Elopement

Maybe some of you have noticed that the first thing I do when I enter a room is access every possible danger and escape route, or that when you are trying to have a conversation with me my eyes are never focused on you. It's not that I'm not interested in having conversations with other adults, nor do I deadbolt every door out of fear of someone entering from the outside. It's just that the second I take my eyes off Antalya she disappears. It's more than just a tendency to wander - it is deliberately running away when I am not looking. Yes, she will watch until I turn my head or I am distracted to make her disappearance.

I didn't know there was a word her behavior until today when I read Debbie's great post on Understanding and Preventing Elopement. Although I am relieved to know I am not the only mother out there that struggles with this issue, it is also unnerving to know Antalya's behavior isn't just part of the terrible twos. Deep down I knew this was going to be an issue we would struggle with for a long time, but I must admit that part of me has been hoping this would be a short lived phase. Let's hope the deadbolts in London are too tall for her to reach!

I'm not a saint, just a parent

I came across this great article this afternoon that is all about what it is like raising a child with Down syndrome. It's worth reading if you have a few minutes.

On a different note, Antalya is very much into hats and shoes lately.