We have a special treat today! Have you had the privilege to “met” Patti Rice?  I am sure most of you have just shaken their heads yes with a smile on your face, but in case you have not let me introduce you!  Friends Patti is a mom to 11 (yes 11) amazing kids. Her 10th baby, Lily happens to have Down syndrome. Patti shares her family’s adventures and what Down syndrome has come to mean to them over the past (almost) 5 years. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your favorite is and be ready to camp out with the Rice Family.

If you are on Instagram we strongly suggest you go find Patti (@aperfectlily) and follow her, the pictures will just make you really happy and if you need an extra boost be sure to search #lilydancevideo. You will thank us, promise 😉 

We will now hand the mic over to Patti as she offers us some precious advice……….

“As I was going through old photos the other day, I found one of Lily as a baby. She was maybe nine months old and she had just learned how to sit up independently . She was smiling her classic smile – wide open mouth with her little tongue peeking out, her almond eyes twinkling back at whoever was making her grin for the picture .

And instantly I had a thought – I want to go back.

I want to go back to that moment when she was a baby, and scoop her up in my arms and kiss her little button nose. I want to go back in time and feel her tiny hands and soft skin and smell her babyness. I want to hold  that sweet little baby in my arms again and feel her melt into me – her “low muscle tone” making a hug last that much longer.

I want to go back.

I want to go back to the mama I was and tell her – enjoy this moment. Soak it all up, and don’t worry about one thing. Stop thinking about the what-ifs, don’t give your thoughts to hurtful things people might say, stop projecting yourself down the road and worrying about what the future holds. Don’t waste your time thinking about what you have or don’t have, who she is or isn’t, don’t try to figure this all out.

Stop and enjoy this moment right now. Savor this baby right here in your arms, because before you know it she’ll be almost five and you’ll wonder where the years went. Don’t miss one single blessed moment of who she is, worrying about who she will be.

Enjoy her.

Just relax and smile and enjoy this little gift right here in front of you, and trust that everything is going to be okay.

Because it IS.”

What a great reminder! Thank you Patti and thank you Lily!

We want to help kick this week off with some extra fun, how about a giveaway? 

 We have a beautiful I Love Someone with Down Syndrome Two Piece Adjustable Bangle Set with Hearts and Crystal Accents

 Rules are simple…. 1. Go to our Facebook page (make sure you “like” us and then share the post that is promoting this Blog post. 2. leave us a comment here or on facebook about what you are enjoying right now! 

A winner will be drawn Wednesday 10/8  Good luck everyone! 

Don’t forget to check out our calender of programs and get signed up today for the one that meets your families needs  https://gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse/syracuse-calendar

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