This was the day...3 years ago, that changed our lives forever

I know I have neglected my blog...and I feel so bad for that...I have so many posts to catch up on and I will...I felt compelled to post today for a reason that has been on my mind since I woke up...December 2nd...this is a date that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is no longer a date that is HARD to think back on though...

3 years ago I can remember the day being cold, dark outside, foggy and dreary...similar to the feelings I felt when the phone rang at 5:30 from my OB stating he wanted Jared and I to drive down to his office after closing...I KNEW in that instant MY life, Jared's life, my other two children's lives were about to CHANGE forever...(little did I know at that time it would be THE best blessing EVER).

The tears that flowed as my heart sank listening to the confirmation of the amniocentesis of the results that our baby boy had Down syndrome...Yes, I was one that had an amnio as I was given the chance of 1:22...for us, we needed to know to prepare ourselves all we could...that is a personal decision, but that is what we decided and so thankful we did. I was 19 1/2 weeks pregnant and feeling those flutters and small kicks by him just gave me the assurance that everything was going to be ok. I wanted so bad at that moment in time of finding out the results for those to be confirmed "negative " but of course God helped us get through those next few hours, days and weeks to feel peace and comfort with the fact our baby boy did indeed have Down syndrome. I am NOT going to lie, that was the hardest time of our lives. Through personal prayers, family prayers and so much support, we let Faith and Hope take us through the rest of our pregnancy.....and NOW 3 years later from that exact day, I look at our amazing,cute, smart,healthy, curious 2 year old toddler and I can NOT imagine life without him! God chose us to be his parents...he trusted me enought to take care of this special spirit warms my heart every single morning I wake up...

I love all 3 of my children with all my heart...we have been blessed beyond measure...I thank God everyday... I want to send a special hug to all of the DS families out there...I have yet to meet so many of you in person, but I love you all...Some have had difficult journeys with Down syndrome and I pray for you ...all the time...some having medical issues right now, some have passed away, I can not imagine the pain you have had to endure...please know that this DS community is quite special...to all my friends and family who are a part of our lives, THANK for always being there for us...Brayden is SO blessed to have so many of you a part of his life, acceptance and LOVE has been provided by all of you and it means so much...Down syndrome is not who Brayden is, but just a part of him... this extra chromosome that he has is really magical as I see HOW magical he is everyday... I can only pray that someone may come across this post that has just found out they are expecting a child with Down syndrome or may be having a child with Down syndrome and feel comfort.