Alex hasn't been born yet. As of November 17, 2015, we are 35 gestational weeks along. We are planning a c-section on December 15, at 39 gestational weeks.
This pregnancy was not exactly planned, but it wasn't prevented either. So we were surprised, to say the least, when we found out at 10 weeks along that we were expecting. Because of my age, let's just say that I'm over 40, this pregnancy was deemed high risk. Several tubes of blood was taken at that time for various tests. We found out a few days later that the fetus is male and that he has Trisomy 21, the medical definition of Down Syndrome.
Admittedly, at first the thought of having a child with DS was shocking and dismaying. After we got used to the idea, however, we've completely embraced the idea of having him and loving him and raising him to the best of our ability. We both believe in the sanctity of human life, so the thought of not continuing the pregnancy was repugnant and completely out of the question. We are not telling everyone that Alex has DS. When we have told people and we get an, "I'm sorry," the first thing I want to say, and often do, is, "We're not." The quote I absolutely love is, "Special needs kids aren't sent to special parents, they make parents special." 'Nuf said.
Growing, rolling, and oh-so-cute!
September 6, 2016
