Happy 3-21 !!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!!  3-21 - March  (03) 21!  The day we get to celebrate all those individuals living with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome!
Amidst all of the chaos posted these days, I thought I should enlighten your scrolls past COVID-19, and maybe bring something joyful to read!
BUT .....  Holy jumping!!  Has it seriously almost been 3 years since my last post?!  My apologies!!  Obviously, that must mean its a good thing, as there hasn't been much to report - but I'm sure theres new news.  Im trying to think back to the 8th birthday (my last post)... He's currently almost (wait for it.....) "11" folks!   Currently in grade 5!  He started a new school in grade 4, and the transition went well.  Next year Parker will get to join him at the "middle" school!!  He is in a classroom with a little over a handful of other kids, and is getting the support he needs in there while learning life skills,  math, science and literature at his level, as well as being integrated with his peers for french and occasionally gym (he's stubborn...)  He has a love for cooking, and does really well with following recipes! (what a help!!!)
I still can't get over how fast time flies!!  While Parker (who's almost 9) would sooner not be seen with his mom (im still cool... i keep telling myself that anyway)...Lincoln allows me to hold his hand and bring him to his classroom everyday.  Which is an experience on its own.  We have to walk up stairs, past the cafeteria, down the hall to his locker, and he has a different fist pump with so many different people.  "who's that Linc" id say... followed up with "just my bud"  Its so warming.  Often my parents will say the same - if they take him to town when they're visiting... can't go out without someone saying "hey Linc".
He's such a lover, and reminds us far too often (ok, maybe not) that he loves us.
He has a few routines that NEED to be followed, and we get reminded of those OFTEN.  He knows what days what is supposed to happen - eg.  Monday and Thursday Parker goes to Karate,  Friday is chicken wing and french fries night - as well as watching a movie in bed.  Every night after dinner, he has to go in the hot tub, and on Saturdays he can have POP - or, basically everyday now since theres no school... but hey - live a little, right??  Onward with the POP story, its true, he has started to like sweets - and i mean started.  He likes pop, (only ginger-ale or sprite) and, he likes apple crisp!!  Thats new.  His dad requests a homemade apple crisp every year for his birthday (which just passed) and we convinced him to have a bite... while he quenched, and said it was "delicious" ... he did manage to help dad finish the rest of the pan!
He can often be found occupying himself.  He LOVES his "man house" i made him a couple of years ago, and colouring colouring colouring.  This past summer, we took a road trip with camper in tow to Alberta and back.  So, basically - this current self quarantine has been nothing if you consider we spent 2 weeks cooped up in a truck and camped out in walmart parking lots along the way... anyway, he coloured so many colouring books!

We love skiing (although if you asked Linc, he's say "no, I hate skiing" but he'd smile and sing the whole way down the hill EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.


Otherwise, Im not sure theres much else to say!  He's healthy, happy, and loving life!
And we're loving every minute along side with him.  (And his brother of course)

Thanks for reading!  I wish nothing but the best on everyone these coming weeks/months!
xo

Michelle - Lincoln's mom

The 8th Birthday

Dear Lincoln : Today you turned 8, and I can't believe it. They always say time flies when you're having fun... And... clearly... we must be having a blast!!  8 years with you in our lives has taught us so much, and we are oh, so proud of you. You are working so hard to accomplish things, and you don't let much stand in your way (besides your stubbornness.) Your personality could light up a room, and i'm sure you're the class clown. You love attention, and making people laugh. You have the warmest heart I know and you can never give enough hugs. When you're the first to say "Good night, I love you TOO" even before we do, we are certain that you feel how loved you are. Keep being you, because we can't wait to see what the future holds.
Love : Mom

Saying Goodbye To Summer

That time of year has come again.  Everyone says it.... but seriously!!  WHERE DOES THE TIME GO!!!   And in a blink of an eye, Lincoln is in grade 2!!!  And Parker already in Senior Kindergarden!!  I'm still trying to wrap my head around this!


