Just the facts, Ma'am.

The past week has been pretty blissfully boring. Some things to share: Daniel is now over 11 lbs, and the figs on the tree in our back garden are ripening. :-) Carpet install is next week. Lily's "makeup party" with friends is tomorrow.

 Since I didn't have much else to write about, I wanted to share some statistics with you. If you have time, I'd like you to fully absorb and appreciate each statistic before you move on to the next one.

***

1 out of every 691 babies born in the USA are born with Down syndrome.

80% of these children are born to women under 35 years of age.

The average age of a mother who gives birth to a baby with Down syndrome is age 28 (my age).

After being surveyed:

79% of parents or guardians of children with Down syndrome reported their outlook on life had become more positive as a result of raising their child with DS.

Among siblings ages 12 and older, 97% expressed feelings of pride about their brother or sister with Down syndrome, and 88% were convinced they were better people because of their sibling with Down syndrome.


Of individuals with Down syndrome:

99% responded they were happy with their lives.

97% liked who they are.

96% liked how they looked.

Parents of children with Down syndrome have a lower divorce rate than parents of children with no disabilities, and much lower than parents of children with disabilities other than DS. Yes, you read that right, no it is not a typo.

Despite all this good news:

80-90% of babies diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome are aborted.

It blows my mind that some people consider babies like Daniel their "worst case scenario."

"You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!" 

Psalm 139:13-14