Down syndrome awareness and life after the loss of our son
321 Smiles
We are dedicating each mile of our 321 mile journey to a person with Down syndrome. This is the gallery that will contain all 321 of those smiles. We will be releasing the pictures every few days in batches of 21.
Click on a picture to scroll through in carousel style. Enjoy!
Mile 1 – Parker. The things that make Parker smile are Elmo of course, hugs, making others smile, dancing, shaking his booty and singing, and playing with his little brother Preston!
Mile 2 – Chelsea. The things that make Chelsea smile are her friends, family, nephews, Grandpa, and music! Chelsea is a 4X Special Olympics US Champion & 2 X World Champion. Oh, and she’s a fashion model!
Mile 3 – Benjamin. The things that make Benjamin smile are singing, dancing and playing with musical instruments.
Mile 4 – Max. The things that make him smile are his siblings, playing with his toys, and anyone talking to him!
Mile 5 – Emma. Emma is 7 and a total diva! The things that make Emma smile are Barbie, school and her family!
Mile 6 – Bentley. Some things that make Bentley smile are music, his sister, & just other people in general!
Mile 7 – Mikaylah. She loves watching “Home” on her brother’s ipad. She loves when people copy everything she does, it is a fun game for her. She also loves watching herself on video, one of the biggest smiles she’ll get 🙂. She also loves pizza and french fries.
Mile 8 – Emberly. She smiles extra big for: Mama when she gets me from naps, the hoodie strings on my work sweatshirt, her stuffed owl “Owlie”, Papa when he comes home from work, and bouncing to Yankee Doodle dandy.
Mile 9 – Rory. She is 2 years old and the things that make her smile are playing with her brothers, singing and signing songs, chewing on her hair brush, spinning around fast, and exploring new places.
Mile 10 – Spencer. The things that make him smile the most are baths, animal sounds, tickles, riding his power wheels and pulling hair (we’re working on that one).
Mile 11 – Behr. He is almost 1 year old. The things that make Behr smile are: sticking your tongue out at him, him jumping, his stuffed dog, Scout, when he sneezes, and when mommy tries to put pants on him…he gets a kick out of it every time!
Mile 12 – Ayden. What makes Ayden smile is his sissy, music, his cousin isaiah, gummy bears and of course his family. He is so loveable.
Mile 13 – Charlie. He also had CHD and at 3 months had open heart surgery to correct the defect. He had a AV canal complete. He is now doing amazing. I have sent you a before and after photo. On the way to the hospital and a week later on the way home after surgery. As you can see having his heart fixed makes him smile. Also anytime someone talks to him he smiles. And when daddy holds him and jogs in place he smiles real big.
Mile 14 – Hope. She loves Elmo, cookies and her dog, Tilly. She loves to make us laugh, eat tacos, play outside and blow bubble. She is the light of her parents’ lives.
Mile 15 – River Glenn. Just about everything makes him smile, but he especially loves when people around him are laughing, watching his puppy sister play, and seeing his own (very handsome) reflection in the mirror.
Mile 16 – Miah. She just turned one. The things that make her smile are her big sister, silly faces and every time she discovers something new (she claps for herself!) ♡
Mile 17 – Lucy. She is almost 3. She speaks and sings her own language and doesn’t walk but crawls super sonic. Her favorite things are music & singing, dancing, books, Elmo (Sesame Street) & peanut butter anything!
Mile 18 – John Nicholas. His favorite things are Elmo, baths,and books that have the little panels that make noise. He is five and rambunctious as all get out. He likes to play ball and right now he likes to hide around the corner in the other room and throw a ball around the doorway he thinks it’s hilarious when you say, ‘where did that ball come from!’
Mile 19 – Nathan. Nathan is 21 months. Nathan loves dancing, playing peek-a-boo, chasing the dog (our poor pup is such a champ!), and swinging.
Mile 20 – Kamren. The things that make him smile are lights, music, and cars
Mile 21 – Adam. The things that make him smile are music, car rides, and shopkins.
