December 31, 2009 3:24 PM
Welcoming a baby with Down syndrome
Left as a comment on a MommyLife post Baby with Down syndrome: What do you do? What do you say?
hii would just like to say that what you have written is so comforting and has made my day feel so much better, im 22 years old and yesterday i was told that my baby growing inside of me is very high chance of having down syndrome- since then every person i have confided in has replied with "how sorry" they are for me, to read what you have written has made me feel so much better that when my baby is born and if it has down syndrome its not a tragedy but a celebration of life just like with any other baby!
meg
I wrote Meg to tell her I was moving this to an entry so other moms could comment and share the other side of the story - the part her friends are missing. Will you leave a comment, please?
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Picture of Angie and Dominic from this photo album:
Posted in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
Thanks for the encouragement. Special kids are just that.
One other comment - I love to drop by your blog, but in the last month when I come here it crashes my firefox. Change anything lately?
[I use Firefox and no problem - anyone else? Will forward this to my BlogGuru for ideas.]
Posted by: Sue | December 31, 2009 6:02 PM
I don't have a Down child but my very best friend does. It was because of this child (in a round-about way) that I came into the Church.
You see, her daughter was close in age to my little one and they had the same name. The name was not a common name so I hung around in the school cafeteria to meet with this woman. We became close friends and I re-discovered God. I fell in love with God.
Her daughter has been a gift to everyone. When the planes hit the World Trade Center, her daughter was comforting everyone. They do that. They give hugs unconditionally. They give love unconditionally.
You've been given a very special gift, Meg. Your child will be a light to all of your friends and family. You have been blessed.
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | December 31, 2009 6:34 PM
I would say... CONGRATULATIONS! You have no idea, yet, what an awesome joy this child will bring you, whether it is typically-developing or has Down syndrome. Babies with Ds are like any little baby and needs love and nurturing. While some can have some health issues, it's not necessarily the case that all do. Down syndrome is not a disease, it's not something to be afraid of. I would be happy to share more personally with you if you need someone to lift your spirits. You can visit me through my blog called "Monkey Musings" at www.monicacrumley.blogspot.com to leave a comment and your email address. God bless you and the baby growing inside. No matter who that little one is that is growing inside you, your child will never cease to amaze you in many great ways.
Posted by: Monica Crumley | December 31, 2009 7:50 PM
Hi Meg,
I'm sure that this is a very emotional time for you, and there are difficult times and joyous times ahead. The joyous times far outweigh the difficulties, though! Being the mom of a special needs child is the biggest blessing of my life. My child has taught me so much and brought me into the lives of so many amazing people I never would have met otherwise. God has taught me patience and a much needed lesson in humility through my sweet son Kevin (he has autism). So many have been blessed by knowing him--and it happens over and over that people tell me how much he touches them. Special needs children are like angels. I truely believe that this child has brought me closer to God than I ever would have been. Each and every child is a blessing--no matter what. Saying a prayer for you and your sweet unborn child tonight.
Love,
Sara in Georgia
Posted by: Sara | December 31, 2009 7:53 PM
Hi Meg,
A year ago tomorrow, my second son, Nate, was born. It was a surprise to us to find out he had Down syndrome.
A year later, I can tell you that the unknowns and fears I had were much bigger in my head than in reality. Nate is a very easy baby and his smile just melts my heart. He is so sweet.
It may not be the life I would have chosen, but I already know he is going to have a huge impact on us and all of those around him.
The blogging community of moms has been an amazing resource for me. Any question I had I just put on my blog and I quickly got all sorts of answers. I have become friends with amazing women who all know what it's like to walk in my shoes.
God chooses us to have these children. He knows who needs to have these special people in their lives and who will ultimately share that gift with others.
Best wishes,
Danielle
foreverbetter.blogspot.com
Posted by: Danielle | December 31, 2009 8:25 PM
Dear Meg,
Congratulations on this sweet new Baby!!! I am the proud Mama of a son born with a birth defect. Words cannot express how in love with my boy I have been, and how he has brought out the best in those around us. His birth has done more to change those in our lives than anything else could have. As in the Casting Crowns song, "The voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, 'do not be afraid'. The voice of truth says, 'this is for My glory. Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth." Indeed, it has been for God's glory, and I have been the lucky one to watch it happen. Welcome to this wonderful, and yes challenging, life.
Posted by: Greta | December 31, 2009 10:44 PM
Hi Meg,
Just today I read the part of Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue" that includes her discovery of Trig's extra chromosome and her experiences surrounding her pregnancy and Trig's birth. It was so wonderful and inspiring about what a special gift these precious babies are! I highly recommend it!
God bless,
Kim D.
Posted by: Kim in Wisconsin | January 1, 2010 12:06 AM
Meg,
I understand your fear, the reactions of those you love have been very negative. Having a child with special needs is a challenge, and you have to know that God has chosen you for a special mission. You will find joy and challenges, frustration and pride, but, with God's help, you will count it as blessings someday.
I wrote a Christmas letter from God to a special needs mom (click on my name to read it).
Remember God loves you SO much and this chils is part of His plan for you.
Love,
Leticia
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | January 1, 2010 12:18 AM
congrats on the new baby:) you are blessed with a wonderful child who is going to amaze you in every way!!! i would love for you to visit my family blog lifewithextras.blogspot.com it shows what a true family is... what your family, and every family really is... just with something extra... and extra is such wonderful thing:)
Posted by: sara | January 1, 2010 1:18 AM
Meg,
Congratulations! The world will be a better place with your child in the world.
Looks like 2010 is going to be a great year for your family! Enjoy!
Posted by: kelly | January 1, 2010 2:00 AM
My advice is to look up the Down Syndrome support group in your area - it will be an invaluable resource for you. When we found out Alex would have Down Syndrome prior to his birth, lots of friends expressed sorrow, but one friend simply said, "Oh, well, you will have some extra challenges" and then just treated me like any mom to be. It was that kind of expression that made me feel normal through the rest of my pregnancy. Alex is almost 6 now and, along with his older brother, is the light of my life. I always thought I was "shortchanging" my older son by "strapping him" with a brother will a disability, but actually, being brothers with Alex has enriched him more than anything else could have on earth! You should read "the power of the powerless" - a book recommended by Barbara on this site as well. Good luck and enjoy the special time of your pregnancy and birth of your beautiful child.
Posted by: Kim Moore | January 1, 2010 4:24 PM
What a scary, wonderful time. Please know it is good to be prepared, but remember each child with DS is so different health wise. I worried myself sick before my son was born and really he gas no major concerns. The one constant is that they love unconditionally. My son Mark is 8. He is big brother to a brother and sister who will grow to be more loving and understanding people because of him. Everyday Mark touches the lives of those around him and makes them better. Best of luck to you and your family. I know that 22 is a hard age for some without pregnancy, let alone such a blessed one. I pray God will give you the strength you need.
Posted by: Beth lloyd | January 17, 2010 2:48 AM
One of the best experiences of my life was working with the Service Missionaries, most of which had Downs Syndrome. Never again have I been blessed to work with such loving, kind, compassionate people! They were so genuine, and several had the most hilarious senses of humor. I'm grateful that you will get to spend each day with one of God's choicest children.
Posted by: Camille | January 17, 2010 1:50 PM
I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has written back to me here, you have no idea how comforting it is to be able to hear peoples experiences and just have support! which is very little around me at present. Thank you everyone- you are all lovely people :) xx
Posted by: Meg | January 24, 2010 12:52 PM
