Photo of baby and toddler feet on a bed with text if the shoe Fitz

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LATEST BLOG POSTS

  • Comparison is the Thief of Joy

    Comparison is the Thief of Joy

    Comparison is the Thief of Joy It’s something I remind myself often, even as I feel a deep internal bitterness at the thought. But it’s true. There are moments when I’m feeling content and then that sneaky little thief comes creeping in, sometimes a punch in the gut, other times a tiny little splinter that…

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  • It Takes a Village

    It Takes a Village

    It Takes a Village Not only that, we survived our first cold weather game. Not only THAT, we had an absolute blast doing so. But they weren’t kidding when they said it takes a village. The past week was the perfect ending to an incredible first season as part of the Duke Football Family. The…

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  • Always Make an Entrance

    Always Make an Entrance

    We had our first Gigi’s Playhouse experience and it was fantastic. Jeremy is still in Bowl prep so it was just me and the kiddos, and we were late (of course). In true fashion, we came in like a wrecking ball, but the best part about this community is no one is even phased by…

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  • The C Word

    The C Word

    (Originally written in April 2022) She got to experience her first and last Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including a bead packet to the noggin (thanks to dad), before the world changed. While raising a child in the midst of a pandemic is absolutely terrifying, there were some pretty amazing silver lining moments that came…

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  • Expecto Patronum 

    Expecto Patronum 

    (Originally written in April 2022) I never used to consider the odds. Always thought I’d be forever in the majority. I mean, I’m the person who never wins raffle prizes. Never. Except the one time Jeremy (not me) won a bright green cruiser bike at a race, that was pretty funny. I never pay much…

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SOCIAL MEDIA

A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE CHAOS

@classiclyss

Brb gotta gobble up this turkey #downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness #theluckyfew #tubiebaby #gtube #heartwarrior

♬ original sound – thesimplychicstyle
@classiclyss

One of my greatest fears after Fitz’s diagnosis was that I had failed Beau. Would she understand the need to have patience as he grew? Would his heart be strong enough for them to laugh and play? Would she resent me for not providing her a “normal” sibling? Wow was I ever wrong. The love she has for her brother is already an unbreakable bond. All she sees and knows is Baby Fitz, her brother. She teaches me about unconditional love every day. #downsyndrome #nationalsiblingsday #heartwarrior

♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
@classiclyss

A year ago today we received our prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. September 28th. National son’s day. A memory of such vivid detail I can still feel it in my chest. If I only knew then what I know now, that my life would be so full. Full of love. Full of laughter. Full of community. But now… also full of purpose. If only I could have trusted the words of those who have been in my shoes. If only I would have let in the hope everyone assured me would come. If only I had a sneak peek of how much love this sweet boy would bring not only to me, but to our ever growing Fitz fan club. So for anyone else who just received their diagnosis. You don’t have to believe me now or trust that it will get better. I have enough hope, love, and confidence to hold you up right now if you feel you need to fall apart. ddownsyndromeddownstndromeawarenessttheluckyfewuupsyndromeddownsyndromelovettubiebabyhhypoplasticrightheartsyndromenationalsonsday

♬ original sound – Alyssa

EDUCATE YOURSELF

RESOURCES

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome and Trisomy 21.

Heart Defects

Not all heart warriors are the same.

Tube Feeding Life

Ain’t nothing but a g-(tube) thang baby.