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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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World Down Syndrome Day

Monday was World Down Syndrome Day.

A day that, just a few years ago, we had no idea even existed.

clementineWDSD

But now?

Well, this family has a whole lot to celebrate.

clementineWDSD-9

I’ve tried to chronicle our journey pretty transparently here. So if you’ve followed our story for long, you know that before Clementine came home this mama was crazy scared to adopt a child with Down syndrome.

clementineWDSD-8

Excited and could not wait to hold my baby, yes.

In love and thought she was the sweetest thing ever, absolutely.

But so stinkin’ scared.

clementineWDSD-10

And now, looking back, you know what? I was no fool to be scared. Because Down syndrome is a big deal.

And our girl has dealt with more than her fair share of obstacles since coming home almost a year-and-a-half ago.

clementineWDSD-11

Doctor visits.
Medications.
Hospitalizations.
Surgeries.
Chest tubes and intubations and stitches and therapies and more broncoscopies than I care to count.

clementineWDSD-12

But you know what else? I had no clue how completely overshadowed those fears would be by the ridiculous amount of joy this child brings.

Wherever she goes… joy follows.

clementineWDSD-14

And perspective is everything.

Because her needs – and Down syndrome is just a part of those needs – are a whole lot more complex than we’ve ever parented before.

And her health has been even more fragile than we’d ever anticipated.

clementineWDSD-15

But suddenly, it just really doesn’t matter.

And not because her needs have vanished. Nor has life suddenly gotten easier.

clementineWDSD-18

But joy.

clementineWDSD-19

It just really does make all the difference.

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These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:11-12

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03.24.16 · Clementine, Down syndrome

I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
clementine - 2014
tallula - 2012
penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
sophie - 2006
isabelle - 2005

ways to make a difference

Love Project

proceed with caution

a dirty secret in adoption
we don't celebrate gotcha day
there's no such thing as an easy adoption
if I can, you can.
co-sleeping, why we do it.
gawsh. the series.
crazy
affording adoption
God and me.
Vivi's diagnosis
the ugly, beautiful truth
special needs: my .02
my testimony
dear anonymous
my chinese son

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