The Best Advice I've Received

It's been two years already since we welcomed Ellie into our lives, with her little extra somethin' somethin'. And in these two years I have received some amazing advice; "be kind to yourself", "don't project into the future, enjoy each day", "milestones, schmilestones", "don't compare", "don't limit her", "admit when you need a break", and "follow your gut". The last one has proven to be an important one. But the one that has really stayed with me was given to me less than a month after Ellie was born. Let me explain how it all happened.

Somehow, the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon heard about Ellie's birth diagnosis and they wanted to give me a Basket of Hope. I had no idea what this meant, and I hesitantly agreed to meet a local mom. We chatted over email and I found out she had a son named Jacob with Down syndrome, he was 13 at the time. They planned on coming over to meet Ellie, and so I could meet Jacob.

Meeting Jacob would be the first time I had actually talked to someone with Down syndrome. I was nervous and I asked my mom come over to meet them with me. Come to find out, in a fateful sort of way, this mother lived a couple doors down in our neighborhood just a few years before! And now they live only a couple of miles away, I love when this stuff happens! She and Jacob and his older sister arrived and were so welcoming and sweet. Jacob was tall and lanky, considerate and well spoken. I'm ashamed to say it now, but upon meeting him I realized I had some serious misconceptions about what the diagnosis meant, and I had a lot to learn. He was so sweet with Ellie. He held her carefully and he brought tears to our eyes when he said quietly "you're like me". 

Jacob's mom was laid back and easy to talk to. I felt like I had known her my whole life. She asked me what we liked to do for fun, and I told her our favorite things were entertaining and going boating. This was when she said "so, you like to throw parties? Keep doing it. You like to go boating? Keep going boating." It was as simple as that. It was a defining moment for me. It's hard for me to explain but I felt lighter, like a weight had lifted off of my shoulders. I kept thinking our lives were forever changed when we found out about Ellie's Down syndrome. She went on to explain how therapy is important, but to not let it rule your life. Real life, Ellie being home with her brothers, going on the boat, spending time with family and friends doing regular things is just as important as therapy. 

Since meeting her that day I think about her words often. I get caught up (a lot) in wondering if I'm doing the right things. The list of therapies available is as long as my arm, and the list of vitamins and supplements she could be taking is huge. She doesn't just get a gummy vitamin like her bros, I'll admit that, but I really have to take a step back quite a bit to make sure I'm not spinning out of control with the research. We have a smart happy little girl who is a complete riot, who loves partying and she absolutely loves boating. Our life as we know it is pretty dang good, and I'm so glad I had this seasoned mom to remind me that things only would change for us if I let them.

Next weekend I get to deliver a Basket of Hope to a new local mom. I have to mention how grateful I am to the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon to give me this opportunity. Receiving that basket two years ago meant the world to me. I am so giddy to be able to meet this mom and her beautiful new baby boy. We have been in touch over the last few months and I feel like I know her already. Actually, there were two new babies born in the area on the same exact day, how awesome is that!? I just have to say it, welcome to the club new mama's!

This week's song is just a random one I love, and below is a photo of our big 2 year old. I will do a 2 year Ellie update post soon. :)

Where Do the Children Play - Cat Stevens