Tales of a Yummy Mommy: Canadian Down Syndrome Week

Today marks the beginning of Canada's Down Syndrome Week.

My mind keeps wandering back to the beginning, when Elyse was first born, and in hospital.
Down syndrome is not an illness; it does not mean you are sick, and you can't catch it. However, there are many medical conditions associated with Down syndrome. Elyse had Duodenal Atresia, a blockage in her duodenum that required surgery at a day old.

I'm reading a book about a preemie fighting for her life in hospital right now, and so much of the parents' description resonates back to those early days. Painful memories. Seeing our daughter in pain, and not being able to do anything about it. Surgery. Not being able to hold her. When they had to put a PICC line in, and how they do it with the parents not around, because it's too horrendous to watch. The struggle to draw blood from various parts of her tiny body, watching the nurses struggle to find a good line. Not knowing what was going on with our baby - is she okay? Being torn between home and the hospital. Wondering if it's ever going to end, and hoping it all ends well.

Our time in hospital was relatively brief - 4 and a half weeks - in the span of Elyse's lifetime, but I'd like to pay tribute to those days with a few photographs, as a reminder of what we went through, as her parents, as her family, and as a testament to Elyse's strength, and the amazing health care we have access to in Canada. The staff at McMaster Children's Hospital were incredible. I also want to extend my thoughts to include all my friends (and if you have a child with Down syndrome, you are my friend - didn't you know?), and their children. Being a part of many different Ds-related Facebook groups can be a great source of support, but it can also be trying at times seeing so many little faces in and out of hospital; this child fighting pneumonia, that one going in for adenoids and tonsils removed, another baby in need of heart surgery, fighting for their life. Medical challenges alone can put a large strain on a family. My heart goes out to anyone who's child may be in the hospital right now. I understand what you're going through isn't fun, and I hope that one day soon you'll be able to laugh again with your child by your side.

During Canadian Down Syndrome Week, I also want to acknowledge the babies with Down syndrome who were never given the chance to live, and all those who fought bravely to survive.