We've had an enjoyable summer!  The weather was perfect, the beach was beautiful, and our days were eventful! We cut, split and stacked 2 tandem loads of logs, and although the days were hot, and the work was hard, my little "leaver boys" were a huge help!! (and always eager to make a little spending money.)

We got to spend most of our weekends at the beach, enjoying some company and relaxation.

We got to try some fun too!!  Tubing, Paddle boarding, sand castles, and just relaxing in the water.

So, we've had a bit of a fun summer i guess you could say.    Although we're sad to see it go, I know summers cant last forever, and the learning must go on.


This morning as we went about our lost routine of having a time limit on everything, I wasn't too sure where my head was at.  Grade 2 is kind of a big deal!  The other kids in Lincolns class just tower over him!  I'm happy with his teacher, but I cant seem to comprehend the lack of EA (Educational Assistant) support in his classroom.  Although Lincoln has never had a full time EA, there has always been one present in his classroom, until this year.  Grade 2.  I understand that He is a capable, well behaved child, but he is still behind his fellow peers when it comes to learning things.  He does have an IEP, but i can only imagine that somewhere during the school year, someone will be missing out on learning.  Whether it be the other students while the teacher attends to Lincoln, or it will be Lincoln because he cant keep up.

I'm sure that there is a rhyme and reason for this, and I can only hope that if and/when it comes time that he needs an EA back, it won't be much of a fight.  Its only fair.  For the meantime, I'm thankful for inclusionAt the end of the day, i'm happy to report their first day back was a success, and i'm sure bedtime will be a breeze.  Lincoln didn't chew a hole in his shirt (which he tends to do when he is overwhelmed),  managed to eat his whole lunch, wore the same clothes home as he did to school, and picked up some books at his teachers desk when things got to be too much for him.  He had one on one time with his teacher, and has followed the new routine with ease.  
I hope to report back with the same news.

HAPPY FIRST DAY BACK EVERYONE!!

Seeing past the "cute"

Today, March 21 ( 3 / 21 ) is World Down Syndrome Day.  The reason for this, as you may know, is because of the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that make up the genetic condition called Trisomy 21 (also known as Down syndrome).  Today is a day we join people all over the world.  We raise awareness, wear funky socks, and take the chance to educate others on what Down syndrome really is... and if you're lucky, you'll see lots of cute pictures and posts about people who have Down syndrome.

Here is a picture of Lincoln, climbing a rope at the park the other day.  Cute right?
I love cute pictures of kids with Down syndrome.

As Lincoln's advocate, I enjoy sharing on his cuteness because cute is the first step.  Cute gets noticed.  Cute helps you get past your stereotypes.  I love that people look at Lincoln, maybe notice Down syndrome, and then smile.

But then what?

All kids are cute, and easy to smile at.  So you notice, your eyes light up, and you walk away. You are no further educated than you were before he put a smile on your face.
So, I'm writing this because I want to raise awareness, and I want to change perceptions.  I want people to see Lincoln, and to know that our life is beautiful.  I want people to know that I am happy.  That Lincoln is happy, and We, as a family, are happy. The truth is, and I can say this because I am experienced... Down syndrome is so much more alike than different.  The impact of joy he has put in our lives is immeasurable.  Sure things aren't all rainbows and butterflies, but the positivity and energy and joy he has brought into our life far outweighs any of the challenges we have been through.

I share, and raise awareness because I don't want you to be like me.  I don't want it to take half a life time, and suddenly realize you're not the same person you were before Down syndrome entered your life.  I am 32 years old, and it took me that friggin long to learn what empathy really is.   I never actually put myself in the shoes of another person to understand how they feel. You see, before Lincoln was born, I didn't know what Down syndrome was.  I didn't educate myself, and I didn't care to.  But today, if you ask me what Down syndrome is - i could go on and on about the beauty, the loving, compassionate, rewarding, heart warming, charming, annoying, pestering, stubbornness, loving life impact that it has seriously had on my life.

