1st Hospitalization

As it usually happens, all three boys have colds.  First one gets it, then the next, then the next.  Carl and I never seem to escape either.  So, for about a month, the two older boys have had runny noses and ultimately coughs.  Carl and I have had the same.  Wednesday night, Josiah developed a cough.  Luckily none of them have fevers.  We made the decision to have the two younger ones checked out at the docs.  We were most concerned with Josiah given his young age and the DS (as we've read DS kids are more prone to respiratory infection).

Friday morning, we packed up and headed to the pediatrician.  The concern for Josiah became quickly apparent.  Given the DS, undiagnosed heart murmur, labored breathing, and upcoming long-holiday weekend, the MD gave his recommendation: Go to Children's and have him checked out there.

We packed up the van (again) and headed to Boston.  We arrived at the e.r. and were seen quickly (as the MD had called ahead).  After a short examination, they decided to admit our little man.  We were brought to a floor relatively quickly.  They assessed, re-assessed, and came up with their plan: Monitor his breathing, be sure his lungs don't collapse, monitor vitals, provide nebulizer treatments, see what the morning brings.  Carl eventually left with the two older boys (they got an overnight at Grammie's :), and I stayed with Josiah.

We had a double-room.  Josiah's little room-mate was a cutie pie...all 15 lbs of him (compared to Josiah's 9 lbs).  He was in for a fever & being treated with anti-biotics.  It was a small world.  Josiah and his new friend were born on the same day, at the same hospital....both admitted to Children's, and placed in the same room.  The other Mom was a sweetheart.  It was nice to have another Mom to talk to during our stay.

We were lucky.  Josiah's vitals remained stable throughout the night.  He received three nebulizer treatments but required no additional supports.  He slept and ate well throughout the duration.  Carl arrived early this a.m. to wait with me.  At noon, we were told that Josiah was doing well and could go home.  Around 1pm, we received our discharge papers, packed up our little guy, and headed home.

Josiah's little friend got the same good news....they, too, were going home.

I'm so pleased that we'll be ringing in the New Year at home :)

We close out 2011 knowing we are blessed with three happy, strong, healthy little boys.

Christmas 2011

Last year, we had finished shopping & had all gifts wrapped by August.  This year, the extreme was true.  We were still shopping on 12/22, wrapped what was necessary for 12/24 (about 4 gifts), then stayed up until 6:30am wrapping everything else.  I'm going to try not to let that happen again next year :)

Christmas Eve we spent at my parents house, participating in a 130+ year tradition.  We gathered to read what we refer to as "the Christmas story," the same one that's been read in our family, on Xmas eve, since 1872.  This was the first Christmas Eve without my brother, Scott.

In an effort to keep Scott's memory alive (and positive), I devised a 'new tradition.'  My Dad read the story, then I pulled out a helium filled balloon.  On it, I had written these words (which I found on the net, by an unknown author):

"If tears could build a highway
and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again."

We passed the balloon around the room, and everyone added their own messages to Scott.  Once all messages had been written, we went out onto my parents back deck.  We held the string to the balloon, wished Scott a Merry Christmas, and let go....launching the balloon towards Heaven.  It was a touching moment.  I hope to continue that tradition hereafter.

As for the boys....they had a great time receiving stockings that Santa leaves at their grandparents house.  They exchanged gifts with those that wouldn't be present on Christmas Day.  Josiah is too young to be an active participant.  His two year old brother still likes boxes more than what is contained within.  The four year old just loves Christmas.  My husband and I have so much fun watching him.  I said to Carl, "Isn't there something magical about watching Christmas through the eyes of a child."

Christmas Day was spent at our house.  Santa came through for the four year old, bringing the very gifts he'd asked for.  How magical it is.  The two year old enjoyed mess-making & Josiah observed and slept lol.

