Awhile ago I wrote about something our family has been going through over at Babble. I didn’t share it here, because I wasn’t really ready for people I know in real life to know about it, but I still wanted to get it out just for myself and I thought Babble would provide me with a bit more anonymity to do that. So I wrote it…and I didn’t share the post on social media or anything, but rather just let it live there while appreciating the cathartic release of it all.
But, today in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, I decided to share that post, because in about 9 more weeks or so we’ll find out if this day will have more personal meaning for our family. We will meet our little Alice girl and we will find out if she has that extra copy of her 21st chromosome or not.
If you would like to read about it, you can head over to Babble and check it out. As always, I am so thankful to all of you who are on this parenthood journey alongside me and who take the time to read this blog and frequent my little corner of the internet. It really does mean the world to me…especially during times like this.
xo
Lauren
My oldest son had a soft marker as well, he had a cyst on his brain and I also Googled all the things and cried. He did not have DS, but it’s so hard to let go and just have faith that all will be well, no matter what. I know little Alice will be so loved, and just beautiful in every way.
I am having a C-section on May 22 this year and am waiting to see if our little one will have the extra chromosome too. I’m 38 years old and declined to have any of the advanced testing done. I will love this child to the moon and back too, and no matter the outcome I am grateful to be his Momma.
You’re a wonderful mother–I’ve been reading since before Fern so I’ve seen this develop 🙂 Alice is so loved already. Good for you acknowledging that this is not what people imagine for their self or their baby. But even better for you being open to the Lord who knows all and loves us.
I think that no matter the result, she’s going to be loved. She’s going to be yours and you’re gonna showered her with love, as well as her siblings and her father. It’s nerve wrecking to NOT know, but she’s going to be loved and whatever the struggles you’ll face, you know she’s going to receive everything she needs.
Oh my gosh – my heart just swelled up.
I was in your shoes this time two years ago. Except my ultrasound had multiple soft markers. I was directed to take a NIPT and it came back 99% for T21. We treated the next month like a funeral – it was terrible. And then I felt guilty for being so SAD.
My daughter is utterly fantastic now at 18 months – we have our hurdles but as I say, every child is a challenge no matter how many chromosomes they have.
No matter the outcome she is clearly with a loving family. You are correct – if raising a child with Ds is the hardest thing you “have” – then you have it pretty good.
Warm, warm wishes! [And feel free to see my blog to see my Little Sunshine with her designer genes : )]
You are amazing, friend.
Hi Lauren,
We don’t know each other but I’ve been following your Instagram for a while and so, in the cyber world, we’re friends 🙂 After the recent birth of my daughter (she’s one month old today!), I decided to write a blog so that I could capture as many moments/feelings/experiences as possible to share with her later. Because I’m actually a bit terrified of being so vulnerable and opening my life up to so many strangers, I decided I’d take a peek at your site for the first time for some motivation…and then I saw this post.
I did receive some motivation but now please allow me to motivate you. My sweet little Josephine was just born with Down Syndrome and it is the most unexpected, overwhelming, and amazing thing that has ever happened to me. Because we had absolutely no clue until a geneticist walked into my hospital room 2 days after her birth to deliver (no pun intended) the news, we were the most unprepared people ever. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Everyday is a new day of discovery for us and it’s just thrilling. My daughter is gorgeous and loved and down right perfect!
While Alice’s diagnosis is not confirmed, I just wanted to encourage you and let you know that there is nothing to fear and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. She is a gift from God who had a plan for her life before you even knew she was on the way.
Be blessed and I look forward to mommying with you in cyberspace 🙂
-Danielle (@DanielleOhElle)
@Danielle – Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and for encouraging me that it’s going to be OK. I just requested to follow you on IG and I can’t wait to follow you and your little Josephine! Hope you are having a lovely day! xo
Update for us. Our sweet baby Luke was born as expected on May 22, and is healthy and does not have DS.