Pleased to Meet You...

Believer in Christ. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Volunteer.

Passionate. Driven. Caring. Conservative. Rural American. Friend of Agriculture. Student of Life. Reflective. Thoughtful. Loving.

My name is Kristin and above are words I have chosen to describe myself.  I am the mother of two boys, an intelligent, funny and selflessly loving toddler and of another little guy, a soon-to-be-born son who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect known as Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect (CAVC). 

Over the years I have learned that I can best process information, reflect on life and plan for the future when I write... perhaps this is a side effect of majoring in communications while in college or maybe it's just a silly ritual I've created for myself.  Either way, it has become my version of escape during hardship, celebration following victory and simply put, a way to clear my thoughts and document my journey.

Although I've kept a private journal for many years, after searching the internet for information on Down syndrome and CAVC, I've found that some of the best resources available are as informal and unscientific as other parents who write about their experiences.  I know that God has given a purpose to my life and while I've lived believing that the service I've provided to others thus far in my short 30 years was fulfilling the purpose He had designed for me, I've recently been awakened to the fact that a new and curious chapter of my life is beginning to unfold.  I am determined to find a way to use my life and experiences as a blessing for others and as I begin to dig out of the emotional chaos that has consumed me for the last few weeks, I know that I will emerge stronger and more focused than ever.  Not discounting the necessity to learn from doctors, specialists and the science that supports them, but I'm considering this new chapter to be my effort in helping other parents who may find themselves in my shoes and are beginning to make sense of their circumstances.

In my heart I know that God has chosen me to love and nurture the little blessings that He's bestowed upon us and that he has and will continue to offer me the strength to forge ahead and advocate for my family in the months and years to come.