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!
Happy Birthday, Ruby!Thank you for sharing the pictures and little bits of Ruby with us. 🙂
Aww! She is getting so big! What a joy!EvaM
I can't believe it's been 3 years!!! Wow! She's beautiful!! Happy Birthday, Ruby! 🙂
I have only recently discovered your podcasts and by default, your blog. I didn't know that you had a daughter with Down's.Our next door neighbors' son has Down's. He's an only child–his parents are not homeschoolers, so he does attend a public school, but they often tell us that our girls (who are 7&8 and wait patiently for his return from school in the afternoons)are his therapy. 🙂 In turn, I have to say that our lives have been blessed for having known him and having the pleasure of his friendship. He was not always verbal, yet he always found a way to communicate to the girls. Over the past 3 years, his verbal skills have greatly improved with speech therapy–such a good thing for a boy who wants so much to communicate with everyone else. I know that you never plan for a baby with Down's, but Ruby is beautiful!
Thank you all so much for your sweet birthday blessings to Ruby! It's a nice encouragement to me to see how much she is loved on.
Happy Birthday, Ruby.You are so incredibly beautiful and sweet. May God continually bless you and keep you in His loving arms.My Ella turned 4. She has something extra special, too. My deepest love and warmest regards.Keri Mae, thanks for leaving the comment about spinning. I'd love to learn one day.Jasmine