We were completely unaware of any diagnosis before Keyan was born.  Together, my husband and I, had 5 other children.  Piece of cake!  We have things under control.  Well, on August 28th, 2010 Keyan arrived, 3 1/2 weeks before schedule.  He was the smallest of the rest of the kids, weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz.  He was amazing and perfect.  And then the doctor told us that there were features that she needed to talk to us about.  A diagnosis? Really?  Well, off to St. Vincent we went to learn about the positive confirmation of his karyotype.  There it was. right in front of us.  Down syndrome, huh?  WOW!!   Now, after a couple surgeries, (for reflux and sleep apnea), 17 months later and a new milestone under our belt.....CRAWLING, things really are great!  So much better than they seemed a short 17 months ago.  We are so proud of him and he makes us laugh all the time.  His favorite things to do is...pull mom's and sisters' hair, yell at himself in the mirror while seeing how many faces he can do at once, and throwing everything!!!  He is bound to be be in some kind of throwing sport!!  He loves to shake his head "no" so he gets dizzy and he knows at least 13 signs!  He surprises us everyday with something new!  Since he is our last, we are thrilled to be able to endulge ourselves in the "baby" much longer!  To any new parent, IT WILL GET BETTER!!!   Ask any of us!!

  

Sydney was born May 6, 2003. We did not know at that time Sydney was blessed with an extra chromosome. My OBGyn sat down after delivery to tell me she felt Sydney had DS features. I was very upset, what happened to having a “perfect” child?? 2 weeks later she was transported to St V’s in Indianapolis where she had heart surgery (one of three). While in ICU recovering she went into cardiac arrest and at that point I decided I could handle her having DS just don’t let her die. The nurses were in her room and began CPR asap. She had no brain damage due to lack of oxygen and from that point on I’ve felt BLESSED to have her as my daughter. She is now four years old and the light of my life, she brings a smile to everyone and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for her…

Carl was born Oct 4,1981, a tiny 2 pound premature boy, who "would never walk or talk" predicted the doctor who delivered him. At 2 yrs of age, his parents caught the vision that all he wanted in life was to live, work and play in the real world. So he was always fully included in typical classes in school-- parochial schools after first grade in FWCS. He graduated from Holy Cross Lutheran school (8th), then Blackhawk Christian High School in 2000, and Taylor University in 2004. He is employed at the Parkview YMCA in the fitness center and at Zion Lutheran Church in the office. He lives in an apartment on Till and Coldwater and loves his life!!! He says he doesn't need a mom anymore...

Alexis was born on March 28, 2001. I was told I couldn't have children, and after 13 years of trying, thought I was going through early menopause. When I discovered I was pregnant, my life changed. I didn't know Alexis had DS until after the birth, but it didn't matter--I was thankful that God had made me a mom. I had no idea that He sent me an angel! So many people have been blessed by her unconditional love and her sensitivity to those around her. Thank you, God!

Alexis 1st Christmas

Alexis 2nd Christmas

Alexis 3rd Christmas

2 years old

4 years old

Alexis 5th Christmas

Alexis loves to dance

She's 3 1/2 year old, born June 2007 and just became a big sister. Carly has a wonderful zest for life and loves playing with baby dolls and doing anything artistic. She also loves gymnastics and would like to be a cheerleader someday.