Nzingha's Soapbox
i soo sorry to hear the sad news..would it not be better to do the test again at a different hospital just to make sure..usually DS kids have some defectseg heart and u sid he had none so in my mind there could be a mistake...i would do dit again if i were u..also if he is just to let u know i worked with alot of DS kids and they the most lovabe kids.a few tips..not too much ffod with preservatives and sugar for them.early speech therapy to train them to control there tongue movements is vital so they can have a normal life..i have a 37 year old cousin in ireland who is DS and is leading as normal a life as possible,,working going by bus alone etc...treat him as normal so that he will be independant later in life..
Assalaam alaikum
Mashallah, you are a strong sister and I'm sure you can handle this latest difficulty. May Allah help and guide you in all that you do.
N, N, N! I'm sending you my hugs first of all. You should NOT. I repeat, NOT be out and about after having a C-Section like you are, girl. I know, I know...you are supermama in my eyes, but even supermama's gotta have some downtime, girl.
And sorry, but damn that Sarti for doing this bull&^%$ right now. For the love of God. You just got home! I'm not faring well with the whole maid issue myself these days, so...*&^&%^*#&($#&*@&*($# is what I have to say.
As for the ppa, heck I've got it and I haven't had a baby for over six years. Is that even possible? HA. And yipee for you for getting that discount. Don't these people get the whole principle thing over here for goodness sake?
About that sweet babe - he's perfect in every single way. 'Knowing you,' (and I'm sure so many of us feel like we do know you because you really do put it out there for us all) this will be just another hiccup in life that will be like 'nothing' when you look back on it. I'm horrible with saying the right thing, so I'm sorry, N. I'm just so dang sorry you have to go through this. 
Tell me what you need and I'll do my best to help you out. Seriously.
My dear sister,
my heart if out there for you. sorry for the news. One thing that you can do is keep writing. Let us share all the terrible and horrible feeling..let it all go..
I wish I can be there physically for you..May Allah bless you with big rewards.
Go Mama Go!!!You can do it!!! umasiya
assalamu aleikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuhu,
Dear Nzingha,
Thinking about you a lot. Love you a lot.
Love your beautiful 5 babies too!!!!!
SubhanAllah. May Allah be with you through this. InshAllah you will find a maid who is respectful, and inshAllah everything will be alright with your little man. How is your husband taking it?
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have heard amazing stories from parents with ds children. The parents were worried at first, but soon found out that life with ds children has put a huge amount of joy in their lives. DS kids are abnormally happy and positive and tend to find the joyful things in life that most people are too busy to notice. I know you will definitely have to let it sink in and do research (btw, for resources, the US and Europe have the best by far) and figure out how you are going to handle the changes, but I have a feeling that it isn't going to be as bad or as hard as you thought it would be.
And take off that supermom cape!!! Just do what you can do and screw the rest....perfection isn't going to happen.
Wish I could give you a big bear hug! (and Umar too!)
And I wish I could pratice my roundhouse kicks and uppercuts on your maid...grrrr.
P.S. I told my mom that Umar couldn't have come into a better home, or would he ever find a mom who would appreciate and care for him the way he should be cared for! I can't wait to see his scrapbooked pics of him playing with Jihad's hockey gear (do you save your kids stuff?).
Kher inshallah. I hope you get some help with the house and kids so that you can take a break for yourself. I had a cs and it was so hard, I can't imagine how you are doing it.
Dear N! My heart goes out to you... inshallah you will continue sharing with us and be a part of our lives so we can pray for you and spiritually be with you.
You are the best mother Umar could ever have! you just need to take it a bit easier. i think you are putting too much pressure on yourself and not letting yourself feel what you should feel. listen to your needs and although it might be extremely difficult to do something for yourself just spend some time -maybe even 15 minutes- trying to relax.
From your long lost sisters, and i'm sure all feels the same, we love you!
Inshalah we can meet one day but until that day you are in our hearts, minds and prayers!
wassalam
That's a lot of work you have, you need to find time for yourself... and the news of Umar are both good and bad as you said yourself... It's great that he doesn't have any health issues like other children with DS, and I too (like Fairuza said) have the feeling it will get easier than it actually seems at first. It must be shocking to hear in the beginning, but I'm sure it will gradually get much better...
