31 for 21 Challenge

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and I thought this challenge would be a great one to participate in. Here is what Tricia has to say about her 2nd Annual Challenge:

The goal is to blog everyday for the month of October. 31 days to raise awareness of Down syndrome (a.k.a. Trisomy 21). Get it? 31 for 21!

Why should I do it?

This is the one question I can be unambiguous about. I propose you do it in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One thing I can say certainly, is that writing--blogging specifically--has helped me in numerous ways as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. I value the people I have met, the friends I have made, and the information I have gathered on blogs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if new parents googled Down syndrome and our blogs came up? What a welcome wagon that would be!

But that doesn’t mean you HAVE to write about Down syndrome. I think it’s beneficial for folks to read about people who are affected by Down syndrome and see that our lives are just the same as anyone else’s.

I was 22 when I had Katya and I never thought my life would change so much in one day. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity we have to have Katya. She has taught me more in these last couple of years than I could have ever imagined. I worry, as any parent does, that people will judge Katya without taking the time to understand. My hope is that more people will take the time to understand before being quick to judge everyone, disabilities or not. I think one of the best ways to understand is by asking questions. I'd love to answer any questions anyone has about down syndrome. I don't know everything about it, but what I do know I'd be happy to share.