My sweet little niece Jada was born last week. She is sooooo pretty! All I could do was stare at her delicate face as she slept. Jada was also born with Down’s Syndrome.
A week before her mom went into labor the doctor informed them that there was a possibility the baby could have it and that her labor would likely be induced to prevent a stillbirth. There was also a chance of her being born with deformities. After I heard the news I immediately prayed and asked others to pray with me.
When they told me she was fine I felt relief. I had to see for myself so we went to visit her as soon as I got home from work. And she looked perfect to me. She did not have the signs of a baby with this genetic disorder–no flaps of extra skin, the flattened nose, or the almond-shaped, droopy eyes. I immediately thanked God. Jazmine was sooooo excited and was talking a mile a minute as she paraded around the hospital room telling me all the things she was going to do with “her” Jada.
A couple of days later the results came back and it was positive. My heart deflated like a balloon. What in the world would those two do with a baby with mental challenges? I already help them out a lot financially. More importantly, how would they handle it emotionally?
So I thanked God that she was at least born with life. But this diagnosis still feels so heavy. When her mom told me I didn’t know how to form my mouth to offer some comfort. What do you say in a situation like this? All I was able reply was that it was going to be okay and that they had my support.
I asked her how they were coping. She said “I’m okay with it, she’s still my baby girl.” She said my brother had accepted it as well after a few tears. At that moment I felt such utter gratitude and respect for them both. I doubt that I would have welcomed the results with an ounce of their graciousness. Jada is lucky to have parents who love her unconditionally.
Since then I have contacted the local Down’s Syndrome chapter and requested information for them, did some research for myself, and I plan on buying them a book for parents of children with this condition. There is no way I can “fix” this so I did the only thing I know how to do–help them become informed.
However, I am still struggling with this. Why them? We get so comfortable assuming that all children will be born completely healthy and that is not always the case. Now I must find the strength to pray that God may equip them both with knowledge, patience, and diligence required to raise a child with special needs.
Oh, Had I a Golden Thread (Eva Cassidy version)
Oh, had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I’d weave a magic strand
Of rainbow design
Of rainbow design
In it I’d weave the bravery
Of women giving birth
In it I’d weave the innocence
Of the children over all the earth
Children of all the earth
Far over the water,
I’d stretch my magic band
To every city,
To every single land
To every land
Show my brothers and my sisters
My rainbow design
Bind up this sorry world
With hand and heart and mind
Hand and heart and mind
Oh, had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I’d weave a magic strand
Of rainbow design
Of rainbow design
Morocco's Bazaar 
My prayers are with you and your family. But, having a brand new addition to the family can never be a bad thing.
🙂
Babies with downs syndrome are usually the most loving happy children. I’m sure she’ll be more of a blessing than you even know right now. And I’m sure she’s absolutely lovely!
Thank you Amy!
You said it rightly Morocco: we can give thanks that the baby was born with life. When I was pregnant with my last, my 27 week screen came back showing that she was positive for DS. The nurse asked me if I might consider an abortion, and I flatly said “no”. At birth, we found out it was a false reading.
Jada, precious thing that she is, is beautiful in her own right. She’s perfect in God’s way, because He formed her. I’m finding more and more that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and though they don’t make sense, they work some how. Jada is a bumble bee: awkward to OUR eyes, and seemingly unable to fly because its body is not built for flight. But a bumble doesn’t know it “can’t” fly. It flaps its little wings and it does anyhow.
I have no doubt this little girl is destined for great things. Look at the support she already has from her auntie and parents! She’s blessed and will be a blessing.
*Alighting my pulpit.*
Yes, I’m coming to understand that it was His will for her to born exactly the way she was.
Amen and thank you!
In recent years I have openly questioned the season(s) God has brought upon my family. I have even audibly told God, “I am really pissed at You!” As if He didn’t know (and (I don’t normally speak that way). Asking Him if He could just give me a glimpse over the hill… too let me see what He sees just a bit.
The miracle of life is His blessings to you and your family. Perhaps one day He will give you a glimpse of what He is up to with that precious little baby.
Isn’t a new born baby’s skin the most beautiful skin in the entire world?!
Press in Dear… press in.
Yes, I understand! I am angry at God but it is subsiding.
Perhaps…yes, it is!
Oh wow! This is simply heartbreaking! And you’re doing so much for them.
This really touched me…I haven’t blogged about it, but I managed to get pregnant and am now 12 weeks. I’m also 39, so Downs testing has been recommended. We had the screening test on Wednesday, still awaiting results. It’s nerve wracking, to say the least.
How come they only found out a week before birth?
So glad they still have the miracle of life though :-). That is beautiful.
Hi Natz! I was wondering how you were fairing! I see you have been blessed–awesome!
Yes, waiting is hard work.
I really don’t know. Jada was born at 36 weeks and a week before her mom went into labor, she was told the news. I remember getting the testing down around 28 weeks, but I don’t know if it varies from doctor to doctor.
Babies are blessing from the Lord.
I wish you a happy, healthy pregnancy and a joyful delivery!
I think you are showing support to your brother and his family in a wonderful way. Jada will bring a ton of love to her family, and they will come to feel and wonder how they ever lived without her.
🙂 It’s true, I know I feel that way about my two little ones.
Morocco,
Jada and her parents are so blessed to have you. Sometimes the support of family and friends is immeasurable. For whatever reason, God gives us the baby He thinks we need, whether we understand or not. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers.
🙂 I believe you are right. As Malaka pointed out, his ways are higher than ours and I can’t even fathom how all of this will work together for the good. I just have to be patience and believe. Thank you!