World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! We're raising awareness for our own sweet Emily Caroline who earned her wings far too soon and left a giant hole in our hearts. 

I love how God smiles down on us. Emily is known as our butterfly baby. As I searched for an imaged to use today, nothing felt appropriate until I "stumbled" upon the image above. A sweet little hug from God that He cares so much for Shaun and I and our baby. 

One year ago today, I was still pregnant. I had a growing bump that was becoming very difficult to hide. I had no idea yet that our baby was a girl or that she had Down Syndrome. I realize we may not be raising a baby with DS, BUT as a Mom who has lost a baby who had it, I still want to raise my voice in bringing awareness on this day. These children are precious! They are worthy, wanted, valued, and loved! Our Emily deserved life! She wasn't lesser than. She wasn't damaged goods. She was our little girl and we love her exactly as she is. 

Sweet Little Emily, Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and longed for! I can only imagine the absolute joy you would have brought our family. You are missed sweet girl. Every. Single. Day.  Your Dad and I would give anything and everything we have to have you here in our arms. The hole you left in our family is a constant reminder that you are missing. We constantly cross paths with Down Syndrome affected children in our therapy clinics and every time I smile, I try really hard to watch inconspicuously as I soak them in and piece together who I think you might have been, and they each bring me a little bit of joy that warms my heart and makes losing you feel less hard. I cannot wait for the day that I get to heaven, get to meet you face to face, finally hold you in my arms, and know you fully. The hardest part of all of this is that heaven is likely a very long time away, the best part of it, though, is knowing that the time of eternity is going to make up for whatever time we've missed here on earth. I love you baby girl!