Flor is 8!

How CRAZY that we have an eight year old? It's just a little bit bizarre to me. Flor's birthday was the 6th. We celebrated down in Fairview with Devin's parents and Shawna/Slava and kids. It was a pretty low-key day, especially because Flor didn't know any different. She probably thought, "Why in the world are we eating this cake and why in the world are there more presents?" She just acted a little bewildered. She did, however, enjoy the sugary cake. That part was really fun. She also kind of got the idea to blow out the candles, though we had Keegan and Kylie help her before her spit ended up all over it. :)

No birthday post would be complete without a few photos, right?

Such a big girl. I see such changes in her over the last year. She looks older and she has progressed in so many ways. It is hard sometimes to mark her progress sometimes because it is usually a lot more subtle, but looking back to a year ago, she definitely has come a ways. She has progressed in social skills, in boundaries, in potty training, and in sign language development. We have also come to understand more about her medical needs and the expectations that can go with those, which is huge for us. 

A few people may be wondering what is going to happen with Flor and baptism, as 8 is a magical age in our religion- the age when children become baptized members of the church. Devin and I have had a couple of conversations with our Bishop regarding this sensitive decision and have decided that Flor will not be baptized. The main reason is that her mentality is that of a 12-18 month old, thus she is not capable of making the decision or understanding the ordinances and covenants that come with baptism. We know that she will not be denied any blessings that come with baptism because of her mental state. We are blessed to have a really sweet and loving Bishop, who didn't push one way or another, but helped guide us to this decision for us. 

The church has a great website set up for members with disabilities and here are a few things we read there to help us make our decision as well:

...for repentance and baptism apply to those who are “accountable and capable of committing sin” (Moro. 8:10).


Q: What are the guidelines as to whether or not a child with an intellectual disability may be baptized?

A: This is a matter between parents, the child, and local priesthood leaders. If the child has a basic understanding of gospel principles and wishes to be baptized, then baptism may be possible.

(Information taken from http://www.lds.org/topics/disability. )

Our ward has been wonderful about including Flor and helping her participate in Primary with children her age. Her teachers last year and her teachers this year so far have been wonderful. The teachers last year spent half the class period singing songs and doing actions instead of doing the whole lesson so that Flor could participate. The Primary Presidency has asked Devin and I to come speak to the children now that she has moved up to the senior primary. They want us to explain how Flor is similar to them and what she likes and dislikes, as well as how they can help support and be a friend to her. I was thrilled at this opportunity because it makes me happy that they want her to be included and loved by everyone there. Flor is also now old enough to attend Achievement Days and the leaders there are anxious and excited to have her. I don't know how that will go...but we will see. 

Anyway, just to address that topic because I am sure many of you are wondering. 

Happy birthday to our sweet 8 year old. I still can't believe everyday that you are actually ours. It still feels like a dream sometimes!