World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, so of course I had to share a photo of my favorite cutie with Down syndrome. When I was pregnant with her and learned of her diagnosis, I remember thinking that I didn't want to become an advocate for Down syndrome. I just wanted to love my girl, love my family, and live quietly. Since she's been born though, I feel the urge to speak up and raise my voice for those whose voice may not be loud enough for others to hear. The sad reality is that 9 out of 10 babies who receive their diagnosis in utero are terminated. I'm hoping by sharing my love for my girl with the world; and by loving and encouraging mothers and fathers who receive this diagnosis for their babies; and by loving, encouraging, and supporting people born with Down syndrome and making this world a safer and more inclusive place for them, that that statistic can change!

I want to add some inspiring words of Kelle Hampton: "Having a daughter who is part of a group of people that have been marginalized in society for years has made me more aware of how I can use my voice and my vote for groups of people who don’t have the same opportunities as I do. Our family is more attentive to the needs of others, more sensitive in recognizing inequality and more motivated to support those who have to fight harder for things. Advocacy brings purpose to our lives and a greater connection in our community. Find causes to represent, find people to support, find friends who are marching for something and show up with a poster to march with them. You will be better for it."

Grab a tissue and watch this beautiful video!

Grab a tissue and read this heartbreaking story.

This story is also a good read about a Pro-choice couple choosing to keep their baby with Down syndrome.

Spring Renewal

This picture could have been taken on the first day of winter, but it was actually taken on the last day of the season.

This picture was taken on the first day of spring.  It still feels like winter outside, but my soul needed some sunshine, so I went ahead and hung my spring wreath.  I feel better already!

Lucky Leprechauns

I'm still sad that we lost of all of our holiday decor, especially the Little People toy sets.  However, it's fun finding new treasures too!

I forgot our big Leprechaun hat was also lost before it was too late to replace it.  The only one I was able to find was this little one, perfectly Macy-sized.  We'll have to get another big one next year!

We all had such big smiles on our faces, because a little Leprechaun brought us our favorite treat from under the rainbow...

...Not a pot of gold, but a pot of delicious Lindt truffles!!

Sweet 16

The night before their birthday, Noé enjoyed her last YW activity with the Beehives and Mia Maids...

(Celeste, Emma, Kaysha, Noé, Alessandra, and Sophie)

...Meanwhile, the Laurels gave her room a heart attack.

What sweet girls!

(Phoebe, Samantha, and Cori)

Noé was so excited when she came home!

Emma's room also received a heart attack!

On their actual birthday, I was still in the hospital with Macy.  My plan was to go home that afternoon to see them, but unfortunately Len wasn't able to come up to the hospital until the early evening and I was so exhausted from hardly sleeping the night before that I was scared I'd fall asleep while driving home.  I decided to stay at the hospital and it was so sad!  It was the first time I had ever been away from any of my kiddos on their birthday.

Luckily, my friend Niki made a delicious dinner for my family that night and Leonard picked up a yummy chocolate cake for them.

My dear friend Mary (also Emma's Momma) and I planned a party.

Fast forward another week and I headed over to the church with these two for...

...A sweet 16 party with their dear friend Emma!

Kaleb and Noé have been friends with Emma since before all of their first birthdays!

(Emma is just 12 days older than them.)

Mary got adorable decorations...

...in pink, turquoise, and purple.

While I frosted 60 cupcakes with those same colors!

We also had lots of chips, dips, veggies, fruit, punch, and big chocolate bars as party favors.

There were 28 youth there in total (30 if you count the adorable Isaac and Molly).  These were some of the early birds that helped us decorate.

Logan, Duncan, Noé, Kaleb, Emma, Grace, and Xavier.

As soon as Duncan turns 16, I think this group needs to go on double-dates!

So the kids ate lots of food, danced to fun music, and played lots of party games.

This game is called Wink Murder.

Noé, Navy, and Geneva.

Logan, Luke, and Jack.

Xavier, Kaleb, and Solomon.

Rebekah, Maya, and Will.

Quinn, Jean, and Aaron.

Jonathan, Ethan, and Emma.

Grace, Cori, and Brooklyn.

Tasha, Miriam, and Emmeline.

Samantha, Kassy, and back to Noé.

Duncan was the accuser in this round.

Their other friend Jonathan arrived right before the end of the night, so unfortunately I didn't get a picture of him.

The day after their party we had more cupcakes as a family. 

My heart outside of my body.

Look how cute Macy is!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Kaleb and Noé!

Happy Birthday to you!

Have a wondeful 16th year guys!

Home Sweet Home and Freedom

Macy (and I) were in the hospital from March 1st- 8th.  While we are grateful to have such a wonderful Children's Hospital in our city, it is no vacation being there!  It is much better to be back at our dear Home Sweet Home.

And Macy's so glad to be free of all of her wires and able to wiggle, stretch, and grow all she wants to at home!

In the Matrix and Twilight Zone

Macy has an IV, oxygen sensor, heart rate monitors, NG tube, and oxygen prongs.  It's like she's plugged into the Matrix.

She is such a brave and strong girl, but this is no fun for her.  How adorable and heartbreaking is her little pout though?  Luckily, her sad faces usually don't last long.

With jammies back on and her soft blankie she's able to rest again.

Mommy's not quite as comfortable.  After 6 nights sleeping on a fold-out chair and starting our 7th day back in the hospital this Momma feels like she's in the Twilight Zone and is ready to grab her baby and make a run for it!  Hopefully, we'll get to make our escape soon!