My kid has more chromosomes than yours!

The final results are in (from the amniocentesis) and "G.I. Joe" has trisomy 21, a.k.a. down syndrome. I may be the happiest mom ever to receive such news. "They" say a mother's instinct is right, so knowing that something was not going to go to my plan (as before) I was much relieved we were/are not repeating the same chromosomal abnormality that Nathan faced (which was basically a death sentence for him).

A Few Facts for Starters:

According to the geneticist at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinic all the abnormalities all four of our children have had are completely unrelated. I guess God just likes to keeps things interesting at our house.

I, at age 30, had a 0.1% of having a baby with Down's.

Recent U.S. studies have shown that 84-91% of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome will be killed via abortion.

40% of babies with Down Syndrome will have congenital heart problems. They are also more likely to have Alzheimer's and Leukemia.

I found a good post for friends and family over at another blog today (also listed on my side bar under homeschool blogs): http://onajoyfuljourney.blogspot.com/2011/07/walking-alongside-family-living-with.html

So, our next child has designer genes. And for you who worry over EVERYTHING - Don't! Really, this kid is going to rock that third chromosome. He's going to be a complete blessing and joy - not only because he's my kid but because God says so, in His Word. He's going to teach us so much about love and acceptance. I can't wait to meet him come late November/early December.

Please continue to pray for us as we learn about the syndrome, and seek resources to help us help "G.I. Joe" reach his fullest potential. And please pray he is a healthy albeit chromosomally enhanced baby! Thanks!