Our Five Ring Circus: Introducing Liam

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Introducing Liam

18 days ago, I would have never, in a million years, expected that I would be writing this post.  Life has a way of handing us the most unexpected things.  Those unexpected things can sometimes turn out to be the biggest blessings!

I have yet to share Liam's birth story, because I wanted to share him first. 

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When Liam was born, he was immediately whisked away from us.  His cord was unusually short, and although he initially cried, the doctor looked very concerned.  Liam was completely silent for several minutes, and doctors and nurses came in and out of the room and stood quietly around him.  After about 25 minutes, he was brought over to us.  The moment he was placed in my arms, his eyes popped open and he stared at me.  I immediately knew what was going on.

Everybody left the room, allowing us to finally hold our sweet baby boy.   Shortly after, the pediatrician returned and sat next to my bed.  Within minutes, he confirmed what I suspected.

Liam was born with suspected Down Syndrome. After 3 perfectly healthy children and 4 perfectly healthy (despite the morning sickness) pregnancies, this news was like a slap in the face.

The first few hours were some of the most difficult hours we have ever experienced.  That night, however, we fell in love with our little man.

On Friday, it was finally confirmed that he does have Down Syndrome.

Thankfully, he is 100% healthy!  He does not have any of the health conditions associated with Down Syndrome.  He does not have any special needs right now, other than trying to get him back up to his birth weight.

We have grown so much as a family in the past 2 1/2 weeks. We are humbled by the love and support that we have received from family, friends, and strangers. The birth of Liam has shown us all of the good in this world.  Liam has taught us to truly love unconditionally.  We are amazed and proud at how our children have welcomed Liam into their lives.  They are simply amazing with him. I am amazed at what a great father my husband is. He was before Liam was born, but the birth of his son has changed him in so many ways.  We have already become better human beings because of Liam. The love I feel for my little boy is fierce.  I vow every single day to love him, protect him, and do everything I possibly can to give him the life he deserves. 

I am humbled and blessed and so thankful.  Liam is the perfect addition to our family.  I have no doubt that Liam is going to thrive in our family!

Liam may not have been the baby we expected, but he is exactly what we needed.  He is beautiful and sweet and absolutely perfect just the way he is.

Welcome to the world, Liam.  You are SO loved and you already have us all wrapped around your teeny-tiny finger! 

63 comments:

  1. Ahh, you have me in tears. Liam couldn't have been born to a better family. And while you say he is exactly what you needed, it's important that you know that YOU are exactly what HE needs as well.

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    1. Your right my mom is Liam's number fan and i could never wish for a better family than this one!

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  2. I know that I have said it a million times but We love you all. Liam has an awesome family and a great group of kids to grow up with!

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  3. Congrats and I know Liam is so blessed to be in your family. You will be such a fantastic mother to him and he will give you so much love back.

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  4. This is such a beautiful post and he is a beautiful baby!!

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  5. He's so sweet! Welcome sweet Liam, xoxox

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  6. Love his sweet little face!!! And he is SUCH a blessing. I know he will bring so much joy and growth to your family! I'm curious, are there any markers for DS that can be seen at the 20 week ultrasound? Or can it only be seen in utero through an amnio? I'm not asking for any particular reason. Just curious :) xoxoxo

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  7. Love his sweet little face!!! And he is SUCH a blessing. I know he will bring so much joy and growth to your family! I'm curious, are there any markers for DS that can be seen at the 20 week ultrasound? Or can it only be seen in utero through an amnio? I'm not asking for any particular reason. Just curious :) xoxoxo

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  8. He is really adorable. And I'm glad to hear he doesn't seem to have any serious health issues. Sounds like he is a perfect little addition to your family.

