What is His Fascination with Markers?

At least he found my missing markers for me!

Down Syndrome Prejudice

People seem to get a little weird when you mention Down syndrome. When my son was born, I was thrilled that he was alive and so grateful he didn't have some of the complications that he could've had. I was happy to have a newborn, with that newborn smell, and loved to snuggle with him. Yet, some thought it was such a bummer to have a child like mine. I had one person express sympathy because I had a child with DS. Others whispered about him as if it was some sort of sin that he'd been born with an extra chromosome. Mostly, people were just relieved that they didn't have to deal with a child with DS.

I'm sure it's because people fear what they do not understand and many times, that fear leads to prejudice. People jump to conclusions and make assumptions that simply are not true. I'm not sure how to dispel those notions. I don't know how to show people that my son is wonderful. He's healthy, he's full of life, and most of all, he's happy. What more could I ask for?

While the world may judge him to have handicaps and disabilities, I can see beyond that. I can see who he is inside, I can see his soul. I only wish I could help others to do the same.

Down Syndrome Association Website

I have created a new website about Down syndrome. The address is www.downsyndromeassociation.org.

Please share the link with anyone who might be interested. I'm hoping to educate people about what Down syndrome really is and how it can be a positive thing.

Please, feel free to comment on the site and help me to improve it.

Future Baker

Any guesses what my sweet, adorable, curious, and ever-so-innocent son did while my back was turned?

Extra C

In celebration of the National Down Syndrome Awareness Month I have created this video, Extra C. Please help me spread the message that every child is a gift, even if the wrapping is a little different.

Thank you for helping me to change attitudes about Down syndrome. Enjoy the video. The music was composed and played by C.S. Bezas, an incredibly talented and creative artist. Please visit her website www.csbezasmusic.com to hear more of her beautiful music.

Embrace the Person Inside

This is Down Syndrome Awareness month. I didn't even know it existed until about a week ago. I think it's a step in the right direction because so many people still harbor misconceptions about DS.

Kids with DS are like kids without DS. They like to run and play. They laugh, cry, and get mad. They have favorite toys, songs, and TV shows. They have talents. They also have some challenges, but what kid, or adult for that matter, doesn't? We all struggle with something. Wouldn't it be nice if we all looked pass each other's struggles and embraced the person inside? The world would certainly be a better place.

In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness month I am working on a short movie about my son that I plan to post to YouTube. I'll keep you updated in case you'd like to view it.

My Son

When my son was first born, he looked a little different from my other children because my other kids all had quite a protruding nose bridge. His was rather flat. I only held him for a few minutes before the doctor came in and told me that he had some characteristics of DS and I should think about testing him.

We later found out that he did, indeed, have the extra chromosome (though I've never actually seen the test or the testing doctor's comments). That first few weeks after the diagnosis while I wondered what it would mean to our family, I can remember holding my new son in my arms and looking into his eyes. Each time I held him, I feel more deeply in love with him. Though I didn't expect a diagnosis of DS, I found it really didn't matter to me because I loved my son so completely, I knew everything would work out somehow.

And it has. He is such a wonderful boy. He has such a funny and fun personality. He makes me laugh all the time. He's learning and growing. Our family wouldn't be the same without him and every day I am so grateful he's my son.