What Are The Chances?

of another baby in our neighborhood being born with Down syndrome?

We live in a smallish town. Most of the people on our road grew up here and built/bought homes near their parents. I love the sense of community we have. When Goldie was born the outpouring of support was unbelievable. Neighbors brought food, watched my older girls, folded my laundry and scrubbed my stove. They are like our extended family. During the summer we visit often and its easy to keep up on the latest news.

But, its winter so the news of my neighbor's new baby took a little longer to get to us. First, I asked around to find out if she had her baby. Then, I heard he had a hole in his heart and was still in the hospital. Finally, my husband tells me he has something on one of his chromosomes. I couldn't take it any longer, I stalked the new mama down at her parents to get the details.

Baby C was born November 11th, so he's 2 months old now. He has translocation Down syndrome. Please pray for him, he is having heart surgery tomorrow. They had hoped to wait until he was 4 months old, but he needs his heart repaired sooner. I never had to deal with this, so I don't know how much help I was to her. We also talked about EI, SSI, and medicaid.

I just can't believe Goldie will grow up with another child who has Ds living 1/4 mile away from us. She is only 20 months older than him. He also has an older brother and sister close in age to my girls.

Now, any ideas for a gift? I know they could use a gas card for traveling to the hospital or maybe they would just like some regular baby stuff. He is their third and their kids are spaced apart like mine, so some new items might be welcome. I haven't read Gifts, but I know it comes recommended. Hmmm.