On Monday, we spent the day at Nana's house.  The boys enjoyed the day with their Nana, Uncle, and Auntie.  The oldest (the little firefighter) was gifted a beautiful ride-on pedal firetruck!  Wow, did his eyes light up when he saw that.  He and his 2-yr old brother had a blast playing with that.  The younger boys got tons of great interactive toys....which they love :)

Carl & I are so blessed with the wonderful family we have <3

I look forward to all our future Christmas's.  It is such a great time of year.  I'm sorry that my brother Scott won't be here to enjoy them with us. 

May the balloon filled with words of love find its way to Heaven, every year.  Merry Christmas, Scott <3

MD visit and PT introduction

The last couple of weeks have been busy as we prepare for Christmas.  We completed our shopping tonight (we think).  Tomorrow is dedicated to baking desserts, then wrapping gifts.  Saturday is our annual Christmas Eve celebration with family, then xmas day :)  I said to Carl the other day, "Isn't there something magical about watching Christmas through the eyes of a child."  He agreed.

Josiah went to the MD on Tuesday for his official 2-month check up.  On our last appt (11/17), he weighed 7.10oz.  Tuesday, he weighed 9.14oz.  That's a 20oz weight gain in about 4 weeks.  The MD actually said he was "pleased" with the weight gain (we laughed previously as he's a bit of an alarmist, at times).  He's gaining sufficiently and he's primarily breastfed.  That's great news.

The MD did detect a heart murmur.  We're not really concerned about it.  While pregnant, they discovered that Josiah had a hole in his heart (a VSD).  Matter-of-fact, that was one of the first "red flags" to the DS.  A few weeks later, the hole had disappeared.  Just to be certain, we made an appt at the advanced fetal care center @ the Children's Hospital.  They spent about 2 hours examining Josiah's heart (in-utero).  They confirmed the absence of a hole.  They said that a tiny pinhole could still be possible, even though they couldn't see one.  The continued by saying that pinholes generally cause no problems and, more often than not, close over time.  The day Josiah was born, they detected a heart murmur.  However, 2 days later (upon discharge) the murmur was seemingly gone.  This was the first time the murmur could be heard again, since his birth.  We immediately connected with a cardiologist at Children's.  Josiah has an appt in January with cardiology.  We're already relieved due to the extensive examination he had while inutero.  We believe it can be no more than a pinhole.  It's just one more professional to be included on our growing team :)

On Wednesday, the EI PT came out to see Josiah.  She's confirmed he definitely has low tone, but primarily in the neck & trunk.  His arms and legs are good.  So, she will see him monthly (for now).  The EI worker will start seeing him weekly and, she too, will work to improve his muscle tone.  PT has assured us that she can increase to weekly visits, if they become warranted.  Josiah is a strong little boy....he'll get there :)

We are so blessed to have the team of professionals we have.  We love each and every one of them.  This is an amazing journey.  Next month we'll meet the cardiologist & schedule Josiah's new baby visit at the DS clinic.  In the meanwhile, xmas is in three days....a four year old, a two year old, and 10-week old Josiah - it doesn't get any better than this.

Happy Holidays to all!

2-months old

Has it really been 2 months since Josiah was born???  This is an amazing journey we are on.  I'm loving every minute of it.

Josiah had his first EI visit and he did very well.  He is a social little boy and likes the EI worker.  At this point, they simply monitor his movements, etc.  He's turning his head in both directions (favoring the right, slightly).  He tolerates laying on both sides.  He brings his hands up to his mouth.  Even on his side, he is able to bring his hands to mid-line and then to his mouth.  He is alert and enjoys looking around his environment.  He recognizes voices and searches for those he knows.  His eyes are big and bright :)  No delays evident, as of yet.  The EI professional has requested a PT and RN consult.  This is not due to any concerns, per se.  Rather, they want to assure that a whole team is in place in the event they are needed.