Lincoln plays an important role, not only at home, but in his community.  I believe he has far more friends than I do.  We don't go anywhere - and I mean ANYWHERE without someone saying "Hi Lincoln"  and I love that.  Sure most of who say hi are kids, and kids are oblivious to Down syndrome at this age, BUT - its inclusion, and thats where it starts.  Its getting past the cute face, and the grin that gets him out of trouble time and time again, and seeing the ability.  Seeing his life has value and that just because he may be a little bit different, he is just as much the same.

So get past the cute face.  Learn a little.  Educate yourself.  Educate others.   Because I am convinced that with enough awareness, we can make a difference for the future.  So go on - and LOVE on Down syndrome.

Lincoln's first Track Meet!!

I write today with a heart full of pride. 

As I sit back, and look at the two ribbons on Lincoln's red school shirt, I can't help but to smile.  Today was Lincoln's first track meet.  

 And although i'm not too sure he really knew what was going on...

 He did great - and gave it his all with a smile.

 He participated in ball throw, 

 and ran the "special needs" 50 M dash.

 His brother accompanied him.

 Hand in hand.

 Lincoln's smile was PRICELESS!!

 He started cheering for himself even before the race was over!!  They crossed the finish line with the other participants, and got a first place ribbon!!!  (they came in second)

The reaction from Lincoln's personal fans, and from those who were along the sidelines was totally amazing.  

Even though the race only took a total of 22 seconds,  it was 22 seconds of ear to ear grinning, lumpy throat smiling, and a memory that will last forever. 

Way to go Lincoln!!!!! (and Parker too of course!!!)

Inclusion ROCKS!!

Inclusion rocks, and I just love it.  In the past 6 years, I have witnessed it.  In two different area codes.  Countless hours apart....   This tells me that things are not the way they used to be, and I couldn't be happier about it.

When Lincoln received his academic award at his old school - i really started to realize that inclusion was "in".  When we re-located,  and had to leave the school where everyone knew Lincoln, I was sad.  I was sad because I didn't know if we would ever get to witness something so amazing again in his new school.  I was sad because we had to leave all of Lincolns new friends who accepted him for who he was behind.  The truth is, I was sad because i was scared.  Scared of what to expect, scared of the un known, and scared of not having the same inclusion that we had previously experienced.  But, with all things, good things take time.  Last week we got to see Lincoln receive another award at his new school.   Character Role Model Award.  He was recognized for his important help in developing character - for making an impact in his class, school and community to make them a better place.  This.is.just.awesome. !!

I'll be honest with you that the sadness I felt after re locating stuck around for quite some time.  We went a couple of months of dropping him off, and picking him up, without anyone really acknowledging  him (or so it seemed).  I know I should have never expected him to fit in at the drop of a dime, besides, all the kindergarten kids had already made their friends at the start of the year - Lincoln was the 'new kid'.  It was a change.  He used to have kids line up waiting for him to get dropped off, kids who would help him off the bus and make sure he made it down the steps without falling and carry his back pack, followed by "BYE LINCOLN"  That was heart warming, and made the day to day thoughts of 'what ifs' disappear from my mind.

As we have been in this town for 5 months now, people are starting to get to know him.  We go to the park and the kids know Lincoln, we go to the grocery store and kids say hi to Lincoln.  His teacher takes the time every day to write down his daily activities, and always says good morning with a smile.  Kids pass by him in the hall and say hi.  Kids yell out of their car windows to say bye.  Kids is where it starts.  I truly feel everyone gets to benefit from having Lincoln around.  He welcomes us to know that just because you may be a bit different, doesn't mean you're not capable of being included.

I know it might not be easy to understand, but when your child is 6, and is hard to understand, and needs extra help doing certain things his fellow peers can do independently, inclusion is kind of a big deal.  and I love it.  You're only as different as you make yourself.