Mile 22 – Josiah. Josiah is such a happy boy. Kisses, hugs, and music make him smile 🙂
Mile 23 – Sofia. Things that make Sofia smile: patty-cake, tickles, playing with /seeing her brother and sister, bouncing, and cuddles/ kisses from Mommy and Daddy.
Mile 24 – Aisha Jane. Things that make her smile include any type of interaction with anyone! lol seriously, she loves people and loves to give love! She loves singing her ABC’s with us, reading books, running around outside with us and her dog, and adores her baby sister.
Mile 25 – Ben. Some things that make Ben smile are music, making friends, bacon, giving hugs, movies, playing bad guys with his brother JP, bacon, football, and family. Did I say bacon?
Mile 26 – Wyatt Matthew. His family, kisses, and tickles make him smile!
Mile 27 – Jazlyn. The things that make her smile are her six brothers and sisters, dancing and singing, and the cats. She sees them and smiles and then goes after them hugging and kissing them. It makes her so happy but the cats are not too sure. : )
Mle 28 – Lilah Grace. She hasn’t smiled yet – – she was born in July, 2016. Her “smiles” are because she has a fixed heart, her amazing nurses, doctors, and therapists that give her the best care ever, her two brothers and sister love her so much, the amazing amount of support and prayers she gets from friends, family and even people we have never met, and all the things she is teaching mom and dad…especially strength and patience! 💗
Mile 29 – Titus, Treasure and Simeon. Things that come to mind when I think of them are an unspeakable, deep joy we never knew existed…a fight & determination to overcome anything. They are worthy, fearfully & wonderfully made…perfection.
Mile 30 – Faith. Faith is seven and loves to hug and dance and sing. She loves to rub noses with her mama before she gets on the bus in the morning. She loves dogs, and has 2 of them. She loves to tell knock knock jokes and any joke you tell her makes her belly laugh and smile. She loves life and she loves her family…and we love her!
Mile 31 – Nick. He takes great pride in being an uncle to not only my grandson Isaac but also his niece and nephew. He is loved by many and a graduate of Okemos High School. He participates in choir and basketball. He worked at Peckham and now for Meijer warehouse. He volunteers at MSU games and is also an Eagle Scout. He always greets me with a smile and truly brightens every person’s day he comes in contact with.
Mile 32 – Jessica. This our daughter Jessica and things that make her smile are music, dancing, Wonder Woman, and her daddy because she is a daddy’s girl.
Mile 33 – Gia. The things that make her smile are classical music, when anyone sings to her, and chasing her puppies around the house.
Mile 34 – She likes to sing, dance, and make everyone happy.
Mile 35 – Robert David. He is 7months old. Things that make him happy are: seeing mommy and daddy’s faces first thing in the morning, playing patty cake, good conversation (he loves babbling with us), music and singing, and bath time bubbles. He also loves soft blankets (rubs them on his face and laughs), and he loves story time.
Mile 36 – Aidan. Our Aidan is 10 years old. Here are his 5 most favorite things he absolutely loves! Dancing at parties, Baseball, Going to Church, Hamburgers, and his family (Dad, Mom, 2 sister, & older brother).
Mile 37 – Easton. He is three and a half years old. The things that make him smile are (his) Sissy, Mommy, Mickey Mouse, and music. He is such a lover and is loved beyond words!
Mile 38 – Sarah and Rachel.
Mile 39 – Jack. He doesn’t talk but he brings joy to everyone he meets. He loves high fives, snuggles, blinky lights, and singing in his ear.
Mile 40 – Brantlee. The thing that makes him smile most is being home with his family!
Mile 41 – Zhenzhen Joy. She is three and a half, adopted from China in July and the light of our home! The things that make her smile are her brothers and sisters, patticake and bath time.