I enjoy facebook very much but am very selective with whom I'm friends with (I have to actually know you, for example lol).  Carl & I were recently introduced to a local group of parents.  They have a page on FB & we recently joined.  What an amazing group of people.  There are approximately 130 members.  They are all local and they are all raising a child with DS.  They have get-togethers once per month & special annual events.  We look forward to attending our first get-together & getting to know our new friends.

With the Holidays rapidly approaching, I have not yet made an appt for Josiah's "new baby" visit to Boston Children's DS clinic.  We'll likely schedule that for January.  His first clinic appt is scheduled for June.  At that time, he'll meet with their team of specialists.  They will monitor him approx. every 8 months until the age of 18.  What an amazing time & place we live in.  I thank God everyday that Josiah has such wonderful supports.  I know he will truly blossom into an incredible young man, just like his two brothers.

Josiah's older brothers are great.  James just turned two & cherishes every moment he is afforded to kiss his baby brother.  James will say, "Hi, baby!"  We have to keep reminding James that Josiah is not like his Elmo doll but rather a real baby.  James would love to fling him on the floor and play with him....hence the constant supervision :)  Jesse will be turning 5 in a few weeks.....I don't know where those 5 years went.  He's doing very well in preschool & adores his baby brother(s).  Jesse knows that Josiah has DS but it matters not.  Josiah is his brother - nothing more, nothing less.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the best thing.  Yesterday, Josiah turned 2 months old & he smiled at me.  I mean a real ear-to-ear smile.  My heart melted!  As my friend said, "he turned 2 months old but you got the best present."  She's absolutely right!

God knew what he was doing when he sent us Jesse, James, and Josiah.  They are wonderful children & we couldn't ask for more.  If I had to go back and do it all over again.....I wouldn't change a thing <3

"...If People With Down Syndrome Ruled the World"

What would happen if people with DS ruled the world?

Affection, hugging and caring for others would make a big comeback.

All people would be encouraged to develop and use their gifts for helping others.

People would be refreshingly honest and genuine.

A stuffy high society would probably not do well in the world of Down syndrome.

People engaged in self talk would be considered thoughtful and creative. Self talk rooms would be reserved in offices and libraries to encourage this practice.

Order and Structure would rule

• Schedules and calendars would be followed.
• Trains & planes would run on time.
• Lunch would be at 12:00. Dinner at 6:00.
• Work time would be work time.
• Vacation would be vacation.

• People would be expected to keep their promises.
• Last minute changes would be strongly discouraged (if not considered rude and offensive).
• Places would be neat, clean, and organized (not just bedrooms, but cities, countries, the whole world).
• Lost and founds would go out of business (even chaotic appearing rooms have their own sense of order).
• The “grunge look” would be out, way out.
• “Prep” (but not pretentious) would be very big.

In the world of Down Syndrome, there would be a great deal more tolerance for:

• Repeating the same phrase or question
• Use of the terms “fun” and “cleaning” in the same sentence
• Closing doors or cabinets that are left ajar (even in someone else’s house)
• Arranging things until they are “Just so.”

The words “hurry” and “fast” would be not be uttered in polite society. “Plenty of time” would take their place.

• Our current mode of dealing with time, also known as the “Rat race” (or rushing around like our hair is on fire), would not survive.
• Here and now would command a great deal more respect than it currently does.
• Stopping to smell the roses would not be just a cliché.
• Work would be revered, no matter what kind, from doing dishes to rocket science.

• Speed would be far less important than doing the job right.
• Work would be everyone’s right, not a privilege.

• School and work sites would have picture, written, and verbal instructions to accommodate different learning styles.
• Counselors would be able to use visual mediums to help solve problems.

What About News?

• Weather would be the only essential news item
• News would be more local (“A new McDonalds just opened up,” or “A dance tonight,” etc.). After all, what is more important than that?

What About Bad News?

If people with Down syndrome ran the world, would there be wars or murders? We don’t think so! There may be too many McDonalds but definitely not the wars or murders we have in our “civilized societies.”

What About “Behaviors”...

