Spread The Word To End The Word

Before Reyna was born I know I used to throw out the "R" word when talking to someone as a synonym for dumb or stupid.  I had never thought of the impact that it had on the people with intellectual disabilities, even though those were not the people I was using it on.  Then I had Reyna and it changed my way of thinking.  I thought about what if someone used the "R" word with her and what she would feel like.  Or maybe someone wouldn't use the word with her but just that the word was still being used and it was a way of saying that a person was acting like someone with intellectual disabilities like her.  So Pedro and I made a pledge to end the use of the "R" word.
A little history on the "R" word.  It was originally introduced as a medical term to used for someone that was delayed and had cognitive disabilities.  Today it is used as a derogatory term for the way someone is acting or to describe a person or item. In 2008 the Special Olympics started the campaign the Spread The Word To End The Word.  Soon after that in  October 2010 President Obama signed SB 7821 also known as Rosa's Law into federal law the term "individual with an intellectual disability" and "intellectual disability" for federal health, education and labor policy replacing the use of "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded".  This was a step in the right direction.

Please join Pedro and I along with the thousand of others in pledging to end the use of the "R" word by March 7, 2012.

 Please click here to pledge.

 

Reyna's Big Day

Sunday February 5th was a big day in the Garza house.  We were baptizing Reyna into the catholic church in front of our close family and friends.  As it turned out we were the only baptism that day, which made it even more special.  We had though long and hard about who we were going to choose to be Reyna's god parents.  We wanted to make sure that they understood how special Reyna is to us and help her become a wonderful person regardless if she has Down syndrome or not.  So we chose Wendy and Pablo Cerda and Gabriel and Ayme Gil.  Unfortunately Pablo wasn't able to make the baptism as he was on the job training in Nebraska but our eyes he is still one of her god fathers.

While I was getting Reyna ready I just kept staring at her in her baptism outfit and couldn't believe that 31 years ago I wore that same outfit when I was getting baptized.  It was very important to me that Reyna wear that gown because I felt that when she did, the gown instantly became a family heirloom.  At a time when I was excited I was also a little sad, that Reyna would never understand what that day felt like.  That she would never become a mother and get to share in the joys that I get everyday watching both her and Omar grow up and learn their independence.  I know that God has a path for Reyna and that she is a very special little girl.  My hope is that even though she may not be able to experience motherhood she will never be denied other experiences life has for her. 
Back to the baptism, it was wonderful.  Decon Joe explained very well to everyone the significance of each piece of the baptism.  He was even able to involved the children in blessing the baptism water.  Reyna was such a good girl that she even fell asleep half way through. 

After the ceremony we went to the hall, ate some wonderful food cooked by my in-laws, for which we are eternally grateful, had cake and just enjoyed the wonderful company and the rest of the day.

 

Blessing the water

my little family

with Grandma and Grandpa Garza

Grandma Kathy

Tio Daniel

Cousin Angel

With Tios Rucoco (Rudy and Carlos) , Daneyda and Rosana

with Grandma Kathy and Great Grandpa Hernandez

4 generations of Hernandez

Matching bracelets

Taking a bite of cake with help from nino Gabriel

Christmas Cheer

So this December was very festive; we bought a christmas tree from Wise Buys and suprisingly it lasted until Christmas. The tree was perfect once I got Reyna's baby first christmas ornament and put it on. Its a cute little pink bootie with her birth information. She also got her very own red stocking with her name embroidered on it.  We also got the lights put up outside and the house looked beautiful.  According to Omar it was "Nice, mommy nice."
We have been taking a nightly walk when mommy was not working and looked at the lights in our neighborhood.  Reyna only went with Omar and I once because it had been so cold. We also had tried to take the kids to streets that were on the 12 Daves of Christmas, but it seemed like every time we tried both kids were asleep by the time we got there.  I am hoping we could make this a yearly tradition. 
Reyna had her first experience with christmas with the Mata celebration and made out like a bandit getting lots of clothes to add to her "tiny" wardrobe and some cash so we can start her college fund.  Omar also got some stylish clothes.  It was fun seeing all the cousins playing together.
Then it was time for the Garza and Hernandez Christmas. Santa stopped by the Garza household and delivered gifts to everyone.  Omar and Reyna even got their picture taken with him.  All Omar kept saying was "Santa, Santa."  They again got lots of toys. 
The Hernandez Christmas was last and Omar played Santa handing out all the gifts, most of them going to great grandpa.  Omar played the piano, while he did so I couldn't help but think how proud grandma Hernandez would be that one of her great grandchildren is interested in the piano.  That was always her dream for someone in her family to be able to play the piano.  I though think he enjoyed just making noise, lol.
That was our crazy December I can't believe how fast this year went.  Reyna is already 5 months old, she is doing great so far everyone is really impressed.