Mile 42 – Sunshine Noelle. (Zhenzhen’s soon-to-be-sister). She is two and a half, and her parents are working hard to adopt her this year from China. They don’t know what makes her smile yet, but her soon-to-be- mommy is hoping it’s her!
Mile 43 – Cheyenne. The things that make her smile are socks, her mom smiling at her and dancing.
Mile 44 – Claire. She is 5 years old. Claire loves to smile. Claire’s favorite person in the world is her brother Canon. He can make her smile any time of day. Their bond and love is one I have never seen. Claire also has a dog named Zeus who is her protector, cuddle buddy and mischievous partner in crime. She also loves babies, she would play with her baby dolls all day, everyday if her mommy would let her.
Mile 45 – Curtin. He smiles when he plays “chewy face,” when he pulls his sister’s hair, and when other people smile at him
Mile 46 – Rowan. The things that make her smile are her big brothers, playing peek-a-boo, and kisses.
Mile 47 – Abe. Abe will be 3 in March. Some things that make him smile are music, dancing, hugs, cookies, playing ball, and playing with his brothers and sister.
Mile 48 – Si. His favorite thing that makes him smile is when he makes others laugh. His daddy and 4 brothers and his sister make him laugh. And pretending he’s driving makes him laugh.
Mile 49 – Aaron. Three things that makes him smile are hugs, listening to 80s music and when his mommy starts dancing like crazy to the music…he gets a kick out of that lol.
Mile 50 – Rory. He loves to play about with a football.
Mile 51 – Erika. The things that make her smile are Elmo, roller coasters, dancing, music, and people who will pretend to pant like a dog for her.
Mile 52 – Edward. The things that make him smile are his sisters and brother, tickles and flying like an airplane.
Mile 53 – Tate. He is 7. Trains, Vacuums, and funny cat videos make him smile!
Mile 54 – Samantha. She is 6 years old. She’s happy playing with daddy, listening to music and helping with house chores.
Mile 55 – Carlos. He’s 2 years old. The things that make him smile are playing with blocks, his two older siblings, and to be on his trike. All these things make him smile.
Mile 56 – Elisabeth. Her favorite things that make her smile are… her big sister singing to her, having her picture taken, eating EVERYTHING, and HUGS all the HUGS!
Mile 57 – Sierra Grace. She smiles with her siblings. She smiles when we understand her. She smiles when she’s in her “own world.” She smiles when we smile at her, if she’s in the mood. She smiles last night when we celebrated her pulling her own tooth out (and not swallowing it). And tonight, she smiles because they’re all getting into late night mischief together.
Mile 58 – Haley. She is 15 years old. The three things that make her smile are her friends, cheerleading, and her siblings. She is a cheerleader at her high school and loves it!
Mile 59 – Kwaid. He loves music. His smiles stem from affection, positive encouragement and his own success. It sounds corny but it’s so true – he loves praises after getting all smiley faces for his daily report at school and can’t wait to show everyone. He loves music and dancing as that is how he best expresses his emotions. And last but not least he’s a wonderful eater and trying anything new makes me so happy that he was able to do so.
Mile 60 – Miriam Faith. She is six years old and from San Diego, California. She loves to dance, model (when she feels like it) sing, play ball, dress up like a princess, books and mostly just loves hugs!
Mile 61 – Kallon. The things that make him smile are funny faces, singing and kisses..
Mile 62 – Eliot. He smiles for a lot of things. He smiles and laughs for his big sister, who is three, and the coolest big kid in the whole world. He smiles for any toy that he can make a lot of noise with. He smiles in the bath, when he can splash water everywhere. He smiles for cuddles when he’s sleepy, and going on walks so he can relax and watch the world from his stroller.
