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News and Thoughts for Today

I haven't posted in my blog for a few days.  I realized that I needed to just sit with all this for awhile and let myself take it all in.  But today I have some news and some deep thoughts.  First, the news--Baby J had his first echo-cardiogram yesterday.  And no, he hasn't been born yet!  It's amazing what they can do now.  His heart is working perfectly!  That's a big concern with children with Ds--heart problems.  And this is by no means a guarantee that he won't have or develop heart problems later, but we were very happy with this news!  A Level 2 ultrasound (just more detailed) still shows us no additional markers for Ds.  I find that interesting and somehow encouraging.  All-in-all, yesterday was a good news kind of day.
Now for some deep thoughts.  Sometimes people will say things like, "Well, it could be worse."  Or..."There are so many things that could be worse,"  or...you get the idea.  I know the intentions are nothing but good.  But somehow, those kinds of statements and thoughts bother me.   It feels selfish.  It feels like, "Let me hook into your difficulties and struggles so mine will feel better."  I don't like that.  Yes, there are definitely a lot of conditions and situations that I'm sure are more difficult than Ds.  But I don't want to use you to make me feel better.  And I also don't want to downplay the struggle we're having with our news of Ds.  It's difficult...I'm not going to pretend otherwise.  It doesn't make me any less excited about our baby, though!  I do want to try to explain how someone else's life obstacles impact me, however, because it does have a significant impact.
I spoke with a friend yesterday that I haven't spoken with in quite some time.  Without going into all the details, suffice it to say that this incredible person has dealt with and continues to deal with so much in her life and in the lives of her immediate family.  I am in such awe of her bravery and her daily struggle.  She inspires me and really touches my heart.  And I have to admit...her story DOES give me perspective somehow.  People deal with what their lives present them with strength and courage.  My friend is doing that in the most amazing way possible!  I just want to accomplish the same with half as much dignity and grace.  So in that way, she inspires me and helps me to put my own life and struggles in perspective.  I hope that is okay.
By the way, during the ultrasound yesterday, Baby J was sucking his thumb!  And that, my friends, is the most incredible, cutest, most adorable thing I can think of.  I even have the picture to prove it.  Cuteness overload!!!!

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