Congratulations on your lovely little boy. I know he will bring you much joy. As for the diagnosis, I have a friend who has a son with severe autism, and this piece has a great deal of meaning for her. I thought perhaps you would like it, too.
http://www.our-kids.org/Archives...es/
Holland.html
You don't have to be Supermama, just be the strong mama you already are and everything will fall into place. Peace to you.
Dear N:
Your latest addition is sweetest baby mashaallah I have ever seen..I have been reading your blod for a long time now and I consider you a great woman and mom..My middle one she is borderline autistic and is the sweetest child you can imagine...living with child with difficulties is not punishement from Allah buta present to appreciate you ...karina
I am sending you all of my love to you and your precious family mashallah!!!!!!!!!!
Congradulations on such a beautiful baby boy!!! He will certainly bring you and your family much joy and happiness! It may seem like a challenge at first..but it will certainly turn into the most wonderful and exciting adventure of your life...God never makes a mistake! He is perfect!
Nzingha, it all seems awfully overwhelming. I know you'll put on your supermama cape and manage just fine. I hope you can take your cape off every now and then though, and give yourself a break.
I thought about the Holland thing immediately but Jennifer has already posted it. So here's a little poem:
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
I'm sorry you are going through all of that! I'm not really sure why (because I don't really know you other than on here) but I nearly started crying when I read your post this morning! But.. like others have mentioned - DS babies & kids are a blessing.. I know a few & they brighten everyone's day. I know it's gonna be rough, but I'm sure you'll do just fine. I hope you find a better maid (good grief on that sub) & enjoy that baby!
aneesa- Mr. Man asked the same thing the other night. "Do you think there could be a mistake" but I know there isn't. Now that the physical things have been pointed out to me I can see it, especially in his profile. Again it isn't overly prominent, but it is there. I'm not sure if this gives us an indication as to the level of his DS or what his capabilities would be. I'll just have to wait and see.
L- I just got a lecture from The Veiled Chef who was visiting the other day. Being a nurse she just let me have it. 
LOL @ the PPA I'm not sure I'll get over mine any time soon either
As for Umar I'm sure there will be a day I'll look back and say it wasn't as bad as I thought. But it is just messed up how there are no resources here to help me at all.
ummuseif- I will keep blogging that is for sure. If nothing else just to let all the craziness go.
Molly- Mr. Man is taking it very well. He of course has questions just like I do but it is a wait and see thing at this point. I think there was a moment of denial and he's past that now and just accepted what is and is going on with life.
Jenny- Thanks so much And no I don't save hockey gear only because it is such a much needed thing for families here. It is difficult to get gear so it is better to share what he has grown out of.
Fairuza- that is some of what the dr said. They are happy children and it is a blessing to have them. That aspect of it all i can see myself enjoying so much. How this culture views children with DS (or any other disorder) is what I worry most about.
The Dr. also said they don't like loud noises or yelling.. I looked at Mr. Man and laughed because we are a loud family. Guess that is one thing Umar will help this family change.
sf- I'm really doing well with the CS. no pain and it has healed up fine. I don't do any heavy lifting yet and I'm not straining myself over the house. it is a mess and well it will continue to be a mess for a little while longer. I never said i was the perfect housewife lol
mamaz- I have down time at night since everyone is asleep by 9 (including Umar) I take an hour to just relax if I can keep my eyes open that long.
Nuri- it is devistating at first, but I'm getting past that and have moved on from that mode. Inshallah it will be much more easier than I suspect. But I think a mothers thing is to think the worst while working for the best.
Jennifer- thanks for the link such a simplistic view of things but very much true.
Karina- I never once thought this was a punishment, for how can a child be a punishment from Allah. It is just something that happens and I firmly believe we are never given more than we can bare.
Saira- thank you very much
Laura- yes the cape will need to be sent to the cleaners every now and than.
Mama Kalila- Mr. Mans old co worker had a daughter with DS and they managed just fine. Her DS was a bit severe and I'm not sure she could ever live independently. But the couple are just wonderful people and simple went on with life.
Assalaamu alaikum,
You and your family are in my duas... I can't say I understand how you feel, because I probably don't, but insha'allah Umar will be a blessing for your family. Allah doesn't give you more than you can bear, and that's why he chose your family for Umar.
Are there no resources at all there? Alhamdulillah for the Internet, though... There is a Center for Downs Syndrome in Kuwait (http://www.q8ds.com/, but it seems to be all in Arabic), and there are schools here for children with special needs. I saw on Al-Jazeera once that Qatar had opened a new center... I think it was for children with Downs as well as autism, etc.
