This little baby came with lots of fun surprises!
(Sorry for the spoiler, but if you’re anything like me, this much text can be overwhelming! Also since I posted this we have started a new website where we are creating an online narrative of what life is like raising a child born with Down syndrome. We wanted to give people the facts about down syndrome! Feel free to check it out and read Noah’s full birth story.)
Wow. There are no words that can describe the rush of emotions that Abbie and I have experienced in the last 24 hours.
We were told on Tuesday that Abbie would be induced at 7 am on Wednesday. We came into the hospital and waited for Noah (our son) to arrive. After almost 12 hours of labor, the doctor decided to perform a C-section on Abbie. (This was not an emergency C-section, and I was allowed to be in the delivery room; behind the curtain, of course). Shortly after, Noah David Smith, was born! We were so happy, excited, thrilled, and all of the rest. Around ten pm, last night, we were informed that Noah was born with Down syndrome. We didn’t see this one coming, and as you can imagine we had even more emotions. (Fear, disappointment, worry, but mixed with the same joy, and excitement that we already had). Noah was able to spend the night in our room, and today we were told that Noah’s heart had an Atrial Sepal Defect (my wife is a Doctor, but for the non-medical people out there, like me, it means that Noah has a small holes in his heart, and that one of the connections is still open as well.) Our cardiologist told his that this wasn’t considered “major”, and that it could have been much more serious, and in fact may heal itself without surgery. (We are praying that is what happens!) We are waiting for him to take his first “poop.” He hasn’t yet, we really need him to soon to confirm he doesn’t have any medical issues with that. So PLEASE be praying for that! Noah then passed his hearing screening at 100% in both ears! (Which is great because he has a dad who really enjoys talking!)If you are anything like Abbie, and I you may be at a loss of what to say (we certainly are), or not sure how to respond to us. We are hurting, happy, and confused all at the same time; and are just as confused as you may be. We wanted to just say a few things that we hope would make things more comfortable for everyone.
- We are ok. Seriously. We are extremely happy, and any fear we have is quickly overshadowed by the deep love we have for Noah! So if you were wondering if you should still get us a “Congratulations” card you most certainly may! This is a time to celebrate, not morn. Trust us – Noah is very, VERY much alive. (You really have to see the little guy, he is full of energy!)
- Please feel free to talk to us about any of this. We are VERY much open to talk about anything we are feeling, so please don’t feel as if you have to avoid the subject around us. You don’t. Feel free to ask anything. Seriously. We mean this.
- Be prepared to see us cry. Seriously we can cry at the drop of the hat. There are just so many emotions going through our hearts right now, but we can also stop crying just as just as quickly as we started. Don’t feel bad, or awkward, really. Just tell us a good joke or something! ☺
- Yes, you can hold Noah. (Unless you’re a twitter stranger, or cyber stalker). Noah is not broken. He LOVES people, and likes to be held like any other baby. You can touch him, hold him, play with him, and kiss him, everything you would do with any other baby. Down Syndrome is not contiguous, so you don’t have to worry about catching it!
- Keep being our friend, praying for us, and reminding us that God knows what He is doing. Seriously. We really need you guys. More then ever! So every text, phone call, or visit counts! Also, if you are someone who prays, pray for us as often as you remember! We are in a bit of shock about all of this, and really need the Lords comfort. We believe that God is in control of everything, and it is an honor when people pray to God on our behalf. (Oh, and we love hugs!) ☺
- If you know me at all, then you know I’m very easy-going. I think having a sense of humor is important in everything that we do. So what I’m about to say is my attempt to have some humor with one of the most awkward things about all of this – what do you say to us? The answer – whatever you want. However I will caution you that we fully know that Noah is “Special;” that we are “blessed;” and “that things are going to be challenging, but we can do it!”
I sometimes say these things as sort of”filler” because I’m not sure what else is appropriate to say. You don’t have to. I am giving you permission to have some fun with us! Let me give you three alternative phrases to give you some more creative ideas; 1.) Wow – I bet you guys didn’t see this one coming. 2.) Hey did you know Sarah Palin has a baby named Trig that has Down Syndrome? I wonder where she got the name Trig? 3.) Wow – your baby has fat cheeks! 4.) Merry Christmas!
