out of the closet. told you i would share

[NandaB]

October is a month of awareness; according to Wikipedia there are 31 commemorative topics for October. Thirty one! So if I had to guess, I would say most people probably have some type of personal connection to at least one of these issues. For Scott and I there is one that is as personal as it can get. October is DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH and our son Wesley has Down syndrome.

We had prescreening tests done when I was pregnant which indicated a high possibility that he had Down syndrome, however we didn't know for sure until after he was born. Luckily Wesley is a strong little guy, and although he had a bit of a rocky start, he is doing so, so well. Although no one knows what impact Down syndrome will have on Wesley's future, he is healthy and is making great progress now, and that's what matters. Anyone who knows Wesley knows that he is happy, determined, inquisitive, loving, curious and laid-back (not to mention adorable!), and he is going to be just fine.

I was having a tough time articulating my complicated thoughts and feelings on the matter, but I wanted to try: Yes, it's kind of scary to not know what the future holds (but really, who does?); no, I don't mind talking about it and answering questions (seriously); yes, we really are doing well (outnumbered, and sometimes exhausted, but otherwise perfectly ok); yes, he is a special blessing, but no more or less than my other children. Its hard to say out loud: My baby has Down syndrome. But, its true. He also has beautiful blue eyes, a crazy curl in his hair, a firm grip, and a smile that can light up a room- you get the idea. It was important to me that we share this news with you because we are not embarrassed, ashamed or otherwise distraught about it. Our kid has Down syndrome. He just does. I hope you can understand why it was too difficult for us to tell each of you personally, but we wanted you to know because its not a secret, and we're not (too) sad.

I found this video. Its beautiful and demonstrates perfectly the future I envision for my son , while explaining Down syndrome in a straightforward way: Just Like You- Down Syndrome

Thank you all for your support.


*in case anyone wants to learn more I like the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles website: www.dsala.org

[NandaB]

m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL0cqfcabQMWnhokc9F76eOCnENI3a_L6g&v=5M--xOyGUX4

That's the link to the video, in case anyone is interested

[gastro]

Parents like you on this board are one of the reasons I am a better parent.

[lala]

Loved your post! Hope you are getting happy & supportive responses. And that "coming out" feels good to you. You guys rock.

[usm]

Awesome and so eloquent. Much better than my random NPC facts I keep posting for awareness month.

Have you been inundated with comments/questions yet?

[lexus]

You are an incredible mom to all three of your children. I hope you get nothing but supportive feedback.

[NandaB]

lala I really am getting such great feedback. I'm lucky to have such great people in my life, including all of you guys.

I will forever be grateful to you all for the support and kind words you have given my throughout this journey. From that day last July when I was waiting in the doctors parking lot for my appointment, to the days following that when I was still processing the news, and the times I've just been feeling down. I am so lucky to have this bunch of internet strangers. So thank you all.

[NandaB]

Oct 27, 2015 19:06:00 GMT -5 usm said:

Awesome and so eloquent. Much better than my random NPC facts I keep posting for awareness month.

Have you been inundated with comments/questions yet?

Only with picture request from a bunch of crazies

[stoptalking]

I'm new here and just jumping in, wanted to say this is beautiful! I don't know you but you seem like an amazing mom!

[usm]

Oct 27, 2015 19:10:50 GMT -5 NandaB said:

Oct 27, 2015 19:06:00 GMT -5 usm said:

Awesome and so eloquent. Much better than my random NPC facts I keep posting for awareness month.

Have you been inundated with comments/questions yet?

Only with picture request from a bunch of crazies

Well you can't describe a beautiful baby and not show him off.

[NandaB]

Oct 27, 2015 19:17:20 GMT -5 stoptalking said:

I'm new here and just jumping in, wanted to say this is beautiful! I don't know you but you seem like an amazing mom!

Welcome, feel free to jump in and compliment me whenever your want to

[Deleted]

That's really really lovely. You did a great job!

[NandaB]

Oct 27, 2015 19:18:04 GMT -5 usm said:

Oct 27, 2015 19:10:50 GMT -5 NandaB said:

Only with picture request from a bunch of crazies

Well you can't describe a beautiful baby and not show him off.

Happy to oblige

[NandaB]

Also, because Natalie is a riot

[lexus]

When did they get so big?! They are all adorable.

[lala]

Natalie, especially, looks so big! And W…so cute.

[lala]

Not that G isn't adorable, too! Can't leave anyone out.

[jag01]

You make beautiful babies! Isn't it time for #4?

[ashb62]

That was perfect! And your kids are beautiful (but you already knew that)

[cna]

Awww pictures! Totally worth being called crazy.

[dizzycooks]

OMG I'm sorry, your kids cannot be that big. Not possible. G is such a boy! So adorable And yes, great post. I was proud of you for posting it when I saw it earlier.

[penguingrrl]

What a beautiful post! And man are al three of your kids beautiful!

[Deleted]

Pretty kids!!

[vettymama]

What a wonderful post! W has an amazing bright future. You are the parent that will make sure he gets every opportunity to shine and be a part of something. My SIL is 23 with Downs and my MIL cannot believe all the support there is now! It's all because of parents like you and your DH. Great job!

[mamaalysson]

That was the most sincere and beautiful thing I have read all day. And your children are gorgeous, all three of them. But, holy cow, I fell like W could just see right into your soul with those eyes. Melting over here.

[Deleted]

I can't even put it into words, but that was so touching. I'm proud of you without even knowing you! And your kids are adorable. Good job all around.

[NandaB]

Oct 27, 2015 19:48:14 GMT -5 jag01 said:

You make beautiful babies! Isn't it time for #4?

Hahahahahahahahaha. Ha.

[jnksmom]

That was a beautiful post and you have adorable kids!

[thecheshirekat]

That was really lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[iheartthe80s]

Such a beautiful post. I love the pic! Everyone looks so big. And G looks really blonde!