By the way, in the short term, can't you get someone to come and help with the housework, even part-time?
Oops - I guess I wasn't signed in. that last comment was from me.
I dont know what to say really. As a father with a child with special needs I know what you are feeling at this point.
Sadness, regret, guilt, they are all feelings that come around in a situation like this. It's just something everyone has to work out in their own way.
I'll be interested to know what you find in the way of services in Saudi Arabia for children with special needs. When Manal and I looked in Saudi we didnt find much of anything which is one of the reasons we decided we couldnt move there.
I know in UAE there are more options. For us we found a center that worked with children with autism. The sad fact is in the Middle East they are WAY behind the West when it comes to providing opportunities for children like we have.
The culture isnt very welcoming of special needs children, which is a bit odd considering how many children are born every year with genetic issues do to marrying within families. That is solowly starting to change.
If there is anything Manal and I can do for you do not hesitate to ask. We have thought a long time about starting some sort of a group for Muslim families with special needs children. There isnt much support out there and it is needed, so is education for Muslim countries and societies about those with special needs.
Here in Northern Virginia they start out kids with special needs VERY early in public school. The public school system here has one of the best special education systems in the USA.
Kids are started as early as age two in the system where they go to pre-school staffed with professionally trained special ed teachers who are kept up to date in the latest training. The class sizes are great, usually 2-3 teachers in a classroom of 5-6 students.
One thing to remember, as we do, is to always expect a lot of these little guys. Some people just write them off with a "miskeen" and let them wither away. This is common in the Middle East.
This is a waste, I know we have refused to do this. Children like ours can lead full and rewarding lives, it just takes a lot of time and effort, but it is SO worth it.
Again, if there is anything we can do for you, let Manal or I know.
We wish you all the best and you will be in our prayers.
As salaamu alaykum,
I haven't been to your site in a while Sis. Nzingha, but I had to comment. Congratulations on your beautiful son, he was born on my beloved big brother's birthday.
I wish I could be there to come help you out at least with some housework and meals. The best I can offer you is du'a. I don't know if it means anything to you, but you're a tremendous inspiration and your children are truly blessed to have such dedicated parents.
I just wanted to congratulate you on the newest little arrival. Down's syndrome is not a death sentence. My brother, now 23, has down's syndrome. My mom had him when she was 26 years old. When she found out during her pregnancy that he had downs the doctor urged her to have an abortion. Looking at the person he is today, my family cannot imagine living without him.
He is very high function, but at the same time goes through his little boy moments. He shaves his face himself and can cook food in the microwave, toaster, or toaster oven. He bathes and cleans himself. He participates in the special olympics and all of the sports at his school when he attended. He has been friends with some boys(now teenagers) for the last 11 years. THey still come by a few times a week to play basketball or video games with him. After all of those accomplishments, he cries when my mom brushes his hair or when he stubs his toe. He is very aware. He is the Sweetest person on this earth. He is not afraid to give you a hug or tell you he loves you. Be AWARE! his hugs are usually an attempt to feel you up hahahahaha
Having said that, it's not always nice. My parents have had to come to the realization that they will not enjoy a lonely retirement and that he is part of their life FOREVER! HE will not get married or have children. They have always told themself that without those "normal" accomplishments he also has no room for mistakes. HE won't impregnate some girl in high schoo, he wont get mixed up in drugs, he won't go to jail, and he wont kill someone while driving a car. He's a good guy and I often times think my parent's love him more. That's okay with us becaues he needs it.
He has taught us a lot about how we should act as people. His kindness and caring is as sincere as can be. He says what he means and you know that if he says he loves you it's the truth. I often think that if I didn't have him in my life then I would be one of those ignorant people too. Your family and those close to you will learn a lot from this little man.
Sorry for such a long post, I just want you to know that although it seems daunting right now your family can do this NZINGHA. we wish you the best.
assalamu aleikum,
ummabdurrahman, I loved your comment. It made me laugh and cry. Your brother sounds like such a sweetheart. You used to live in New Orleans too, huh? I wonder if we've ever met. Nzingha lived here for a while, too.
Nzingha, I just went over to izzymo.wordpress.com's page.
She used to live in NOLA too. She is working for Azizah magazine and they are looking for scrap bookers . If you get a minute (yeah, right) perhaps you can send some of your work for inclusion in the mag.
You are an awesome scrap booker, masha'Allah.