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  9. I love his sweet face! He is SUCH a blessing. I know he will bring so much joy and growth to your family! I'm curious... Are there any DS markers that can be seen at the 20 week ultrasound? Or can it only be discovered in utero through an amnio? No reason for asking, just curious :) xoxoxo

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  10. Also, I keep trying to leave a comment on IG, but it keeps being deleted. Not sure what's going on. I was just wondering if you follow Kelle Hampton at all? Her 3yo daughter has DS. Kelle wrote a book called Bloom about the unexpected blessings they found in her daughter's diagnosis. Thought you might be interested :) Praying for you as you navigate new waters!!!

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  11. Wow, what a post. You are an amzing family & Liam is so lucky to have you guys!!

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  12. Wow Stefanie, God picked the right mom for Liam! What a beautiful post. He is so perfect and I know your family is exactly what he needs. I am sure the last few weeks have been a little overwhelming, but know you will handle whatever the future holds with such grace. Welcome to the world Little Man! Your blog friends love you too :)

    PS- have you ever read this blog:
    http://www.kellehampton.com/
    Her yongest daughter was born with Down syndrome and their story is so beautiful

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    1. You're right my mom is amazing and i dont know what i would do without her in my life!

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  13. Liam is truly blessed to have such an awesome family! Having grown up with an Uncle who had Down Syndrome I know first hand the challenges that lie ahead for you. However, I firmly believe that with that extra chromosome comes extra love! It's hard to describe until you experience it yourself, but you'll see what I mean!

    Welcome Liam! You're beautiful! :)

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  14. Beautiful post. Liam is a lucky little guy to be blessed into such a loving family. My little brother was born with Down syndrome and it's crazy how much they change your life in a good way. He is such a cutie!

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  15. Wow, an amazing post and an AMAZING family! Congrats on your handsome little man, he is so lucky to have you!

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  16. Aww, sweet little man.

    I think you will love the blog A Perfect Lily. Especially this post, where she interviewed other DS mommas, good stuff! Please check it out!

    http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-foryou.html

    Oh, and I checked-- LIAM means "strong willed warrior". Your little man is gonna be just fine. ;-) (BTW, ppl who like the name Liam also like Liliana and Dylan. lol)

    Anyway, again, congrats on your sweet little blessing. You have a beautiful family. <3
    Love, Joy

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  17. Oh my gosh, Stef, I don't even know what to say, but WOW! What an amazing turn of events! I cannot think of a better family for this little boy to have been born into! Dylan's absolute sweetness will pour all over Liam, Lexie's mothering will fulfill him when you are not in the room, and I can't imagine Lily is going to allow him to ever fall very far behind. You have such a spunky, fun family FULL of friends and extended family. He will be so wrapped in love he won't know what hit him. I am so excited for your family! And he is precious!

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  18. Your words are a testimony. Thank you for being faithful and sharing this unexpected journey. He is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait too see what plans The Lord has for him. Xoxo.

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  19. Oh Stefanie! Liam is so blessed to have you as parents. Although we knew of Owen's health issues along the way, it has truly made me love him more. I find myself on fierce defense for that little guy. I pray that Liam will continue to grow and develop in the special and unique way that God created him and that he will forever feel the arms of loving amazing parents and siblings around him. And strength for you and your husband as you walk out this special calling in life.

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  20. I don't know if my other comment went through?

    Anyways, you are a testimony to God's faithfulness. Thank you for sharing this unexpected journey. Your Liam is gorgeous and I can't wait to see what plans The Lord has for him.

    Xoxoxo!

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  21. Thank you for sharing your sweet boy and your amazing story with us:-)

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  22. This brought tears to my eyes!

    He is one lucky little boy to be in such an amazing family. He is definitely blessed with amazing parents and siblings.

    We love you all and can't wait to squeeze on him

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  23. He is surely a blessing to you and you are surely a blessing to him as well! Congratulations on your sweet baby boy!

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  24. He is perfect. And he could not have a more perfect family to cherish him.

    Sending lots of love to you all!
    xoxo

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  25. I just love this post so much. Your positive attitude always encourages and blesses me so much. What a handsome little guy!

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  26. I can't imagine what you were going through during that 25 minutes!!! Must have been very agonizing when you didn't know what was wrong!
    I have a nephew w/DS and we all love him to death.
    I'm curious, did you tell your other littles?

