Good Morning Sunshine

Very few things can make Mama smile first thing in the morning...

Before I've chugged down at least half a pot of coffee, read the blogs and watched half an hour of CNN...

But this can...

I just wanted to share this site A Little Extra by Connie Wenk. She takes the most extraordinary pictures of children with DS. It's such a gift to have these children in our lives and she says it so beautifully in her pictures.

Here's one:

Yusef's First Camping Trip

My Dad's been in town all week, and as is our usual fall tradition, we went camping out on the lake. Before I had children, we would rough it in a tent and sleeping bag, etc, but nowadays we rent a cabin. It's complete with all the modern ammenities and creature comforts which makes camping with young children much more enjoyable and certainly easier.

The drive out is a beautiful one. I've often heard people say that Kansas is so boring and flat, but I find it beautiful. Sure, it doesn't have the majesty of the Rocky's or the wonders of Yosemite, but it does have a very real and subtle beauty. My favorite part of my state is the flint hills--a unique place that is the home to the nations largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie. I'm a prairie girl alright. I just love it. These pics don't do it justice by any means.







Apparently deer really like the prairie as well because we hit one on the way in! Thank God my dad was driving and didn't panic and no one got hurt. Well, no humans got hurt, the dear deer didn't fair as well. The front left hand side of the van sustained considerable damage, but amazingly after filing a police report for insurance purposes, we managed to drive out of there and onto the lake!
The van



Actual deer hair in the rim of the tire. I cannot believe it didn't blow.



It was a cold and dreary day, but as soon as we got to camp we made a campfire of course!



Our cabin and the view off the front porch




We went to the playground and let the kids run off some energy.

Here's Yusef with Mommy all bundled up and cuddling in his sling.





Later, it was time for some serious hot dog roasting



And after dark, s'more makin' of course. I like my marshmallows nice and dark, like they literally have to catch on fire to be considered done!



The kids having a blast with their glow sticks



I would have loved to have been able to stay more than just one night, but we had to get back to reality, school, and life. So that's it. Our annual family camping trip, and Yusef's first, with many more to come, inshallah.

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.