Thank you to everyone who is part of Lincolns life - for including him for the true joy is brings to life.

Keep on shining Lincoln.  You light up my world more than words can ever say.

What Living With Down Syndrome Has Taught Me - WDSD 2015

Its almost World Down Syndrome Day!!   March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) every year  (because March is the 3rd month, and on the 21st day - 321 - 3 copies of the 21st chromosome).  Everyone around the world takes this day to celebrate the individuals who live with Down syndrome.   So we will be celebrating.  Celebrating all that Lincoln has taught us.  Celebrating differences, celebrating abilities, and just celebrating everything that he is and has to offer.  

Lincoln has taught me oh SO much during his short little life so far.  Most of all, patience.  I used to get "rushy" or "pushy" when it would take him forever to do something I know he can do, but I've come to terms - that thats what is actually slowing him down.  Don't rush him.  Just don't.  Simply because... you can't.  He has always stood on that top step, gathering his balance, singing a song - or contemplating something in his head before he takes that first step down.  Not only that, but he takes his time coming out of school, takes his time going to the bathroom, takes his time getting in the car and walking from point A to point B... just to name a few.   I have patience.  And a great deal of them.  I have invested hours and hours of time just waiting.  But that's ok.  The amount of time Lincoln has invested in and walking and talking and everything else he tries extra hard going, gives me even more reason to have these patience.  Besides, now we literally get to live in, and enjoy every single moment.

Lincoln has taught me what family really means - unconditional love.  If you would have asked me 6 years ago, if this was the family I had envisioned,  I would have said no.  It may not be the life I dreamed of, but its way more beautiful than the life I had in my dreams.  The joys we endure, and the things we accomplish as a family far out weigh the pain we have ever had to go through.  We have a real kind of love, and its deep.

Lincoln has taught me acceptance...and with acceptance, it leads to awareness.  When we accept one another as equal, our perspectives become real.  We can learn from one another.  We can listen to one another and respect each other.  We can allow ourselves to be aware of others experiences - instead of judging by what we see.
Its taught me not to stare at the child having a tantrum in the grocery store.  Not to stare at the person in the wheel chair.  And not to stare at someone who may look a little different to you.  We all deserve acceptance.   Learn to love everyone or at least tolerate it.  Everyone deserves a chance to be happy.

Lincoln has taught me to never give up.   He is such an inspiration to be the best and bring the best to everything.  He has worked so hard to get to where he is today.  His determination to do things he wants to do has not only inspired me, but many other people around him who have been with us on our journey.  His life has impacted so many other lives in his young 6 years.  He inspires others to do good.  He shows the world how full of light and love he is.  He brings happiness to not only to us, but to those he is around.   He has honestly pushed us to be better people.  To see that the grass isn't greener on the other side.  Its all in what you give.

So, Lincoln... I want to thank you.  Thank you for teaching me patience, acceptance, unconditional love, and to be the best me I can be.  Thank you for teaching me the things it sometimes takes people an eternity to learn.

So, on March 21, I am inviting you to help celebrate with us.  Wear your funky socks, share an article about Down syndrome, read something about it.  Tell someone how Lincoln has impacted your life - or someone else you know who happens to have Down syndrome.  Acceptance starts with us.   And celebrating is a great start.

HAPPY WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!!

Sharing the Joys

Having Down syndrome in our life is nothing short of an adventure.  But, then again, being a parent is nothing short of an adventure.  There is no written 'right' and 'wrong' guide that comes along with it.   Theres the constant wondering if you're doing things right, or if you are raising them properly, or maybe they're not doing things they should already doing.  I often wonder if I am doing the right thing.  If I'm a good mom.  If my kids will have awesome memories of me when they get older.  Sure, people tell me I'm inspirational, and that Lincoln was a gift from God (which he undoubtedly is... but so is every child) and some may think they could never do what I do,  but I don't consider myself a supermom - simply because I am not.  I'm just a mom doing the best I can.   When I think of the numerous doctor visits and struggles we hit along the way, I wonder if I did the best I could, I still wonder if maybe Lincoln could have been diagnosed sooner than he did, and if he would have thrived more as an infant had he've been.  But I know God had a plan, and this was part of it.  Everything that happened, seemed to have worked the way they did.  We never really struggled and even though there were tough days, and weeks... everything still turns out.

