In the beginning................

I first started writing this blog as a way to reach out to any new moms just starting out on this DS journey. From my experience almost 13 years ago, I know firsthand just how devastating getting that news that my baby has Down Syndrome really feels.

When we were told that Ryan did indeed have DS, I began searching the internet, just praying for any sign of hope that we would be able to have a "normal" life. But all I could find back then were outdated photos and parenting books about how bleak our life was going to be with this child. I was heartbroken. There were no blogs yet with words of encouragement. There were no pictures of happy kids and families. There was absolutely no evidence to show just how bright our future could and was going to be! If I only knew then what I do know now! (Luckily for me, I did come across an awesome message board full of amazing women who have all become soul sisters to me, but that's a whole 'nother post!)

As time went on, and we got to know our Ryan, I realized how wrong I was. His having Down Syndrome, while yes, was scary at times with the possible increased medical issues, was really not the tragic, end of the world news I had first thought.

So we laughed, we played, we smiled and above all else, we LOVED! Loved him, loved each other, and loved the life that we were given with this amazing boy! That's when I decided to start documenting our life. Sharing pictures and stories of our everyday happenings here on this blog with the hopes that anyone faced with this new diagnosis would stumble upon our life and say to themselves, "Wow, it's a lot better than I thought it ever could be!" (and it really truly is!)

The other day, my mom mentioned to me that my blog has now simply become a family blog that had really nothing to do with Down Syndrome at all, and I smiled so wide and said "That's EXACTLY why I started it!" Because you know what? The Down Syndrome that seemed SO MONUMENTAL and DEFINING in our lives back then, is really such a small part of how we live and view our lives these days.

Just this past weekend, we attended a charity event to benefit Ryan's first school - ACDS. At the last minute as we were getting ready to leave, I decided to throw some of Ryan's current school work into my bag to show any of his old teachers we may bump into, just how great he is doing these days. Here, have a look at just some of what our boy has been up to in school this semester - this kid totally ROCKS! AMAZING!










In the beginning of his life, we were so uncertain, scared and unsure of what he would ever be capable of. With a lot of support, hard work, and endless love, we now know that the possibilities for him are endless! What a joy and blessing it is for us all to have him in our lives! Everyone should be so lucky to have a "Ryan" in their life!

Please don't ever let anyone underestimate you or your child! And PLEASE teach your children about acceptance and respect for those who may seem different! What a wonderful world this would be if we could all see the possibilities and joy that others can bring to us!