Our journey through a prenatal Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) diagnosis and beyond

I wish it were possible to recognize at the beginning of our life’s story what an incredible journey we are truly on. If so, I would have sat down years ago and begun documenting all the ordinary and extraordinary events in this amazing life I have been blessed with. Sometimes, though, it may take just one more thing to open your eyes into the beauty of the life you have led and causes you to pause and truly count the blessings that are now so many they will never be enumerated.

If you are just joining us, please go back to September 2012 to get caught up.



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

3/21 is World Down Syndrome Day - huh?!?!

Like most of those reading this, I never knew this existed before our diagnosis with Owen.

But it makes perfect sense.  For every imaginable thing in this world there is a day (google it; it's fascinating-ish).  Did you know there is an international bacon day?!?  But although I love bacon, I do not care about its day.

I do care about World Down Syndrome Day now and my hope is that, through Owen and our family, you will too.

If you have a moment, take some time to visit the National Down Syndrome Society page to read all about what the day means and peruse the resources. I love how they chose March 21st or 3/21 to represent the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome (Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome). 

One thing I have come to learn over the past weeks is that a diagnosis of DS (or anything for that matter) can come with lots of assumptions.  It also comes with LOTS of misconception and misinformation.

As someone who might care about our family (if you put up with reading this blog you must like us a bit, at least!) I would love for you to better understand what we are up against with his diagnosis and, most importantly, that we really do not know what Owen's future holds (oh wait- that is just like the rest of us!).  We do not know, for certain, what tomorrow will look like.  Our kids are our life and we will continue to support and advocate them in any way possible.  It would mean a lot if you would take a moment and visit the page, too, and join us on this journey.

Kate and I are having a girl's night out to commemorate this first World Down Syndrome Day. Consider joining us on Thursday, March 21 (World Down Syndrome Day) from 6:00-9:00pm at The Social Canvas in Waukee, IA. $10 from each painter's fee ($35) will benefit our local GiGi's Playhouse in Des Moines. Let's make this "Paint for a Purpose" night an honor for Owen's first World Down Syndrome Day!

Here is the piece we will be creating:
http://www.thesocialcanvas.com/admin/paintings/September2220121130LovelogoLG.jpg 

Hoping some of you might join our family in learning more about Down syndrome and/or joining Kate and I on March 21st!

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