Saturday, March 13, 2010
Letting it all sink in
Wow…I feel so much better after seeing Austin’s doctor. Ryan and I both feel better. Thank you, God, for putting such a compassionate pediatrician in our lives.
The doctor said we shouldn’t put limitations on Austin. We’re going to treat him like we would any other child. Sure, he may have certain cognitive delays, but we will do everything we can to help him “catch up.” It may take him a little longer to achieve certain milestones…and it may not.
On the positive side, He appears to be healthy. Also, he doesn’t have a lot of the “soft markers” or traits of down syndrome, such as the soft palate at the top of the mouth, which can affect speech. He doesn’t have the creases in his hands. Not that it would really matter…we love him just the same. Austin’s pediatrician said he’s very strong…which is definitely in his favor.
No one can see into the future (except God)…so Austin may function at the top of kids with down syndrome…or he may struggle. We just won’t know until he’s older.
I don’t want anyone to feel sorry or be sorry for us. God has given us a precious blessing. Austin was sent straight from Heaven. When I was pregnant, the specialist told me I had a 2% chance of giving birth to a baby with down syndrome. 2%! I KNOW he was given to us for a reason. The second he was put into my arms, I fell in love immediately . There isn’t a diagnosis in the world that will ever change that.
All I wanted to do last night was hold him and tell him how much I love him…and that we’ll do everything we can to help him continue to thrive. He’s so innocent. He didn’t ask for this. It’s our job to give him the best life possible. There are so many people who love and adore him.
There will be a lot of doctor appointments coming up…we just have to make sure everything is okay. They took blood to test his thyroid today. His newborn screening in the hospital showed an elevated thyroid. Ryan has a depleted thyroid, so it could be genetic or related to downs. Luckily, it’s very easy to treat.
Last night was tough. All we can do is take this day by day. I’m so thankful for Austin…he is my most precious blessing.
