Patiently, Beautifully Wrapping Presents
Gift wrapping has never been an easy task for Penny. Typically, she’s been relegated to the background of the wrapping extravaganza in our household—handing over supplies to her siblings or…
Photo by Cloe Poisson
From Conditional Love to Unconditional Growth
I sometimes beat myself up as a parent. In all honesty, I also beat myself up as a human, but on the parenting front, I think about how I let…
The Best Questions to Ask Parents
Here in Connecticut, we are settling into the rhythms of fall, with soccer games and afterschool activities and the waning temperatures of summer and the advent of golden leaves amidst…
Is Independence the Goal?
Every so often I get asked, “Do you think Penny will live independently?” I’ve started answering that question about my daughter who has Down syndrome by saying, “I never want…
Developmental Milestones for Children With Down Syndrome
I used to love developmental charts and graphs and measurements when it came to parenting. Then I hated them. And now I’m realizing their value all over again. So I…
Embracing Belovedness: A New Approach to Parenting and Mental Health
Today is World Mental Health Day. The Surgeon General recently issued a warning about the mental health of parents. Parents are stressed out about everything. (more here) The warning contains…
Photo by Cloe Poisson
Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2024
Today is the beginning of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In a world of distraction, I’m thinking about what happens when we pay attention to the beauty and hardship and possibility…
Our Story: Down Syndrome, Identity, and Love
I was scared when I found out our oldest daughter, Penny, had Down syndrome. My husband Peter and I were 28 years old, and we weren’t prepared to welcome a…
I Want to Celebrate Aging
I want to celebrate aging. I’m 47 years old, and I want to embrace the signs of age—freedom to be in this face and this body. I want to get…
Supporting Penny’s Goals
I used to be afraid to set goals for our daughter Penny, who has Down syndrome. It felt like if we didn't meet those goals, we would be passing judgment…
