Ruby, my daughter with Down Syndrome, just turned three. I wanted to share her with you but the girl is just too fast and won’t let me take a decent photograph! So you’ll just have to catch her in motion.

My husband and I spent some time talking about her birth and how that played out in different ways for both of us. I even closed up and deleted my last blog through it all (so I wouldn’t be tempted to blog more; I needed space and my husband needed me).  The journey through it all was fruitful for both of us, and we have no regrets for traveling on that road (even though, of course, we never would have planned it!  Who plans for detours?!).

Sometimes I forget that she has Down Syndrome. But then I’m reminded when she does something like just walking out the door and heading down the road and I know she might still do that when she’s 14. Or 42. She will always need someone to look out for her.

She has health risks and challenges that I need to stay on top of, and I’m still trying to read everything and teach myself how to best help her. I think every mother with a special needs child totally understands how mommy is the first line of defense, or offense, as needed in the care of their child.

Her five siblings love her very much. Even though Ruby sees a neurodevelopmentalist several times a year, her siblings are her “therapists”. They play with her, talk with her, read to her, and encourage her in things like kicking or riding a tricycle or forming words.

At three, she is the size of where my other children were at two. She is just different. I am so thankful she is well and growing. I’ve read enough blogs of other mommies with Down Syndrome children who have tragic problems and even early deaths to know that every day is truly a gift. I rejoice every day I have her with us.  And I rejoice when I meet other moms who choose to give their pre-born babies with Down Syndrome (or “fill in the blank with whatever scary diagnosis you can think of”) life outside the womb.  Life is such a gift, a miracle, even in different packages.

Ruby has Down Syndrome but she also has our hearts. Happy birthday, Ruby Mae!