Of course, you can say we are blessed, and he is special to. We just want you to know that you don’t have to watch your words, or feel like you are walking on eggshells around us. You aren’t.
Ok, that’s all we’ve got for now. If I think of more, I’ll add them later. We just wanted you all to know you don’t have to walk on eggshells around us, or Noah. We really are ok. We really trust God. We really are excited. We really are nervous. We really love Noah. And we really like Chick-Fli-a. Thanks for your friendship, and support as start on this new journey in our life!
Psalm 139: 13-18
-Rick, Abbie, and Noah
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O’ God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.”
(**update** YAH, NOAH TOOK HIS FIRST POOP!!! In fact he pooped twice!!! I even changed by first dirty diaper. I LOVED EVERY SMELLY SECOND OF IT!!!! KEEP PRAYING THAT HE DEVELOPS BEYOND ANYONE COULD EVER IMAGINE, AND THAT HE COMES TO KNOW THE LORD IN AN INCREDIBLY WAY!!!)
Congratulations Rick on the birth of your new son! This is an exciting time in your lives. I will be praying for ya'll! I'll bet he will be tweeting by himself in no time!
I agree! Thanks friend!
Praying man. Stay strong.
Thanks man. Noah is doing great. Please keep him in your prayers as he grows and develops!
love you man.
Man Noah looks awesome. Congrats on his birth, indeed it is a time to celebrate and rejoice in a new life.
Will be praying that the little guy can take a “poop” as you like to call it. No one should go a day or two without being able to do that. Thanks for sharing.
Kyle,
Thanks man! His poops are great, by the way! Please keep praying for him!
Can't wait to meet him!
Hey man, same here! Thanks for the call today. Believe it or not, having a child really helps to keep you off your phone, and google reader…..have I missed anything important!
Abbies family is leaving on Friday, and things will "slow" down a bit. Anytime after that would be awesome! Thanks for listening to me cry last Wed by the way! Pretty sweet how God can "turn a frown upside down" as quick as He does…!
My wife, Deanna, says, "I'm overwhelmed by the honesty that you shared. This definitely isn't a tragedy. Noah's life is a blessing. And it is okay to be sad about loss of the expectation you had. But we'll pray peace AND joy for you and your family. The generosity of spirit that you display towards God is something I would aspire to."
From me…
I've been tearing up often as I've been thinking of you guys today. This isn't just lip-service; I'm praying for you guys, bro. As you said, Noah's life is precious. As a stay-at-home dad for the first time in my life (the last four months), I have definitely come to know that truth. All our love.
Rick, you may not remember me, but I used to work at Children’s with Abbie. I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks for the love you obviously have for your sweet, precious family. You are so right; Noah is NOT broken. Remember that. I’m praying for all 3 of you!! Give my best to your wonderful, amazing wife.
cant wait for you to take him to NYC
I agree! Hopefully it will be to come and visit his aunt and uncle Erickson!
The word inspired comes to mind. I want to acknowledge you both for your transparency with the whole wide interwebz. Sharing any emotion, especially a whole mix of them can be difficult when you're not sure who your audience is. Noah is luck to have you. And I can only imagine the lessons he has in store for you as all little ones do.
Praying for PEACE that consumes both you and Abby to the point where understanding why is irrelevant. As for Noah, I’m praying little dude takes that first dump soon. It took Addison a while to do that too. When she finally did, well, it was my first proud daddy moment.
Love you guys!
i'm glad he finally took his first poop!
yelp……
Wow! Congratulations you guys. And from one professional poopy diaper changer to a soon-to-be poopy diaper changing pro, no matter how smelly and messy life can be, your faith and attitude are an encouragement to all of us.
PS: Get Noah on Twitter soon so he can hang with @malcolmsmith
Many prayers for the three of you…he is so beautiful and I know that despite the hardships you may face, his life will be full of joy and love. Blessings to you and your new little family!
