Designer Genes…that is how I read Down Syndrome being described…I LOVED IT…I think it is so fun, catchy and TRUE! Maddie has designer genes…one of a kind! if I would have read or heard it sooner I would have named my blog that…it also made me chuckle…in high school…a long time ago! when fashion was my thing…I had Guess jeans…I am not even sure they make them anymore…but they were very “in” and I had a few pairs…a friend of mine coveted them…of course she was smaller then me…so I said just take the tag off and sew them on your jeans…she did and VOILA...Guess designer jeans…we made it work for her…she got what she wanted…I remember thinking it was very silly at the time…her parents could not afford those jeans…and I never thought about if my parents could…I have to say I was VERY self involved when I was younger…to the point that I do not remember much about anything…I am not sure if it is a character flaw, a coping mechanism, or just my personality…but either way…I have always liked being on the edge and being a tad different…spunky…I think that is why it baffled me…my response to Maddie’s diagnosis was VERY out of character…you would think I would want to embrace the ultimate challenge…the ultimate “look at us” family….instead I felt it was a dirty diagnosis…something that was a reflection of me….not at all designer…not at all "cool"….it bothers me to reflect back and see that Maddie’s diagnosis…was all about me…it was not about her…about what she would have to endure…nope…I was solely fixated on me and what others would think…yuck! but it was what it was…and I have grown particularly fond of designer genes again…. and I am slowly finding me…but better, nicer…so as I go through this designer way of life…the patterns are still being developed…the layout is still in progress…but the show is playing…and the stars are already shining bright…
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
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It is so interesting how you described yourself in high school and then went on to say how you don't remember much about anything...my sister remembers everything about when we were kids and teenagers...me not so much. I never really thought about it before but maybe it's because I was so self absorbed I never took the time to pay attention or care? Huumm food for thought on this afternoon, not that I'm proud of that, but it does make sense!
ReplyDeleteFor me this journey has been a very eye opening experience and I have learned so much about myself...things I never would have learned if it were for blogs like yours, so thank you!
Love this...what a great way to put it, DESIGNER GENES! Yes, I was one of those girls who had to have Guess jeans too. I had several pairs and remember having to tuck in my shirt so everyone could read that label and see I had Guess jeans on. Oh, so long ago...such a different person.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way, your OT is so right. I have always expected big things from Kristen, and she always rises to the challenges. I know Maddie will do the same. :)
Loved this post!! Haha, its funny to look back and see what was important to us in highschool...I was all about the dock martins, those $200 boots!! OMG, I didnt even think about if my parents could afford them or not, now I cant believe they even bought them for me!!! Haha, I DARE one of my kids to ask me for something that expensive!!! So crazy!
ReplyDeleteI love the designer genes saying too...Its perfect for our kids :)
Love this post! My first reaction to Emily having DS was just like yours, and when I look back I am sad that I was that way, I hate to think I wasted the first couple weeks of her life worried about how much the DS was going to change my life.
ReplyDeleteHahahah I love this post, it is just what I have come to feel lately - that these designer genes really do rock ! Being out with Owen is now a very proud moment for me, he is a rare bird and I just love it.
ReplyDeleteI also love this description! Arina is such a diva, and definitely designer! Puts a whole new light on DS.
ReplyDeletei loved it too! the first time i heard it was when we brought cam home from the hospital...and the utah down syndrome foundation handed us a onsie that said, "rockin' my designer genes" it stuck with me and it has become more and more true for us. :)
ReplyDeleteI love describing my girlies diagnosis with designer gene. It describes the beauty of her so much better to people. Excited about NDSSs new push to give expecant parents updated information so that they can view it this way from the begining.
ReplyDeletewww.shannonblaeske.blogspot.com
Love this post and the designer genes! When Claire was born I was worried about how things would be for her, but I was worried about me too...but now I know that Ds really didn't change much in my life, except make it better!
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