    So thankful for a healthy baby~~

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  27. Stefanie! Congrats on your beautiful boy! He is so precious. About 16 months ago my good friend had an experience just like yours. Her daughter Joy is my inspiration to raise $$ for our local Down syndrome association each year. This Saturday is my 2nd Buddy Walk. God put a special love in my heart for people with Down syndrome. Liam is already a blessing to you and I know he will be to so many others. I can't wait to see how he grows and how your family grows too. Much love to you all.

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  28. Aw he was born into the perfect family. Im so glad he doesnt have the health issues sometimes associated with ds. He is such a doll! I immediately thought of Kelle Hampton too. She found out her little girl has ds at birth and has written a book called Bloom. She has a wonderful blog also!

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  29. Beautiful baby boy. God does not make mistakes, Liam is a true gift. Lucky baby to be born into such a loving and accepting home! Congratulations , he's perfect ❤

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  30. He is beautiful. So glad to hear he did your family so well.

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  31. What a wonderfully written post! Liam is such a blessing and he's lucky to have a wonderful family!

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  32. What a beautiful boy that is so loved by so many!! So thankful he is healthy & I know he will be so happy all his life being part of your precious family!!

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  33. Welcome to the world sweet Liam. I know he is as lucky to have you as parents, as you are to have him as a son!

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  34. He's such a beautiful little boy, with a remarkable story. He couldn't have been sent to a more perfect family. Things happen for a reason, and I know that he is going to bring you all so much joy in your lives. Congratulations again, to all of you!

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  35. I LOVE this post! I am bawling just reading it. We were told while I was pregnant with Griffin that he may have Downs. It was scary and he turned out to not have it, but I did a lot of soul searching at that time and I just knew I would love him (and other other baby) with everything I had. You are all so blessed to have each other! You are your family are such a gift to the blog world - thank you for sharing Liam with us!!

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  36. That is one loved and blessed little baby boy! He is just precious and I know will bring your family so much joy! You can tell how much your kiddos adore him just in the few pictures you've already posted!

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  37. It is surprising at how strong you can be when you need to be, and you have already shown how strong you are and with such grace. Your little man has a beautiful family to love and cherish him, he is precious Stefanie, just the way he is. You're an excellent mummy and your love for your children shines through...you can do this! Welcome to the world Liam, I look forward to watching you grow xoxo

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  38. Beautiful post and beautiful baby

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  39. Liam is absolutely precious and he was welcomed into the best family possible! He will absolutely be loved and cherished by everyone, and I can't wait to see as that beautiful baby boy grows up!

    PS- I just wanted to alert you to something that may be nothing, but I wanted to make you aware. I don't know if you are aware of the blog Lauren and Andy plus five. This is a woman who has three older children plus newborn triplets. Many in the blog community believe this blog to be non-true as the lack of comment publishing, pictures, details, childish language use, and other things have raised a red flag. Just a little over two hours after you published the story of Liam, this blog announced that one of her triplets (who had been fine) also had down syndrome. Some of the little things she wrote seem very similar to yours. Maybe myself and others are wrong and your story encouraged her to say something, but it just doesn't seem right with the timing and all. Just wanted to make you aware!

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  40. Liam is absolutely adorable and this post was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes! He is lucky to have you as his Mommy and I can't wait to see all the big things in store for little Liam!

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  41. He's amazing! What a lucky boy to have such attentive siblings, too. Congratulations to you all. He's so adorable!

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  42. Stefanie he is adorable and you are so blessed. I have loved reading your story and will always continue to follow you. I have sent prayers your way and hope that you and your family can stay strong. God is truly amazing and knows exactly what he is doing.

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  43. Beautiful post! And Liam is absolutely adorable. I want to squish him :) he's a lucky little fella, I can just imagine the amount of love he is getting from all of you!

