Just because...

When we learned at 14 weeks that our baby would be born with Down syndrome, we were surprised, but not really. After all I was well over the age of 35 and knew that our chances were high regardless. We chose to have a CVS to confirm...but just because I had prenatal testing doesn't mean that I had any intentions of putting a value on his life. He was our son no matter what. And I believe every life has value!

Just because we were sad following the diagnosis doesn't mean that we didn't want him. And it certainly didn't mean we loved him any less just because he had an extra chromosome. There now was just a little more to love <3

Just because Lennox has Down syndrome doesn't make him any less of a member of our family. He brings so much joy to our daily lives and his smiles make us smile from the inside out. He truly is invaluable and we couldn't possibly imagine life without him. And by him, I mean Lennox WITH Down syndrome, not who he'd have been if he didn't have that little something EXTRA. He is who he is meant to be, and so are we because of him.

Down syndrome is misunderstood by so many. Society has a certain idea of what Down syndrome is and that in turn places a certain level of fear into those planning to have or already expecting a baby. It's true, there are things about raising a child with Down syndrome that will differ from raising a child without Down syndrome. There are some more specialized needs that may require a little different approach to parenting and take a little more patience. But just because it may take a little longer to learn and do things, does not mean that Lennox or any of his friends will never be able to do things independently. Just because there is a degree of cognitive disability does not mean you will "have a child forever". Individuals with Ds are becoming more and more independent with the growing amount of resources and services that are available. You can't put limits on the possibilities of the abilities. Lennox shows us more and more every day what he is capable of achieving on his own. And his determination is something we all could learn from. And for the record, there are no guarantees that parenting will be a cake walk just because a child doesn't have Ds. Parenting is hard. PERIOD.

Just because Down syndrome is different, does not mean it is wrong. Just because Lennox may be seen as "different" does not mean people have the right to judge him based on his differences. Being different is what makes a person YOUnique. The world would be a pretty boring place if we all were the same. Take the time to see past the diagnosis. There is more ability to be seen than disability. We don't see Lennox any differently than our other kids. We are equally proud of each and very one of our 5 kiddos. They all are different and each bring something unique to our family. Lennox has Down syndrome. He may be a little delayed. He may need someone to watch over him when we are gone. But then again, he may not. Just because the literature says one thing doesn't mean it is always so. Research for Ds has evolved and in turn the stats for Down syndrome are forever changing. We believe in many things...but most of all we believe in Lennox and will never stop believing...EVER!

Just because I chose to share Lennox and our journey with the rest of the world, does not mean I am looking for anything. I share him because I am proud, that is no secret. I want to educate and bring awareness to others. There is great hope for children with Down syndrome. I wish to open as many hearts and minds as possible and if I can help even ONE family find peace, to see the beauty and celebrate the gift that comes with having a child with Down syndrome then I have achieved my goal! And I will keep sharing the love... just because it's just too awesome not to!

 I mean seriously...who wouldn't be happy seeing this sweet smile everyday?