I'm a new mom, again. My baby girl of 1 1/2 mos. has DS. I also have two boys, ages 3yr and 1 1/2yr. I've been a stay at home mom now for almost a year. I'm looking for support, encouragement, words or wisdom from people who've been there - people who care. Ironically, I worked in the area of special needs for years, coming in contact with people with DS on a daily basis. My friend of 20+ years has a brother with DS. I'm no stranger to DS, but I continue to ride an 'emotional roller coaster' on a daily basis. Overall, I think I'm doing okay (sometimes, I don't think so). Fortunately, everytime I make a contact (i.e. area mothers' support group has been helpful, early intervention intake staff is encouraging), I feel a bit better. So, anyway you can offer support will be appreciated.

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Kelly

I have a 5 month old with ds. I am 23 and it was extremely hard for me to understand what the doctor had told me when I first heard the news. I thought young people did not have babies with ds. I am proud of what Kayla has accomplished over the months. And I am proud of myself. I think it took me a little longer to bond with her, because of the almost daily doctor visits and the on-going therapy that she started at a mere 2 months old, but now I know that everything is okay between her and I, no matter what...When she is crying and I go to the side of her crib to see what is the matter, and our eyes lock, she stops crying and smiles... I don't see the ds at all any more. I just see Kayla and thank God for her everyday. I think that no matter how much you know or how much experiecne you think you have with a situation, we all seem to think that it could never happen to us. But it did. And look at your baby. Don't you feel blessed? You should because I don't think God would have given you a special needs baby if He didn't think you were the best candidate for the job!!! So be strong. If you want to email me you can. Nikky59@hotmail.com

Kelly,

Congratulations on your new baby! You are a busy lady, with three little ones. I was like that, too...my youngest three are each 21 months apart. It made it tough, but it is worth it every day to see how close they are.

Anyway, my youngest has DS. It was quite a shock in the beginning, but we are doing so well now! I found what helped me the most was to just be sure to take time for me! I got the baby involved in EI, then waited until I was comfortable with myself and the way things were going, and then I got involved. I now sit on the LICC for our county, have created a packet of info for our local hospital to give to parents of new babies with Ds, volunteer to contact the parents that are coming into our local EI program...things that will make a difference. While it is not always easy with such a housefull, we make due.

One important thing to remember is BALANCE! Therapists and teachers will soon be telling you to do bunches of therapies and exercises with the baby daily, but you have to find a balance that works for your family. You have the right to adjust the schedule to every other day or every third day if you need...without guilt!! You have to keep everyone happy and involved. I have found that it has gotten easier as the girls have gotten older...the older girls help with therapies like stacking blocks and fine motor skills. It helps keep them involved and makes them feel important, too!

Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me privately at BigJess1969@aol.com

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J-, mommy of 4 girls, the youngest with Down syndrome

I have a 7 year old girl with DS. I also was 23 and with a 19 month old child when she was born. The early years were hard but the fact that she has Downs hardly fazes me now. Audrey takes gymnastics and swimming lessons in the summer, and skiing and horseback riding in the winter. We treat her like any other kid and that's how she behaves. Yes, she is behind other kids her age but who cares? She's quite popular with all her "typical" classmates. I was so worried when she started school that she would be treated badly. But so far there has been no problem whatsoever. The kids love her.

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter!!! How lucky she is to have been born to a mother who loves her enough reach out for support and information to help her grow to reach her fullest potential.I have a 12yr. old daughter,Ally, who has Down Syndrome. Enjoy your daughter and open your heart and mind to everthing she will teach you about life and love. Sometimes, miracles are hidden in the smallest of places. I have a great poem but it's kind of long, if you have an e-mail address, I would be happy to send it to you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by ABC Mom (edited 03-07-2001).]

Children with DS are the most beautiful children, they grow up to be loving caring sensitive and fun to love! They are true angels sent from god ,and they make the world more beautiful.

Hi, I'm a new mom of a daughter with DS. My daughter was born on 3-31-01 two months early. When my husband came into the recovery room and said they(the doctors) think she may have down syndrome, all I could do was cry. Of course all I could think of was how she would not be like my two older children, the things she would never get to do. We got the genetics testing done, and for three long days I prayed to God that my beautiful daughter that I had all these plans for would not have this "horrible" thing, we knew nothing about. When the test came back positive I was relieved yet devastated, how could this happen to us we are young(26 and 27), and healthy. It took me about a week to go through deep depression and denial. I still get upset and wonder why. But when I go see my daughter, who looks just like our 3 year old son, in the Neonatal Unit(she will be there for a few more weeks because she was premature) I get this calm feeling, I leave in the best mood, because I know that everything is going to be just fine. Just how I know it will be for you and your family! Also what really helped me out is talking and reading about personal stories, some of which people have gone on to marry and adopt children, gone on to college, or to move across the country and get a great paying job and make IT in life!! The one thing I have learned from these personal stories is to not let people tell you your child never will, because it is proven that they can!!!!! If you ever need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to email me. Our prayers are with you. Garzella@worldnet.att.net