Letters to Ross: Ross' First Royals Game...So Happy & Healthy!

Letters to Ross: Ross' First Royals Game...So Happy & Healthy!: Daddy, I want a bite of your hotdog! Mommy and Ross talking about the great seats. Thank you Andrew for the great tickets and Royals ...

Ross' First Royals Game...So Happy & Healthy!

Daddy, I want a bite of your hotdog!

Mommy and Ross talking about the great seats. Thank you Andrew for the great tickets and Royals Guest services for the upgrade for my kid cart access!



Hi Daddy! Thanks for taking me to my first Royals game

Ross was flirting with the Fan Club Girls. He even sweet talked her out of his first stuffed baseball. Thanks Royals and US Toy!

Ross' big day at the Royals game comes to a close with a much needed nap!

Ross,

   We took you to your very first Kansas City Royals baseball game on Sunday August 19th. Uncle Andrew gave us some great tickets for the game against the Chicago Whitesox and after it was all said and done, the Royals won 5-2. It was such a beautiful day, sunny and just barely in the 80's. We all got some much needed sunshine and you even got just a little pink, even with sunscreen.
   There were so many sights and sounds for you to see and all of the people seemed to really excite you at times. This is the first time I can remember you being awake and so interested in what was going on around you. We even saw people we know at the game.Amy Allison from the KCDSG and her two of her children were there and one of your favorite people in the whole world, Nicole Lindemann your occupational therapist. She was there with her family enjoying the game too. They were so excited to see how healthy and happy you were.
   Ross you are such a little charmer...one of the Royals fan club girls noticed you and had to come over and say hello to you. We told her that this was your first Royals game and she gave you a stuffed Royals toy baseball. She thought you were sooo cute and so we just had to take a picture of her and include it in your letter.
   Ross we had such a great time sharing this wonderful family time with you. It was such a joy seeing you out in public, fianlly getting to experience the fun things in life. We can hardly wait to take you to lots more fun events and watch the happy smiles on you face. But, do you know what? They won't be as big as the smiles that are on mommy and daddy's face seeing you so happy!

We Love you so much Ross!

Daddy and Mommy




    



Letters to Ross: Ross' Rockstars...Beautiful Friends and a great ca...

Letters to Ross: Ross' Rockstars...Beautiful Friends and a great ca...: On October 29, 2011 Our team gathered at Arrowhead Stadium with almost 9000 other people for Ross' first KCDSG walk. Well we walked and Ro...

Letters to Ross: Ross' Rockstars...Beautiful Friends and a great ca...

Letters to Ross: Ross' Rockstars...Beautiful Friends and a great ca...: On October 29, 2011 Our team gathered at Arrowhead Stadium with almost 9000 other people for Ross' first KCDSG walk. Well we walked and Ro...

Ross' Rockstars...Beautiful Friends and a great cause!

On October 29, 2011 Our team gathered at Arrowhead Stadium with almost 9000 other people for Ross' first KCDSG walk. Well we walked and Ross rolled to raise money for the greater Kansas City Down Syndrome Guild!

Mommy, It is cold so I am keeping bundled up! Let me know when it's over!

Rebekah Bateman and Trish Bahr keeping Ross entertained!

Amanda Jensen Rogers and Rebekah Bateman smiling pretty!

Ross,

Remember I told you about the wonderful people at the Down Syndrome Guild of greater Kansas City? You remember how they helped us to learn about how to care for you and gave us that basket of goodies with toys and books for us. Well, every year they have a fund raising walk to help pay for all of the things to help moms and dads with children who have Down syndrome just like you. The walk is held at Arrowhead stadium, the home of the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS! They are our local professional football team that you will learn to root for when you get a little bigger. Gooo Chiefs! They are mom and dad's favorite football team and some day might be yours too.

Below is a little excerpt from the walk site for this years event. It will tell you about all of the great things the KCDSG does for family's just like ours here in the KC metro area and beyond. Even more important it will tell all of the readers of your blog how they can sign up for your team and come walk with us or just make a donation to this awesome organization. Hopefully we will have 40 or 50 walkers this year and reach our goal of $2000 dollars. Along with the donations that people make for registering on our team they will get a official Ross' Rockstar t-shirt! Also to help raise funds, daddy makes really cool custom made cedar boxes and raffles them off for a donation online. See the picture of your keepsake box? I even put your name on it for you.
You know what else they do at the walk? There are bouncey houses, clowns, face painters, Radio Disney, KC Wolf, balloons, games and all sorts of food eat. It is truly a carnival atmosphere and a great time for all ages! So you see, this is a really big event for you and I'm sure that people will really be surprised on how big you've gotten since last year. We can't wait to see them can we Ross? So everyone make sure you get signed up soon and we will see you there!

