Lincoln changed my life the second he entered this world. There is something about being a parent that changes you. Whether its the 9 months of living life as two people, having a belly stretched causing ever lasting tiger marks, the feeling of worry that you're not laying on the right side, the constant reminder of being hoofed in the ribs in the middle of the night, or you can't eat this, or the lack of wine at the dinner table.... theres something that starts with pregnancy that changes you. 
It wasn't until Lincoln was close to a year old that being a mom changed me even more. Maybe it was everything happening so quickly. Maybe it was the constant care, the feeling of being loved because of a whirl wind of events happening all at once, or the never ending tests that followed the diagnosis... I'm not sure, but it opened my eyes to a whole new way of appreciation. An appreciation for God, an appreciation for all that we had, and all that we had done. Sharing our story about what life is like for us as a family who has been nothing short of inspired by Down syndrome has been rewarding!! Sharing to show others that Lincoln is just a kid. a regular kid, who goes to a regular school, who eats regular food, does regular activities, sleeps in a regular bed, and has regular friends and family who accept him for him. He "just" has Down syndrome. An extra 21st chromosome in ever blood cell in his body. 
Even though nothing has changed ABOUT Down syndrome - I'm love how people have changed the way they SEE Down syndrome. That eyes have been opened, and they are included - and expected to be included. It boggles my mind that back in the day parents were given a choice after having a child born with Down syndrome. They could choose on taking the child home, or exclude them by sending them off to an institution - and unfortunately, by default, they were sent off. These parents were hardly given the opportunity to learn how to love a life that didn't have a perfect 'future' picture attached to it.
I'm so happy that these days, children with Down syndrome are
expected to do many things. That there are many educated assistance available to help us parents - in helping our children reach the same goals as others. I'm thankful they live at home, are expected to read and write, ride a bike and play sports, attend school and be included in the community. I'm thankful for those of the past who decided it was time to make a change in the way we all treat each other, the way we welcome each other, and the way we include one another. Lincoln has changed my life, and by sharing our story, I hope maybe I have helped change someone else's perspectives on what individuals living with Down syndrome are really capable of accomplishing. Change starts somewhere, so lets continue to be the change.
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