As Oliver’s first birthday quickly approaches, I feel a wave of many different emotions.  First let me tell you that I would never trade Oliver for a baby with two chromosomes.  He is perfect with the extra 21st chromosome.  I can’t say I would have ever asked for a child with Trisomy 21, but I am blessed to have this little one in my life.  Without a doubt, Oliver is fearfully and wonderfully made!  He has touched so many people, and he is already saving lives.

Because of my experiences with a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, I am able to share with women that are unsure of their decision to parent or to terminate the pregnancy.  I know first hand the excitement of becoming pregnant and then a few months later discovering that there is a strong possibility that this child will be born with Trisomy 21.  I know the fears and the heartache that a mother suffers when hearing the words “Down syndrome”.  I know the fear of not knowing what the future holds.  I know the hurtful words other people will say.  I know the roller coaster of emotions that occur.  I know the fear of not knowing the severity of the syndrome.  But, I also realized that the grieving process must be done and you must move on.  Every ultrasound reminded me that he is a sweet baby that looks like my other two kiddos.  I never wanted or allowed the grief of having a “different” baby to steal from my joy of having a new addition to our family.

One of my favorite things about Oliver is that he makes complete strangers smile and laugh.  I can’t even tell you how many people stop us to touch his hands and/or his hair.  I have no doubt that God gave him special gifts!  Oliver brings joy into every room he enters.  It is so beautiful to see.  My older two children are better people because of Oliver.  He has taught them so much about life!  Ethan makes Oliver laugh that deep belly laugh!  Charlie will carry him around on her hip so he can explore the world.  They both love to read to him.  Ethan and Charlie have developed empathy!  I could never have taught them how to share other’s feelings and pain.  They both realize it is normal to be different and life would be boring if we were all the same!

I am in awe of the fact we are going to be celebrating the first year of life with this amazing little man on Tuesday the 26th of April.  He has conquered so many battles in this first year of life.  Oliver had open-heart surgery when he was three and a half months old.  He has to see a cardiologist, an ear, nose and throat doc, a urologist, and we go to the Down syndrome clinic.  He has been to 22 doctors appointments just at Nationwide Children’s Hospital!  He has been admitted to the hospital 3 different times!  His hearing has been tested 4 different times.  A home health nurse has come to our house 6 different times to give him a monthly injection.  His physical therapist comes to the house twice a month.  I have no idea how many times we have visited his pediatrician!  One thing I do know is that it has been worth every minute, every dollar, every tear, every lost hour of sleep, and every wrinkle!  Oliver has overcome so many obstacles and continues to reach every goal and milestone we set for him!

Here is to another great year full of smiles and celebrations!