Mile 63 – Sara. She is 5 years old. Her family adopted her from Ukraine in 2012 at the age of 10.5 months. She was left at the hospital because the doctor told her parents it was the right thing to do. Her parents terminated their rights when Sara was 3 days old and at the age of 7 days she was taken to an orphanage. She resided there until we came to adopt her. She is the youngest of 5 children. She is her family’s sunshine and joy! The things that she loves or that make her happy are chips, Cheezits, just food in general, school, music and dancing, and Masha and the Bear (Netflix cartoon originating in Russia/Ukraine). This picture was taken January 7. It was Christmas in Ukraine so her family celebrated put her in this outfit that they bought in Ukraine.
Mile 64 – Isaiah. He loves playing with his cars, watching Paw Patrol, bossing his baby sister around, eating veggie chips and riding the school bus.
Mile 65 – Heinrich. He is two years old and smiles about many things, especially: when he sees his parents, brother 19y, sister 15y, domestic worker, grandparents, etc.; when listening to, dancing or making music; when playing roug and tumble games; when playing with his dog; when he did something that was a challenge; when you open the car door for him to climb in.
Mile 66 – Brayleigh. She enjoys when people do funny faces in front of her. She smiles at just about anything.
Mile 67 – Mason. Mason is almost 3. He is, simply put, amazing. Three things that make him smile are, Barney, his big brother and his mother.
Mile 68 – Mikhail. Mikhail and his family live in South Africa. The things that make Mikhail smile are dancing to loud music, when they pull funny faces, playing in the ocean waves, playing peek a boo, and seeing mom and dad after a long day of work.
Mile 70 – Ethan. Ethan smiles almost all day everyday! He is proving all of the statistics wrong, and his family loves him all the more for his determination and strong willed nature. Almost everything makes him smile, but his top 5 would have to be: making others happy, his brothers, music, Sesame Street, and kisses, hugs, and cuddles.
Mile 71 – Luke. Luke is on the left, age 5, with his little brother, Sean, on the right. Luke has a love for adventure. If there is something to climb, he’s on it! An open floor, is an invite to dance. He is super smart, very patient. Kind. Offers love, without second thought. He is full of light, has a thirsty curiosity, and is fiercely independent. He defies the limits imposed upon him, and radiates joy.
Mile 72 – Millie Ann. She is her family’s “One in a MillieAnn”. She smiles when mom nibbles her cheeks, when she sees her brother, when she scratches her daddy’s beard, and when her family pulls her up into a sitting position
Mile 73 – Gracelyn. Gracelyn just turned four years old. She has four older sisters. She loves Elmo. Cookies make her smile. She likes to take small walks outside and she love, love, loves to sing.
Mile 74 – Kaesha-Hope. Three things that make her smile are: jumping, her puppy Murphey, and blueberries.
Mile 75 – Sophia. She is six years old. The things that make her smile are when anyone she recognizes walks into the room, chips and salsa, music, trains, and going bye- bye.
Mile 76 – Jayda. What makes her smile are FOOD, Nana, music, siblings, and being tickled.
Mile 77 – Zae’veon. Things that make him smile are his mommy, Cheetos, and going outside.
Mile 78 – Theo. He’s 5 months old. He smiles every morning when he wakes up to his mom rolling him good morning and giving him kisses. He smiles when his mom sinsg and dances with him. He smiles when he takes baths, he lovesssss the warm water. And he smiles when his dog is running around playing with toys in front of him.
Mile 79 – Augie. The things that make him smile are: playing peek-a-boo, his big brother and sister being silly, seeing mommy or daddy , and other people’s smiles (he’s a social butterfly).
Mile 80 – Keevon. He is seven years old. The things that make him smile are: going to school, playing his guitar, playing with his siblings, eating, and watching tv.
Mile 81 – Chase.
Mile 82 – Leah. She is 12 years old and her family’s “little happiness pill.” She gives the best cuddles ever and always has a smile on her face. Her mom says, “She has made us look at life from a different view and to see happiness in everything.”
Mile 83 – Colton. My little Colton is almost three. He was diagnosed with hydrops when his mama was pregnant and wasn’t expected to survive the pregnancy. He surprised everyone. He too had CHD and had surgery at 5 months. Things that make him smile are hugs, playing with his big brother, music and bubbles.