• Anger would only be allowed in special sound proof rooms.
• Trained negotiators would be available to everyone to help deal with any conflicts.
• The word “non compliant” would not be used (except as a very rude comment). It would be replaced by “assertive,” as in “he or she is being assertive today.”

What About Self Expression?

• Art and music appreciation would be BIG.
• People would have time to work on paintings and other art projects.
• Acting and theatrical arts would be encouraged for all.

Dancing

• You probably would not hear a great deal about exercise, but you may hear a phrase like, “Dancing tonight ... absolutely.”
• The President’s commission on physical fitness would probably recommend dancing at least 3 times per week.
• People would be encouraged to get married several times to have more weddings for more music and dancing.
• Richard Simmons and John Travolta would be national heroes.

Music

• Elvis, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys would still be number 1 on the hit parade (Music of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s would be BIG)
• Musicals would be very, very, very, big (such as “Grease,” and “The Sound of Music”)
• John Travolta would be the biggest star.

Television

• Classic TV hits would be very BIG and take up at least half the TV schedules.
• “I Love Lucy,” “Happy Days,” “The Three Stooges,” etc. would be very BIG.
• Wrestling would be very Big.
• “Life Goes On” would also be very Big and replayed regularly.

Movies

• There would be fewer movies, but they would be replayed over and over.
• Movie theaters would allow people to talk out loud to tell what happens next.

No Secret Agents

• People would not hurt the feelings of others and they would also not lie or keep secrets.
• Therefore there probably would be no secret service agents, spies, or terrorists.

Thanksgiving 2011

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents house.  It was Josiah's first Thanksgiving :)  All three kids were great.  We had a fantastic day.

I was a little sad this year, thinking of my brother Scott.  Scott died in September of an apparent drug overdose (accidental).  Despite how crazy he made all of us, he was missed this year.

Two years ago, he spent Thanksgiving at our house & helped Carl cook the turkey on the Weber Grille outside.  A picture was taken of the two of them, standing by the grille (and the turkey looked soooo good lol).  I love that picture.  Scott was sober that day (a rarity, as he had come from a treatment facility).  He looked good.  I will forever remember him as he looked that day.  I'm so glad we named Josiah, in part, after him.  He needed a positive legacy, and Josiah is it :)

The first holidays, after losing someone, are always hard.  I'm particularly sorry that he will never meet this amazing little boy of ours.  He would have loved Josiah very much.

Here's to good memories of Scott.

Here's to a lifetime of amazement with Josiah and his two brothers :)

A great EI Assessment

Early Intervention came out today to do their "Assessment" of Josiah.  The 'assessment' is really a formality, as the Down Syndrome automatically qualifies him for services.

The five-member team arrived.  Josiah was such a good boy and remained engaged (as much as an almost-six-week-old can be) with the process.  They remarked how relaxed he was.  They remarked how social he was (making eye contact, etc).  The performed various tests with him, testing social skills, gross motor skills, vision, hearing, etc).  The assessment lasted approximately one hour.

Then came the scoring.  Based on scores alone, Josiah doesn't qualify for services.  They say he shows no delays as this time (which, according to them, many DS kids already show signs of delay at 5 weeks).  Despite the great scores, Josiah will have EI services until his third birthday.  It's nice to know he has a team of people ready to help him reach his full potential.  We expect nothing less than that for all our children <3 

From the day we received the diagnosis, Carl & I believed in our hearts that Josiah would be very much like our two older boys.  Today confirms it.  Josiah is a six week old baby.  He loves to be held.  He loves to be cuddled.  He is a social little butterfly that loves people.  He is a smart boy.  We've known that from the beginning.  He is so much like our other boys.  We are truly blessed.

Another great day :)

Interesting Article: "Encouraging era for treating Down syndrome"

Encouraging era for treating Down syndrome

Ashley Sanchez, Regular Contributor

Clinical trials for Down syndrome? A Down syndrome research lab right here in Austin? Attend college my oldest daughter?