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  44. He is adorable and your post has me in tears! He is a lucky little guy, I just wanna squish him :)

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  45. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the precious life of little Liam, and for the blessing that he already has been to his loved ones. We thank you also for this family, we ask, Lord, that you would just keep your hand upon each of them, and may they grow into a closer relationship with you and to seek your will throughout this journey of life. We just ask that you bless each one of this family in a special way and let them feel your love at this time, In Jesus’ name we pray—AMEN.

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  46. Although I know this story almost from the moment it began, this post brought me to tears.

    Stef, ALL of your children have been given the greatest gift of being YOURS.

    I am honored to be your friend, to be a part of your family's life, and to love Liam as he grows the same as I loved him as he was growing in your belly. :)

    August 18th is a very memorable day in MY life and I'm excited to be visiting Holland with you...

    I love you!
    xoxox

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  47. praying for you all. with my history in special education, i knew it as soon as you put up that first picture a few posts ago. what a blessing liam will be to your family. find a strong support team close by and fight for what is best for that little guy. having 3 older siblings will be so perfect for him. i can't imagine what you have been going through, trying to deal with the initial shock and overload of information. he is just perfect!

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  48. What a sweet little boy! Congrats on his arrival! He is so lucky to have all of you :) The photos of the kids together are just precious!

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  49. First welcome to the CrAzY world of four kids! Four didn't seem as much of an adjustment as the others, I guess after three its just more craziness!! Liam is beautiful and perfect and loved by so many. I look forward to reading about your adventures with four!

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  50. Such a beautiful post and SUCH an adorable little guy! Congrats on your sweet Liam and God bless you and your family!

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  51. Welcome to the World Little Liam! I've loved him since the moment he was born. I am looking forward to watching him learn & grow and happy to be apart of his life. He is lucky to be apart of your family, so full of love! xoxo

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  52. I know I'm going to sound just like the rest of your bloggy friends. Liam is such a lucky boy to come into your beautiful family. All of your kids are just showered with love, and as a result, they're always giving so much love and sweetness back. I have no doubt that Liam will be doted on to the max and will be showering all of you with his unconditional love. Here's to your wonderful, perfect family of four. XOXO.

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  53. I am a mess....in tears.

    He is a beautiful child. He has a beautiful family that will love him...couldn't think of a more blessed situation than that :)

    beautiful, honest post

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  54. Liam is the most blessed baby to have such an amazing family. What a lucky little boy to be in a family that is full of so much love! I am sitting here in tears reading this sweet post. You are such an inspiration to me as a Mother and I know that Liam will be a sweet blessing to your family.

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  55. He's absolutrly precious. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be to adapt to a DS diagnosis after just giving birth, but your story is already starting so beautifully. Praying that you continue to have a great support group, and so grateful that Liam has been born into such a great family.

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  56. Your baby boy is so beautiful and a blessing! You have a beautiful family!!

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  57. He is just absolutely adorable and I love all your IG pictures!

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  58. Congratulations!! He really is just perfect in every way possible. You are amazing! I need to follow you on IG so I can see more pics of this cutie pie!

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  59. Love the name Liam. Congrats on your little boy. Coming over from Kelly's blog to say hi. All of your children are just beautiful!

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  60. It's wonderful that you were able to participate in this special event. Liam is so lucky to be a part of your family, and vice versa. :) xoxo

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  61. Hello,

    First I want to say your son is absolutely perfect! I love his little face! And his name! That would have been my daughter's name if she had been a boy. :)

    Second, my name is Tracy and I am from the Diabetes Online Community. A group of people supporting families with Diabetes. My son was dx with T1 Diabetes at 18 months old, and is now almost 7.

    Anyway, our community came across a blog this week (Lauren and Andy) claiming that her daughter had passed away from Diabetes. After much research, we found it all to be untrue. Her blog has now been removed.

    I saw a comment here on your blog from an annon commenter stating there were suspicions of this for a while. I am sad someone would go to such great lengths to create a story, but glad it is all gone.

    Anyway, I am hoping everyone can breathe a sigh of relief that for now, she is gone.

    Enjoy your beautiful family!

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