Wondering...

Our daily life often involves running errands... Target, the grocery store, etc. Usually I have the kids with me. Having a baby with you draws attention. If you've never tried walking around with a baby, you won't understand. But seriously, a half hour trip to Target typically involves at least 5 or 6 people stopping to look at Tate. Because it had been awhile since that phase with Avery, I'd forgotten what a people magnet infants are. The problem is this. I always wonder if the people know Tate has Down syndrome. Why do I care? Well, I don't really. I just wonder. Can they tell? I don't see it when I look at him, but I can see it when I look at his pictures. When the situation involves people I know but haven't seen since before Tate's birth, I wonder even more. Do they know? I know that I shouldn't focus on it, because really, I don't care whether people know or not. Either way, they typically don't bring it up or act any differently. I guess the wondering, for me, is just a phase that I have to go through. A phase I'm ready to see pass.

As part of having a child with Down syndrome, I've sought out relationships with others who have been in our situation. I've met with several families in our community, but have also sought out connections with people online. Through these relationships, I learned of a little girl who was born at about the same time as Tate. She was born with Down syndrome, but also with a major heart defect. She has been through several surgeries in an effort to repair her heart. Sadly, she passed away on Saturday. When I read about her passing, my heart broke for her parents. I cannot imagine losing a child feels like. Reflecting on her life and death also made me realize that although we will have challenges ahead for us, we have Tate here in our arms. And really, that's all that matters.

We had a great 4th of July. We spent the day with my dad and Emmy at their cabin. The weather was perfect and Avery caught her first fish! We watched fireworks from our house that evening (we can see the MSUM show from our backyard). The rest of the weekend was family time, much of it in our new pool. Tate either napped or played in the shade while the rest of us swam. As soon as his head control is stable, he'll join the rest of us. Hope you all had a great holiday weekend!