Photo by dedicatedrider (photo taken about four months ago)

In honor of National Down Syndrome Awareness month (October), we'd like to introduce CafeMom dedicatedrider, mom to the two cuties above. She has one child with Down Syndrome.

Today we're talking to this mom about her experience and daily life.

Photo by astralweeks

A sick toddler is no fun and with the cold/flu season looming, we need all the help we can get:

Olympic Papoose Board

Introducing ... a papoose board. An effective way to restrain a petrified and flailing child during a medical procedure.

OMG!

I had no idea they even made such things!

While I hate the idea of giving my child any kind of drug for otherwise quick and routine dental and medical procedures ... Hello, anesthesia! Maybe it's because I'm claustrophobic, but I would never consider restraining my child in a contraption like this, would you? Is it really more humane and less risky?

Photo by danswife28

I'm thinking something right now that I shouldn't, but with my kids heading back to school tomorrow, I can't help it:

"I can't remember the last time my childen were really sick."

There, I've said it. And now that I have, I know I'm doomed. A fever or sniffles will be waiting for me when I walk in the door. It's always the way.

Yet, I find it miraculous how long a stretch my kids can go without getting sick. You start to think they are done will illness forever. Then, just a few days into the school year ... bam! My little picture of health collapses into a ball of misery on the couch, refusing to eat or sleep ... and my husband and I are left scrambling to find child care.

Photo by stacy77

Moms of kids starting preschool or kindergarten for the first time this year have enough to worry about -- what to pack for lunch, adjusting to the new schedule, making sure their kids like their teachers and are making friends.

What a shame that some of these moms, just days into the new school year, are already dealing with the flu!

"My daughter started kindergarten on Monday in a pre-K through 1st grade school," says one CafeMom. "I just got a call from the school automatic call system to make us aware that they have three confimed cases of Swine Flu! I'm suppossed to get more info sent home with her today, but this has me freaked out ...

Photo by celticfaerie995

About 20 percent of kids ages 3 to 5 have an eye issue that if left untreated could lead to reduced sight when they're older, according to a recent article in Parents magazine. Seven clues that may require a visit to an ophthalmologist:

• Your child squints when looking at faraway objects.

• Your child rubs his eyes a lot or squints when looking at things close up.

• Not staying focused for long periods of time on drawing, reading, or playing on the computer.

Photo by The-Autism-Mom

When a friend told me that her five-year-old daughter needed to get a cavity filled, I thought "Why? Isn't the tooth going to fall out anyway?" The kid wasn't in any pain, explained my friend, but the dentist said it was important to fill the tooth to keep her gums healthy.

But just this week, a group of British researchers announced that it may not be necessary to fill decaying baby teeth.

Photo by Punkylu78

As babies, my kids had colds or some kind of illness all the time. During our most recent pediatrician visit, the doctor told me that the most important health concern for toddlers is not swine flu or other sicknesses but the chair, coffee table, and, well, pretty much everything.

"They are going to fall, bonk their heads, and everything else, a million times," he said. "Make sure they wear bike helmets, and try to keep them as safe as you can."

My daughter, now 4, got her first big boo-boo at 2. Another tyke at day care pushed her because she wouldn't relinquish a toy, and her lower lip and chin ended smack dab on the edge of a windowsill.

One and a half inch long slice along the bottom lip. Trip to the ER to meet the plastic surgeon. One long running stitch and lots of blood and screaming. Today, thank heavens, you can't even see a scar. Other moms know the drill:

The swine flu news is scary enough on its own -- and today reports that a Mexican 2 year old is the first victim in the U.S. So troubling, especially for toddler moms.

But just imagine the panic you'd feel if your toddlers were sick with flu-like symptoms this very moment.

CafeMom LoveMyMonkies, who has four kids ages 3, 5, 7 and 11, is worried that the swine flu is sweeping through her home. The kids' doctor can't say one way or another, but isn't taking the possibility seriously enough in light of all the facts, says LoveMyMonkies.

"I'm not sure if we have it, but based on the symptoms I would say we do," LoveMyMonkies says. "Right before I got sick, I had a lady from Mexico here cleaning my house, though I am not sure when she was in Mexico last.

"We've also been to San Antonio several times in the past month, because all the good stores and restaurants are there."

A safe swing!

Photo by NonnieJ

I remember my dad taking me by the wrists and helicoptering me around till I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe anymore. What a thrill!

My children love it too -- though it doesn't happen very often. I'm weak and they are heavy, but my husband still treats them to an airborne adventure every now and again.

David Beckham's toddler son, Cruz, obviously seems to enjoy the game as well -- click here to see a recent picture of David Beckham swinging Cruz by the legs.

By the way, it seems some people were bothered by this image, saying that the soccer star could have hurt is son.