Know Me First

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day!  What better time to get the word out there that Down syndrome is not the horrible syndrome that is described in the medical papers of twenty years ago.  When we found out prenatally that Rachel had Down syndrome, the geneticist gave me several packets of information about Down syndrome that were nothing but doom and gloom.  I am so glad that I had knowledge from my nursing experiences to know that information was outdated, but what I would have given to have information about what to really expect.  I wanted to talk to moms who were in the trenches.  I wanted to know what Rachel was going to be like at three years, at six years, at twenty years. 

Just recently we were contacted by Know Me First, a website that has been created to be that source of information.  To provide expectant parents a glimpse into the real world of Down syndrome.  It is a beautiful site with lots of good information and resources to help parents make an informed decision about termination of a Down syndrome pregnancy.  So many people are afriad of Down syndrome.  They are so afraid that they choose to terminate their babies instead of bringing them into this world.  When I first started writing this blog I hoped that it might help someone make a better informed choice about continuing a pregnancy.  I wanted that someone to realize that Down syndrome is not what some doctors want you to think.  I wanted to show that having a child with Down syndrome can be such a rewarding experience.  This site does just that, and does it is in a very beautiful way.  Go check out Know Me First and pass it along.  It just may help someone make a life changing decision.  A decision that could bring them more happiness than they ever knew possible!  And while you are at it, check out the pictures in the 6-12 year olds.  That is where you will find Rachel's picture!