- Since we already have a girl and a boy, it should be obvious that we had Daniel because we wanted a third child, not because we were trying for one or the other. I always think the assumption that someone with 2 boys would have a third to try for a girl (or vice versa) is annoying, but in our case I think people might feel sorry for us if they thought the reason we had a third was to try for a specific sex. (Side note: I don't mean that *people* who have a third for that reason annoy me. Just the *assuming* by others.)
- Breastfeeding. I struggled a lot to breastfeed Kalena (and quit after just a few months.) But I learned a lot, so nursing Will was much easier. Since babies with Down syndrome often struggle to breastfeed, I'm certain that my knowing what I'm doing is the only reason we've managed at all. (He's still getting supplemented after pretty much every feeding, just for the record.) If he were my first child I'm pretty sure it would not have happened at all.
- Milestones. Having two children already means I am familiar with the reality that every child hits milestones at his own pace. (Even the differences between two typically developing kids can be huge!) This has made it very easy to accept the fact that Daniel will hit milestones at his own pace. Whether his pace is close to typical or not is something we'll find out as we go.
- Right now Daniel is very much like any other baby. However, he sleeps. He never went through that whole "days and nights mixed up" phase. In fact, for the past several nights he's slept through the night (by which I mean no wake-ups between like 11 pm and 5 am. Usually from 7ish to 5 am. I KNOW.) Since he's my third, I appreciate how much sleep I'm actually getting! And how not normal it is to get so much!
- I'm already comfortable being a mom. I know how to care for an infant. I know what to expect. Going from not being a parent to being a parent was a HUGE adjustment. Adjusting to also being a parent to a baby with Down syndrome is (for me) relatively minor.
- Last but not least, his siblings. Brian and I have often commented that we got lucky with two great kids. (And I know, everyone thinks their own kids are great, but hear me out.) After Daniel was born we both felt like we got these two great kids to be siblings for Daniel. I'm sure that Daniel will benefit from having them as siblings just as much as they will benefit from him.
And there you have it. This sweet guy knew just when to get here.
I love this list.
ReplyDeleteForgive me if I've already told you this, but one of Dave's cousins have a daughter, a son, and a third son with Down syndrome. That family is one of my favourites ever, ever, ever. The older kids are just so kind, loving, and patient with their brother and, by extension, with their elders and others with even more pronounced special needs. I have no doubt that your beautiful family will be the same.
That last line. Right there, that's everything. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHeart this, heart Daniel, heart you. You guys are certainly the perfect family for him--and he is the perfect third kid for your family.
ReplyDeleteGod knew what he was doing! What a blessed little boy and what a blessed family!
ReplyDeleteDaniel is so lucky to have you for a mom. You have this in the bag.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am the person you hate for assuming that a third child is always an attempt at the other sex. Sorry about that... Obviously I recognize that plenty of people want more than two kids. But since I so totally do not I always, yes, assume. Again, sorry about that.
I love this post. Daniel was clearly meant for your family!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that interesting how some people assume two kids should be enough. I had a lady ask me if this pregnancy was planned. Of course it's planned and another boy would be great. :) Silly people. AND Daniel is lucky to have great siblings as well as GREAT parents.
ReplyDelete...and he knew what family to be with.
ReplyDeleteYou all are amazing.
I, too, always ask people with 2 kids of the same sex if they want the other gender. Silly me, because our answer will be, "Nope, another girl please!"
ReplyDeleteDaniel is so sweet.
I love that Daniel found his way into exactly the right family.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wonder if the day will ever come when I don't feel the need to say something about his CHEEKS in every comment.
His hair just kills me every time. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I think that where a child with special needs comes in the birth order is super interesting in terms of the parental experience.
ReplyDelete