Mile 84 – Arianna Sophia. She is two and a half years old. Two things that make her smile are hugs and kisses and any kind of music. She is the love of her mama’s life.
Mile 85 – Ryland. Nickname, RyRy . Ryland absolutely loves anything to do with Elmo, cuddling with his little brother and big sister, eating all kinds of fruit, climbing up the stairs, and putting a smile on everyone’s face.
Mile 86 – Kendon. He’ll be 2 in February. He loves books, music, and applause. The last one really gets him going. He loves to play the piano and do the motions to his favorite songs.
Mile 87 – A few things that make her smile are if you smile at her, her brothers, and tickles.
Mile 88 – Nicholas. He has such a huge heart. He makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face each and every day. Nick loves music, dancing, Toy Story, eating and his sister Jennifer and his nephew Cooper. He is a great kid.
Mile 89 – Matthew Allen. He is 21 years old. He loves to watch movies and is into anything Syfy related. He loves to eat too! Lol!
Mile 90 – Theodore. He is two years old. He loves music, swings, and playing with toys.
Mile 91 – Greg. My son, Greg, is 9 years old and in the fourth grade. He has overcome many obstacles including heart, ear, eye, urinary and liver surgeries. Greg has one of the most caring souls. If you show him a “boo boo” he will kiss it immediately. No questions asked! Lol… Greg loves making smoothies, playing with containers especially mixing rocks, marbles or beans. He likes to watch cartoons on the iPad and he will watch the same thing over and over again driving his five siblings nuts sometimes but we all love and adore him.
Mile 92 – Cree. He turned 2 in September. He is adored by not only our family but our entire community. He is the happiest and most content child. Everything makes him smile. He adores his big brother and big sister. He loves to play with trucks and balls. He loves clapping. He is so proud of himself when he knows he does a good job. He yells yay and claps forever lol. He is so loving! He gives everyone kisses nonstop. He steals hearts everywhere we go!
Mile 93 – Bryleigh. Three things that are guaranteed to make Bryleigh smile are babies, music and dancing!
Mile 94 – Kristopher. He loves playing basketball, swimming, horseback riding and pizza!
Mile 95 – Kayla. She is 3 years old and her daddy always makes her smile. She loves being tickled and swinging.
Mile 96 – Ashlyn. She is 12 years old and ABSOLUTELY loves dance, cheerleading, bowling and of course music!
Mile 97 – Briar. He’s nearly 10 months old and has a personality so large that it barely fits under our roof. He loves kicking in water, peaches, copying our faces, music and (most of all) his big sister
Mile 98 – Hayden. Hayden is 18 months. He loves and smiles when he listens to music, plays with his dogs and when daddy comes home.
Mile 99 – Liam. He is four years old and has DS + mild Cerebral Palsy, was born with TOF and AVSD and had open heart surgery at 7 weeks of age. He is non verbal, has never sat or stood on his own, stills takes formula from a bottle, has a severe allergy to milk casein, has acid reflux and chronic constipation and despite all of these challenges he wakes up every single day with a beautiful smile on his face. He is such a gift and I am better person for knowing him. The things that make Liam smile are “Masha and the Bear”, when he drops things on the floor and his own farts (not much unlike any boy!)
Mile 100 – Avery. She is 2.5 years old and the things that make her smile the most are dancing, singing and hugs. I realize it sounds a little stereotypical but it’s true, singing, dancing and hugs light up her face and clearly bring her much joy! She is a blessing to our family and I love the way she loves!
Mile 101 – Bruno. The things that make Brunos mommy smile are his innocence, his smile and seeing him every day in her arms. The past five months have been the five most wonderful months of his mommy’s life. You are her greatest blessing. We love you Bruno – your parents and brothers.
Mile 102 – Hope. She recently turned four. She loves her big sissy and brother. She loves to laugh and make people smile and she loves to read and listen to music.
