Saturday, June 8, 2013

Precious Baby Ministry

Two years ago, Tricia and I were both blessed with wonderful little girls who happen to have Down Syndrome.  We were not aware of  the diagnosis before they were born.  The doctors and nurses said "I'm sorry" several times and told my husband and I what my daughter would "never do" like read, drive, have a decent IQ.  They then informed us of all the potential medical complications that could occur.  It was overwhelmingly negative and we allowed them to steal our joy surrounding her birth. 

Those words fueled us to prove them wrong.  As we educated ourselves more about Down syndrome, we realized children and adults with DS can do all of this, and anything else they want to do.  They can dance, sing, play musical instruments, give speeches, become a composer, become an actor, drive a car, inspire others, help others, and so much more. 

We made it our goal to "raise awareness and expectations" and to help other parents experience this realization from the beginning.  We wrote a small book for new parents to explain things like TEFRA, therapies, alternative choices, with encouraging stories, oral motor techniques to begin right away, and a list of numerous websites and blogs that would inspire and motivate them.  We give this book, along with a gift basket full of goodies and a prayer blanket to each new or expecting parent we encounter. 

We personally talk to each new or expecting parent as soon as we receive a call from the genetic clinic, hospital, therapist, or friend. We introduce them to families who have child with DS of similar same age.  We add them to the Arkansas Facebook page called "Buddy Talk" which was organized for DS families.
Buddy Talk is like having your own personal support group. Buddy Talk organizes family events every 2-3 months here in central Arkansas like the water park, zoo, museums, and picnics in the park. 

We link the new families with the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association, so they can receive letters for upcoming events.  Sometimes, we just let them see our 2 year old daughters playing, enjoying life, and getting into mischief like any typical two year old.  This seems to alleviate more fears and doubts for new or expecting parents than anything we can say to them. 

We are now blessed to be able to take a dinner to the hospital when the children with heart defects are having their surgery at 2-4 months old.  This allows the parents a mental break without leaving the hospital, while one of us sits with their precious baby singing or reading to them. 

Our Precious Baby Ministry has grown and extended to NE Arkansas with Shannon sending out 4 baskets last week and meeting with families.  The Arkansas Down Syndrome Association now has a link so families can download the book themselves in case we did not receive a call about them.  (see link Precious Baby Binder under infant and early childhood at http://www.ardownsyndrome.org/ )  Two years into our journey with Presley and Emma, we are amazed by everything they CAN do and WILL do.  They have such a positive influence on people and can change your heart, you outlook, and your life if you let them. .

Today, we attended a miniature horse show fundraiser for Precious Baby Ministry hosted by Brigg's Equipment and put together by Natural State Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Association.  Todd and Jennifer Crowder where so generous with giving all proceeds to our cause.  It is heart warming how many strangers show support for our children and want to help any way they can.  A simple thank you does not seem enough.  We met some amazing people today.  

Just remember, you can make a different with one small step at a time.  Keep moving forward.

Here are some pictures of the show today.  The picture quality is not so great, because I was holding a squirming 2 year old.   Blessings, Robin






Payton & Presley.  Presley thought the water in the horse's bucket needed some stirring.


Two princesses walking in the show.  How great is it to teach children compassion so early?





The flyer.  All proceeds went to support our cause. People making a difference.


A two year old girl in the show.



Olivia, Bekkah and Kenzie loving the horse show.






Emma, her Nana and her brother Grant.



The costume part of the show. They were going swimming.




My wonderful family



Picture doesn't do it justice, but this horse was dressed up like a dinosaur. 
  

The children had such a good time!




$1,650 total was donated. $550 was from the children's bake sale. We are so blessed! Remember to enjoy your journey and your Precious Baby.



Todd and Jennifer Crowder with Natural State Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Association taking photo with Tricia and little Emma who passed out from all the fun.



A special thanks to Frank Glasgow with Briggs Equipment for all of their continued support.  They have been responsible for raising money and awareness.  We could not do it without people like this. 




2 comments:

  1. Hiya very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .
    . I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?

    I am glad to find a lot of useful information here in the submit, we want develop extra
    strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . .

    . . .

    Here is my webpage - todomariovargasllosacomes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! We appreciate you visiting out website. It is just a collection of everything we do and we hope it helps others in their journey. I will check out your webpage as well. Blessings, Robin

      Delete