Congress Passes the Kennedy-Brownback Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act

The Down Syndrome Community Celebrates an Important Victory! And we are very proud of this victory. Matthew, Brian and I advocated on Capital Hill with Senator Brownback on three different occasions. You can read about our trips to Capital Hill here and here and watch a news clip here and see photos - warning Matthew is too cute for the news camera! Matthew is one of many people who made a difference, and many, many others worked hard to get this Bill passed. We are so proud!

Congress Passes the Kennedy-Brownback Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act

After three years of advocacy, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 1810, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosis Conditions Awareness Act, during this last week before Congress adjourns . The legislation has been an extremely high priority for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). These organizations and individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the country are convinced there is a need for physicians and other health professionals to provide parents who receive a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis with updated, evidenced-based information about Down syndrome.

U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS), original co-sponsors of the bill, came together to pass S. 1810. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 23rd and passed the House by a voice vote on September 25th.

The Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act ensures that pregnant women receiving a positive prenatal test result and parents receiving a postnatal diagnosis will be more likely to receive up-to-date, scientific information about life expectancy, clinical course, intellectual and functional development, and prenatal and postnatal treatment options . It offers referrals to support services such as hotlines, Web sites, information clearinghouses, adoption registries, and parent support networks and programs specific to Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions. The information that is all too often being provided in these situations is out-dated and inaccurate. The treatment options, functional development, opportunities and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome have improved dramatically over the years, yet decades old stereotypes still persist. It is critically important for healthcare professionals, families and society to update their knowledge and their perceptions about individuals with Down syndrome.

Dreaming on an Angel

Bethany and Kyle are currently in Russia adopting a little girl, Addison, who will join her adorable siblings Payton and Mason back in Virginia. You can follow their journey at Dreaming on an Angel by clicking here.

We can't wait to meet Addison! Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this journey.

Parenting Magazine - Matthew Featured

Way to go Parenting Magazine! In honor of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, they are showcasing photos of beautiful babies, who happen to have Down syndrome. Matthew is featured in Gallery 6; Photo 19. It's an older photo of him taken in Spring 2007 but it is still one of my favorite pictures of our sweet boy. Check out the other galleries. Many of Matthew's friends are also featured.

Thank you Parenting Magazine.

and thanks to Laura for letting me know he was featured!

Doggie Days

Nate has been asking for a dog for months. He knows exactly what he wants: BIG RED DOG and he plans to name him Clifford! He has narrowed it down to a red golden retriever. Every time he sees a dog that closely resembles a red golden retriever - and even when they don't - he gets very excited and giddy.


A few weeks ago we were in the grocery store and Nate insisted we buy a big dog bone for Clifford. Today, we stopped by Petsmart to "just look" at a few dogs up for adoption. Nate loved them all but said "none of them are Clifford".


I really thought Nate would ask once or twice and forget about wanting a dog. We have been going on six months of him talking about Clifford. Last week he asked me to draw a dog, dog house, dog cookie (not a biscuit but a cookie). He was so proud of the drawing. Mommy on the other hand needs art lessons:)


For now we will keep listening about Clifford.......

Preschool Report - Matthew's First Day

I'm happy to report that the first day of school went well - after a little meltdown. Daddy took Matthew to speech therapy and then drove him to the elementary school. Matthew was a happy camper along the way having no idea what he was in for. When Brian got to the school he pulled up to the kiss and ride line where the teachers were waiting to get Matthew. They offered for Brian to walk with them to the classroom - I'm so happy he said yes!


Matthew quickly started exploring the room and playing. He had a bit of a meltdown when Brian left and cried huge tears. The teacher called Brian about an hour later to report Matthew was doing great.


In the afternoon, I met the school bus at his daycare center. I was standing outside of the center when a HUGE school bus pulled into the parking lot. I quickly boarded the bus and to my surprise Matthew was the only child on board - and grinning ear to ear!. Apparently he might be solo in the afternoons but has an aide and a driver who were both very nice. The ride is less than 4 miles so he won't be on the bus too long.


Yesterday afternoon we got this report from his teacher:


He had a good day! He ate chicken, fruit and drank some milk and then followed up with 2 poops. By the end of the day he was the official classroom greeter. A little bit of apprehension when he got on the bus, but that was expected. Overall, a very good start.


I'm so happy for our little guy. I still can't believe he is going to school at the age of 2. It's my turn to drop him off this morning.........at the kiss and ride. Wish me luck!

On the way to school

Exploring the classroom "Is it time to go yet"?
"Daddy, don't leave me!!"

Twas the Night Before

Tomorrow is a BIG day for Matthew. The start of public preschool. We have all of his supplies, an outfit ready and a new backpack. Daddy is driving Matthew to school. His teacher asked us to drop him off at the kiss and ride. I'm thinking perhaps he should walk him in on his first day.....


Matthew is going to ride the bus back to his daycare where I'll meet him to see how he does on his first bus ride. It's a big day for all of us. I think Matthew is ready. Does the picture below say it all?

First Day

Today was the first day back at preschool for Nate and Matthew after a few months of summer camp. Nate is a "Rocket Ship" this year and Matthew is a "Cub". They both like their new teachers and are excited about their old and new friends.

Back to school picture. Matthew is clearly more excited........

Nate received a special postcard from his new teacher that he was suppose to bring in the first day in exchange for a surprise. He thought it was his birthday invitation and went to school telling everyone it was his birthday. All the kids starting saying "Happy Birthday". We had to explain to him a few times that his birthday is not for a few more weeks. He still thought it was his birthday.