To Save Down Syndrome

There is a lot of sadness and outrage in my world.  My world of loving parents whose children happen to have an extra chromosome.

Our society is making choices that may very well wipe out down syndrome from our country, even our planet. Early testing for down syndrome is not bad in itself. However, giving that news without necessary support or information may lead to more babies with down syndrome being terminated.

See, we want everyone to get it. Get that Down Syndrome is not a terminal disease or a curse. That through time, we as parents, have come to realize that we wouldn't change it if we could.

We want everyone to know, that if you are grieving because you found out your unborn child will have down syndrome, its going to be okay.

There is Hope.

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One tiny chromosome. It starts with one microscopic anomaly. That is all it takes to affect the fate of a child. One chromosome multiplies and becomes a terrifying diagnosis, one that creates gaps near impossible to bridge.

Because, when you have a child with down syndrome, they will struggle in many ways. Guaranteed.

They will struggle to develop.

To speak.

To fit in.

To be seen for who they are and not what they have.

So, you are left to wonder, is it worth it?

Picture yourself sitting in the hospital room. A joyous moment has been stolen from you, your excitement has been ransacked by terror. As you sit in the dark places of your heart, what thoughts will run through your mind?

Can I accept this child?

Will I live my life wishing that they were something else?

Is a life with down syndrome a life worth living?

Perhaps the only people who can answer this is those with down syndrome. If you look around, you might realize that they have answered. Elina's blog is only one in thousands.

Lily on A Perfect Lily

Kamdyn on Life is Beautiful

Noah on Noah's Dad

Nella on Enjoying the Small Things

All these children are showing us everyday that, yes, a life with down syndrome is worth living.

So is my girl. With every smile. Every triumph. Every breath.

These voices need to be heard. Not just by those who find out at birth that their child has down syndrome. By those who find out from a blood test, too. Yes, they need to hear the scary statistics about complications and the truth about what lies ahead. Should expecting parents also hear the upside of down?

 I want them to know that individuals with down syndrome are beautiful, valuable, worthy of life.

All things that are worth while are hard. Life with down syndrome is no different.

I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't snip of those extra chromosomes, even if I could. Down syndrome has changed us all for the better.


If God chose down syndrome for Elina, who am I to challenge that?


Because, its not random, not an error.

It is a gift. The gift that seemed at first like a curse. The gift that I didn't know I needed, until it was mine.

I daily have to figure out that life isn't about being easy or smooth. Life is about making something beautiful out of the ashes of loss and complication. One day she will know that she is different. One day she will face others who only see a disorder and not who she is. On those days I pray that she hears a voice deep within that reminds her that she is beautiful, precious, and unique.

She wasn't made to blend in. I wouldn't want her to waste her time trying to be "normal". Instead, I wish that she will be able to look in the mirror and say these words,

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" 

(Psalm 139:14a)

...and I pray we can say it with her.

Elina: One Year of Hope (and counting...)

Intentions to update the blog have slipped in the wake of a flood of birthday parties, big milestones, and way too many hours on the road.

Elina turned one on the first, and we are filled to the brim with memories and special moments of the big event.

(A big thanks to my cousin, Jessica, for capturing some shots that I was too "busy" to take)It seemed like her birthday almost snuck up on me. This is odd to say, considering I put more hours into working on her birthday party than I care to admit. The truth is, I was so caught up in trying to make it special that I almost forgot that it already is special. Her first birthday is a time to remember the blessing, pain, and miracles that occurred on that unforgettable day one year ago. 
Here are just a few things that I have learned this year1. Life is terribly, wonderfully surprising.2. Down Syndrome is not the end of the world3. You can choose to love, and when you do, that love transforms brokenness into joy4. A child is not meant to be a reflection of how smart, talented, or beautiful you are. They are not clay to be molded into what we think is right or good. They are gifts.5. Blue eyes, tan skin, and dusty brown hair is a breath-taking combination6. A child's smile can be addicting. Once you get one, you will do anything to get more7. God had more planned for me than I ever had planned for myself8. Great suffering and loss is the key to thankfulness and joy, because you learn what is important and the value of the things most taken for granted9. It is time to lose my expectations, my doubts, and my worries10. Hope is essential

Elina, showing off her birthday spoils

Cousin Jazzy and Elina having some much needed bonding time

Elina's friends and family from Kansas and Colorado all helped create this memory for us

Big Milestones

Elina has scored big time in the development department. When you have a child with developmental delays, you become so in tune to every bit of progress. We are proud of our little (I mean big) girl who is now sitting like a pro. She also took her first steps with our help, so she can practice walking around the house. Really, she is just gaining a lot of strength and control all over her body. We are excited for Elina and can't wait to see what these next few months will bring.

Here is a little video of Elina, a day after her eye surgery. She is getting so strong!

We are heading to the great KC in a couple weeks to find out how well her surgery has straightened her eyes. She is already focusing a lot better, and we are hoping for the best!

Giving the constitution a little love for America's B-day  (kind of its B day, not really, I think)

Thank you for sharing our blog with us. I hope that you get out of it at least half of what it gives me to create it. It means so much that you care so much about our little family, for our big girl.