Mile 103 – Chris. A few things that make him smile are music, family, and cars. He give the best hugs and kisses in the world. He also loves to tickle and be tickled.
Mile 104 – Elijah. Three things that make Elijah smile are chocolate, mummy and tickles and many, many more. He is my little smiler.
Mile 105 – Zia. She is almost 2. She loves music and dancing. She loves yoghurt and milk lol. Everytime she see one of her aunties she just laughs. We are in South Africa.
Mile 106 – Shriav. He loves dancing, fishing and spending time with his family.
Mile 107 – Jubilee.
Mile 108 – Owen. He is four years old. He is the light of our lives. He makes me smile every moment of every day with his beautiful, generous and warm smile, his giggle, when he snorts (trying to imitate Peppa Pig), when he hugs is two older brothers and says “brothers I love you”, and when he runs down the hall to greet me (even if I left the room for five minutes) with open arms “mummy”!
Mile 109 – Rowan. Loves trying new foods, reading books, listening to music, going for walks, and meeting new people. She loves long hair and earrings (and putting them in her mouth!), loves playing with her two older brothers, getting complimented by strangers on outings, loves looking at herself and smiling in the mirror. She just loves sooo many things, but mostly she just loves completely and whole heartedly!
Mile 110 – Zoey Grace. The things that make her smile are anything Disney princess, songs from her favorite movies, jumping, running, and her family – especially daddy!
Mile 111 – Kaleb. The things that make me smile are playing with big brother, playing with my ball popping toy, trying to play with momma while momma is trying to get me to sleep, and trying to make people smile and laugh.
Mile 112 – Gabe. Gabe is three years old and the most loving little boy I know. He loves music and loves to dance, he gives the greatest hugs and loves to cuddle. He enjoys playing with his little sister and is an awesome big brother.
Mile 113 – Benjamin. The top things that make Benny smile are: 1) Music. He loves when anyone sings, plays an instrument, or makes any kind of music whatsoever. He LOVES it. 2) Making his little sister laugh. Benny is a smiley boy, but one of the biggest grins he has is the one that shows up when he’s made Ellie, 11 months, laugh. 3) Reading books with Mama and Daddy. When he points to things in his books, and we say what they are, he gets the most beautiful smile!!!
Mile 115 – Trooper. Trooper is 2 years old. The things that make him smile are seeing his dad and his sister (He is a dad’s boy that’s for sure. I’m just chopped liver over here. lol), when he’s watching his favorite cartoons. (especially his lego ones), and when he sees a bag of his favorite snack which is goldfish. He absolutely loves them.
Mile 116 – Monique. Everything makes her smile, but her favorites are her daddy, school buses, farm animals (especially pigs, horses, and chickens), bubbles, and dancing.
Mile 117 – Zoe. She is 4 years old and is adored by everyone who meets her! Zoe loves music, reading books, doing puzzles with Gamma, playing peek-a-boo with her little brother, and giving snuggles.
Mile 118 – JJ. The things that make JJ smile are hugs & kisses, making others laugh, dancing to music, watching youtube kids, and playing with his little brother!
Mile 119 – Skyler. He is two years old. What makes him smile is Mickey Mouse, signing time and music.
Mile 120 – Lillianna. This is Lillianna, her nickname is Nini. She loves her big Brother/Sister, listening to music and clapping!
Mile 121 – Abbie. She turns five on March 1st. The things that make Abbie smile are her baby dolls, dancing, just being silly, cookies and Peppa Pig. But most of all her family.
Mile 122 – Peter Parker. This is “Peter Parker”. He is our third child. Such an amazing light. He smiles all the time and makes all those around him smile just that much more. Five things that make Peter Parker smile are: 1) his brother and sister, 2) Elmo, 3) Dogs, 4) Baby signing Time, and 5) his daddy’s “fist bumps”
Mile 123 – Donte. Donte loves his trucks especially the ones that make sounds. He loves to dance, say HI to random people, and he loves to go places. He loves making funny faces and laughs when you make them back. All these things and many more make him smile.