My head is spinning. After 19 years of intimate familiarity with Down syndrome (our first child, Cristina, was born with it in 1992), I thought I was up to speed on the genetic condition that causes cognitive impairment. I'm delighted to learn that I was wrong.

Dr. Jon Pierce-Shimomura is an assistant professor of neurobiology at the University of Texas who is conducting research on Down syndrome as well as utilizing the skills of adults with Down syndrome to conduct research. Pierce-Shimomura's passion is contagious, and it's personal. His 10-year-old son Ocean has Down syndrome.

When I visited Pierce-Shimomura's lab recently, he enthusiastically showed me C. elegans and explained why he believes that the tiny worms hold such promise in finding treatments for Down syndrome, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

The worms, approximately 1 millimeter in length, have roughly the same 25,000 genes that we humans have. Because they are translucent, it is easy to peer inside of them with a microscope, and they have a brief life cycle — up to about two weeks, "if you pamper them," he said. Thus, C. elegans are middle-aged when they are 5 days old, making it efficient for researchers to study numerous treatment approaches for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in a short period of time.

Pierce-Shimomura, along with Dr. Adela Ben-Yakar in the school of engineering, received a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study Alzheimer's on worm models of Down syndrome. Pierce-Shimomura explained that it's hard to predict what people in the general population will develop Alzheimer's, but we know that almost everyone with Down syndrome will. Thus, "It's people with Down syndrome who are most likely to lead to the first drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease."

Pierce-Shimomura is one of several researchers who in recent years has begun to study treatments for Down syndrome. In fact, pharmaceutical giant Roche has just initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of a drug to improve cognition in people with Down syndrome.

The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation was founded seven years ago to help spur on such research. NIH funding for Down syndrome research has lagged that of other conditions. For example, according the foundation, although 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome, the NIH devoted only $55 per capita on research, compared with $2,867 per capita on research for Cystic Fibrosis, which affects 30,000 Americans.

Those of us who love someone with Down syndrome share part of the blame for the inadequate funding. While other advocacy groups aggressively sought research funding, we've focused our efforts elsewhere: advocating for better education, jobs and integration within our communities for our sons and daughters. We've been relatively successful. Even without treatment, our children have succeeded in school, found a wider variety of job opportunities and achieved varying levels of independence. Now a few innovative colleges are finding creative ways to serve our students.

"I am personally trying to open the doors for people with intellectual disabilities at the college level," Pierce-Shimomura. "They've done so well at K-12, there's no reason why they can't shine at college."

Twice a year, he offers a six-week science course for approximately 10 students with Down syndrome and five UT students. During the most recent session, the students were conducting research with C. elegans to study Parkinson's disease. Pierce-Shimomura has applied for a grant to be able to hire a couple of the students to help with research in his lab part time.

We're entering an incredible era, one in which students with Down syndrome might be able to hold jobs in a research lab, attend class on college campuses and get treatment to improve cognition. For those opportunities to come to fruition, however, we need vastly improved funding for research, and we need a widespread effort by colleges and universities to explore innovative ways to welcome these students.
It's exciting to know that right here in Austin, Jon Pierce-Shimomura is helping usher in this era.

Sanchez lives in Cedar Park.

The hearing hurdle

So....Josiah failed his newborn hearing screening (in both ears).  They scheduled a follow-up test for today.

We left early this a.m. for Josiah's "Auditory Brainstem Response Exam."  Luckily, we were able to go to a local audiology clinic & save the trip to Boston.  The directions for the test were funny:

Don't let your child get a good night sleep.
Wake your child early in the a.m.
Don't feed your child within two hours of the test.
Don't allow your child to fall asleep in the car on the way to the test.
"We want your child to arrive awake, hungry, and tired."

(all the things a parent of a newborn hopes to be told LOL).