BTW, is the "veiled chef" the same person as "mother of five boys". It looked like her roller blading. Just curious. It would be funny if she was though.
Congratulations on the baby! I'm so glad to hear you're both okay after the birth. But I'm sad to hear that you didn't get to go home to comfort and pampering, which you really, really deserve. Your baby is beautiful - I'm sure he'll bring you all kinds of unanticipated joy.
well to be honest in this part of the world i would not trust anyone and would definately do another test...what makes me doubt is the non existence of other health problems..alhamdulilah for that and as u say he may just be not severe..inshallah all goes well with u...im sure he will be fine with or with out..u r a great mum and at least here we can have extra help...take care..
wa alaikum salaam Ann- in Saudi there are no real resources for any children with disabilities. They are starting more awareness for autism and the like but there is no groups or orgs that really have help and support. I'm looking at Bahrain at the moment, there is a Down Syndrome org there but their website is down. I'll also be looking at UAE and other gulf states for the future as we have no issues moving Mr. Man can commute. Depending on the severity of things I want to stay as close to the Gulf as possible.
Abu Sinan- let me know if you decide to start something up. As of right now I'm looking towards non Muslim resources for understanding and support.
Umm Ali- thank you
Umm Abdurahman- Thank you for sharing about your brother. Since Mr. Man intends on living with his children forever (not uncommon here) having a child live with us forever isn't a major issue at all. What is my concern is the opportunities for him in THIS culture vs others that are more educated about DS and have more available programs. Only time will tell us what is in store for my little man, who at this point other than slight physical appearances acts no different than any other child I've had.
Jenny- I emailed the contact for Azizah they are free to choose any pics I've finished already. And yes the veiled chef is The five boys mom
Nancy- Thank You
Aneesa- I would retest if there were no physical signs, but there is. When I look at Umar by profile is see it clearly. So although his physical appearance is not screaming DS it is there. Alhamdulillah he doesn't hsve any other problems. But I don't think the test is wrong.
I never had one, so I can't really tell the experience or feeling. But, i do know one DS in my country( malaysia) where they live in the village and also in my country there not much help like in western.
The boy didn't go to school as well. But, I used to live in front of their house and you can hear him reading quran and do azan. He also help around the house to keep things clean and tidy.
I know the resource is important, but not much important as the family it self. You such a strong woman, I can see that.
Do remember one thing, Allah test will come unexpected. This is when we don't ask what when wrong or why. This is the time we accept and redha. There's always benefit behind. Remember, special children like them usually go straight to haven. What more can you ask. Not every mum got that special child..
Insya Allah Allah will make it easy for you..
First of all congrats on the new baby. I believe that special needs children are given to families who are able to deal with them physically and emotionaly. I have a daughter with special needs she is 15yrs old, I am not saying that life with her is always easy, but she does remind me to appreciate things that do come easy. When we first moved to Jordan my main concern was her and how people would treat her, and schools. Allhanduillah it was not what I had expected. The have very good schools for special need. People here are not hiding their children anymore it is normal to go to the mall, they still stare but we are starting to see more and more children out and about. Sorry for the long post.
Umm Ali
I think DS is like autism in that it involves a spectrum. Some have it sever, and others you can hardly tell that they have it.
It is sad that you have to look at non Muslim groups and places for support. We have had to do the same. If you were to travel the Middle East and not know any families you'd be hard pressed to know that there are ANY people in the Middle East with special needs.
Often they are left at home, never taken anywhere. The culture is pretty cruel when it comes to this. Often people will say that the parents must have been doing something wrong to be punished with a child like that.
Of course such thoughts are COMPLETELY against Islamic thoughts. Why would a baby be punished for the actions of it's parents? But that is the way they think there.
Here in the USA we have programs that help educate and train people with special needs so that they can hold jobs, live on their own, go to school. Having special needs shouldnt mean that these children are locked in a house for the rest of their lives.
My wife always tells the story of going to a house with female family members of hers. There was a young girl, teenager, TIED to a column in the house. It was obvious to Manal that she was just a girl with special needs. However, the lady of the house said she was "possesed by jinn". My wife, having been educated in the West, knew this wasnt true. To this day she worries and wonders about this young girl. She said the girl just looked and her and stared. My wife says it was very clear the girl could have had a life if someone had just tried.
This is what people with special needs are up against in the Middle East and the wider Islamic world. It has gotten better but there is a VERY LONG way to go.
