Life with an Extra Chromosome | International Adoption

We finish each day with a dance party right before their bedtime. My 10-year-old has most of the K-Pop choreography memorized and will belt out the lyrics (her version) to any song that comes on. My 11-year-old creates his own dance moves and accurately sings the last word of each line, still a die-hard Raffi fan. The 15-year-old sways and verbalizes to the songs at her own pace and rhythm choosing to join in with all the genres. 

A few months ago, I decided they needed to learn some line dances and we currently have 3 that we do together. Sometimes you can catch my older kids swaying with their cell phone lights on ready to clap for the younger 3 at the end of their performance. The youngest two (the performers that they are) will make their rounds to get high fives.

Their sass is strong—especially in the youngest one—and (good or bad) we all think it’s a total hoot. None of them disguise their feelings and will tell you exactly what they think of something. I’ve taken notes from them and have gotten better about expressing my own feelings—just not quite as bluntly. They never hide their feelings and will tell you exactly what they think. They are problem solvers, which sometimes leads to mischief because they love solving the “problems” I'm trying to implement to keep them safe. My 11-year-old is a real-life MacGyver and has been for as long as I’ve known him.

They are also the most determined people I’ve ever met. There’s another word for it, but I digress… Some days, their determination wears me out, or their speech therapy homework doesn’t go as planned, or they out-MacGyver me. . . again. 

But, the reason we adopted three of our children is that after bringing our first home, we ended up really loving that extra chromosome and embracing the challenges while cheering on their determination.

I am better because of them. My life is fuller and richer. That extra chromosome brings challenges, but it also brings so much joy and I get to be front row and center to see them become who they are meant to be. I get to watch my older kids support their younger siblings and teach the world how the community of people with special needs should be treated. I don’t want to imagine my life where I didn’t have the benefit of raising children with Down syndrome.

Interested in learning more about adopting a child with Down syndrome? Both our Bulgaria and Colombia programs are in need of families open to adopting a child with an extra chromosome. Email Beth.Edwards@gladney.org today, or complete our Prospective Adoptive Parent form and an adoption specialist will be in touch.

Learn More About the Author:

Beth E. and her husband adopted three children from Taiwan, all who have Down syndrome, through the Gladney Center for Adoption.  Adopted at ages 3, 5, and 7, Beth gives us a glimpse into her daily life with 3 extra chromosomes in the house. Thank you, Beth, for sharing your experience with our readers!

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