The phrase “it takes a village” could not be more true and appropriate during this season of life! Although, I now wonder if the phrase is really referring to raising the child or if it is referring to supporting the parents. I have always been so thankful for the people who have been placed in our lives, but the past several months I have realized that I am not just thankful, but incredibly blessed!

I think in this season of parenthood, the phrase is referring to supporting the parents and boy, have you all done your part! Over the past few months, our little family has been shown so much love! Some of you are friends that I see on a regular basis, some are lost friendships from over the years, some have been coworkers, and some have just been mere acquaintances. No matter which category you fall in, your encouraging words have been just what I needed! There have been times when all I needed was a hug, times when I needed your presence, times when I needed you to avoid the difficult topics, and times when I needed you to acknowledge those very same topics. And, you all have fulfilled these very needs so well!!

I have always heard that you cannot fully prepare yourself for having a baby or for parenthood, and I would have to say that is absolutely correct! In my mind, I was always prepared for the idea that our child could have a learning disability of some sort or adhd… Maybe because this is my normal since I teach special education. I was prepared for difficulty reading or not being that great in math, but I never thought of anything beyond that… Let’s be honest, who wants to think about that when thinking of having a baby. I never prepared myself that our child could have a more severe disability that could make simple life skills a difficult task. I have made peace with the fact that Olivia has Down syndrome, but I have not made peace with the struggles that she will face. I am terrified for the first time she feels “different.” I am terrified for the first time that no one wants to play with her. I am terrified for the looks she might get from perfect strangers when times are hard. I am terrified for the first time she is called the “r” word… And let me just say, I have always hated that word, but now that word makes my heart ache! I am terrified of the what ifs and the unknowns of this journey. I am angered at the comments others will make and I am terrified of what my reaction could be when I encounter someone like this…. I know it will happen because long before our journey began I was asked “why would you want to teach special education because your students will never be productive members of society. How unrewarding,” this was said by an acquaintance of my husband while we were in college. My blood boiled then, but now that comment infuriates me!!! I have to admit that these thoughts are what hurt my heart the most…

However, with all of the things I am terrified about I am also excited about all of the little moments that will be some of the greatest rewards! Right now I am over the moon that Olivia is cooing in response to me and has started to giggle (these are great signs for speech development). I can’t wait for the first time she wraps her arms around me for a hug. I can’t wait for the first time she says or signs “I love you.” I can’t wait for the day when one of Olivia’s typical peers goes out of their way to include her. I can’t wait to see her face light up when something makes her really happy! And on top of all of that greatness, I can’t wait to see what my students become when they are older, and even more so, I can’t wait to see the world changer that Olivia will be!

So, with all of that being said… Thank you so much to everyone who is in our village. Thank you for sharing our dreams for Olivia and thank you for already loving her so well. Thank you for having high expectations for her and helping us reach them. Thank you for encouraging me when I have needed it most, and thank you for just being there! ❤️