Well, we followed the instructions & arrived right on time.  They prepared him for the test.  I was allowed to feed him & he promptly fell asleep.  We were told to come back in 90 minutes, which we did :)

When we arrived back, we noticed the audiologist pacing the hallway with Josiah.  I thought, "Oh boy, this didn't go well."  Much to my delight....Josiah had been a perfect angel.  He slept throughout the duration of the test (a requirement of the test).  They were able to complete the comprehensive hearing test.  I nursed him while they explained the results.

Bottom line:  Josiah passed with flying colors.

When tested at the quietest level (20db), it took a couple of milliseconds longer for the sound to reach it's destination.  At 25db, the brainstem response was "discernible" (reached it's destination at a normal rate).  The slower response to the 20db could be explained by the fact that Josiah's ear canals, etc are TINY (very common with DS kids).  He has no fluid in his ears (just a little congestion in one ear).  He has no infections.  His hearing is not a concern.  This is GREAT news :)

Although he will be more at-risk for ear infections (another common trait in DS), his hearing is fine.

It's a great day.

1-month old

I'm not sure where the first month has gone.  Josiah is doing so well.  He is up to 7lbs 5oz (yes, only 5oz up from birth weight)....not uncommon for DS kids to be slow weight gainers.  He eats well.  He sleeps well.  We are so blessed by this amazing little man.

Josiah loves to cuddle.  He loves kisses.  He loves to be held.  He's trying to lift his head....he's a strong little boy.  He's even trying to smile now.  Every day is a new adventure.  We couldn't be more proud to be his parents.

Veteran's Day 2011 - Thank you!

On this Veteran's Day, I give thanks that I am an American.  I thank God for this great Country of ours.

To all members of our armed forces, past, present, and future - thank you for serving and defending our Country.  Thank you for making it a safer place for my children.  Thank you for assuring our freedom, that we are allowed to raise our children as we see fit, that our son Josiah can live freely and not be caged like an animal.

Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice time with your family, and sometimes your life, that I may have these opportunities (and so many more).

From the bottom of my heart - Thank you :)

Please remember our Veteran's today <3

Getting services in place

We arrived home on Friday 10/14/11. 

We had done our homework and wanted to waste no time.  We had read the benefits of putting services into place quickly....we want to give our child every opportunity to reach his full potential.

Friday afternoon, I was on the phone with the insurance company (getting him set-up with medical insurance) & I called Early Intervention (whom I had spoken with prior to his birth).

Monday, was a repeat of the above phone calls...

By Wednesday (exactly one week after birth), we had insurance set-up & an intake scheduled with Early Intervention. 

By Friday (9 days old), we were on the phone with the Down Syndrome Clinic - setting up his first clinic appointment.

November is a busy month....Josiah will begin receiving Early Intervention services.  He'll have a specialized hearing test (as he failed his newborn hearing screening), we will schedule his "new baby visit" to the DS clinic, and he'll have weekly "weight checks" with the pedicatrician (as DS babies are slow weight gainers, as we have already learned).....

Meanwhile, he's just like every other baby.  He loves to be held.  He eats & sleeps well.  He's a happy little boy.

We are so blessed to have him in our lives <3

Poem: "Welcome to Holland"

I came across this poem, early on.  How true this is.....


Welcome To Holland
by
Emily Perl Kingsley


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.

*     *     *
©1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved. 

Josiah meets the family

Before we had left the hospital, Josiah had met his brothers (Jesse & James), his maternal grandparents (Mimi & Bah), and his aunts (Angel, Dee, and Chris).

Over the next few days, Josiah was introduced to his paternal grandmother (Nana), his uncle Tom & Auntie Anne.

A week later, he met his Uncle Jeff & cousin Cathy.

Josiah has been accepted by everyone!  Any previous reservations were gone :)

Josiah is part of our family & he is loved <3

My sister-in-law, Chris, who is "quite smitten with him" stated this:  "I think he (Josiah) is going to be the spice of our family."

