Child’s First Name
Lucas
Age
2
State
Georgia
Did You Have Prenatal or Postnatal Down Syndrome Diagnosis
Post. We were told by his pediatrician roughly 12 hours after his birth.
How Was The Experience Surrounding Your Child’s Delivery?
Overall it was good. Lucas was five weeks early. I was in labor for 36 hours.
What Was It Like Bringing Home a Baby with Down Syndrome?
Lucas was in the NICU for a week due to pulmonary hypertension so bringing him home was both relieving and terrifying. Being a new mom, I was already nervous. After learning he has Down syndrome I was even more nervous because I thought he was more delicate and I was afraid of what people would think of my beautiful boy.
What Has Development Been Like for Your Child?
We have worked hard to get Lucas were he is now. He has surprised us every step of the way. My mindset is Lucas can do anything, and I refuse to let him or anyone else think that he can’t. It has been rough, having to go to several different therapists every week, but very rewarding! Lucas started walking at 20 months. After being told that he has a severe speech delay and starting speech therapy, he can now say mama, dog, and bye-bye and uses at least 15 signs to communicate. He was already saying daddy before.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Family Activities?
Lucas loves being outside and water so we try to play outside and go swimming as much as we can.
If Your Child Has Siblings How Are Their Relationships with Each Other?
He is an only child.
What Challenges Have You Faced?
His health has been our main challenge. He has three holes in his heart. After about a year of worry and many appointments and a cardiac cath, his cardiologist told us that he shouldn’t need surgery anytime soon.
What Are Some Good Surprises You Were Not Expecting About Raising a Child with Down syndrome?
How easy it is to forget that he has Down syndrome. He is just Lucas to me. A happy, funny, smart, typical two-year-old boy, who gives the best kisses, hugs, and cuddles. He has taught me to go with the flow and not stress the small things.
What Would You Tell Yourself When You First Received Your Child’s Diagnosis Now That You Know What This Journey Is Like?
Not to worry about what others may think about him. There will be tough times ahead but the good days outweigh the bad. Throw the milestone chart out the window and try not to worry when he isn’t doing what other children his age are doing. It’s not a race, he will get there, and when he does, the feeling you get will definitely outweigh the worry you had before.
What would you tell a family whose child just received a Down syndrome diagnosis?
First of all, congratulations! This journey is amazing, and your child is an absolute blessing. (Pretty much everything I would have told myself when I found out.)
Comments 7
He is a delight. Go for life full throttle! Blessings!
Beautiful story like the other ones this little guys is special but just any other child they are loving cause he is taught love
Lucas is from our hometown – Dalton, Georgia. Proud of this special family. He is a special little boy with a beautiful smile.
Kids with DS are so beautiful in their own ways. I must say we are truly blessed to have Kids with DS. I have a 3 year old with DS and I would not change anything for the world. He is amazing, smart, lovable, and super happy.
Congratulations, Lucas for being chosen as the Gerber baby. Best wishes!! ??
Great story. thanks for sharing.
As a mom with a son who has DS, this truly warms my heart. I had the same fears and as we got to know him and seeing the little guy he’s become is amazing. When he reaches milestones it’s a real celebration.
As a mother to a son with down syndrome… I feel truly blessed. It is amazing how much I can relate to the parents and how our worries and our happiness are so similar. It’s a love beyond words. Thank you all for sharing!!