Mile 124 – Kori. Kori is the youngest and the rainbow in the family. She was in a diaper commercial. We got to travel to Bogota, Colombia to film. It was a great experience for her (even not knowing Spanish). She was treated like a princess! Hi! I’m Kori! Three things that make me smile are pizza, going to the playground and school! (And I’m obsessed with Anna from Frozen)
Mile 125 – Adia Rae. She ADORES her big Sisters Easton and Reese! Adia is a musicaholic! She loves singing, playing instruments and Dancing! She loves her 2 dogs Baxter and Zeke (She calls Zeke, Zekee baby). Adia LOVES the bubble Guppies and prefers to watch them with her Baba (my mom who lives with us and I care for). Adia loves to spend time at our family cottage in Tawas, she loves to walk the beach and find pretty rocks and play in the water. Adia enjoys preschool and all her friends there! Adia is very close to all her cousins and smiles the whole time she is with them.
Mile 126 – Amber. The things that make Amber smile most are music (especially One Direction songs), dancing, being with her friends and/or family, playing sports (she plays baseball, soccer and bowling), and her cats Yoda and Gracie.
Mile 127 – Tristan. He loves Elmo most of all. He always is the life of the party with his five big sisters! He is the most amazing little man you will ever meet and of course is the biggest mommas boy! He dances to everything and climbs on everything!
Mile 128 – Jack. The things that make him smile are: playing & watching wrestling with daddy, rough housing or playing outside with his big sister Gracie, going to school to play with his friends, hanging out in his big sister Becca’s room, and cuddling with Mommy.
Mile 129 – Edmund. The things that make him smile are lights and colors, food, and his daddy.
Mile 130 – Rebecca. The things that make her smile are bouncing with Daddy, Mommy’s face upon waking up in the morning, and her big sister singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
Mile 131 – Henry. Henry is two years old. The things that make Henry smile are Dinotrux, singing, his favorite books (Are you my mother and brown bear), his mommy, his daddy, and his big brother!
Mile 132 – Greyson. Greyson loves Elmo, horses and making people laugh.
Mile 133 – Boaz. Boaz loves music, cars and his siblings!
Mile 134 – Hope. The things that make Hope smile are her big brother, Johnathan, the mobile in her crib, a full belly, clean diapers, and naps.
Mile 135 – Hope. The things that make Hope smile are jumping on the trampoline, eating popcorn with her little sister, Daddy returning home from work trips, when she teases you she thinks it’s hilarious (see attached photo cheeky grin!), and eggs and bacon for breakfast.
Mile 136 – Kallan. He loves talking, kisses, loud toys, cuddles from Mommy, Daddy and his big fur brother, Dude.
Mile 137 – Landon. Landon is two and a half years old. What makes him smile are family and friends, walks, his toy puppy, and hugs and kisses.
Mile 138 – Axel. Axel just turned 9 months old and he has trisomy 21. His mom says he is truly a blessing. Things that make Axel smile are his Mom, Dad, big sister and brother, watching football, watching his brother play basketball, watching his sister at cheerleading and splashing mommy with his bathwater. He has been through a lot in his life to be so young, but he always has a smile on and reminds us what life is all about.
Mile 139 – Whitney Grace. Whitney Grace loves to laugh! She loves to sign the words eat, more, and please. She loves to give hugs and kisses! She LOVES food! Any and all types! She also loves that she can walk everywhere now!
Mile 140 – Tony. Tony is 14 and a Freshman this year. He loves playing Madden on the PS4, playing baseball and basketball, picking on his little sister and brother, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and has a fan club that is ever-growing. He also loves Star Wars and Disney.
Mile 141 – Kylan. Kylan is two years old and his mom says he is a character for sure. He can make you laugh and smile on your bad days. He loves watching Mickey Mouse, and learning when he hears music to start dancing.
