World Down Syndrome Day!!!

Tomorrow, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day. I have been thinking about my role in this day and how to share our joy as well as raise awareness. I decided to share a letter that I wrote to Addie. I want everyone to know that she is amazing, that Down Syndrome is amazing and our family is better because of that little extra chromosome. We are blessed beyond belief!

So, this World Down Syndrome Day, I encourage you to get involved, tell your story (tell our story!) and help make the world a better place for all the individuals with Down Syndrome out there.

Dear Addie,
I am writing you this letter for World Down Syndrome Day. Today is a day to celebrate you and your amazing accomplishments. You have amazed me from the beginning, my dear. I love you in a way that I will never be able to describe to you. You have shown me and our whole family love that is true and pure. You taught me to love and advocate fiercely. You taught me to accept and not judge. You taught your brother that different is good. You taught your Daddy how much a little girl adores her father.

You are growing into such an amazing little girl, Addie! You run around the house (and pretty much everywhere) like you own the place. And, if I am being honest, you really do! You guide conversations and play with so few words. Your ability to communicate amazes me every day. I love that you are now making choices and gaining independence, even if it means you shake your head no, throw up your hands and run away from me. You are a little dare devil, trying to do everything your brother does. That is a little scary for Mommy, but inside I am beaming seeing you try. To say that you are passionate, is a bit of an understatement. For good and for bad, you know what you want and how to get it.

Your determination never ceases to amaze me.  I love the way you sneak into the pantry while I am cooking and bring out a snack of your choice. I love the way you try every button on the remote when you want Tyler to stop watching tv. I love the way you grab my face to look at you if I don't see what sign you are doing. I love that you can tell me what you want to do or where you want to play. I love the way you are fearless and try to play on every part of the playground. I love the way you always ask to wear a coat, even though it is 80 degrees outside. I love the way you take pajama pants out of your drawer and put them on over you clothes.

I know you have faced obstacles like walking and learning sign language. I know this is not easy stuff for you, but you did it! You did, you did it, you did it! The delight on your face when you run around outside and chase Tyler or when you learn a new sign makes my heart leap! I hope to face every challenge in my life the way you face yours. You make me want to work harder.

This week, you learned how to say "lick". It is the first new word you have said in a while. Watching you tonight entertain Daddy and I saying it and then clapping for yourself was nothing short of amazing. I told Daddy that these are the moments most families do not get to have. Thank you for moments like this. It is a gift to be able to celebrate with you!

So, as I think of you and how that extra chromosome has changed me, I think of a few things. I think of love, because you love us with your whole being. I think of laughter, because you have added to much of it to our lives. I think of passion, because you are passionate about everything you do. I think of patience, because you have taught me how to be patient. I think if kindness, because your brother has learned more about being kind from you than I could ever have taught him. I think of those who support you and our family. You have no idea how many people marvel at watching you grow into such an amazing, intelligent, loving, funny little girl.

At 2 years old, you are changing peoples' perceptions about Down Syndrome and about being different in general. You have done more good in your short life than I could have ever imagined. You have the gift of softening people and making them look at what is truly important. I feel blessed today and every day to be your mother.

You are amazing Addie girl! Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Love,
Mommy