Yes, mommy is a bit behind on writing a "Disability Wednesdays' Blog Hop" that was introduced by Rebecca. It's ingenious to find a way to share our thoughts & feelings regarding our day-to-day experiences with a child who was born with a certain disability. Last Wednesday, a question was posted about our connection with disability (Disability Wednesday).
Mommy truly believes that God picked mommy especially for you two angels. You see, He knew that mommy needed this special love that you both can only provide. It's difficult for mommy to even consider that being born with a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 is disabling. Mommy have learned (from reading) that some of the symptoms that may effect Ethan include but not limited to:
- Mental Retardation
- Developmental Delay
- Simian Crease
- Poor Muscle Tone
- Brushfield Spots
- Microstomia
- Growth retardation
- Gap Between Cranial Sutures
- Microcephaly
- Craniofacial Abnormalities
- Altered Growth And Development of Social Skills
October 16, 2007, the day that Down syndrome was introduced to mommy & daddy. The moment that the doctor told mommy & daddy that Ethan had recognizable characteristic features of a child with Down syndrome. Mommy saw the doctor's mouth moving but only heard sporadic words coming out of his mouth. I don't even remember who this doctor was because when mommy went into the operating room, mommy's doctor was a girl!
I guess being deaf in one ear did not help mommy that day especially when mommy was "selectively" listening to the doctor. Words like almond shape eyes (mommy thought ~ now that was a stretch, because we are of the Asian descendant), a small nasal bridge that looks pushed in (hello again, we are Asian), weak muscles (hypotonia) tone (okay, he was only a second old - wouldn't be jumping out of his bassinet any time soon), something about his feet & short hands (again, look at mommy's hands & feet...plus mommy thought that the doctor was telling mommy that Ethan did not have ten fingers & ten toes), weak abdominal muscles making his tummy stick out (well, mommy always thought that a baby's tummy should be round & plumped out). These words glazed passed mommy's ears. All that mommy could see was the angelic round face & the pale white color of his body. My precious baby boy's cry was pure magic to mommy's ears. His was just perfect! Mommy memorized Ethan's little button nose, luscious rosy red lips, glimmering iridescent eyes, ten fingers & ten toes, and the sheer ebony hair running wild on top of that perfect shaped head (yes, even your grandmother said that Ethan has a perfect shaped head fit for a crown). Little did we know how true her words were...Ethan is our little prince. October 16, 2007 was the day that we were introduced to the word Trisomy 21; however, the 17th of October was the day that we received confirmation. Sure it was devastating to be told of our son's limitations; however, we were determined to not set limits to Ethan's possibilities.
Being a person with Down syndrome does not define Ethan. What makes your brother special is his ability to love without hesitation & to consume our days with his smiles & laughter. Our lives have been profoundly enhanced by Ethan's presence. Being able to witness his abilities has been inspiring. I know that Ethan will reach every milestone that a child have to reach & having an extra chromosomes has made a positive impact on our family. With Ethan's every accomplishments, he has taught us not to under estimate the power of love, patience, encouragement, laughter, positive attitude, and determination.
2 comments:
Lovely, lovely, lovely!!! LOVE that sweet little prince of yours! Glad you joined the "hop!"
very beautiful
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