Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

I can't believe it's October already! I know it's cliche to say how quickly a year has gone by, but being as I spent this entire year pregnant or carrying around a newborn, it has flown by without giving me a second to catch my breath.

I love Fall, though -- the smells, the changing leaves, the pleasant temperatures and refreshing breeze. October this year signifies more than just the changing of season. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and I'm very, very excited for this special chance for as many people as possible to learn a more accurate truth about Down Syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society has a wealth of information on their website, but there's great resources all over the place. NDSS is really stressing the great strides that have been made in the area of DS and how much the outlook for babies born with the syndrome has improved:

"People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. The life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. Children with Down syndrome are often fully included in social and educational settings and increasingly go on to graduate high school and attend postsecondary education programs. While placement in the workforce remains a struggle, the situation has improved and adults with Down syndrome have attained a variety of positions, bringing enthusiasm, reliability and dedication to their jobs. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition, one in every 733 live births is a baby born with Down syndrome, and it is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives. People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways."

Have a great month! Wouldn't it be an even greater month if you took the time to learn about something you haven't had to learn about yet? If not Down Syndrome, then anything that might be affecting your family or loved ones or just something you're curious about.

I tell all of our friends and family that the best thing they can do for Zack right now is to learn as much as they can about DS and then treat him like they would treat any newborn baby.