So....Miles has Down Syndrome

Temp159135562506975

not sure if this has been posted yet or if you have seen it before- but it's always made me smile when I think of things that are not 'perfect" with my nephew, etc.  Your son is beautiful and God gave him to you because he knew you were strong enough and smart and loving enough to be a great mommy to him!

enjoy the tulips in Holland... they are BEAUTIFUL.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley. c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

 

Amanda&Chris

{{{hugs}}} and lots of love to you and your family!

Kapalua

((hugs)) that must have been such a shock.  I'm happy to hear that he's healthy!  He's a lucky little guy to have such great parents!

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

I am late here but I just wanted to add my support and wish you and your family nothing but the best. I have a severely handicapped brother and I have experienced first-hand the difficulties that a special needs child can bring to a family- but they also bring a special joy that is so unique and indescribable. DS children have a light around them- they are beautiful and joyous and appreciate life so deeply. I am sure as you get to know your son you will realize that him being his unique self and him being yours is certainly no mistake. We are here for you!

PoundCake

I can't say anything that hasn't been said already.  Except he's gorgeous.  And I send lots of hugs and prayers to you and your family.

mollynpatrick

Everyone has already said what i would say so ... hugs to you and your family. Miles is beautiful!

Ciarrai

My heart goes out to you and your family.  I can't imagine the roller coaster that you must be going through right now.   As you said, he is absolutely beautiful and will bring you and your family so much joy in your life time.  Feel free to vent/cry/scream as much as you need to.  We're here to listen and help if we can.

Brewster

He is just gorgeous.  You know we are here for you, no matter what you need.  We love you!  Congrats on your beautiful babe!

cmw&tdm

You are going to be such a good mom for Miles like you are for Nora.  Hugs to you and your family. 

Mominator

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!!!!! I'm sure that life will present many more challenges to you along they way but I truly believe that God has a special plan in mind when he gives a special little boy like Miles to your family. I'm quite sure that Miles is just as blessed to be in your lives as you are with him in yours.

Chrisy-Wyobride

Congratulations!  I know you are a special mom since you were chosen to raise such a special little boy.  I am sure it'll be harder & you'll mourn the loss of what you expected but I am sure you are just the person he was meant to have as a Mom..you'll do great.  Can't wait to hear all the trials & joys of raising your special little guy!  My Mom has been a Special Ed teacher for 40yrs & the kids w/ Downs always were my favorites.  He's absolutely beautiful!

CubbyMama

Hugs and congrats--you and Miles will be lucky to have each other

jorie

He's blessed to have you as his mother, and you're also very blessed to have him as your son.  We're here for you whenever you need us.  Congrats again on such a cute little blondie:)

MrsCali_Bride

Sending tons of (((hugs))), love and support your way.  Please know that we all care for you and your family and that we will be here for you if you need anything at all.

AngelaSue

((Hugs)) to you and your family. We're all here for you anytime you  need us.

oparcm

Miles is beautiful and you can see the joy in Nora's face.  She's already taken by her beautiful little brother. 

vtgirl

What a blessed little boy to have been born into such a wonderful and caring family! My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you all! Let us know if you need ANYTHING!

praline

Hey, congrats on your son Cooker! 

Listen...I read a blog called Unringing the Bell and the mom Tricia has a daughter with Down Syndrome, and a son who does not, and she writes an awesome blog.  She's super interesting and just from what I know about you on here I think you'd like it.  She's a great writer and very creative.

Congrats again and all the best to you and your family.

aprilmomtobe

I'm sending all the ((hugs)), prayers, good thoughts and everything else I can think of to you & your family. Congrats on that beautiful boy, and hang in there - he's so lucky to have you as his mom.

michaeltrish

I just want to give you a giant HUG.  I will be thinking about and praying for your family every day.

WBs_Bride

Big, giant ((hugs)) to you and your beautiful, newly extended family.

WifeyLindsay

I am so sorry that you are going through this. But, your DS is absolutely perfect and so handsome and I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to have an amazing, blessed life.

It is not our similarities that set us apart and makes us extraordinary, it is our differences. I will be praying for strength and many blessings for you and your family.

 (((((((HUGS)))))))

Goose51504

I'm super proud of you, mama! I know sharing this information with everyone here was a big step and was, hopefully, theraputic.

And, as I told you earlier this week, there could not be a more loving and perfect family for that beautiful baby boy. Miles is so lucky to have you as his mother. I, for one, cannot wait to watch him grow (just not too quickly!!).

Congrats and lots of (((HUGS))) coming your way!

bebemama

Miles is a beautiful boy and you are in my thoughts. ?

Reagan's Mommy

There's nothing to say that hasn't been said already.  But, Miles is a beautiful little boy!  I am glad that his tests show that he is healthy and strong.  There may be challenges ahead, but it will make you stronger as a family and as a person. 

Congrats!

mmbench

My thoughts are with you and your family.  Looking forward to hearing about how wonderful he is.

lilysmom1015

Your son is gorgeous and I know he will bring your family immeasurable joy and teach you all so much about love and life.

TTCnumber2

Your son is so beautiful.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you begin this incredible journey.

MelandJeff

Congrats on your healthy baby boy.

I literally AM here for you if you need anything!

*Amy*

Thinking of you all as you go through this roller coaster of emotions.  Miles is lucky to have a fantastic mommy like you.  We are here to support you when you need it.   

Jen2124

I am just catching up for the day, but wanted to offer my congrats and support. Miles is beautiful. We're all here if you need anything.

august0605bride

((((hugs))))

Came on late, but wanted to say congratulations-- he's precious?

KellyMichelle

Congratulations on a beautiful baby.  Your family is in my prayers.

shopgirl78

Vent away and cry away but it will not change that he is a blessing!

Rebekah1021

Congrats on the beautiful Miles! i am so sorry you are dealing with this, but he's a miracle. We are always hear to listen/

BuckeyeMommy

Hugs go out to you and your family.   I love the name.  Feel free to vent and cry whenever you need it. 

TxGal

We will always be here to listen. Hugs girlfriend.

tammy79

I'm sure he's just beautiful.

FooBride

Your Miles is a beautiful boy and from all that I know of you and your family he is the perfect addition to such loving people! 

babykin18

My mom always said God gifts special parents with special needs children because he beleives they are perfect for each other.  God bless you and your family.  he is gorgeous!!!!!