Mile 142 – Gracie. She is a little over one year old. She has 7 older brothers and sisters who love her to pieces! She loves patty cake, blowing kisses and waving hi! Mickey Mouse is her favorite! She had open heart surgery in August and is doing great now.
Mile 143 – Kingston. He is two years old. Three things that make him smile are giving kisses, clapping, and dancing.
Mile 144 – Isaiah. Little man is four years old and has Mosaic Down syndrome. He loves playing with his little sister. He loves to sing, play his guitar and dance. He loves all things Disney & pretending to be a doctor! One day we hope he gets the chance to be one and help others, like so many have helped us.
Mile 145 – Tyler. Tyler is here with his friend Lacey who also has Ds. Tyler smiles for friends, nerf guns, trampoline parks, and any chance he can to make silly faces or to make someone laugh, and snow.
Mile 146 – Delphine. Her brother makes her smile! She loves her books, her Rockin Rider Pony and her big giant bear! She blows kisses to everyone she sees and loves to fake laugh, which always makes her mom smile.
Mile 147 – Liam. Liam like Minions, iPad (watching cartoons), chocolate pudding, swinging at the park, making his parents laugh, and cars.
Mile 148 – Destiny. Destiny is 8 years old, and is the most determined, confident little girl who happens to be a tomboy.
Mile 149 – Karl. Karl loves Santa Claus, swimming, icre cream, family, Batman.
Mile 150 – Wil.
Mile 151- Christian. The things that make Christian smile are swimming, and being with his family and friends!!
Mile 152 – Asher. Asher loves to play with his big sister Addison. He lights up everyone he sees her. He also lights up anytime a camera is around. He gets a big grin on his face like he knows it’s time to smile!
Mile 153 – Nicholas. Nicholas is such a happy little guy, especially when he has his cars to play with, toys that make noise and figuring out ways to do things by himself.
Mile 154 – Anastasia.
Mile 155 – Zoey’s sister. This is Zoey’s “little sister” as we call her for now (we aren’t allowed to share her Chinese name and haven’t yet given her an American name). We don’t know yet what makes this little girl smile – photos and videos all show very serious faces! But we look forward to learning those things and seeing a big huge smile on her face!! ❤
Mile 156 – Abby. The five things that make Abby Smile are her daddy, monkeys, our dog, mommy dancing silly, raspberries on her tummy.
Mile 157 – Joseph. He loves his big brother, playing guitar dancing, and the incredible hulk.
MIle 158 – Elena Zofia. Five things that make Elena smile and giggl are: baths and water, being wrapped and dried off with a towel, dancing and music, making a sneezing noise, and her own reflection in the mirror.
Mile 159 – Ronin. He loves playing with his big brother and sister, snuggling, dancing, reading books, and blowing kisses.
Mile 160 – Leah. Leah is 20 months old and the light of our lives. She loves her baby dolls, books and chasing her older brother Luke around.
Mile 161 – Cedar. Our little Cedar is just 6 weeks old but has been smiling since birth. He loves to have his head scratched, be snuggled and smile at his 5 older siblings.
Mile 162 – Reggie. He loves music, dancing, playing with his brothers, using his potty at the moment (makes music when you’ve gone), and throwing food to make a mess.
Mile 163 – Trenton. He’s 7 and has a congenital heart defect. He’s from Pittsburgh, Pa. Trenton loves jumping on the trampoline, playing baseball, dressing up like a super hero, and pretending to be a doctor.
Mile 164 – Kendra. She is 3 and is absolutely the best thing that had happened to me and her brothers. She has this way of being able to make anyone smile and you can’t be mad about anything around her, she has a a way to make you feel better and smile or laugh. She has many people that love her.
Mile 165 – Braydon Day.
Mile 166 – Wesley.
Mile 167 – Parker. This is Parker. He is 16 years old. Things that make him smile are his sisters Bella & Addison, his “good guys” aka as wrestlers & tmnt, dancing, school and his best friend Wyatt.
