October 13
Ben was our baby for almost six years. We weren't quite sure how he would react to not being the baby anymore. From the day he became a big brother he has had nothing but unconditional love for A.J. and Matthew. Ben loves Matthew and his favorite phrase about him is that he is "so stinkin' cute!" I love the way he looks at Matthew, it is pure love!
😍.October 14
Did you know there are three different types of Down syndrome?
Trisomy 21: there are 3 copies of the 21st chromosome in every cell. This type accounts for 95% of all people who have Down syndrome, including Matthew.
Translocation: part of the 21st chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome. This accounts for about 3% of people with Down syndrome.
Mosaicism: some cells have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, but not all. This imbalance can result in fewer symptoms. Less than 2% of people with Down syndrome have mosaicism.
October 15
The chance that Jack, Luke, Ben or A.J. will have a child with Down syndrome is no greater than anybody else. Trisomy 21 is not hereditary. Only Translocation Down syndrome is known to have a hereditary component.
October 16
Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is one of the biggest challenges for babies with Down syndrome. Luckily, Matthew has great muscle tone for a baby with Down syndrome, however, we still have to work extra hard to reach each milestone. Tummy time is the best exercise for any baby, but especially for Matthew to build his strength.
October 17
Last January, my friend Sarah Ledbetter posted a picture of her adorable little Gracie wearing a shirt that said "Nothing Down About It." We had just found out our diagnosis and hadn't even shared the news with friends yet. I followed her link on Instagram to the account Nothing Down About It. I have been following ever since. Oakley shares all the love and light her little boy brings to the world. I will be sharing a video in a separate post, but wanted to share Matthew wearing his very own #nothingdownaboutitshirt.
Please take a minute and watch this video. This mom is such a warrior for her son, and an amazing advocate for Down syndrome. She has inspired me to share all the love and light Matthew brings to our lives with the world.
October 18
The word "retard" or "retarded" is offensive. It is offensive whether you are referring to a person with an intellectual disability or something you think is stupid. I know most people who say "oh, that's retarded" are not trying to be hurtful, but it is a word that should not be used in this day and age. #spreadthewordtoendtheword
October 19
💙Brothers stick together and are friends forever.💙 Over 90% of people who have a sibling with Down syndrome report that relationship as being one of the greatest gifts in their lives. I have no doubt that Matthew will have a very special relationship with each of his big brothers.October 20
People do not "suffer" from Down syndrome. In a recent study, 99% of adults with Down syndrome said they were happy with their life. I am quite certain that is much higher than the typical adult population.
October 21
Nearly 50% of babies born with Down syndrome also have a congenital heart defect. Many of those babies will need heart surgery at some point early in life. We are so thankful that Matthew was born without a heart defect, despite one being present earlier in my pregnancy. 
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