Letting go of self-sabotage on the special needs journey It took my daughter Polly, who was born with Down syndrome, a long time to walk. When she was around two and a half years old, her physical therapist loaned us a stander; this wooden contraption that looked like it may have been used for torture at some point in the past, designed to strap kids in while standing upright to build muscle … [Read more...]
She stands tall; not trying to fix the child I adopted
She stands tall; not trying to fix the child I adopted When we adopted Evangeline from Ukraine in 2009, she hunched. She cowered. She chose to spend her time hidden in little pockets of the house, behind the sofa, under the comforter on her bed. How would I bring her out of her shell? How would I get her to not only make eye contact with me, but to trust me and let love in after two … [Read more...]
Touched By An Angel
It has been a long and hard last 9 months for me personally. After we closed our church plant 9 months ago, I wrestled with God on many different topics. However, most of the time I tend to tune it out and ignore the real issues. That is until last week. For the past week, my eyes have been opened to how hurt I was over the loss. Dealing With My Heart First off, I would like to say, I am … [Read more...]
10 things TO SAY when a baby is born with Down syndrome
10 things TO SAY when a baby is born with Down syndrome Today is October 1st, which kicks off Down syndrome awareness month. In honor of doing my part to raise awareness about individuals like my two daughters Polly and Evangeline, I'm sharing one of my favorite lists: 10 things TO SAY when a baby is born with Down syndrome. A while back I posted 10 things not to say to a parent of a child … [Read more...]
5 things to do after someone you love receives a special needs diagnosis
5 things you can do after a family you love receives a special needs diagnosis I’ll never forget the moment I was told my baby had Down syndrome. I was sitting next to her incubator in a hospital, holding on to her heel. I remember being pleased because her eyes were open. She stared intently into mine. The doctor spoke and the words ‘Down syndrome’ crashed over me. Suddenly I was alone without a … [Read more...]
What If She Lives With Us Forever?
Call me crazy, but one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind when my daughter was born with Down syndrome was, “Will she live with us forever?” When my oldest was born, a typical baby girl, those thoughts would have felt so…outrageous! I mean, who thinks about their child moving out the day they’re born? But with Nichole it was different, Down syndrome rocked me and I was immediately … [Read more...]