Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down syndrome awareness month and I posted away on Instagram. I posted a photo a day along with some of the things we've learned in the four years since Down syndrome entered our family. It was early October 2011 when we found out that the baby we were carrying would be born with Down syndrome. We had no idea what to expect. Porter has exceeded every expectation I had way back then. 

From my first post of the month: 

October is Down syndrome awareness month. Each year we celebrate by sharing some of the things we've learned. Today, Porter wanted to share a few of his favorite things. He loves music, Doc McStuffins & Anna (sister always makes him play the role of Anna). You see toys. We see pretend play happening and we're so happy! Pretend play is so important for development.

To my last:

Day 31- Don't dis my ability- Thanks so much for following along with us this month. We hope we've been able to help you understand some of the differences, recognize the ways he's so much like typical kids and realize that he is able to live a happy, productive life. We dream big around here. And he helps us do that. Our hopes and dreams for Porter are quite the same as they are for Penny & Paxton. We hope he'll continue to grow and learn to the best of his ability. We expect nothing less than his best. We are lucky to have a village guiding us and supporting us. We are #theluckyfew#downsyndromeawarenessmonth#downsyndromelove #lifewithds

We are so appreciative to those who followed along. We love our Porter! 

 We were lucky to be featured on The Mango Memoirs earlier this month. Angela featured a different individual with Down syndrome every day this month. We learned so much from her posts and all the families who shared their stories! Thanks Angela! 

And, we're featured in the CHOP Buddy Walk video celebrating the Trisomy 21 Program at CHOP.

As always, thanks for your love and support. Down syndrome is the most common genetic sydnrome and it has definitely changed our lives. Porter- keep growing and learning buddy! We are so proud of you! 

Pax- 3 months

I blinked and all of a sudden, Paxton is three months old. He's such a happy little boy, as long as he's well fed :) 

 My little chunky monkey is a strong little dude. He loves short bits of tummy time...nothing longer than ten minutes please!

 His baby  mohawk is going strong! 

He definitely recognizes Penny & Porter and loves any sort of attention they will give him. He likes to play on his play mat. He still eats three or four times in the middle of the night. He loves bath time and is really starting to kick up a storm in his tubby. We're all starting to settle into a routine, which makes life much more manageable. One thing we all agree on- we love this little man! Happy 3 months Pax! 

(Photos by JC Penny...we needed to get a matching 3 month photo for the kitchen wall)

Thank You Peeps!

Dear Peeps,

Thank you for helping make 2015 another successful year for Porter's Peeps and for your continued support of Porter and the Trisomy 21 Program at CHOP. Buddy Walk day means so much to our family. In some ways, it's like Christmas- with so much anticipation and excitement building up to one day...one day where Porter is surrounded by family and friends. Whether you traveled five miles or more than five hundred miles, your presence was so very appreciated. The efforts you made to raise funding for the Trisomy 21 Program were tremendous- we've raised over $8,000 this year as a team. You've made our family smile and appreciate just how far we've come together. When we learned that Porter would be born with Down syndrome, we worried. We worried about his health and about how our family and friends would react. We were scared. For us, Buddy Walk day is another affirmation that our worries were baseless. Our friends and family, the people who truly matter, have shown nothing but love and support for Porter from day one. Thanks for being our Peeps! We love you!

The Thompson Family

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

P.S.To our Fitzpatrick Peeps who were with us in spirit- you were in our thoughts and hearts throughout the day! We sported our Fight Like a Girl bracelets to celebrate a special lady and anxiously awaited photos of the most beautiful bride. Congratulations Colleen & John!!!! We love you!

God Bless Paxton

Paxton was baptized on Saturday. Our priest was so kind to allow us to schedule it during Buddy Walk weekend when the Thompson side was in town.

 It was so nice to have everyone here for Paxton's special day. Like his big sister and big brother, he wore the Christening gown my grandmother made for my baptism. 

He so looks like Penny here! He was welcomed into the church with his Godparents by his side. He is very blessed to have Jason & Lisa on his team! We are so thankful they're a part of his life!  

Surrounded by family and love. He couldn't have asked for a better day! 

God bless Paxton! 

October thoughts

Two years have passed since the day my heart broke. As time goes on, the ache fades, but the baby that is now an angel will never be forgotten. Two years ago, my body carried that baby whose heart no longer beat to Buddy Walk. This year, my arms carried a new baby, whose guardian angel  certainly watches over our family. Each year, I remember. With full hands and a full heart, I have a greater appreciation for the gifts I've been given. I understand now, more than ever, that motherhood is not something to be taken for granted. That a Down syndrome diagnosis was not even close to a bad thing, for it still allowed me to be a mother. That every hard moment with these kids is still a moment. And that my body has been through some crazy times. #IHadAMiscarriage but I'm still a mother. Despite heartbreak, I'm incredibly lucky. My heart breaks for those who haven't had that chance. To all those who struggle, I send love and prayers that you get the chance to live your dream. I send prayers that those children in need of a stable home and loving family will find one. I send prayers for peace.

October is a time to remember so many things. Infant loss deserves acknowledgement. Those who were lost matter. To all our friends who have angel babies watching from above, we send our love! 

Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk 2015

We had a great time Buddy Walking with Devan's Designer Genes at the velodrome this weekend! The kids had a blast. I love seeing Porter and Devan together. They were into the characters and the petting zoo this year. Porter got a little fresh with Elsa though. He leaned in for a kiss and Devan pulled him away 😉I love seeing our big girls play. Penny gave me a recap of her day with Kendall to my dad and it had me cracking up: "It was so fun! We got our faces and arms painted and our nails painted. We rode the train and played airplanes while we ran up and down the ramp, but we made sure not to get hit by the train. I even petted a snake and Kendall held it. There was an iguana too, but we didn't want to touch that!"

We are so lucky that an extra chromosome introduced us to this amazing family. Spending time catching up with Kelly is good for this mamma's heart- she is a lifter-upper! And Erik is a fierce advocate. We think they rock!

Pax enjoyed his first Buddy Walk! Nana and Aunt Becky made it all possible...it takes a bill right now and I couldn't have done it without them! Can't wait for the CHOP walk!