Here we are again in October. A very special month in our home since the birth of our girl, Hazel. One of my goals with this blog has always been to advocate for those with Down Syndrome.

I believe the best way to ADVOCATE is to EDUCATE!!!

I have been trying to create and share posts that both generate interest and discussion AMONG YOU. I try to include resources that you will enjoy and find useful. I have also linked to other blogs and websites that I find inspiring or informative in sharing other stories about Down Syndrome.

I hope I have succeeded in this goal. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to see me address or add in the future.

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DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH ON CHASING HAZEL:

I will feature...

1. One post on Physiotherapy

2. One post on Occupational Therapy

3. One post on Speech Therapy

4. At least one new resource for your homes or classrooms

5. Of course, the regular Friday posts will still be posted. As well as other quick updates and IG pics.

AND FINALLY...

6. Hazel's Birth Story

I can barely wait to share it with all of you. I feel that it fits perfectly with the theme this month.

In it, I share a lot of feelings about Down syndrome and how it began to filter into our lives in the very beginning. I give you an honest recollection of how it all played out. I really feel that I put my heart out there for you all so it's going to be tough to hit that "publish" button. Also, when I do share it with you, I will probably sign off for a bit to welcome a new little soul into our home. And I will surely be writing another birth story to share.

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Please feel free to share any or all of the posts this month. We always need your help to spread the word and support those with Down syndrome. This month just makes it that much easier to do it.

Thanks for your continued support!!!

Just in case you missed this pic on Chasing Hazel's Facebook page (we only need 2 more "likes" to get to 500. I can't believe it!!!) or IG feed (user name Chasing_Hazel - Come on you know you want to join us!) I thought I would post it here.

Feel free to let me know what you are doing to honour DSAM. There are a lot of great blogs out there that are doing wonderful things to celebrate. Check out this BLOG HOP!!! I love to hear from other families and those of you who advocate as well.

Thanks for checking in on the blog, especially this month!!!

I have chosen to do a post today about Judgement, in honor of Non-Judgement week. Visit The Conscious Perspective for more deets on Non-Judgement week.

A wise man once said to me: "Never judge a mother - unless you know for a fact what she is going through - you are not allowed to judge." Brilliant!!!

Now that I am a mother and I have done things that are very questionable in the name of sanity, I 100% agree with the above mentioned quote. I have done things that I never thought I would.

I specifically remember a day at the mall with Hazel and my mom. At said "day-at-the-mall" there are vivid memories of me in a side hallway on my hands and knees trying frantically to make a bottle. While my mom tried to change a dirty butt diaper with Hazel in her stroller.

Yeah I said "stroller!"

We did not walk to the "family bathroom" and use the "change table" because I LITERALLY could not imagine walking all the way back there with a screaming, hungry, dirty baby. We were close to a somewhat secluded hallway in a busy, public place so, it was as good a place as any...right? We all got out pretty much unscathed, except for my dignity - but I mean - whatever. Being a mom means sacrificing your dignity...doesn't it? Please tell me it does for you too!!!

Anyway, my point is DON'T JUDGE ME!!!!

Yes!!! I changed my kid in a totally inappropriate place AND I didn't "take my screaming kid home" - but I do acknowledge that I shouldn't have done the former and should have done the latter.

Needless to say I don't judge mothers EVER - for any reason!!! That day I couldn't bring my kid home because my house was under heavy construction. That little episode took place after a day out of the house with a baby trying to keep ourselves occupied and sane. Clearly we only accomplished 1 of the 2. You just never know what is happening in someones life so please try not to judge!

On a more serious note:

Part of the reason I started this blog was to rectify or aid in the inaccurate judgements or perceptions of those with Down Syndrome.

One of the blessings that Down Syndrome has brought to my life is realizing that judgement often times comes from ignorance.

People judge that which they do not know.

By educating ourselves, listening to people bias free and keeping an open mind we accept things that are different. We gain perspective and embrace the things that we had no prior knowledge about. Human beings have a great deal to teach us, but we must be receptive and open to the lesson they offer (even though we might not agree with their thoughts or opinions on the subject.)

I hope that reading about Hazel helps you to accept her differences and celebrate her victories, just as you would with any other child. I also hope that her message helps readers to shift prior assumptions or perspectives of those whose live with Down Syndrome. Please continue to educate or advocate any chance you get!!!