Don't complain about your busy toddler!

 I look forward to the day I can chase my 25lb toddler. Running down the hall, through the store, at the doctor or anywhere else he needs to be let down and move. Everything he's done so far, like rolling, crawling, pulling up" I looked forward to those milestones too and they finally happened. 

When I think back to the toddler chasing days prior to now, which has been 20 years ago! I don't really remember a lot because it came naturally. They walked and ran and I chased after them. 

Now, while out and about and I hear someone complain about their toddler not sitting still, won't stop moving, keeps running around. I want to politely let them know I will trade places for just one busy day. 

Here is how my day goes when we have a busy day. (like today) I had to go to doctor for myself, I knew this would be hard because I have a toddler and need an X-ray (let's think this through momma) I thought it through, I had no other choice but take my baby with me. 

We sit there, 2.5 hours toddler in lap, wants to move, stand or just get out of my lap. He can't! No one would put their baby on a doctor floor. (I hope not) I'm waiting, standing, walking around. My 25lb toddler on my left hip, left arm is starting to feel the pressure, the throbbing, he's tossing, turning, my arm is getting weaker,  Back is aching, What can I do? Let him walk around? No, Nothing! Hold on and be strong, push through it. That's what I did and I do this a lot. (As many moms do) 

Let's not mention going to the restroom while there, toddler on left hip, holding him on my side as I use the restroom. All while wishing I was the complaining momma of the running toddler. 

Imagine someone giving you a 25lb weight and telling you to hold it up and don't let go. It don't sound like much weight does it? Well, when it's dead weight that you can't drop it begins to feel like 100lbs 

I guess what in trying to say is, stop complaining about your walking toddler on the move. Be thankful, your arms are free when you need them to be. Me and many other mommas are praying to see the day we can chase our running toddler. When we will no longer smile through the pain shooting in our backs and arms from our toddler who we can't put down yet. 

I know he will get there! And until then, I'll keep smiling with my toddler on my hip all while secretly wishing I was the complaining momma next to me with the running toddler. 

Can you see past my almond eyes?

I recently read a comment on a photo of a child who had Down syndrome, the comment read, "your different", you don't look like Down syndrome, "you look like your momma and poppa." 

   Let me clarify a few things, that comment shot me in my heart. Do you really only see my beautiful almond eyes, my lower set ears, my flatter facial features, or maybe it's my sweet my tiny hands. 

  The comment went on to say, "I use to feel sorry for parents who have children with Down syndrome because they won't get to experience the excitement of their children looking like them"! 

                WHAT?!!!!! 

     Please don't feel sorry for me or any other family, I promise if you open your eyes and heart, you will SEE our kids look like us too not just "Down syndrome" .. My son has his brothers hair, his eyes I see in his siblings and mine, his hands resemble his dad's. His attitude is from his momma, his smile is brighter than the Bermuda sun. I don't want you to see just Down syndrome, please open your eyes, see our kids with their siblings and parents. You will learn something  you will also learn that we are NOT sorry, we don't want your pity, 

"Oh that poor mom" "oh that poor kid" 

                      NO!!!!!

       Yes many have the features that are common, but come on! Those kinds of comments make me stop and think of the fight I have ahead of me for my sons schools days. Will his friends only see his diagnosis? I hope not! 

   So, please see past my adorable, blue almond eyes! Please look past my diagnosis and know that I'm happy and my family is happy and we look alike! We are just like you!!!!! 

            Stop labeling us!!!!