They think about it the wrong way. Manal and I believe God actually loves parents who get children with special needs. There is ajur in taking care of such a child. First of all, as the child has special needs, they are not accountable and automatically go to heaven. Second, since the job of taking care of such a child is so hard there is extra reward for the parents who do so.
"Shalon to Salam" gives the link below to a center in Doha, Qatar, that helps children with special needs. There is also the place in Dubai as well.
http://www.shafallah.org.qa/home.htm
Congratulations on bringing another beautiful baby into this world! He looks beautiful.
As for his particular needs, early intervention is key. If you've got great teachers and give him all the opportunities you can for him to learn about and experience the world around him, his options will expand beyond anyone's expectations.
Helping any child to grow and learn lies in finding alternative ideas and methods for everything. If one way doesn't work, there's always another. Just make available all options that you can and your little man will latch onto what suits him best.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me. I may not have extensive experience with children who have Down Syndrome, but I do work with kids who have a multitude of abilities and needs and I have many excellent colleagues in our department who do specialize more with students who have your son's condition.
Just remember what you already know to be true... All kids are unique in their needs/temperaments/behaviors, and your child is no different. No textbook will ever sum up the wonder that is Umar!
My e-mail address is teacherladyblog@hotmail.com
BTW,
A kid with special needs can put a large amount of stress on a family at times. It is important that you and your hubby pull together and communicate really well now.
As Manal and I have learned, it can make things hard. You can either choose to allow it to make your marriage stronger, or allow it to drag you apart.
The statistics on marriages of those with special needs children is pretty bleak. Things can and will be rough, but working together is best for the husband and wife, not to mention the children involved.
Men might not always outwardly show their issues, concerns and fears, but trust me, we have them. If they are not dealt with they can manifest themselves in some bad ways.
It is important to get help and support. Here we have a social worker who has provided us with counseling to learn to deal with it and they even have special programs for fathers, including a "Pizza Wednesday" where dads with special needs children get together, have some pizza, and talk and help each other work through the issues.
These, along with early intervention for these children, are free. It isnt the same everywhere in the USA, but it is LAW that all local school districts provide early intervention for children 3 and above with proven special needs.
Usually the more expensive places here in the USA have the best special education systems. It is all about tax money and funding the program.
At our local school they have pre-school for children up to Kindergarten age. They can start at aged two and they even have a program for children with Autism, as autistic kids often require different programs, like ABA programs.
It is important that you and Mr Man do not forget each other right now.
Salam Nzingha,
Congratulations. I just read your blog today.
Congratulations again.. Umar is so cute. His name is the same with my son.. He will live up to his name InsyaAllah.. my Umar is 2 yrs 7 months now
Take care.. I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through ..
your Umar was orn 4 days before your birthday I gave birth to my Umar on my birthday.. just sharing..
Salaam,
Your baby is beautiful, and you have a lovely family. You are one strong and awesome lady.
Here's praying supermama gets the help and resources baby and family deserve.
MashaAllah, you have had so many wonderful comments and helpful input. Alhamdulileh - I agree that there are blessings here, seen and unseen. MashaAllah, what a great, strong family for this new little muslim to be born into! May Allah protect and bless him, and all of your family, and guide you on this journey of life. Ameen.
Much love to you all!! Keep us tuned in so that at LEAST we can help absorb and be an outlet for the craziness of day-to-day stuff - the maid, the scheduling/chore issues, school travels, PPA - all of it. SubhanAllah! May Allah make these challenges easy for you to overcome. Ameen.
Take good care of yourself, Nzingha!
Salaamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu.
Abu Sinan and Manal love Nzingha.
Just an observation.
Masha'Allah.
Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Wabarakatu my dear sister,
Masha'Allah, Umar is beautiful and he is an example of Allah's perfect creation. May Allah facilitate ease for him, his siblings and parents.
As an occupational therapist educated and trained in the west I have had some really positive experiences working with children who have down's syndrome and their families.
These kids are amazing because their fitrah comes forth from their glow that Allah creates them with. Their hearts are bigger than typical, and I am not talking about the organ..and as adults this is quite evident, mashaAllah.
Yeah, they will have struggles, Umar will have struggles, but who of us are left without any? There might be a different flavor, and perhaps even less than all of us. For Allah is the Most Fair. Allah tells us that He created us in hardship..and that all of the big, and all of the small are just tests of this life..
