Last Friday we had the opportunity to appear on HLN Prime News with Vinnie Politan to discuss the Target ad, Noah’s story, and the reason behind our blog.

Noah's story was the top 6th story on their homepage!

You can catch a small piece of  our interview above, and read their web article at: Dad with Down syndrome son: Doesn’t feel sorry.  (I didn’t have a chance to help the folks over at HLN learn about people first language like I did when we were on FOX LA.)  To be honest this was our least favorite interview out of all the ones we have done. No disrespect to HLN, but the questions we were asked weren’t the ones we were told we would be asked, so we are a little thrown off.  I didn’t feel like the reporter asked very good questions, but maybe that’s just me.  I’m also not sure what was going on with the audio, but it wasn’t cool. That’s live TV for you. Regardless, I’m thank that HLN asked us to come on their show and share our message that children born with Down syndrome are worth it.

I’m so thankful that so many media outlets are interested in talking about Down syndrome.  I hope and pray it helps the world to see that all children are worthy of life and love. Continue Reading…

What were your thoughts on this movie?

Tonight ABC aired the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Smile As Big As The Moon.”  The movie is based on a book about a high school special education teacher (Mike Kerjes) who took his class of special education students to Space Camp despite all of the obstacles that stood in their way.  If you didn’t get a chance to catch the movie, you can purchase the film on DVD from Amazon.

A Smile As Big As The Moon: My Thoughts

My wife and I watched A Smile As Big As The Moon tonight, and I must say it was very touching. Mike (the teacher) seemed like such an great guy, and I can’t tell you how many times my wife and I wanted to scream out, “Go Mike!” as we were watching the movie!  I loved how he stood up for the kids, and didn’t let anyone tell them they “couldn’t do it.”  I hope that Noah has teachers like Mike Kerjes when he gets in school.

Being that Noah is only 13 months old I still get a little teary eyed seeing older children with Down syndrome….sometimes.  I’m not really sure why.  I just do. Continue Reading…

It breaks my heart that for every 1 of these little Noah’s that you see, there’s 9 other Noah’s you don’t see.  9 our of 10 children who are known to have Down syndrome through prenatal testing are aborted.  These children are never given a shot at life.  Never given a chance.

So many families are told a lie.  The lie is that you have to be afraid of the results of a Down syndrome screening test.  Some in the medical community even make it seem as if having a child born with Down syndrome is a sad story.  A compromise. A settling of something less, when what you really desired was something more.

Some women are even afraid to have children out of fear of having a child born with Down syndrome.  I want to let you know that is a lie.  These children are worth it. So very worth it.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words….well here are 25 beautiful pictures of our son Noah…who just so happened to have been born with Down syndrome.  I have you find more than 25,000 words of encouragement as you look at this little boy who is full of life, and longs to be loved.

Our hope in creating this website is that the world is to help the world see what life is like for a family raising a child born with Down syndrome. We hope we can remove some of the unknown about Down syndrome, and in turn give people hope, encouragement, and support.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us, or ask check out our Facebook page where thousands of parents are waiting to say hi to you!:)

Down syndrome is ok.  It’s very ok.

And be sure to check out this post of over replies of what to say to someone who has just received a Down syndrome diagnosis.

Continue Reading…

It breaks my heart that for every 1 of these little Noah’s that you see, there’s 9 other Noah’s you don’t see.  9 our of 10 children who are known to have Down syndrome through prenatal testing are aborted.  These children are never given a shot at life.  Never given a chance.

So many families are told a lie.  The lie is that you have to be afraid of the results of a Down syndrome screening test.  Some in the medical community even make it seem as if having a child born with Down syndrome is a sad story.  A compromise. A settling of something less, when what you really desired was something more.

Some women are even afraid to have children out of fear of having a child born with Down syndrome.  I want to let you know that is a lie.  These children are worth it. So very worth it.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words….well here are 25 beautiful pictures of our son Noah…who just so happened to have been born with Down syndrome.  I have you find more than 25,000 words of encouragement as you look at this little boy who is full of life, and longs to be loved.

Our hope in creating this website is that the world is to help the world see what life is like for a family raising a child born with Down syndrome. We hope we can remove some of the unknown about Down syndrome, and in turn give people hope, encouragement, and support.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us, or ask check out our Facebook page where thousands of parents are waiting to say hi to you!:)

Down syndrome is ok.  It’s very ok.

And be sure to check out this post of over replies of what to say to someone who has just received a Down syndrome diagnosis.

Continue Reading…

Today Noah got to visit his pediatrician, whom we love. She’s not only super encouraging, but she has all of the qualities we are looking for in our son’s pediatrician. She gets excited when she sees Noah and shows him off to everyone in her office She also takes time to listen to us, because even though I too am a pediatrician, I still have questions. There are no words to express how much we appreciate her and what she does for our son.

The Flu Shot: Separating Fact From Fiction

Pretty sure Noah’s daddy is a bigger baby when it comes to flu shots.

Noah received his first flu shot today. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that the flu shot gives you the flu. I thought I would give you MY reasons why I think the flu shot is important and some myths about the flu shot. I know you all have your own reasons about why or why you don’t get the flu shot. My goal as a doctor is that you have accurate information when making these decisions, but realizing that it is YOUR decision.

 3 Reasons To Get The Flu Shot

1. Getting the flu is awful; why not try to avoid it. You feel miserable, you miss work or school, and you can’t do the things you enjoy. One little poke could help you stay healthy.  Shoot you don’t even have to have a poke if you fit the criteria it can go up your nose
2. Getting the flu can be deadly, especially those with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions (which is quite common in Down syndrome) or asthma. It is also more risky for those who are simply young or old. During my training, I saw several previously healthy kids die of the flu and if a shot can prevent that how awesome is that. Continue Reading…