This is Alex's Story!

God knows you better than you know yourself.  And, he knows what's best for you too!  I am sure of this. 

When I was pregnant with my third child, I had some genetic testing done because at the age of 35, I was considered an "aged mother"!  I didn't however, do an amnio; that was too scary for me, the prospect of miscarrying my baby. 

So, with everything looking great on all of the other tests (1 in 3800 for Down syndrome), I was blissfully awaiting my final baby's arrival. 

It wasn't an easy pregnancy.  No morning sickness, but at 25 weeks, I went into premature labor.  Thank God they were able to stop it.  With the help of medication and 10 weeks of bedrest, Alex was born at a safe 35.5 weeks gestation.  The night he was born, the neonatologist delivered the news that she believed Alex had Down syndrome. 

         

                     (Alex at 2 days old - coming home!!)

I Knew immediately that God and Alex had kept a secret, to spare me the worry I would have undoubtedly put myself through for months. 

So instead, as I held my precious baby and looked into his adorable face, I fell head over heals in love with him, and I knew everything would be just fine! 

          

(Alex at one month - so alert, he's already trying to get the camera!)

 I really didn't know a whole lot about Down syndrome at that moment, or what it would mean to my family. I didn't know about a lot of the ways it would affect Alex's health or his development.  I also had absolutely no idea just how much God blessed me that wonderful day!          

            

                                                 (Alex at 4 months - big smiles!)

I mean, I knew I had been blessed with a beautiful baby, but I had no idea what joy he would bring to me and our entire family. 

     

             (Alex at 14 months - even bigger smiles!)

I had no idea that I had been one of the chosen few, blessed with one of God's own.

         

    (Alex's First Buddy Walk - just 5 days after his heart repair!)

Alex is now 3 1/2 years old.  He is finally becoming a healthy little boy, after years of struggles with heart and lung issues.  Throughout his medical procedures and hospitalizations, he has been such a fighter!  As soon as he was feeling better, he would grace everyone with his beautiful smile and contagious belly laughs. 

          

                       (Alex's 3rd Birthday!)

He started school this past September, and absolutely loves it, because Alex loves people.  He is happiest when he is socializing, playing, laughing, and having fun!   At home, he is Mommy's little helper, Daddy's football buddy, Jordan's "baby brother", and Johnny's best friend. 

        

                     (Alex 3 1/2 - still smiling!) 

He brightens our home and makes our family complete.  He is truly a joy in my life.  His hugs and laughter brighten my day -  everyday.  He is the greatest gift and I thank God everyday that he brought him into our lives!

Tags: down syndrome awareness, birth story

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Comments:

tyme4...
Jul. 29, 2009 at 1:04 PM

Alex's story brought me to tears, Thanks for sharing his life with us, he is beautiful and such a blessing to all.

peanu...
Jul. 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM

Alex's story was so full of love it brought back so many memories of my own pregnancy, with my special angel. And your right I have never been more blessed,so I know exactly how you feel. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.

Momto...
Jul. 30, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Oh, Michele. Aren't we so very lucky??! Thank you for such a beautiful post!!

LilSt...
Jul. 30, 2009 at 5:03 PM

I felt such warmth while reading your beautiful post. You are definitely blessed.

God will only give us what we can handle . We may never know until we are put there.

Thank you for sharing.

 Hugs!

mommypip
Jul. 30, 2009 at 11:12 PM

He is absolutely adorable! What a precious gift you were given!

Griff...
Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:01 AM

You said it so well! How a son with Down Syndrome brings so much joy!  I feel like you are writing a story about my Griffin!  Alex is so cute!!

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