I also have a daughter who is deaf. Quite different than down's syndorme, but as a mom to a child who is growing up with needs demanded, and in my professional experience..i can honestly tell you the most important things you can do for Umar are:
1. never underestimate Allah's help- never ever..and know that it might very well be that Umar leads you and your family into Jannah, that he is a Mercy for you and your family..putting your trust in Allah and consulting Allah for all affairs in supporting Umar throughout his life..so that he will support you and your family in the hereafter.
2. be Umar's number one advocate, all the therapies in the world, doctor's advices and tidbits, professionals and special schools will never do a better job at caring for Umar than you, this is why Allah gave him to you and not them.
3. Never let your guard down when he is in the other care of others, respect for Umar needs to be in full affect even here in Saudi where focus is not driven with disability and handicapps.
3. Teach people to empathize not sympathize with Umar's test of life. Just because he may have some incapabilities, doesn't mean he can't lead a productive fruitful life worshipping Allah as a devout Muslim through all facets of life: self-care, work, play, whatever...
4. Entice his fitrah by having him listen to Quran before he goes to bed, making duaa often and having his beautiful siblings recite to him..
5. Have high expectations in Umar's abilities and don't expect less from him than his siblings, just expect different things..but not low..
The above points I mentioned, I am sure you probably are already doing them..you are a strong woman, even more..a strong Muslimah inshaAllah who Allah will help raising a beautiful addition to an already beautiful family..masha'Allah.
Insha'Allah, you can email me directly if I can be of help with anything..therapeautic or otherwise..in the meantime i will add Umar to my duaa here in Madinah Munawarra.
may Allah always do what is best for yo
Strongs for you dear Nzingha! I'm sure there is a special sense in everything that happens and you will handle it your best as you always do.
I would get a second test done if possible just for peace of mind. I know you are a strong woman and can face anything head on. I hope your house help can chip in more while you deal with all of this and your hubby is there to support you 200%.
Assalamu Alaikum
Dear Sister I would certainly think about having another test . Even if he has Downs it might not be as bad as what you fear. He does not seem to have the heart defects and other associated problems. A lot of these children these days seem to be able to live far more normal lives. Be strong for him ahd your family and make plenty of Dua . The dua of the mother is listened to .Please take care of yourself.
My 14 year old daughter was born with medical issue. And yes Allah give this to you because you are a strong mama. It won't be easy but hey it could be harder. Continue to pray that Allah make it as easy as possible for you and your family. And please take care of your self. Seems like many people love you Nzingha!
Salaams Nzingha,
Mabrook on the arrival of Umar...masha Allah he's a beautiful baby. And he's your baby - yours and your husband's. A gift from Allah, in whatever normal (or not) form that society places upon human beings. Particularily Saudi society.
In these early days, maybe just try to delight in the baby that Umar is...and let the problems come, day by day, and handle them as they come.
I embroidered this poem, when my last son was born. It always hung in my room as a child, from babyhood...a reminder to my mother, who was a busy full-time teacher and mother of five.
"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
For babies grow up as I've learned to my sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."
He's truly beautiful, Nzingha. Masha Allah.
Hi N -
Shame on Sarti for being such a jerk, especially when you could have used her cooperation the most. What kind of person does that? You will be better off without her drama.
I have known several families with DS kids and they all feel it was the best thing that could have happened to their families. It will bring your family even closer together, and magically give everyone more patience and more love than you could have ever imagined. That's not to say there won't be challenges, but we all know you are up to it. I wish you the best.
I have seen a couple of videos on the news this week regarding children with medical issues.
This one video shows how some parents feel that the medical community is awkward about telling parents about news that their children has Down Syndrome. I thought that perhaps the Dr.s themselves are making it more difficult. I also got that feeling from reading your post and teh lack of information given to you.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/
health/2008/04/05/
rowlands.down.syndrome.cnn
Assalamualaikum Sister,
Congratulations on the birth of darling Umar.
Its my belief that special children will be blessed to a special family. We all know that even with "normal" kids we'll have our own trying times, so do not treat him any differently. Treasure him like u've done with the other 4. I know U do not need other ppl telling u what u already know, but pls do know that even if we do not comment, u always have our doas.
Hugs and Kisses from Malaysia.
Salaams Nzhinga dear,
Just catching up on your blog and reading all the beautiful love-filled comments you inspired above. You are an amazing woman and you & your family are in my heart and prayers.
Much love to you!
Warmly,
Baraka
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