One of us, not one among us.

Mason: Mommy, what does Chicky's shirt say?



Me: It says, "One of us, not one among us."

Mason: What does that mean?

Me: It means that Chicky is just like everyone else, even though she has Down syndrome.



Mason (in a joshing voice): Noo she doesn't.

Me: Yes she does. Do you know who else has Down syndrome?

Mason: Nikers (referencing Nika, pronounced Nee-kers).

Me: Yep, and who else?

Mason: Lila.

Me: Yep.

Mason: And lots of babies have Down syndrome. Like Charlie.

Me: No honey, Charlie does not have Down syndrome.

Mason: Oh!

Ha. He was  impressing me there for a minute until he told me that he thought Charlie has Down syndrome. But you know what ... it just shows me that he views Chicky, Nika and Lila just the same as he views Charlie.

And isn't that the point? Love him.

Love this chick.

I gotta brag on my girl.



For the past couple months, Payton has been working very hard on learning how to write her name using correct letter formation. And she loves it. She is so interested in learning ... she is amazing!

Today during occupational therapy she traced her name with awesome precision ... independently, on her own! I seriously am so proud of her.

She amazes me more and more every day. Love this chick.

It is all I ever wanted.

I remember it clear as day. We lived in Michigan at the time and we were walking along Lake Superior, like we so often used to do. I was in fifth or sixth grade and I am not quite sure what brought it on ... but I wanted a baby. 

In my ever-so-juvenile little head, I wished that my parents would get me a baby for my birthday. Realistically, I knew it would never happen, but having to wait until I was old enough to have my own baby seemed so far away. All I knew was that I wanted a baby to care for ... and I have no idea why I felt that way. Of course the longing soon left my ever-so-juvenile little head and I went on to enjoy my childhood.

Fast forward about 15 years ... the longing came back. I had married my love a couple years prior and we were ready to have a baby. Only it didn't happen quite like you would expect it to.

We tried, we tried again. Month after month, the tests were negative. We sought medical help ... they had no idea why our dream was not coming true. We sought the help from an infertility specialist ... and that proved to be one of the most stressful things we had ever endured. 

Four failed IUI procedures. And then ... wait for it ... one successful IVF procedure.

Praise God!

I had waited for that moment my entire life ... I wanted it so bad, it hurt. My dream had finally come true.

Fast forward seven years ... I am the blessed momma to three beautiful children. Three children that have each rocked my world in their own little ways. Three separate journeys that have united us so deeply.



Three children that call me momma ... it is all I ever wanted.