Wes is so itty bitty, I will be hosting a banana split party with my nephews while we're on vacation. I can't wait to surprise them with this and make a lasting memory for us as a family.

If you do end up making that banana split, can you post it on here or email me with a picture of you and your family enjoying your banana split? I want to send it to Diane.

Thank you!

Banana Splits for Ryan

Mini Trip: State College

To celebrate John's first Father's Day early, we took a mini-trip to John's favorite place...ever. Fortunately, his favorite spot is within 4 hours of us, so we ventured out to State College, PA for a two-day fun filled adventure.

For those of you who are out of the loop (or from another country), State College is the home of Penn State University. I have to say, this little town is amazing, especially seeing it from our new perspective. When I say that, I mean since we have a kid in tow and we can't go all hog wild at the bars. Until this past week we never had the chance to really see how truly awesome State College is. The town, with exception of a few densely populated coed areas, is really clean. The restaurants are awesome, the university is gorgeous, the housing prices are reasonable, the shopping is great, and there's only one town bum. His name's Frank. Hey, when you only have one town bum, you know you're in a good area.

Anyway, in our 48 hours in State College we really did a lot. Like, A LOT, especially with an 8 week old in tow. In addition to going out to eat, we also hiked Mt. Nittany, went to Mt. Nittany Winery, shopped, walked around town and through the college, checked out several parks, etc. All I can say is wow; Wes is an amazing traveler! Enjoy the pictures below of our fun-filled trip to our favorite place... and now our favorite place to bring our favorite little boy.

Approaching the mountains of central PA

"We're gonna rock down to..."

Hello Happy Valley!

Our "amazingly clean" hotel

Who doesn't want a chrome stallion in their front yard?

Super 8 and Beer to Go.... Stay classy!

This hotel room has seen many home game drunkards. I could smell it... in the closet that was missing doors. Poor child, LOL!

Yes! Got to love the 1990's decor, especially the rose pink/ teal combination. Same colors my mom had at her wedding. (Sorry Ma!)

Yep, that's how we roll. Put the kid's toys on a luggage holder for a makeshift play mat. Did I mention the play mat was his changing pad/ bed for the two days? LOL. What do you expect from new parents and a $45 a night hotel room?

At least Wes didn't care... he had a blast under that thing!

Yay! Out of the stinky hotel room and off to "The Deli"

Famous mural in State College

JoPa with a halo around his head

 SuePa

A legend...

"Yo quiero Taco Bell y Jesus?"

Quiet time on campus

Amazingly cheesy fauxtog picture

Hahaha! "Help!"

"Ahhh... so full... so tired..."

This child sleeps with his eyes open... just like his daddy, ha!

Shirt says, "Daddy's Little Monster", though this pic looks more like Lady Gaga's Little Monster. "Baby I was born this way!"

Love, love, love this smile. So happy I captured it!

John: "Hey hon, let's climb Mt. Nittany. It should be an easy walk."

In case you can't tell, this is a steep ascent, especially with a sweaty baby on your chest. Apparently, this hike was a 3 out of 10 for difficulty. Fatty pants here joined Weight Watchers the day after.

Worth the torture and me begging John to turn around.

John's frat (yea, like 10+ years ago, LOL)

Yes, Wes is still breathing. This is how he likes to snuggle; face smushed into you.

Morning therapy with Mommy to work on his neck flexibility and strength.