Posts by truud

“I first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse because it had shown up on my Facebook news feed, and after that I kept randomly hearing about it on the radio and seeing its name in various places. When I would hear about GiGi’s or see its name, I was always interested to learn more. Finally, this past…

It is hard to believe that almost 10 years ago our son Jake was born with Down syndrome. Of course, there were a roller coaster of emotions for my husband and I.  Will he walk, talk or play sports? Luckily, I have a younger first cousin, Kari, with Down syndrome that I have grown up…

My first memories of children with Down Syndrome was during elementary school in the early 1970’s – and these memories were bleak as far as the school setting. All students with disabilities were taught in a single classroom, they didn’t participate in the general education setting except during recess, and at lunchtime they sat at…

Having a son with Down Syndrome has changed my life…. for the better! When I was 34 weeks pregnant, I unexpectedly went into labor- a labor of love I never knew was coming! Jamison was born around 8pm, 9lbs-14oz and code blue. He was whisked off to the NICU and we were uncertain of the future…

My son Max is 6 years old. He is in kindergarten and loves learning to read (and also lunch, recess and gym). The Bison and Eagles are his favorite teams and he has a wicked fastball. Max is grandpa’s biggest “helper” on the farm-the dirtier he can get the happier he is. He is an…

      I will never forget the day we found out our son Birk, had Down syndrome.  I was overcome with so many emotions, but the strongest was the feeling of being all alone on this journey.   One night when Birk was about 2 years old, I was online looking at different resources…

“My middle child, Benjamin, is almost five now, and has the world in front of him. I got involved in GiGis first to be a voice and advocate for my son and those with special needs. Now it is a two way street. The connection is something special.” Remember GiGi’s Playhouse on February 9th for…

I was 38 when I found out prenatally that my daughter Elizabeth would have Down syndrome.     I did not have a lot of experience with individuals with Down syndrome and to be totally honest, it was my biggest fear as an older mom. My husband and I spent almost 6 months both believing we were…

When my daughter, Braelyn was born, one of my many google searches turned up GiGi’s Playhouse.   But the closest location was in the cities. Fast-forward a few years – I got an email from a local support group that they were having a meeting to discuss possibly opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in Fargo. I…