October - National Down Syndrome Month

Okay, I know I haven't written a new post in months, and for that I apologize.  It's been a crazy few months, with some excitements, some frustrations, some finallys and some hoorays.  The final draft of my home study was finally completed, USCIS application was sent in and I'll be walking in for fingerprinting soon.  

(Yeah, who needs an actual appointment date...been there, done that!)  And that's the last piece needed to complete my dossier. It's taken a little longer then originally thought to get to this point, but I've been catching up when possible. (when the paperwork needed is in my hands, it's next day turnaround!)

I was sent some new pics of the bunny girl.  

Those eyes are gonna be my weakness.  

I'm pretty sure they'll be EVERYONE'S weakness. 

And the squishy hands and fingers.  I can't wait to kiss those little hands! 

This month, October, is National Down Syndrome Awareness month.  

For anyone who was not aware, Josie (aka 'Seraphina') has Down syndrome.  

Having this diagnosis is probably why she ended up in an orphanage in her country.  It's a misfortune that so many countries do not have services for individuals with special needs and that individuals are just not accepted, because of their needs, in so many countries.  That being said, another adoptive mom (who brought her daughter home early this year from the same country as J) recently blogged about the fact that if our children had been 'born' here in the US, they probably wouldn't have actually been born.

(You can read her post here.) 

If it weren't for that diagnosis and being born in another country in Latin America and ending up in that orphanage, she wouldn't be coming home to her Mama. So I will forever be thankful that she was given life.

I am going to try to post everyday for the month of October.  

Each day sharing more about Down syndrome, with different links, other blogs that are written about Downs, facts, myths, fun stories, pictures and more.... 

I'd also like to raise "a-wear-ness" for down syndrome & adoption and raise funds by selling specially made t-shirts throughout the month.
You can read all about this special "a-wear-ness" raising fundraiser in this separate post!
Mark 9:37 - Adopt Colombia t-shirt fundraiser

Today, on October 1, I'd like to share a couple of facts about Down syndrome:

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels
• Down syndrome is named after Dr. John Langdon Down, a British physician who described the syndrome in 1866.
  Do
• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways (there will be a post or two dedicated to this fact!) 

And the last thing I'd like to share on this first day of Down Syndrome Awareness month is this....

yep, those squishy little hands.