Young, wild, and 3! Tate turned 3 in June and, boy oh boy, does he act like a toddler! He has a big personality and even bigger emotions. He has gained so many skills this past year and can consistently communicate his needs now (which has been a game changer!) You can see his little brain working every time you show him how to do something new. He has over 40 words, including signs, and is so very close to walking. He now knows what he likes and wants and makes it very clear when he is displeased – enter the big emotions!  It is crazy to say, but he starts pre-school in August and we are very excited to see how he grows in a classroom full of kids. Where has our cubby, little, floppy baby gone?! 🥹

Tate has been on his first big, long road trip to see family in Michigan and he did it like a champ! He LOVED the beach, the sand and sitting in the waves of Lake Michigan. He has gone camping and will go on his first flight to Gulf Shores, AL in September; wish us luck! His favorite people right now are Ella and Dad and his favorite pastimes are dancing to music or being outside exploring. He is the most lovable and affectionate kid we know, and he doesn’t know a stranger. To know Tate is to love him.

Our family has already immersed ourselves in the Down Syndrome community and what a community it is! The Step Up walk is a chance for us to raise money for Down Syndrome Innovations which is the organization that will help us with resources, knowledge and new friendships as we navigate this special guy’s life.