Having two boys, one who happens to have Down syndrome has opened my eyes to a beauty I hope you can understand.  Truth is, I don't look at my life as being 'different'.  I don't know it any other way.  I have been blessed to be on this journey, and an opportunity to share the positives that come along with living with Down syndrome.  Lincoln will be 6 years old next month.  How he has gotten so big so fast is beyond me, but I assure you, I haven't lost count.  He has taught me so much in his 6 years, much more than anyone could have ever taught me.  In the beginning, this whole thing was brand new, and yes, sort of scary.  But I want you to know how his love for life, compassion for living, and his interest in learning goes so much further than all of that. 

I dream of a world that includes, and embraces every individual for who they are.  Both of my boys are everything I could have ever hoped for in children.  Lincoln is so much stronger than I could ever be.  He has a kind heart, and a happy loving life attitude.  I know a Down syndrome diagnosis may be arise a bunch of questions and cause confusion to a pregnant mom, and be scary for a new mom who's "perfect child" dream takes a turn, but Down syndrome is much more than the stereotypes.  If only we could get rid of the stereotypes that are out there, and replace them with all of the things that Lincoln is beyond them so that we can enjoy the positives they have to offer.  

Today is Spread the Word to End the Word day.  I don't mean to say the R-word (retard/retarded) is about pin pointing individuals, and I'm not going to try and control the things that you say, but its an opportunity to educate and spread awareness so you can learn that its just not ok, and the word hurts  So please, think before you speak.

Take the pledge at to end the R-word at www.r-word.org  -  Lincoln thanks you. 

New Year, New Things.

Happy New Year!!

Just a little bit has changed since my last blog (...I'm kidding...)  I started a post shortly before the big move, but alas, never finished it.   As I thought about the 5 hour move, and all of the changes that come along with it - I was reminded on how special this journey is.  We have met a bunch of amazing people along the way, but along with that came a bunch of bitter sweet goodbyes.  When we moved a little over a year and a half ago, we left a good handful of helping hands, and to be honest, I wasn't sure how we would adapt to a whole new set of wonderful people.  Truth is, We are lucky.  Lincoln is an easy going, well adjustable, fun loving kid, and anyone who meets him would agree.  He adjusts well, isn't too shy, and basically 'fits in' where ever he goes.  We are lucky in the fact that he had an amazing first experience in school.  He was welcomed into a school where inclusion was their theme.  A school that treated everyone the same, and who recognized individuals on a monthly basis for their extra umph, extra caring nature, and extra effort made to share love and show respect to all individuals. Obviously, on his last day, his class was sad.  Lincoln was the 'class clown', or the 'popular' kid not only in his class, but his school.  It amazes me just how many people knew who Lincoln was.  Almost every trick or treater we had said hi to him, it seemed everybody in the halls knew him, and apparently, everybody waved to him during their christmas concert for the school!!   Just knowing how welcomed he was, and how inclusive his experience was at the old school - has only made my expectations on what to hope and strive for in the new school, and I will do whatever I can to make it just as amazing as the last.  With that being said,  I wasn't exactly excited for the move and yet another change.  But, we put our trust in God, and follow the path he has already set for us.  Sometimes its interesting the way life goes.