Thanks for last years success and Ross Rebekah and I hope you will all join us or make a donation to the KCDSG. Here is the link to join our team.

SIGN UP HERE:
http://secure.ezeventsolutions.com/fr/FDFDS/2012StepUp/RossRockstars

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY HAND CRAFTED TOYS AND WOOD CRAFTS HERE:

Made to Order Cedar boxes with options you pick! See RossShop on Etsy!

Gift Box, Display case, Jewelry box, Keepsakes box, cedar, velvet, brass, Pet Caskets, Memorial boxe

www.etsy.com

16 x 14 x 8 cedar boxes with high gloss laquer or shellac finish, OPTIONS: Size can be modified, polished brass hardware, unline

http://www.etsy.com/listing/106807429/gift-box-display-case-jewelry-box?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

I Love you Ross!

Daddy

Here is the cool T-shirt you will get for your donation of $20.00. If you get signed up at our Ross' Rockstars team site before September 28th your t-shirt will have the Ross' Rockstars team name on it! So sing up today!

                       
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk                           

Saturday October 27- STEP UP WALK is here!! Arrowhead Stadium, Lot C from 9am-1pm. 

100% of the proceeds stay in Kansas City to benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. The DSG serves over 1100 families and partners with 22 hospitals, 45 school districts and countless service providers in Kansas and Missouri.

Every dollar you raise will help the DSG continue to provide vital programs and services offering educational and social support to people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who serve them. Important work waits to be done to enhance research, education and advocacy programs. Your support is critical in making these programs a reality.

Letters to Ross: Ross, I dream of the Day!

Letters to Ross: Ross, I dream of the Day!: When I look in your eyes, I dream of the day... Poem by Shawn Bateman Ross, I dream of the day... you will hold your head up, all ...

Ross, I dream of the Day!

When I look in your eyes, I dream of the day...

Poem by Shawn Bateman

Ross,

I dream of the day...

you will hold your head up, all on your own.
I will shout to the heavens, to let it be known.
you will sit in a chair and hold your own spoon
please Lord don't wait, let is be soon
you will crawl on the floor to get to your toy
like all the other kids, will bring me such joy
you will say your first words, maybe they'll rhyme
but it's okay son, all in good time
you will take your first steps and then smile at me
through all your hard work, we know nothing's for free
you will get on the bus to take you to school
where you'll learn about things, won't that be cool
you will make many friends, run, laugh and play
outside in the grass on a warm sunny day
you will sing me a song with silly made up words
I'll laugh till I cry, sweet things I just heard
you will meet your first girl, maybe a crush
take your time son, don't get in a rush
you will play your first game, in front of a crowd
I'll scream from the stands, you'll make me so proud
you will get your diploma then cross the big stage
a brand new beginning as you turn a new page.
All these things I dream for you will happen in time
together will accomplish them then your dreams will be mine.

I Love you so much Ross!

Daddy


 

Letters to Ross: Ross William Bateman, the men for whom you were na...

Letters to Ross: Ross William Bateman, the men for whom you were na...: Ross B. and Roselore R. Bateman William "Bill" & Jeanne Hodge, Mommy and Ross too! Ross,    I thought I would take a br...

Ross William Bateman, the men for whom you were named.

Ross B. and Roselore R. Bateman

William "Bill" & Jeanne Hodge, Mommy and Ross too!

Ross,

   I thought I would take a break from all of the serious issues in your life and share how your mom and I decided to name you and a little about the men whom you were named for. When we were trying to think of names for a little boy, there was never any question. Ross William! Your grandfather, my fathers name was Ross Blair. He was a great man among men in many ways. He was a teacher of math, sciences and coached football, basketball and track for many years in Michigan, Missouri and Kansas schools. Later in his career he became an elementary school principal in two schools and the assistant superintendent of a third school in Jefferson county, Kansas. Your grandfather was a man that cared for all people he met and every child he taught. He was honest, hardworking and genuine in every way imaginable. All of the children that he taught coached or counseled loved him. He was fair and brilliant in so many ways. With all of his great qualities as a man and his love and his compassion for others helped make me the man that I am. I only hope that I can make him proud of how I raise you Ross and some of his qualities I will be able to teach you! One thing is for sure. I love you every bit as much as my father loved me probably even more. 

