Two Blogs Converge

I've decided that I'm just not up to the task of maintaining two separate blogs, so from here on out, all updates on our adoption will be posted on FROM THE HEART, our family blog.

If you've been following me here, THANK YOU, but for everyone 's sake I think having one blog will be better!

The Bottom Line

Because it was written about so well HERE, I'm going to link to another adoptive mom's blog today. Please go read her post that will explain why Aiden is considered "at risk" and why we are feeling the urgency to get him soon and bring him HOME!

Today is Aiden's Daddy's Birthday!

Happy Birthday John! I love you, and Aiden will be so blessed to call you Daddy one day soon!

The other night, John and I were praying for Aiden before bed. I prayed and then John prayed starting his prayer like this, "Father, I ask you to protect my son, keep him safe from harm, surround him with angels...."

The thing that stunned my heart and made me so grateful for the man I married was the "MY SON" part of his prayer. We said "yes" to Aiden as a family, and in our hearts he is ours. My husband echoes Malachi 4:6 in his life as his heart has truly turned toward this child of ours, this precious one that he calls "son."

So we wait on the Lord and trust that He will bring Aiden safely home, our hearts have turned, and we call him "son."

If you're interested in hearing another great Father-Son story today featuring Coach Gene Stallings talking about his son Johnny who had DS, Click HERE!

The Beatitudes of the Exceptional Child by Andre Masse

Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech for you help us to know that if we persevere we can be understood.

Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers for in your companionship we find havens of relaxation.

Blessed are you who never bid us to "hurry up" and more blessed you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time more than help.

Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures for our failures will be outweighed by the times when we surpise ourselves and you.

Blessed are you who ask for our help for our greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you who help us with the graciousness of Christ Who did not bruise the reed and quench the flax for often we need help we cannot ask for.

Blessed are you when by all these things you assure us that the thing that make us individuals is not in our peculiar muscles, not in our wounded nervous system, not in our difficulties in learning but in the God-given self which no infirmity can confine.

Published in National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry - Summer 1998

We pray daily for Aiden, and I am awed by the fact that God is beginning to weave him into the very fabric of our family. Not a day goes by that I don't pray that God will preserve and protect him and bring him speedily into our home. And I pray above all that we will love him well, with the true measure of love that the Father has for him.

Just What is Down Syndrome Anyway?

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.
• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
  
• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
  
• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
  
• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
  
• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
  
• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
  
• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
  
• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

31 for 21 and I'm Just a Few Days Behind

October is Down Syndrome awareness month. Get it down is encouraging bloggers to post 31 posts on DS during this month. I'm behind but I'm going to start now! 31 (posts) for 21 (Trisomy 21).

This will be good for me. I'm determined to learn something new about DS daily and share with you my findings! Here we go!

For fun, check out this blog that we've been enjoying as a family, Dan Drinker
Dan is an young man with DS and his brother Will is working on a video documentary of his life. You'll laugh a lot and learn a lot!

DS Children Adjusting to an Adoptive Family

I recently posted a question on Meredith's blog. Meredith is helping me state-side through our adoption process! She is the adoptive mom of two beautiful children with D's. She now helps couples working through Reece's Rainbow! I am so grateful for her.

Click HERE to read my question and her answer to my question about DS children adjusting to their adoptive families!

THANKS MEREDITH!