Fairy Godmother

Over the 5 years that I've known about Reece's Rainbow, I've done some advocating and fund raising for some of the kids from Latin America.  I haven't done nearly as much as some people but I've been pulled towards certain kids sometimes.  I sell Avon and hand knit items year round to help waiting children and adopting families.

Some of the kids I've advocated for are home---Mark.  Some are still waiting ---James, Phillip, Vaughn.  Some are stuck in a country that isn't processing US families right now --- Kimberley, Lene.  One passed away before she got the chance to know the love of a family --- Monet.  One I will get to meet this summer --- Josie/Seraphina!

And then, there is the one who is being adopted by a childhood/high school friend of mine.  The one who will live less than an hour from me  The one I will be able to greet at the airport.  And spoil on his first birthday with a family.  The one I will get to watch grow and thrive.  Then there is  --- TJ/Andre.

And, guess, what?  I have the right to do all of those things because I am officially his Godmother.  Because every former orphan deserves one more person to spoil him and love him and pour into his little life.

His new family crashed Sara's dance class yesterday to officially ask us to forever be in his life.  I'm so honored and touched.  (Although I was very confused at the time.)  You can watch the video here:

If you want to help this amazing family financially, you can purchase Avon, buy some hand knit items, make a tax-deductible donation through Reece's Rainbow or make a donation directly to the family to help with upfront costs.  You can also order 31 or buy some great World Down Syndrome Day Shirts.  (Or this style shirt.)

World Down Syndrome Day Shirts

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21.  Needless to say, this is a big celebration in our house.  Why not celebrate such a great kid?

I'm selling shirts this year to benefit 5/5/5 for Families.  5/5/5 for Families raises money for 5 adopting families each month.  You can follow them on their Facebook page.

There are three shirts available.  I need 5 orders for them to print.  Orders need to be submitted by March 1st to assure they will arrive in time.  

World Down Syndrome Day T-Shirts

Through March 1st

Click here to order shirt 1.

Click here to order shirt 2.

Click here to order shirt 3.

World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day 2013.  You might wonder why DS needs it's own day.  After all, everyone knows someone with DS and we all know about it, right?

Well, in this day and age of scientific advancement, a LARGE majority of people who find out that their unborn child has DS choose to abort.  (I've heard up to 90% but I can't confirm that number. There are also a lot people that choose not to find out.)

People need to understand that having a child with Down Syndrome is not the end of the world.  It's not a death sentence for your child or your family.  It's a different life but one that is full of small and large victories; good days and bad; happiness and sorrow.  (Sounds a lot like raising any child.  Doesn't it?)  

The International Down Syndrome Coalition has put together a beautiful video for World Down Syndrome Day.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  (Sara watched this about 10 times and tried to mimic every dance move she saw.  I'm convinced the "dance" gene must be on the 21st chromosome.)  

Here are some of my favorite photos published last year by IDSC.  I'm sure you'll figure out why I love them:

Letters to My Daughter--World Down Syndrome Day

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day. This year's theme is I Am Who I Am. Here is my letter to Sara about who she is.


Mija,

I can't believe we've been home for two weeks. So many times, I felt like this would never happen. Now, it seems like you've been here all along.

I can honestly say that I'm in awe of you. I loved you long before I met you but I had no idea how wonderful you are. You really are amazing.

You are a charmer. People love you every where you go. We were in Walgreens long enough to pick up pictures today and they were all talking about you when we left. You say "hola" to everyone we meet. You can't leave with out a "bye," "ciao" and blowing a kiss. This week alone, you charmed the eye doctor, pediatrician, lab ladies, school staff, Anna, Lauren, and a random lady in Target.

You are a hard worker. You love to help. Today you helped me make the beds, clean the floor, and put away the groceries. I don't even ask you to help, you just like to. (I hope you carry this trait with you into your teenage years!)

You want to learn. If you see me do something once, you want to do it alone. I got you a little chair at Ikea. You watched me screw in one piece and then did the rest yourself. I cracked an egg for you this morning and you then did one perfectly! You are do clever and you are always trying to do new things. I can't wait to see what happens when you are in school!

You are so good about medical things. You willingly let me put eye drops in. You give yourself your allergy medicine. You were so good at the pediatrician, eye doctor, and lab. You tried to do everything asked of you. You even gave them your right arm after they took blood out of your left.

You are sweet and kind. You comfort people who are sad or hurt. You randomly stop playing to give me a kiss. You love to cuddle in my bed before we start our day. You love babies and like to pat and "sush" them.

I hope that, as you get older, people continue to see the real you. You are so much more than an extra chromosome. You are amazing! I am in awe of you!

Mama