Who I Am

A note from Owen...

I am squishy.

I am strong.

I am cuddly.

I am ME!

A note from mom...
The thing I wish everyone would understand about people with DS is that that they are PEOPLE!  Each of my four children has had issues that have come up. 
 
My oldest was born 8 weeks early and spent 30 days in the NICU.  She has 46 chromosomes. 
 
My second child was diagnosed with failure to thrive just after his first birthday because of eosinophilic esophagitis due to food allergies. We spent 4 years working with specialists across the country and undergoing many endoscopies to get him well.  He has 46 chromosomes.
 
Our third child has milk, egg and peanut allergies and requires an EPI pen and special diet. He also happened to break his leg at 17 months and required a cast.  He has 46 chromosomes.
 
Then there is Owen.  He was induced due to pericardial effusion. Upon arrival, he was cleared of heart issues but did develop pulmonary hypertension.  He spent only 6 days in the NICU and came home on oxygen (which he was on for 2 weeks). At 2 1/2 months, he sleeps, poops and eats. He is a baby taking in the world around him.  He has 47 chromosomes.
 
All children come with challenges and I am sure we will have more to come with each of our kids.  Our plan:  keep our eyes towards the future and grow kids who will be successful, happy adults. In the meantime, we will take each moment as they come and enjoy our family.