We think Josiah is just what/who our family needs.

Statistics

I remember reading statistics, early on, about Down Syndrome pregnancies.  Sobering.....

Genetics suggest that out of every 100 DS pregnancies, approximately 80% result in miscarriage.

That leaves 20.

Out of the remaining 20, 90% are terminated (by choice).

That leaves 2.

I realize, every single day, how lucky we are to have Josiah in our life <3

The birth of Josiah

October 12, 2011:  Josiah was born at 5:50pm.  He was 19.5 inches long; he weighed 7lbs 0.4oz.  He is a beautiful baby.  He may have an extra chromosome, but he is absolutely perfect!  Our new adventure has begun....

The final month & complete mayhem

As September rolled around, we knew we had about 6 weeks to go.  We had no idea what the following weeks would bring.

Sept 3, 2011:  My oldest brother, Scott, died unexpectedly.
Sept 8, 2011:  Wake/visting hours
Sept 9, 2011:  Burial.

Sept 18, 2011:  Baby shower for Josiah - the one great day in September.

Sept. 19, 2011:  Carl has medical crisis & ends up in local hospital.
Sept 22, 2011:  Carl returns home
Sept 23, 2011:  Carl has medical crisis & ends up in Boston hospital.
Sept 25, 2011:  Carl undergoes major surgery.
Oct 4, 2011:  Carl is discharged home :)

Some good news & Intro to Boston Children's

June 13, 2011:  Third ultrasound revealed good news.  The VSD had healed.  Josiah no longer had the hole in his heart. 

June 15, 2011:  We attended our first appt at the Advanced Fetal Care Center @ Boston Children's Hospital.  Good news confirmed: the VSD had healed.  Josiah's heart was fine.  We met with the Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic.  They have a great program.  Josiah will be in great hands.

August, 2011:  2nd appt at Children's.  All is well.  Now, we wait for Josiah to be born.

Breaking the news

May 22, 2011:  We had known for four days.  It was time to share our news.

Its funny the preconceived notions we have of how others will react to information.  For us, the shock came in the form of two family members.  With one, we expected a less-than-stellar reaction and received the complete opposite.  With the other, we expected understanding and support.  Instead, we were told that the baby would be a burden, and would make life very difficult for our older boys.  We were told that we couldn't just keep waking up every day, telling ourselves everything would be ok.

Our internal question: Why the hell not????

We decided not to let other people's ignorance alter our perspective and, we didn't.  We never will.

The diagnosis

By the time we received the 'diagnosis,' we were relieved.  The diagnostic genetic possibilities had been great, and many more horrifying than Down Syndrome (DS).  DS meant we would be able to bring our baby home.   It meant our Josiah, given the opportunity, would be able to achieve great things.  Keeping him, was never a question.  Now, it was simply preparing.  We researched.  We reached out.  We planned.  We were going to be sure that Josiah is given every opportunity to reach his full potential.

The beginning

February 12, 2011:  2 home pregnancy tests yielded positive results. 

February 14, 2011:  MD appt confirmed we were pregnant with our third child.  This pregnancy was quickly reminiscent of the first two (both boys) - no cravings, no morning sickness, etc. 

We had our routine 12-week ultrasound and were told that there were certain "markers" indicative of Down Syndrome.  Specifically - there was an unusual thickness in the baby's neck & a hole in his heart (VSD).  Shortly thereafter, we completed the two routine blood tests; the risks increased.  We were told "It is more likely than not, that your baby has Down Syndrome." 

May 16, 2011:  At the 18-week ultrasound, we learned we were having a boy (whom we would name Josiah).  We also learned that there were additional markers (shorter arm/leg bones, smaller nose, etc).  Carl & I decided to have an amnio to confirm the suspicion.  The amnio was completed immediately.

May 18, 2011:  Our OB called.  The preliminary results were in.....it clearly showed the triple 21 chromosome.  It was official.  Josiah has Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).