Almost one year ago, in October, we made the decision to undergo an amniocentesis to confirm whether or not the baby I was carrying had Down syndrome. In the week we received the diagnosis, there were festivities going on around the world celebrating Down syndrome awareness, and Nicholas ended up being born the day before International Down syndrome Day (21/3). I think this kid was meant to be 😉
One year ago, I wasn’t feeling particularly festive about my personal connection with Down syndrome. But today I feel so totally blessed with the presence of this gorgeous boy in my life. Will there be challenges ahead? Undoubtedly. Do I ever feel worried about what the future will hold for Nicholas and our family? Some days. Do we love him to bits, 47 chromosomes and all? Definitely.
October is Down syndrome awareness month. Some wonderful people, far more dedicated than I, are participating in the ’31 for 21′ blogging challenge whereby they do a blog post on each day (for 31 days) of October for Trisomy 21 (the official name for Down syndrome). If you click on the button below this post, you’ll be taken to Michelle’s Big Blueberry Eyes blog and you’ll find a list of many bloggers who are participating in this year’s challenge. Go and support them – click, read, share the love. Given I can barely get one post out per month at the moment, I’ve decided to aim for something a little more achieveable… 😉
If you join me over at the Mummalove Facebook page, I’m going to share a link with you on each day of October. I’m going to connect you with some wonderful writers and photographers who love to share a piece of their heart. Each day, I’ll also post an Instagram pic of the amazing kid in my life who happens to be rockin’ an extra chromosome. And at the end of the month, I’m going to give away a couple of special little presents to celebrate Down syndrome (more details on that as the month progresses – stay tuned to the blog for details).
So come and join us in celebrating Nicholas and all the amazing individuals with Down syndrome especially in the month of October.
Beautiful!! You’re little man is becoming more gorgeous with every photo I see. Aren’t we so lucky to have a precious little person with an extra chromosome in our lives x x x
So so lucky. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous little man with us too x
Sounds fantastic Annie! Looking forward to checking out all the blogs and especially a daily pic of little Nicholas 🙂
Thank you! I’m enjoying sharing the blog links and pics of Nicholas. Can’t wait to share your talent with everyone too!
Oh, beautiful boy!
I love the daily pics – I look forward to seeing Nicholas on Instagram every day. In amongst all the hipsters and the artistes, his gorgeous face is a highlight. xx
So, you’re saying Nicholas isn’t a hipster? 😉 Just kidding. Thank you xx
We love everything you write and the photos are just beautiful. I’m so glad all the Loves, including Nicholas, are a part of our lives. Well done.
Mum and Dad
A beautiful post. I love seeing photos of Nicholas on IG everyday. I think our two little blondies would be adorable buddies. 🙂