My little world of being a mom to a cute kid with Down syndrome took some really interesting turns this past week. I had two separate encounters with mothers both pregnant with babies that have Down syndrome.
Each mom had a very different outlook on the future – one wanted information on placing their unborn child up for adoption, while the other wanted to meet Molly and learn about our life as a special needs family in preparation for her own family’s journey.
Even though these two ladies are at a similar crossroad in life, they are still very different too. However, from my perspective as special needs mom – my answer to each of them was the same.
It’s a roller coaster of emotions. Am I scared what the future holds for my daughter? Absolutely – I’m petrified. There are tough days, but I am living in the ‘right now’.
The high points are SO extremely high that it makes everything worth it. Every milestone that Molly reaches – we’ve celebrated with such great emotion. And that’s not to say that we didn’t celebrate when older sister Maggie reached those milestones, because we certainly did. But when a medical professional tells you that your child may not feed herself or walk for years – and then they defy doctors and do it? Well there’s no greater feeling. At. All.
The conversations I had with these two moms brought back a lot of memories and emotions of how our journey began with Molly. And while I’m certainly no expert in the world of Down syndrome, I’m a mom living a life of raising a precious, and very silly, little girl….who just happens to have an extra chromosome. I love her and I’m proud of her.
Comments
Nicole
Love this post! It’s a wonderful journey you are on. I wouldn’t change my journey for the world, having a DS brother is amazing. I continue to learn each and everyday and when they tell you he can’t do something. I think our entire family says, “Oh, yes he can!”
Carrie with Children
Thanks, Nicole! It’s quite an adventure, but we are loving it! 🙂 Your brother rocks!
Heather
It makes me so unbelievably sad to hear that the one mother wants to give her baby up. I hope she has a change of heart.
Carrie with Children
Heather – It breaks my heart too. I’m not sure what the outcome is/will be for the mother or the child. Whatever happens, I hope the child is loved.
A Mommy in the City
What a great post. I love the positive outlook that you have. You are truly inspiring!
Carrie with Children
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Book4MyDaughter
You are an incredibly strong, and straight-forward, women. The fact that you were able to give each of these women your candid opinion says a lot about how you approach life. Beautiful!
Carrie with Children
Thank you very much! Your words mean a lot to me!
Lisa Philips
I am also a mom raising a adorable little girl with Down Syndrome. It has been the most amazing and wonderful journey I have ever been on. Just like any child there are ups and downd and some struggles. She brings 100% joy to our lives andI feel so lucky to have had the chance and experience to raise this wonderful child. She defys everything every day and I am so proud of her.
Carrie with Children
Thank you so much for reading, Lisa! It sounds like you and I feel the same way about our daughters! They are such a joy – I wouldn’t trade this life for anything in the whole world!
Kerry
What a great post! My husband and I often find ourselves in the position of “roving support group” as we call it. Many times parents are so happy to find a mom/dad to talk to, who understands, and you being open to that is so great. When you talk, I know the parents see the joy and enthusiasm radiating from you and Molly, this inspires without words! Giving people an opportunity to ask you questions is a gift and an educational opportunity, and our other kids learned, by hearing us, how to talk about our awesome,different family! by the way, LOVE the teeth in the photo! So cute 🙂
Carrie with Children
Kerry – Thank you so much for your kind note! I’ve found that by talking with others has been very therapeutic for me. I think it’s important for others to feel okay asking questions and wanting to learn more! Those little teeth pictures always make me smile! 🙂 She’s growing up so fast and starting to get her own little personality!
Charla @ Healthy Home Blog
Great post! Your daughter is so cute! Precious! I’m a special ed teacher and have a student who has Down’s Syndrome. She has a lot of personality, and your pictures look like your daughter does too. 🙂
Carrie with Children
Thank you, Charla! Molly is just now at the age to where her little personality is starting to come out. She’s got tons of personality – always chatting up a storm! 🙂
By Word of Mouth Musings
Carrie, my heart goes out to you … that you could conduct a conversation with a Mom to be who could not see a future with her unborn baby .. and that you handled it with such love and grace, is further proof you are an incredible gift to us all.
We could all learn from you and your precious Molly.
You are a light!
Carrie with Children
Nicole – Thank you so much for your kind words. That means so much to me! I’m proud to call you my friend! *hugs* I think it is so important that moms realize that while it may be scary in the beginning, it’s a great thing to be a parent to a child with special needs.
Erin
I’m one of the co-founders of our local DS group (I think we live near you btw) and as a result I often am called to contact new moms and those pregnant. I’m also setting up visit to local OBGYNs to provide materials. It breaks my heart to think anyone would give up a baby just because he/she has DS. I do understand the thoughts of the parents though. Our emotions are so out of control in the beginning but it’s also a bad time to make any decisions. Glad to know that others are reaching out to you for guidance!!
Erin Hankins
Molly is lovely! What a doll baby;o)
I’m hopping by from the Hop Along Friday Blog Hop. I am your newest GFC follower. I hope that you can hop over to http://www.indianacouponsavings.com and follow me too. You have a fantastic blog!! Keep up the great work. Thanks, Erin
ps Debs Dealz and I are hosting a month long Boo Hop. Please stop over and link up. It is the first post on my blog. Thanks
Carrie with Children
Thanks for stopping by today, Erin! I appreciate it! I’m running over to your site now!