It's final!!!

Our adoption is final!  


Since Michael and Matthew came home on an IR-4 Visa, it is required that we finalize the adoption here in America, basically re-adopt them, in order for them to become US citizens.  Today was the day, exactly 3 months to the day since we brought the boys home.

We went down to the courthouse, briefly met with our dear friend and attorney, along with the Judge,  then answered a few questions and viola....DONE!  It was a very quick and painless proceeding.


We are now legally the proud parents to Matthew and Michael...though we have been their mommy and daddy in our hearts for almost a year since we first laid eyes on them via Reece's Rainbow.

WDSD ~ Our Three reasons to CELEBRATE!!!

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. 

Our family celebrates the uniqueness of our children every day.  All 8 of our children are unique in their own right.  Some have 46 chromosomes and some have 47.  Some have blue eyes, some have green, one has brown, one has hazel...all are loved exactly the same!  They were each made for a specific purpose and are wonderfully, miraculously made.

 Psalm 139:13 says, 
"For You created my inmost being: You knit me together in my mother's womb."

Justin at 29 weeks

Justin ~ just minutes old and the picture of Baby Perfection!

Justin ~ Today

 ...and then there were THREE!

Michael ~ Today!

Matthew ~ Today!

So on this day, what do I want you to know about Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome have one extra copy of the 21st chromosome.  There are actually three types of Down syndrome: Standard Trisomy 21, Translocation and Mosaic.  All three types have the extra 21st chromosome in varying degrees.  All of the chromosomes are perfectly normal, even the extra copy.  Having the extra 21st chromosome can cause characteristics and symptoms which vary between individuals.  Some people have very mild characteristics and symptoms while some people have more health and cognitive issues.  With modern medicine, health related symptoms can be successfully treated to minimize lasting effects. 


I want you to know that people with Ds are people first!  They are very capable, have great talents and abilities, and are destined to become great men and women of God.  They are smart, they are funny and yes, they have an extra 21st chromosome.  Down syndrome does not define them.  It is just one part of who they are.

We fully expect our boys to grow up to be independent young men, go to college, get married, work hard and have children....that's right, we expect all these things!  It is possible!  Many people who have Ds are already leading the way, crushing the stereotypes by doing these very things and living long, full lives.  We expect no less!  

And, yes, we also realize that not every person with Ds will achieve all of these things....for that matter, not every person without Ds will achieve all of these things.  Just sayin'...


Glad you stopped by to celebrate with us!  

Don't forget to spread the word to end the word!  There is NEVER a reason to use the r-word...ever!  RESPECT is the true R-word!  Use it!  Believe it!  Spread it!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day ~ 3-21-11

Today is World Down Syndrome Day!!!  

IDSC produced this beautiful video to honor all individuals blessed with an extra 21st chromosome!

Watch it!!

Celebrate with us!!!

See the beauty and perfection in that extra bit of DNA!!!!

 (scroll down and mute my play list first)

3-3-11...3 months since we first met

Today is 3-3-11....March 3.  Today marks 3 months since Jeff, Rachel and Kayla met Michael and Matthew for the very first time.  That's 90 days!  How can it only have been 3 months when it seems like they have always been in our family??  Funny how that works.  Here are a couple of pictures of that first day.  Oh my goodness, how they have changed and grown in the past 3 months!!!

No longer are their eyes glazed over from lack of stimulation.  No longer does their skin hang off their bones from starvation and dehydration.  No longer are they cold and hungry.  No longer are they alone.  

Michael and Matthew are happy, energetic, joyful little boys today.  They have a mommy, daddy, brothers and sisters who adore them. Their eyes are bright and filled with wonder.  Their tummy's are full and they are gaining weight and growing.  It's been a GREAT 3 months and we cannot wait for the next 3 months...and the next...and the next...! 

Matthew hugging his Care Bear

Justin and Matthew sharing a toy

Oldest brother Wesley feeding Matthew

Michael playing with his tamborine

Michael being cute!

Matthew playing in a box

Michael and Justin in their port-a-crib so mommy can fix lunch

Spread the Word to END the Word

 
Today is Spread the Word to End the Word day. In honor of our three sons who have Down syndrome, please pledge to NEVER use the r-word again.


It HURTS!


Instead, replace it with the new R-word.....RESPECT!


Go to:

http://www.r-word.org/ 


and make the pledge today.....right now.  Do it for Justin, Matthew, Michael and for all the individuals who have unique cognitive and physical abilities.  Do it for yourself.   Just do it!