Redmond is free! On December 19, 2019, we were able to remove the g-tube permanently.

As the parent of a medically-complicated child, or a child with greater needs than most, we go through seasons where things are intense.

I have a guest post today over at the awesome Down syndrome blog, https://www.cedarsstory.com/5-tips-for-moms-of-gtube-babies/

When Redmond had been home from the hospital for 10 short days, we found ourselves back in the ICU with him.

I was able to test out my healing from PTSD through an unexpected challenge recently.

When I found out my son had Down syndrome, I was in shock. It felt like the whole world went dark and my life was over.

I was warned every time of the high, higher, and highest likelihood of birth defects in my babies.

When I was trying to wrap my mind around the words I’d been told about my newborn son, it was more than I could bear.

My Dad used to love to “tackle the waves” with me when I was a kid.

I knew there would be hard days, but I had no idea just how far beyond myself those days would take me.

It’s not just that she’s old enough to go to kindergarten, but it’s all the things that I feel like I’ve missed.

My son has been the one in the hospital. But I've been the one breaking.

One year ago this week was the most terrifying and awful time in my life.

My son, Redmond, is 11-months old and thriving.

There’s a famous poem about Down syndrome called “Welcome to Holland.”

I never considered the possibility that a traumatic birth and subsequent stay in the NICU with my baby could lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.

We rolled into our own driveway at 1:47am on New Year’s Eve.

As of November 13, there are NO tubes on his face.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Facebook groups for moms of kids with Down syndrome this year.