Monday, October 31, 2011

{31 for 21} Day 31: What I've Learned

I thought I would close out my month of blogging for Down syndrome Awareness by listing 21 things I've learned.

1) Sweet Pea can be as stubborn or as sweet as her brothers and sister.

2) Her brothers and sister think she's the cutest thing alive.

3)  She has an amazing ability to wrap grandmas and grandpas around her little finger.


4)  She uses her cuteness to her advantage (see numbers 2 and 3)

5)  Sweet Pea knows how to rock a big bow


6)  She'll face many challenges in her life- just like my other kids will.

7)  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.

8)  No one can predict what Sweet Pea's abilities will be by looking at her.

9)  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.

10)  There is a wonderful community of families out there who love someone with designer genes.  And I'm privileged to be a part of that community now.

11)  There is wide variation in mental abilities, behavior and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome. Each individual has his/her own unique personality, capabilities and talents.

12)  Sweet Pea is more like her brothers and sister than she is different.

13)  Life goes on as normal- well, as normal as it can be with four kids.

14)  Children's Hospital of Boston released findings from recent surveys.  The results indicated the following things:
  - 79% of parents surveyed said that their outlook on life is more positive because of their child with
    Down syndrome.
  - 97% of siblings over 12 said that they felt pride about their sibling with Down syndrome.
  - 88% believed that they were better people because of their sibling with Down syndrome. 
  - 99% of adults with Down syndrome surveyed said that they were happy with their lives.
  - 97% of adults said they were happy with their lives.
  - 96% of adults were happy with their looks.

15)  Sweet Pea can be very demanding when her food isn't there when she wants it.

16)  My life will be different now, but it would have been different if Sweet Pea had been born with the normal number of chromosomes too.

17)  Down syndrome is a beautiful variation of what life can look like.

18)  Sweet Pea isn't afflicted or suffering.

19)  Sweet Pea has the most amazing eyes.



20)  I am the best advocate and champion my kids (Junior, Girly- girl, Squish Bear and Sweet Pea) will have.  

21)  I am thankfully for the unexpected turn my life has taken.

So there you have it.  Twenty- one things I've learned in the last almost 6 months.  I probably won't continue blogging everyday (although Grandma would love to see pictures everyday), but I will try to post once or twice a week...  Maybe...  If I'm not too busy keeping up with four kids =)

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