reaching the shallows
Thank you all for the support and comments on the last couple entries. I can't express how important your support was and still is.
I'm probably not going to respond directly to those for a couple of reasons, including the fact that things have changed so quickly and so much since posting them that it's easier to just move forward instead of trying to explain/correct/reply.
Been doing a lot of research and reaching out. Turns out I work with a couple people whose daughters have DS, and one of them was/is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of MN, so I can reach out to both of them. The hospital we were referred to was ranked one of the best cardiovascular care hospitals. And one of my sisters who has long worked with special-ed children and volunteered with special-needs people just wrote me one of the most touching emails about what an honor it is to be bestowed with a baby with DS.
All in all, this little guy is really lucky. And we're really lucky to have him.
This extended metaphor really explains what it has felt like: http://www.dsamn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Welcome-to-Holland.pdf
One last thought on the subject: It really struck me the last couple days how much having a child is going to make me grow. I can't afford to be shy or passive or just rolling with the ride. I have a tiny life depending on me. I think finding out Caden has DS just made that sink in a lot faster. I am going to have to reach out to strangers, I'm going to have to step up and ask questions, I'm going to have to apply to all sorts of programs and fill out forms for assistance...and that stuff is hard for me. I still--STILL--freeze when the phone rings and hope I don't have to answer it. I still will linger behind to avoid someone who might talk to me when we're walking to the same place. It's stupid, but talking to most people will always be a chore, will always take an extra burst of energy I might not want to put forth.
If it were for myself, I could be lazy and apathetic and locked in my shell. But I can't be like that when it's for my child.
I think this is the last burst of winter now...I just have a feeling spring is going to start in earnest now. We didn't get much snow this past winter, so we're starting the season out dry already.
I planted my tomatoes and peppers, and the tomatoes at least are up!
I'm probably not going to respond directly to those for a couple of reasons, including the fact that things have changed so quickly and so much since posting them that it's easier to just move forward instead of trying to explain/correct/reply.
Been doing a lot of research and reaching out. Turns out I work with a couple people whose daughters have DS, and one of them was/is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of MN, so I can reach out to both of them. The hospital we were referred to was ranked one of the best cardiovascular care hospitals. And one of my sisters who has long worked with special-ed children and volunteered with special-needs people just wrote me one of the most touching emails about what an honor it is to be bestowed with a baby with DS.
All in all, this little guy is really lucky. And we're really lucky to have him.
This extended metaphor really explains what it has felt like: http://www.dsamn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Welcome-to-Holland.pdf
One last thought on the subject: It really struck me the last couple days how much having a child is going to make me grow. I can't afford to be shy or passive or just rolling with the ride. I have a tiny life depending on me. I think finding out Caden has DS just made that sink in a lot faster. I am going to have to reach out to strangers, I'm going to have to step up and ask questions, I'm going to have to apply to all sorts of programs and fill out forms for assistance...and that stuff is hard for me. I still--STILL--freeze when the phone rings and hope I don't have to answer it. I still will linger behind to avoid someone who might talk to me when we're walking to the same place. It's stupid, but talking to most people will always be a chore, will always take an extra burst of energy I might not want to put forth.
If it were for myself, I could be lazy and apathetic and locked in my shell. But I can't be like that when it's for my child.
I think this is the last burst of winter now...I just have a feeling spring is going to start in earnest now. We didn't get much snow this past winter, so we're starting the season out dry already.
I planted my tomatoes and peppers, and the tomatoes at least are up!