World Down Syndrome Day: Winchester Edition

Pictures of Winchester!

It’s March 21st — World Down Syndrome Day (3/21 — get it?). Since not everyone has someone with Down syndrome in their family, I thought I’d share a bunch of pictures of Winchester.

Winchester on the day he was born.

Winchester was a birth diagnosis. We had a horrible experience with the genetic test with our previous child when it said she had trisomy-13 — a really rare condition where she most likely wouldn’t live past a year. It was a false positive (she’s fine and six years old now), and it just made the pregnancy a terrible experience. So, with Winchester, SarahK had no genetic blood test and we just left it up to God.

And He had a surprise for us!

Daddy is the “fun” parent.

I’m not sure if a baby with Down syndrome is that different. There are more health issues to worry about, and while all our kids were tiny, he was extra tiny.

Winchester figuring out how to get mobile.

As for early development, it’s like he’s on hard mode where he gets less auto-assist, so learning to crawl and walk took more time.

Winchester going for a hike with his dad.

And I know “special” is often used as this euphemism, but there really is something special about him, and he makes my wife and I feel special to be his parents.

Winchester flying a spaceship.

He has so much joy to share.

Winchester reading important literature.

And he just loves spending time with his family.

Winchester in a marching band with his siblings.

And his three older siblings just adore him.

Winchester riding the teacups at Disney World.

And he loves going out and trying new things.

Winchester with his top hat and all the money I get from this Substack.

So, anyway, I just wanted to share some of the joy of Winchester on this day. If I could get you all a Winchester hug, I would.