Wednesday, September 23, 2009

First Eid

This past Sunday we celebrated the Eid al Fitr. Muslims have two main holidays, the Eid al Fitr and the Eid al Adha. The Eid al Fitr follows the holy month of Ramadan, and the Eid al Aldha follows the haj, or t he pilgramage to Mecca. On these holidays, the entire community gets together in the morning for a prayer which is followed by lots of feasting, gathering, and gift giving. It's an especially fun day for children, not unlike Christmas for my Christian brothers and sisters.

This was Yusef's first Eid! He didn't seem to have an opinion of it one way or another, and spent a great deal of the day sleeping. Oh, well someday, he'll look forward to it with glee and excitement like my other kids.

Yusef on Eid morning, getting ready to leave for the prayer




Yusef and Mama



Family picture



Eid Mubarek everyone!

Friday, September 11, 2009

We're Doin Our First Buddy Walk!



I finally got our team registered today! If anyone is interested in donating here is our team page. I'm so excited!




For Those With a Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Sydrome


I have more than once noticed that people have made their way to my blogs while googling termination and Down syndrome. If you have found your way to my blog and find yourself with a new and scary diagnosis, I want you to know that there are thousands of women that have been in the same place you find yourself in now.

All of us in one way or another found out our child has Down syndrome, rather it be a prenatal diagnosis or after birth. We all understand the feelings of grief, the fear; And on the other side, we all share the intense feelings of love we have for our children.

Please give your chld a chance at life.

You will love this child with an absolutly pure and overwhelming conviction, one that you might not ever have imagined. This child will teach you more about compassion and humanity than you ever thought possible. If you are a religious person, this child will increase your faith in God and his perfect plan for you.

If you find yourself here in your darkest hours, please take some time to link to the blogs on my sidebars. There you will find families and children living normal lives, doing normal things. You will also find extraordinary people doing extraordinary things.

You might find some little ones with health problems. There you will find an unwavering and loyal support group. You will more often find kids perfectly healthy doing all the things that children do.

You will find children with Down syndrome lighting up the world around them.

So if you find yourself here, and you think that you cannot bear it, you can. Be strong, come to us who are on the other side. We'll support you when you need it.

Give your child a chance.




This child is a miracle. With time you will be able to see through your tears and be honored to witness the miracle that I know.