We are back to the same place we called home for the first 6 years of our marriage, the place where both of our boys were born, the place that we had for sale, but never sold.  And while everything sort of makes sense now, we know why we were brought to the same town with my awesome sister and family, the awesome school and all of the awesome friends we made along the way.  As we said our goodbyes, We can confidently say Lincoln left some sort of an impression on people there.  Whether it was through those he met along the way,  the hearts he touched, or the people he helped.   We enjoyed advocating, and sharing the joys he brings... I love that even though he is only 5, he.changes.people.  He changed teachers, students, and parents all the same.
As we look to the future, and Lincoln's shining spirit, we already know everything is going to be alright.  He has such a loveable spark about him.  Its nice to know he will be walking around with familiar faces around him.  He will get to share recess with some of his older cousins (whom the boys can't get enough of).  He will be in a regular classroom with an EA present within the class already.  I'm sure the transition will go smoothly, and so far, things have.  We have all of our stuff, most of it out of boxes (ok, well, over half at least....)  The boys love their room, and being back at the 'old house' - though Parker says he doesn't remember it at all.  Lincoln's first day will be on Tuesday, and we can only pray everyone will accept him, though i have no doubt.

In Medical news, Lincoln's tubes are out of his ears (which is great news because we are going to the Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow - yay no ear plugs!!), and his ears were still clear while he was fighting a cold!  (thats great news), and he scored 100% on his hearing test!   We also have Lincoln's old cardiologist looking at the results from his last ECHO as it is not common for there to be a residual leak this far after surgery - which was present in in ECHO he has preformed at the end of November.  He is being referred back to his old paediatrician and we have our old family Dr.  Its comforting to be with those who are already familiar with him and know his history.

Theres Lincoln in the 2015 Canadian Down Syndrome Society's Calander!!

We are no doubt excited about this New Year, and new school.  Keep shining Lincoln.  You are doing such amazing things.

Wishing you all the best for 2015!  Thanks for reading :)

Down Syndrome in Kindergarten

As if 31 days of straight blogging wasn't enough!!!  Maybe I'm going through some withdrawal here... But, I had to share my day with you all.  November 1-7 is National Down Syndrome Awareness Week (as you may know) in Canada.  I thought about going another 7 days of talking about it, but I figured - after 31 days, you're probably getting a bit bored of it.  Anyhoo....  Lincoln has a great teacher - just throwing that out there.  When we met with her, and the ECE worker in his class a couple of days before school started, she informed me that she played a bit of the 'pick me pick me' scenario to have Lincoln in her class.  Having said that, she just so happens to have a niece who has Down syndrome.  When she found out Lincoln would be attending, she knew she wanted him.  And I'm so glad she did.  Knowing that off the bat , she got him.  She was familiar with it.  Hands on.  Lincoln has been learning so much in school and is very accepted by his peers, and is understood and included in everything (ahem... well, everything until last week... He no longer has the freedom to play in the non fenced in playground area at school - which just so happens to have a park - because he ran to the parking lot 3 times (50 feet away mind you) - and for the record, I completely understand).  BUT, for the most part, he is included.  When his teacher asked me if I would come to the class this week to talk to the students about Down syndrome for Canada's awareness week - I said yes.
I got to witness the morning routine in Lincoln's class this morning.  From the drop off, to the bell ringing, to getting undressed and emptying back packs, to them writing their names - at assigned chairs, then grabbing a book and patiently waiting for the national anthem and morning announcements.  Even though they were thrilled to have a 'new' student (a.k.a. Parker) in their class, they were amazingly well behaved - especially since he was "Lincolns brother!"  Lincoln was one of the rest.  He traced his name : L-i-n-oOOl, followed by a free hand L-i, and then proudly wavied it in the air saying "I wrote my name".  Then he got up,  grabbed a book, said "hi mom (turned to Parker) -  Parker, grab a book - sit" and sat - ready for circle time.  He knew what to do.  And he did it, quite quick!  They then sang an ABC song with letters and sounds.  Lincoln was recognized for doing an amazing job sounding all the letters, and he totally got his "F" sound PERFECTLY! (which we have been working on).   They did some reading, about having a special guest (which they said was Parker, but his teachers called the guest a her - either way...)  Then it was ME time.  I was quite nervous about what to talk about to be honest with you, but after much thought and research on the appropriate thing for that age group, I came across a few books.  None of which were available at any indigo's in the city!!  I did find a book on differences, then bought a book from an online book store called "my friend Isabelle"  Its a book about a boy who has a friend named Isabelle.  He mentions that in some ways they are different, but they still like to do the same things.  He is tall, she is short, he runs fast, she takes her time, they eat snacks, play at the park, dance, etc. together.  Isabelle happens to have Down syndrome, and I thought the book explained everything I needed to say.  Not too many questions were asked (I'm kind of thankful for that).  After the book, we did some discussing, then an activity I found online that involved marshmallows.  I think thats where I won them over, because they were SO interested in everything!!  They were having a blast!!  They put a marshmallow in their mouths and we sang the ABC's.  When the song was done, they enjoyed their marshmallows (yes - even Lincoln  - had.a.lick.  yup.  not kidding), and said "that was hard!!"  The example was to give a bit of an explanation as to why its much harder for Lincoln to talk, and how they really had to work hard to be able to say the alphabet with a mouth full.   Then they wrote their names with socks on their hands for the same purpose.  Some did quite well, but others admitted to a struggle.  Then we read another story that talked about why its ok to be different - called  "Its OK to be different"  I also printed a little thing for the kids to take home in their agenda (see pic below). Lincolns note home today said that they all loved it, and were very happy I could come in to talk with the class, and the note was sent home with each classmate.   Im so glad the kids had a blast, and I loved being able to witness Lincoln in a classroom situation with a whole bunch of other kids.  He made me so proud.   I honestly couldn't be happier.  So a big Thank you to Lincoln's school for letting this happen.

