World Down Syndrome Day

Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day. The date, 3/21, represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome which makes Charlotte and people with Down syndrome all over the world a little bit different than those of us with only two of the 21st chromosome.

9 months ago, our daughter came into our lives and changed our world. And though her bonus chromosome knocked us off kilter for a bit, Charlotte reminds us daily that life is so much more than one's genetic make-up.

I have spent the past 9 months immersing myself in books, blogs, message boards, and any information I can get my hands on, in order to make my daughter's life as easy as possible for her. And while I am still relatively new to this journey, I know that Charlotte has and will continue to make me a better person.

World Down Syndrome Day is about acceptance and improving the lives of those with Down syndrome. I have found the first step to acceptance is knowledge. So today, I am asking you to take just a few minutes and educate yourself about Down syndrome.

I want for Charlotte the same things that I want for Katherine and Will. To be happy. To be loved. To be accepted for who they are and who they want to be. I would never tell my older kids that they can't achieve something, because I truly believe they will be able to accomplish whatever they dream. The same holds true for Charlotte. Dream, baby girl, dream, because you can and will do it.

I have listed a few links to good, up-to-date information about Down syndrome. Like most things, there is a lot of outdated misinformation floating around on the web. You might be surprised that many of your perceptions of people with Down syndrome may be wrong ;-).

Myths and Truths about Down sydrome
Down syndrome facts

Wisconsin Upside Down (local DS group)

Videos:
World Down Syndrome Day
Dreams

Happy Monday everyone, and feel free to spread the knowledge!