World Down Syndrome Day 2013

Today, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day.  March 21st was chosen because of the numbers 3/21.  People with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.  This is a day to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome and inform people what Down syndrome is really all about.  

There are many stereotypes about Down syndrome.  Most are myths and just plain not true.  I want to help people understand that my daughters are more like everyone else than they are different.  They have hopes, desires, and dreams just like you. They have a broad range of feelings and emotions just like you do. How I wish the world could see our children the way we do!  That they are beautiful and amazing and loved tremendously. They may seem different. But aren't we all different...each in our own way?  

My girls are just regular little girls. They play, laugh, cry, throw temper tantrums, and get into trouble. They like cookies and pizza, jumping on the trampoline, ice cream and playing at the park among many other things.  :) This is who they are...

Precious and tiny and sweet.  

I AM HERE!

Kissable.  

I AM LOVED BY MY COUSINS!

The baby of the family. 

 I AM A LITTLE SISTER!

Red, white and blue. 

I AM PATRIOTIC!

Many surgeries.  

I AM A SURVIVOR!

Afraid of loud fireworks.  

I AM A NORMAL LITTLE KID!

Get into things I'm not supposed to.

I AM MESSY!

Hard work to reach my developmental milestones.

I AM DETERMINED!

New sisters.

I AM WORTH TRAVELING 10 THOUSAND MILES FOR! 

Abandoned, neglected, alone.

I AM STRONG ANYWAY! 

Orphans no more.

I AM NOT ALONE ANYMORE!

Sisters

I AM ADORABLE!

Funny faces.

I AM SILLY!

Adoption

I AM CHOSEN!

Giggles

I AM FUNNY!

Sightseeing

I AM A TRAVELER!

More beautiful cousins. :)

I AM AN AMERICAN NOW!

Big brother.

I AM HUG-ABLE!

Family

I AM HOME!

Signing "bird".

I AM SMART!

Highest slide at the park.

I AM DARING!

School

I AM A STUDENT!

 

Creative

I AM FUN!

Sad...tears

I AM FULL OF FEELINGS!

Hmmm...

I AM FULL OF ATTITUDE!

 My lil' sis.

I AM SWEET!!!

Pretty girls.

I AM LOVED!!

Our children with Down syndrome have been one of the biggest blessings in our life. I hope you can see a little bit more of why now.  :)  

Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2013!!!!