World Down Syndrome Day!

Connor is a 26 month old, blond hair, blue eyed boy.

Connor is honestly the happiest kid I have ever met and I am not just saying that because he is my son. When we go to the grocery store or the mall, it takes so much longer than it should because Connor waves and smiles to everyone which causes them to stop and everyone always smiles back.

• Connor gives the best hugs. He wraps his arms as wide and as tight around you as he can. He places his head on your shoulder and squeezes as hard as he can.
• Connor loves to give kisses You have to be careful when asking for a kiss because for the most part he will blow a nice kiss, but if he really likes you then he will give you a big open mouth, wet kiss.
• Connor has many friends and loves to go on playdates especially to the park. The swing is the greatest invention in Connor's mind.

• Connor loves going to music class and swim lessons. Splashing in the water is an all time favorite. Pool, bath, dog bowl, doesn't really matter, it is all fun to Connor.
• Connor is the best little brother. Sure, he annoys his big sister Makayla when he steals her toys or food, but it is very apparent that she loves him with all her heart and would do anything for her baby brother. They really are great friends.

• Connor loves his 2 big cousins as well and makes sure that even though he is the youngest, he will not be left behind. He chases them everywhere they go and they adore him. 
• Connor loves to play and his favorite toys include trucks, stacking cups, blocks, trains, bubbles, and musical instruments.
• Connor loves to play ball especially with Makayla. They will roll and throw a ball back and forth for the longest time.
• Connor loves to cuddle with our dog, Loxi.
• Connor loves to climb stairs and loves to go down slides face first on his belly.
• Connor loves to read books and loves to listen to me sing. His favorite songs are Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Wheel on the Bus.

• Connor loves to do yoga videos with me and is actually very good at it. He is very flexible and has mastered Downward Dog position.

• Connor is very compassionate and when someone is upset, he makes sure to give them a big hug and then smiles and even laughs to try to cheer them up. Makayla bumped her knee the other day and started crying. Connor started cracking up out of know where which forced her to laugh and she kept saying no Connor I am crying, not laughing, but soon forgot about the sore knee.
• Connor has a amazing sense of humor and laughs at the most random things. He is so silly. He finds everything funny and you cannot help but smile when you are around him.
• Connor has Down syndrome.

Since today is World Down Syndrome Day, I would like to include some general facts about it, but would like to stress that there is nothing negative about Down syndrome. Yes, Connor has an extra chromosome, but it makes him that much more special. I would not change a thing about Connor. Down syndrome is nothing to be afraid of. It is a blessing. He is absolutely perfect just the way he is. As seen above, Down Syndrome is just a very small part of Connor.

  

Facts about Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition. One in approximately 700 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is caused by an additional copy of the 21st chromosome. Some common characteristics of Down syndrome include flattened bridge of nose, almond shaped eyes, small ears, protruding tongue, short fingers and toes, and a horizontal crease in the palm of hand. People with Down syndrome may have developmental delays to varying degrees, but as I have learned, there is nothing that they cannot do if they put their mind to it. Each person with or without Down syndrome is an individual just like the rest of us and deserves respect, love, and the opportunity to succeed.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!!!