Happy October!

It's 7:30 a.m. and I have approximately 10 minutes before all hell breaks loose in this house.  I'm downing some coffee and frantically typing away as I recall a promise I made to myself roughly 365 days ago.  "Next year you will have your s*%t together.  You will have meaningful, thought-provoking blog posts written, saved and ready to publish each day in October."  I've realized a few things over the past year.  I may or may not ever have my s*%t together again.  I value sleep.  It is literally impossible to get ANYTHING done when all three of my children are under the same roof.  The adoption process is time-consuming.  I cannot quit my job.   

Combine the above revelations and the conclusion is pretty clear.  I will not be posting something everyday in October in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month.  Do I want to?  Yes.  Is it realistic?  No.  Am I fine with admitting that there are just not enough hours in the day?  I'm getting there.

It's not that I'm any less passionate about advocating for my daughter and educating the world about Down syndrome.  Obviously we adore that extra chromosome - we are traveling across the world to add another genetically enhanced beauty to our family.  It's just this:  our life does not revolve around Down syndrome like I originally thought it would.  It's a key component of our lives and has taken us in directions we hadn't previously dreamed, but it's only one component.

Life isn't chaotic because of Down syndrome.  It's chaotic because Reagan & Reese both go the pre-school and mom & dad both go to work.  Play dates, story time, and park outings are sandwiched between soccer practices and dance recitals.  Church events, neighborhood get-togethers and social outings often compete on the calendar.  Dirty laundry and dishes replicate at alarming rates and rooms can be annihilated in under 5 minutes when three little bodies are set free.  And every now and again the Royals play on TV...in October...and that, my friends, is worthy of some undivided attention.      

I'm not complaining.  If anything I'm rejoicing.  Because our life is crazy and hysterical and messy and beautiful - all things I worried about after hearing "your daughter is showing classic signs of Down syndrome."  So for anyone who is just starting this journey and wondering if life will ever be the same, I'm here to tell you it won't ever be the same, it will be better.  Down syndrome won't be your story - it will just be one glorious and cherished part of it.