Hey cutie-

I think upside down is a good way to describe how you came into our life. What a whirlwind! I have a feeling that you are going to make the rest of our lives very interesting.

You are just perfect. You have the sweetest fingers, the cutest ears, the funniest facial expressions. Your lungs will heal up in a few months and then we can get all that oxygen junk off your face. You only cry when you’re hungry and I could not have asked for a sweeter baby.

You also have Down Syndrome.

Someone at the farmer’s market on Saturday asked if you had Down Syndrome. It was the first time a stranger had recognized that you did. You have the characteristic almond shaped eyes, your cute ears are situated a little lower on your head.

Parents who have already walked this road tell me that you’ll hit all the same developmental milestones, it will just be on your own timeline. We’ve already seen that. You’re like a 3-month-old baby and you can’t quite sit up, even with assistance, yet. You’re still working on cooing and head control. There are days where I get a little fearful about your progress, but then I remember how magical that day will be when you can finally sit by yourself. It will be hard not to cry as I remember how hard you’ve worked towards that moment.

Hell, we might even make a cake.

We have a long road in front of us.  I imagine there will be seasons where things are very hard (I’m looking at you, middle school). Days where you struggle with school, where you’re on the verge of giving up, days where you’re lonely or sad or angry. Those days will be the hardest for all of us, I imagine.

But I can’t help but think about all of the victories that we have coming our way. Things probably won’t come easy to you, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do them. We’re going to give you all the tools, all the encouragement, all the support you need to do the things that you want to. We will be your biggest fans. When you’re able to reach a goal that you’ve set for yourself, we will be there to scream and jump up and down and celebrate. Those victories will be so sweet.

We don’t know what the future is going to hold. We have the same hopes for you that we have for your brother. We want you to find fulfillment. We want you to dream. We want you to love.  We want you to have a good, happy, full life.

It’s a miracle that I didn’t cry when a friend sent me this video for World Down Syndrome Day. The other night, when I was doing bedtime with your brother, The Kid, I voiced that I hope you have friends when you’re older. Your brother didn’t doubt for one second that you would and he said, “Either way, he’ll always have me.” He sees you for who you are (or who you will be). He is not afraid and I won’t be either.

You are so loved, little one. So wanted,  so cheered for.

We cannot wait to see where life takes you.

Thanks for bringing us along.

Love,

Mom and Dad