Oliver and Bee - Living Life With An Extra-Ordinary Chromosome

Dear new Mamma with an expectant or confirmed diagnosis of Down Syndrome for her baby, I see you. I see you feel as if you've been hit by a wall when your doctor delivers the news. I see your heart sink and you wonder, why me? I see you sit and overthink, research for hours on end. I see you worry. I see you cry, and grieve, for a baby you thought you had. I see your guilt, for feeling the way that you feel. I see you rub you belly, so in love, yet so distant, so scared. I see you watch and look at others with Down Syndrome, worried for what the future will bring your child. I see you smile when you feel those first kicks and rolls, but wonder, will my baby crawl? Walk? Talk? I see you feeling lost, like you have walked 1 step forward and 2 steps back. I see you hold it all together, I see bravery, love, kindness, and hope. I see a fierce woman, one that would still protect her baby with all of her being. I see you becoming the m...

When I found out I was going to be a mother, I didnt expect to be on the journey I am on. I didnt think this would be my life. Im not any stronger because of it. Im not "meant" to be the mother of a child with T21, it just happened! Having a child with T21 is both rewarding and heart wrenching. I see his struggle, and I see his strength. Hes my happy, loving, gentle, shy and courageous baby boy. He loves to splash around in the bath and make a mess with his food. He cries because he is tired and when hes in pain. He does all the things a typical baby does, but he also does more. He uses all his strength in each and every movement. He persists and never gives up, even though its hard. Hes thrown hurdle after hurdle, but he never stops jumping, running, untill he reaches the finish line. He suffers through pain only we can imagine. Did you know hes been poked and prodded with needles more than 100 times? He bares scars on his chest, his tummy, his little foot, hi...