Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

It's that time of year again! Down syndrome awareness month! I am sure that the majority of you that read my blog are well aware of this fact but some of you aren't! I am going to try to get a pic of Addy on the blog every day in October to promote DS Awareness! (like that's going to be a huge feat!)

Today as I was cruising my favorite blogs I found out that I won something!!! WOO HOO Go ME! Go check it out here! Thank you Sarah and Joyce! This will be wonderful since Addy's 3rd Birthday is in 17 days!!

Here is a little information about Down syndrome taken from the NDSS website!

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives. Addy was born with a congential heart defect known as a PDA/Patent Ductus Arteriosus Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. Before birth, the two major arteries—the aorta and the pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) artery—are connected by a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. This vessel is an essential part of fetal blood circulation. Within minutes or up to a few days after birth, the vessel is supposed to close as part of the normal changes occurring in the baby's circulation. In some babies, however, the ductus arteriosus remains open (patent). This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery. This can put strain on the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries. Addy was also born with an imperforate anus, chronic lung disease and pumonary hypertension. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all. Addy has ALL of these! Here is her palmar crease, she only has it on her left hand :) Addy will be three years old on the 18th and she is 31 inches tall and 19lbs! Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.