world down syndrome day

Today is the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, for the first time in 2012 this day will officially be observed by the United Nations. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them grows louder...but there is still much more that we can do.

When Beckett was born and we discovered that he had Down syndrome I was scared. My fear was based on the unknown, I really didn't know anything about Trisomy 21. I do now, like every other parent with a child with Down syndrome, I'm an expert! Down syndrome doesn't define Beckett, he's a boy that loves his family, cars, trains, movies and the park - he also happens to have an extra chromosome.
When Beckett was born I was constantly told what he wouldn't be able to do, it's such a shame that the beginning was so tainted with negativity. When I talk to new parents I tell them how wonderful our son is and how one day Down syndrome really won't cross their mind when they think of their child. It's true. Beckett does everything his sisters do, it takes him a little longer but that's okay.
Look at that boy in the photos above, I don't see Down syndrome, I don't see what he can't do. I see a ridiculously cute boy, who is full of love - like his sisters, he is pure joy. I can't wait to see what he achieves.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day.

i can see clearly now....

I feel like 2012 hasn't really started for me, I have spent most of the year recovering both physically and emotionally from emergency surgery. When something traumatic happens you can't help but think about what's most important to you. Your perspective changes, priorities are clear. I have spent the last while making a list of things I want to do, it's a good list....a sweet list to make. I want to collect my gramma's recipes, make a photo book of the kids, read more books, organize the attic, bake more, write more - it's a long list of things I actually want to do. In the last couple of months we have visited the park more, I learned how to make ravioli (my favourite food) & we go for more walks. I have even baked - which I'm not good at but the kids love it and so do I.  The photo of Zoë holding the cupcake is so sweet, right after the photo was snapped she dropped the cupcake and Stanley ate it - wrapper and all - in 2 seconds flat.  We laughed our heads off. Bring on 2012.

i'm back....

I'm heading back to work tomorrow (Monday March 5). It's been over 10 weeks since I last anchored the news. These last two months have been physically exhausting and emotionally draining. I'm feeling good now. I'm strong, I have perspective.
I'm still taking baby steps, I'm going back to work four days a week for the first month and will then evaluate my stamina with my doctor.
I will share more details about my journey soon, I'm still absorbing it all and trying to understand what it all means and how it has changed me. There's no doubt that this has been a life altering experience. I have many people to thank...it's overwhelming.
Let me start with this - thank you to everyone who send me an e-mail, a message on Facebook, a tweet on Twitter or stopped me on the street to say a kind word and wish me well. Your words and concern are so appreciated...random notes of kindness from people I have never met - I love that.  Thank you.  See you tomorrow on CTV News at 6....I'm so excited to be back. xx