More 'ups' than 'downs'

Well, I did it, 31 days of blogging,  and only 1 re-post.  The harsh reality of it is... now its NOVEMBER!!!   When I first entered the world of Down syndrome almost 5 years ago, I really had no idea what kind of journey I would be on.  As I was thinking back to when it all started last night, it came to me that i really was unaware of the 'reality' during the time when we first received his diagnosis.  I was blank - and I know that I can't blame myself for that.  There were so many things going through my mind in 2 days, that it was impossible for anything to really sink in.  It was like a constant "OK God... whats next..." my mind was just too busy trying to figure out everything.  Everything was so new to me as a mom and i didn't know what to expect next.. In 2 days, my mind juggled Down syndrome, pneumonia - what are normal oxygen levels anyway... why are we in an ambulance, how does my baby have a heart murmur - his heart has been "healthy" for 10 months - or has it..., x rays, blood work, new doctors, nurses walking into our room with masks and gowns because we were quarantined, why are we not allowed to leave the room, am I pregnant again, when do we get to go home... it was just so much, that nothing really set in.  We were surrounded by people who cared.  People who knew what was in the best interest for Lincoln... and after the 5 days we spent in the hospital Down syndrome just didn't matter to us.  Pneumonia was cleared.  His heart got 'fixed'.  Blood work results never came back (that's a good thing), we were home, and I was in fact pregnant again, only to lose the baby 2 weeks later.   God certainly had his way of testing me.  Testing my faith and hitting me hard with every single thing that had happened  all at one time.  But,   really, God is the one who got me through it!   When I started reading up about Down syndrome, I recall coming across a post where a mom of a new born was telling her story.  From a diagnosis to pneumonia to heart surgery.  I cried as I read her post, as I thought 'I couldn't even imagine going through all of that...' only to realize that, yes, that was me... I did go through that, only my baby wasn't a new born.   

