3/21: A Day To Celebrate

Nine months ago, I held my baby girl for the first time. And, as I cradled her in my arms, I knew she was the sweetest gift I could ever ask for.

Nine months ago, I cried as the doctors told me she there were some complications with her heart and she'd need to stay in the NICU indefinitely. My eyes were red and puffy for the next week as the doctors hooked her up to more and more monitors and tubes. All I wanted was to take my sweet little girl home!

Nine months ago, I cried even harder as the doctors informed us that our little Leah was diagnosed with Trisomy 21. My already exhausted emotions were stretched even further than I thought possible. I was sad that I'd lost the baby I was expecting. I was angry at myself for crying about the little girl I'd thought I'd lost when my sweet little Leah just wanted to be loved. I was afraid that I wouldn't know how to take care of her needs. And I was worried that I wouldn't be able to protect her from the harsh, cold world of judgement and misunderstanding when it comes to people with special needs.

Nine months ago, I brought my sweet princess home from the hospital a week after she was born and I knew that, no matter what obstacles came our way, I would always love my little Leah. And that's all that mattered.

Today, barely nine months later, I couldn't imagine life without this adorable little girl! My little Leah is such an inspiration to me. She's had to deal with two week-long hospital stays, heart surgery, numerous rough shots and tests, doctors prodding and poking her at least once a month, oxygen tubes (for a month after she was born and for another month after her surgery, nasty formula and medicine, and parents who have no idea what we're doing half the time. Yet, she is the happiest, low-key baby I've ever met.


Today, I know that we all have a lot of work ahead of us in helping her grow and develop. We have to spend a lot of time helping her achieve even the smallest of milestones. But she makes it all worth it. Hearing her laugh is often the highlight of my day. Seeing her accomplish something we've been working on for weeks, or even months, just makes the accomplishment so much sweeter.  I definitely appreciate more of the small things I took for granted before—all thanks to my little Leah.

Today, I am grateful to express my love and appreciation for my sweet little princess and all of the other beautiful children with Down syndrome. You are the sweetest gift anyone could ever hope for. You make the world a better place just by being in it. You are perfect.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day because people with Down Syndrome have 3 chromosome 21s: 3/21. Please take some time to celebrate these precious spirits from our Heavenly Father.