siblings

When I was four months pregnant, I told my two daughters — then ages nine and six — that they were going to have a new sibling. I asked if they wanted to know the baby's gender. My older daughter shouted, "It must be a little brother because I already have the best sister in the world!"

While years later she would deny the latter part of the proclamation (loudly and with many door slams), she was correct in her prediction. Our family was getting a baby boy.  

What we didn't know is that this little bundle of joy was going to rule the land.

Although the girls in our home outnumbered the boys, we surrendered our power to him the minute he was born without hesitation. 

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Here are seven things my brother, a person with Down Syndrome, wished you knew about his life.

Most of us grow up envisioning the “perfect” family that we will have one day. One boy, one girl – 3 years apart. Right?

I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat my feelings right now — I’m nervous about going from a mom of one to a mom of two. My son is seven, so he, my husband, and I have had seven years of time as “just the three of us.”

I’m in my early 20s and he’s in his 40s. He’s my 6-year-old brother’s best friend’s father. He’s old enough to be my dad too, actually. He’s got four kids — all with different moms (one who is my age).

I had all my parents' attention, all the time. Yes, it felt a little much at times, but it also made me a great conversationalist. Hanging out around adults was calming. They didn't pull my hair or push me over to grab a toy. They didn't spit on me or break my things. They had self-restraint. (And they responded well to stares.)

They are different humans — and I love them for who they each are, as individuals.

My sister Liz is full of wisdom, like my favorite quote I’ve shared with practically everyone I know: “Every pair of underwear has two good sides.”