I wasn't really ever bothered about the fact that Lincoln wasn't diagnosed right away.  Sure, I questioned it, but who wouldn't?    I went through 25 hours of labour, the nurses were switching shifts just as Lincoln made his grand appearance, and maybe each nurse thought the other nurse did the regular screening of the hands and feet or whatever.  I don't really know - nor do I care.  My life has Down syndrome in it, and I couldn't be enjoying this journey any more than I am.  I remember being so excited shortly after we got home from the hospital.  Excited because every new milestone was going to be something so majour, and there was not an ounce more of love that I had left to give - he was getting it all.  There are even days where Down syndrome doesn't cross my mind.  We are who we are.  We are loved by all those that matter, and in most cases, Lincoln is respected and accepted.   His life is not much different than any other.  Sure, he is seen by a paediatrician twice a year - when he is not sick, and he has tubes in his ears that are preventing him from constant ear infections and build up,  but that's so he can thrive with speech.   Sure he has therapy to help him, and there are yearly blood tests, but that's just to rule out common illnesses that can be associated with Down syndrome like thyroid problems and leukaemia.  We don't know much different,  and we will take it.  If all of this means Lincoln will be the best he can be - and if all of that means research has come this far and even farther, i WILL take it.   

After reading all of that - you're probably wondering how i can say that there have been more ups than downs...   Lincoln came into this world to make a difference.   By sharing our story.  By speaking in front of people.  By writing an article for  Right to Life...I'm pretty sure we are making a difference somewhere.  All because someone like Lincoln is proof enough to me that even though we have been down, we have experienced many more ups.  We are here to make a change.  To show how having an extra chromosome doesn't define who you are or what you can be.   His family loves him, we love him,  his friends and school love him, his therapists love him, but whats even more - God loves him.  He was created just the way he was meant to be.  We love our life, and all that has been brought in to it - thanks to Down syndrome.  Our therapists aren't just therapists, they're friends.  Our doctors aren't just people, they're educated, and they prove to show they care.  

Even though today is technically day 31, we really should never stop raising awareness.  I bother with all this awareness because I want people to be so aware of Down syndrome that one day we just won't see it anymore.  I wish it to be no big deal so that when you meet Lincoln, or any other individual with Down syndrome,  you will see them for who they are, and not what you think they are going to be like thanks to stereotypes.  I want you to see his beautiful eyes, his awesome sense of humour, and all of his love for life.  Together we can accept.  We can show love and respect.  We can trust, listen to, understand, and defend Down syndrome.    Because inside Lincoln is a force so powerful, its infectious. 






Thank You!!!

Down syndrome Proud

Today I am brought here with happy tears, and although I could have said that every day,  today is different.  Today I got to experience something I will never forget.  

We will for surly be
framing this bad boy.

A moment that grandparents, cousins, and an aunt all got to witness with me.  Today is the day Lincoln got to walk up in front of the whole school to receive his academic award.   

I am proud because he was not shy and waved proudly when he spotted us in the crowd. I had immeasurable amounts of pride as we watched him proudly smile, and acknowledge he was awarded for being an amazing student.  

I'm so proud of who he is and what he has accomplished. I feel great waving back and showing the world that yes, HE IS MINE!!  And it doesn't stop there.  

It warms my heart knowing that Lincoln is included in everything that his school and class does.  He has friends who love him when he is there, and who also miss him when he is not.  He has value there.  His teachers work hand in hand with us, and it is obvious that he is making some serious strides - hence the award.  

I am happy he is my son, and that he shows me such wonderful things about life.    






Who would have thought, that this little guy who is 3'4" and 5.5 years old would make his family this proud.  He has worked so much harder than anyone else in his life already, and getting acknowledged for improving proves to show that he just wont to stop. 

Every single day I have more and more reasons to be proud of him.   Proud of the little guy who just because he doesn't speak clearly, know how to tie his shoes, or button his coat... yet he never gives up on trying.  He greets everyone with pride, and is just as proud of himself as he should be.  Congratulations Lincoln.  I feel blessed to have you as my son, and to be surrounded by awesome people who believe in, and don't underestimate YOU and all you have to offer.

Yes, It was costume day.  I bought Lincoln a new shirt for today, but I guess he wanted to be superman.  And what better day to be superman than today.  LOVE