 
   Hi Ross, this is Mommy. I want to tell you about my Dad. His name is William "Bill" Hodge. He is grew up in California and moved to Missouri when he was a teenager. He is also a very caring and honest man and I grew up knowing he loved me very much! He is fun and adventurous, you never know what he will do next. I look forward to when you two get to talk about some of the things he has done, ask him about hike he and Uncle Ben went on back in the 90's. He also has some great stories about growing up with his brothers and sister on the homestead in California. Your Grandpa taught me that I can do anything I want to do and he  taught me not to take the easy way because it is better to do things the right way. These are the things I hope to teach you...to have fun, try your best, be honest, and be proud of your accomplishments! I also hope you always know that we love you and are very proud of you!!

We Love You Ross!

Daddy and Mommy

                                                                    

Ross, let's get on with your Insanity workout!

Learning to bare weight on my hands and arms for support.

Check out my head control. I am getting stronger.

Working on my legs and tummy muscles. Oh and did anyone notice I'm signing I have a wet diaper and need changed?

Ok! I can do this hold my head up thing on my own.

Ross,

So many times I see other parents with their children at the store pushing their shopping carts down the aisles and their baby is holding his or her head up so strong and straight. It makes me wonder if you will ever get to that point. It is scary to dad some times and it makes me sad you are so far behind kids that are half your age. It only lasts for a second though, because I know with hard work and dedication you WILL! Besides that I have faith and I believe in you Ross. We will get there one step at a time. One of the ways we are going to get you there is through your therapy sessions. So once a week you get your visit from your Missouri First Steps physical therapist, Jaci. She really loves to work with you on all of your muscle control and strengthening exercises. You may not realize it yet but she works you or tries to work you hard. Sometimes though your cuteness just wins out and she will give you a break.  Right now we are concentrating our efforts to get you to hold your head up on your own with consistency. Right now you do pretty good holding your head up but you still struggle some. It's ok though as you are getting stronger with each week that passes. Your therapy also consists of core muscles arms and legs. You are improving in each of these areas and are becoming more and more aware of what you can do. Sensory exercises also play a large part in your motor development. You having the ability to feel what things feel like on your hands and feet is important. Knowing that your hands and feet are there to bare weight and support your movements are key to you crawling and eventually being able to walk. I never realized how much physical feelings played in ones ability to crawl or walk but that is why mom and I are involved in all of your therapy sessions. We want to know what we need to be doing for you to help you achieve your goals of movement. This education we get will also allow us to give you daily therapy sessions and progress you even quicker. Ultimately we know that you will hold your head up high, crawl, walk and even run but you will do it when your ready. We will always be supportive my son and most of all no matter what your abilities are we will love you with all of our hearts and celebrate each and every achievement you make.
We love you so much baby boy!

Daddy


                                                     

The Shadow Buddies Foundation! Special buddies for special children! 

                                                     
         
shadowbuddies.org  or  buddies@shadowbuddies.org 

Letters to Ross: Daddy, why do you and mommy love me so much?

Letters to Ross: Daddy, why do you and mommy love me so much?: Daddy, I took  my cannula off cause I'm awake and ready to play! Daddy? Will you hold me now?  Ross,    One does not need to se...

Daddy, why do you and mommy love me so much?

Daddy, I took  my cannula off cause I'm awake and ready to play!

Daddy? Will you hold me now? 

Ross,

   One does not need to search any farther than your eyes to understand why we love you so very much! Since we found out about you, we anticipated every single day until the time you were born. When we finally got to meet you our hearts melted. That day and every day since has been a love affair with you, Ross. Every challenge that has come our way we have gotten through it...together. Your strength to overcome has amazed us through these times and made our love for you grow. You are special my son, in so many ways. Ways we have yet to discover.
   We don't always have the answers to all of the questions that come up where you are concerned, but we do not give up and keep asking those who can help us deal with issues that come our way. Sometimes we are so frustrated and we want to scream out for you and your pain, but we don't. Your momentary smiles remind us we must be strong for you and we endure. Countless hours, days and nights we have stayed with you. Watching over you, and making sure you were cared for in the best ways we knew how. Just to hold you tightly in our arms to hear you breathe and know that you were only asleep was sweet music to our ears. Seeing a small movement placed fears at bay.
  There are so many reason for a parents love Ross, but I think it is just because we are your parents and loving you is so easy to do. You fill our lives with joy and hope for tomorrow and most of all, you make us complete.

I Love you Ross!

Daddy