Our first featured guest blogger: Amy Dietrich-Hernandez!
Hi all! Here at Hoffman, we have a ton to say! We could fill this blog with special moments that happen here every single day of the week! But from time to time, we want to feature one of our wonderful families and what's happening in their lives. So, I...
Introducing Mariano’s newest employee!
GiGi's Playhouse and Hugs + Mugs would like to congratulate Tim Dorrain on his new position at Mariano's! Tim graduated GiGi U last year and began working as an intern at Hugs + Mugs immediately after. Tim has gained an incredible amount of knowledge through GiGi U and Hugs + Mugs, and Mariano's...
#GiGi’sGoesGlobal
This week, our Special Events Manager here at GiGi's Playhouse Inc., Sarah Rickaby, was in Disney World with her family. On their last day in Hollywood Studios, her kids, Jacob and Leanna, wore their neon green GiGi's 5K t-shirts to really stand out in the crowd. While waiting in line...
Disco motivation…
During this morning's disco fitness with Farzin in GiGi U, I walked past the gym during their cool-down exercises and heard Farzin say, "Now close your eyes and imagine your happy life. Take a deep breath. Now open your eyes and go out and get it for yourself!" When I...
GiGi’s Day at your Chicago Mustangs!
We are so proud of the newest Chicago Mustangs team member, Brian Rogala! Come out to GiGi's Day on Sunday, February 15th at 2:30pm at the Sears Centre to watch Brian, and the rest of our participants, in action! Tickets can be purchased at www.searscentre.com using the code gigi. Or, stop...
Melissa’s Miracle
My pregnancy with Peter was a little difficult. We found out we were four weeks pregnant and we were over joyed. We had been married for three months and we were already one month pregnant. At six weeks pregnant I started to bleed. I went to the doctors and was told...
A GIRL’S BIRTHDAY WISH
"October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and I'd like to share a story of friendship,love, and support between two very special girls who are BFF's. My daughter Faith, is a fun loving, happy, sassy, energetic 9 year old, who happens to have Down Syndrome. Her best friend is Courtney, who...
It Takes a Village
The following post is written by Lizette Vasquez, proud mom to 2 and a half year-old Lucas. Lizette and her husband Carlos are very active at GiGi's Playhouse National Achievement Center. They attend LMNOP (Language, Music N' Our Peeps!) and Open Play every week with Lucas. Visit Lizette's blog, Life...
Overcoming the Obstacles
Kaytlin was born on February 11, 2012. We did not have a pre-diagnosis of Down syndrome. Shortly after she was born, she was placed in the NICU because her oxygen levels were low. I will never forget this night for as long as I live. The neonatologist bust through...
James’ Bond
"See the way his eyes are?.... See the way his nose is?.... These are signs of Down syndrome." I still remember the way my doctor "broke the news." So matter-of-fact.... So nonchalant. My first reaction was "Awww, that's too bad." Then, of course, I cried. I guess everyone does. I...
