Guest Post for World Down Syndrome Day: Proud Mom


I am pleased to invite Julie B. Cevallos, Vice President of Marketing for the National Down Syndrome Society and proud mommy to guest blog on Acting Balanced today in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

Proud Mom


Nina will soon have her first day of pre-school at age 2 and a half! A full day with her class of both typical kids and kids with special needs, at the same school where her brother will be attending first grade. I know she will love it- she's so ready!


I had to fill out a form listing her favorite things and this is what I said: "She loves music, dancing, pretend play with her bear, books, coloring, Signing Time videos, and playing with her brother. I think she's ready for the first day because she knows all the words and signs from her 'Welcome to School' Signing Time video- 'school,' 'backpack,' 'write,' 'read,' 'crayon,' etc... And she yells them while signing them."

When I go out with her on weekends, because I work full-time, people come up and introduce themselves to me saying "You are Nina's mom, I know her from the library, (or the Little Gym) she's such a joy, she enjoys it so much and is in the middle and up front, I wish my child was more like her, more outgoing!" I almost don't know what to say- I feel like a local celebrity, so I thank them for saying hello and for enjoying her company. I know her enthusiasm is infectious, as is her smile and giggle- especially when brought on by her brother.

I was meant to be her mom, and her to be my daughter. She was born 2 weeks early on my 35th birthday. I told the nurses "she's stealing my birthday"- but I love that we share that special day. The next day I was told she has Down syndrome, and I didn't believe anything could be "wrong" with her; she was too cute and "perfect." Now I know those words are very general- nothing is wrong with her, and no one is perfect. She is Nina: her uniqueness, her enthusiasm, her adorableness, and frankly, her being mine (just like her brother) - makes her special more than her special needs. And it's extra exciting when she achieves milestones and shows us what she can do. Lots of occasions to celebrate and be proud!

Thank you Nina. I know this is only the beginning.

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And I want to thank Julia for sharing part of her family story with us today on Acting Balanced.  You can read even more wonderful stories by visiting: http://ndss.org/stories
You can also find the National Down Syndrome Society by clicking on these links:
http://facebook.com/​NationalDownSyndromeSocietyhttp://twitter.com/NDSS

Comments (19)

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Very special post....thanks for sharing! Tears in my eyes!
Danielle Meek's avatar

Danielle Meek · 695 weeks ago

What a great post! Good luck on your first day of school Nina :)
I was meant to be her mom, and her to be my daughter. *love* I feel the same way about my son :)
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What a beautiful post...thank you for sharing
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Awwww...time goes by so fast:(
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I am so uplifted by this post. No child is perfect. Every child is special. Thanks for helping us remember that
Thanks for sharing with us :O) I hope school time is fun.
Thank you so much for sharing. I do so much hope that school is a happy place for her.
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Such a truly beautiful story. Thanks for sharing with us!
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Your story is so beautiful. I hope Nina enjoys her first day of school!
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That was sweet! happy first day of school!
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A beautiful post! My grand daughter will be 2 at the end of April. She is a joy to the family!
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Ahhh Wonderful post. I can tell your right proud of your little one. Isn't it great watching them group up through life's different steps.

:)
Veronica H's avatar

Veronica H · 695 weeks ago

Thanks for sharing! so sweet!!!
What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Beautiful post and so glad I stopped by to read it.
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time flies!
Awe, so sweet!
My neighbor's son has Down's Syndrome and while it can be challenging for his parents he is a sweet boy!

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