The moment my entire life changed…for the better!
I’ll never forget the moment I snapped this picture. It was shortly after learning that our son was born with Down syndrome, and as scared as I was after receiving our son’s diagnosis, it all went away the moment they wheeled this little boy into our hospital room.
Sure, the fear came back later as I began to work through what a Down syndrome diagnosis meant for our son, and our family. Sure, there are a few things I know now, that I wish I knew then. But in that moment all I could think about was how in love I was with this lovely little newborn of ours! (And those cheeks…oh those cheeks!)
If case you aren’t familiar with our story, I had no idea Noah had Down syndrome the first time I saw him. It wasn’t until a few hours later that I would learn our baby was born with an extra 21st chromosome. I’ve known my son when I thought he didn’t have Down syndrome, and I’ve known him when I knew he did, and I can honestly say my love for him is 110% the same. It’s not just something I say, but something I know to be true.
Since even before taking this picture I’ve been head over heels in love with this little boy. My love for him grows more and more each day. I’ve said this a million times, but I seriously wouldn’t change one single chromosome on him!
I’m in love with him, just as he is. And If you’re a parent I’m sure you know just what I’m talking about.
It’s easy to allow memories like the this one to be replaced by newer memories. Memories of diaper changes, physical therapy appointments, soccer practice, getting to work on time, paying the bills, dealing with insurance companies, making sure your children eat 3 times a day, going to the grocery store, you name it.
It’s easy to become stressed out, frustrated, worried, and anxious. But today I’m giving you permission to put all of those new memories on hold and think back to something you’ll never forget; the moment when you first held your child in your arms. The moment you first looked into their eyes. The moment you changed their diaper for the first time (remember how cute it was then? Not so much now, huh?)
Remember the tears in your eyes? Remember being speechless? Remember wondering how it was possible to love someone so much? Pretty awesome, huh?
Today, take a second to pause, and think about the first time you saw your child. It doesn’t matter if you have a new born, or a 40 year old, stop what you’re doing and go back there in your mind.
Don’t let the busyness of life try to crowd out memories like these. In fact, I encourage you to take time to stop and reflect on them often. I think you’ll find it certainly help put things in perspective.
Ok, I want to try something new. I’ve added a way for you to share a picture in your comments. (Just click on the attach image button that shows up where you write your comment to upload a picture.) For those of you that don’t mind sharing pictures, take a second to leave a comment telling us about how you felt the first time you saw your newborn, and be sure to include the earliest picture you can find of him/her. It’ll be fun to see everyone’s baby pictures!
By the way, your child doesn’t have to have Down syndrome for you to leave a picture, this blog post is for all parents. So let’s see those baby pictures!
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I don't have pics on my computer from 40 years ago but oh I love reliving the memory. Seeing her, thinking how amazing it is to give life to another and knowing God made this the incredible moment because He loves us. Our daughter was expecting 12 years ago and her test for DS came back positive. She cried , "What are we going to do?." Immediately I told her, "You will love her even more knowing. Life will be a little more difficult often because she isn't typical." "You will find support and love surround you in the journey to raise her. So know you will never be alone. The precious little one arrived and she did not have DS. Surprise yes, but we had prayed so often on how to face the journey ahead everyone was stunned. Going forward our family has worked with Special Ed children for 21 years volunteering at Camp Barnabas ( my sister was the founder), raising funds for children to a attend camp on scholarship and recruiting churches to bring youth to volunteer. It is so beautiful to observe how these very special children change the life of a volunteer and then follow these people who volunteer as they dedicate their life to serving Special needs! Oh the gifts a Down Child gives just being a presence in someone's life! They atr truly Gods Special children!!
For Jon and I we did not care what genetics said. All I know is that we were on top of the world and nothing could take us away from that feeling, even today. Jasen is a blessing that came into our lives when we did not think it was possible. I can still recall the moment the Dr.'s said to Jon, "Hey Mr. Fossdal do you want to hold your son?" The look on his face is a memory I love to recall, priceless!
We didn't find out Ryker had DS until 4hrs after he was born. He'll be 3 in a few weeks and even though the news of him having DS was the scariest news I've ever heard, he's the best thing that's ever happened to me!!!!
Our beautiful baby Benjamyn just minutes old. He is our gift
On 9/11 our little miracle baby Jacob came into our lives. I have never loved anyone as much as I love our little angel.
Well, I don't have my baby to hold just yet.....but we will on November 12th 2013. I'm due to be induced. Here is our Sophie just last week in 4D. We were told around 20-22 weeks along to expect it. Even though we have no positive amnio results to base this on, we did have positive blood work, MaterniT21 test and AV canal defect show up on ultrasound..not to mention several other markers. We are just so excited and can't wait for her arrival. Once she's here, I will come back and repost her picture! :)
Here is the 4D scan of Sophie
Becca - born 4 months ago. Fortunately we knew months before she was born. Unfortunately, it was hours before I got to hold her.
I had the beautiful experience of letting my babe self-attach and breastfeed for the first time, with no interruptions or 'declaration of diagnosis'.
In this photo, as he mouthed around and latched and sucked, my sister-in-law who took it, had no idea 'babies with Down syndrome don't breastfeed'- neither did I or my doula. We were just doing what women all over the world have done many times before, and will do again. Enjoying the first moments with a new life.
The room must have been tension-filled for every nurse and midwife there, they realised as soon as he was born. But I was oblivious and spent the minutes after birth doing exactly what all new mommas should- bonding.
They told me and whisked him off to special care.. but that memory carried me through, that action brought my milk down, and I was able to exclusively breastfeed Parker through a 6 week hospitalisation.
PS- Babies with Down syndrome DO breastfeed. You just have to poke them and wake 'em up every so often, the sleepy little kittens! ;)
Respect ! I read this, and it is almost as if I have writtened it myself, from word to word !
Thanks for the kind words. Do you have a child with Down syndrome?
This was taken when my gorgeous lil boy was minutes old, just before he was diagnosed with ds. I can say hand on heart my love for him has only grown stronger and I wouldnt change a thing about him he is perfect in every way :-)
My son Zac is now 17 years old, and still growing!!! He is funny, smart, sweet, and almost always happy!!!! I wouldn't change him for the world. Here is the earliest pic I have when we brought him home after major abdominal surgery at birth.