Congrats!!! It took our son, Danny, nearly a week to take his first poop, and everything poop wise has been perfectly normal since. Needed heart surgery to close up a couple of holes when he was 3 months old, but that went very smoothly too. No medical issues at all for several years and now is a trilingual (well, sort of) 6 year old. Hope to see you guys at a Down syndrome conference some day! (We live in Orange County, California, but are spending this year in Japan.)
Congratulations on the birth of your son Noah! He's precious and adorable! I have a 7 yr old daughter with Down syndrome and I remember all those range of emotions when she was born as if it was yesterday. I had no idea how to tell people, or what to say, and I love what you've written in this blog to let everyone know that it was ok. Wish I could have come up with words like these 7 yrs ago! Enjoy that little one; they grow up so fast!
Congrats Rick & Abbie! What a precious gift from the LORD!
Congrats to you and Abbie on your first baby boy. Great picture and hope to meet him sometime. I'll pray for fast healing on his heart.
Chad
Rick, I know you will be a Dynamic Dad! Bring Noah by the office as soon as you can.
Love, Dr. Pettit
(as you may remember, my wife Pam is a Neo-Natal Nurse Practitioner, so she is translating for me.)
Mary Ann and I send you three our love……..the love you express for buddy Noah is magnified by the openness and sensitivity you and Abbie have for your friends and other family members. You are such a great man and are already showing God's wisdom and grace that will increase daily as you and Sister Abbie lovingly grow as Mommy and Daddy of your new son. We can't wait to see ya'll and look forward to many more emails and photos. Congratulations!
YOBIC, Brother Roger B
What a beautiful baby boy! Praying for you guys!
Congratulations to the new parents!! He is darling!! Thanks for sharing what is going on and we will be praying for you all!
love from Jace & Hannah Cloud
Cutesy baby ever (other than the Rodgers kids of course). Just kidding. Very cute pic of Noah! What a fantastic blog. So candid and entertaining and moving and well written. Thanks for the permission to be real and the humor. Hang in there and try and get some rest.
Found your post thru twitter – your babe is gorgeous!! Congratulations and Merry Christmas to your (expanding) family – I can tell, by this one post, that you and your wife will be spectacular parents!
Rick, what a beautiful photo of Noah. Such an amazing time. Get some rest, and you all are in our prayers.
Hey Rick and Abbie. We love you guys so much. The Habermehls cannot wait to meet Noah. Thanks Rick for you blog – your honesty, rawness and humor. As we drove down the road last night Fay read your post to me as i was driving. We laughed outloud with you and we cried with you as well. We are praying for you guys and for all of the cool things God is doing and going to do in and through you guys as well as Noah! We need to connnect soon my friend.
cm and Fay
Thanks! We love you guys so much! Thanks for your friendship. We miss you guys so much, and can't wait to all hang out. I want you guys to meet Noah, you'll love him!
I love this picture Noah – so stinkin’ cute! Being real about all of our circumstances is the only way to live. I’m praying for you and rejoicing in the gift of this precious life. But he needs an orange shirt or something — can I hook you up?
Seriously, Noah is super blessed to have you as parents and God is going to tell one amazing story through your family. Enjoy those sweet baby snuggles….
Rick:
Congratulations to you and Abbie on the birth of Noah. God has created Noah exactly as he needs him to fulfill His purpose in his life (and in yours). Thanks for recognizing God's wonderful, beautiful, gracious gift to you in Noah. "A Baby changes everything" — both JESUS and Noah for you.
Thank you for sharing. Noah is so Handsome! Praying for Noah, Abbie and You! God is in control and that is an Awesome thing to know!
Thought you'd like the words in this song called God's Gift. I am raising a child with high-functioning autism and she has been a gift and blessing in my life. God reveals the beauty his children. (get the tissues for this song… )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww_4XDDLlDM
Hey Rick and Abbie, we are so excited about the arrival of Noah! We can't wait to meet him. And please know that we are praying for you and are here for you just as you were with our son. We can't thank you enough! But we can definitely pray! We love you and Abbie!
Wadell & Alicia
Hi Rick, Abbie, & Noah:
Congratulations on being a family!
This blog took me back to the day my brother called me to tell me that I had offically become an aunt (again) to twins. They too found out, upon delivery, that one of their children has Down's Syndrome. Your post in many ways describes what they felt–and what we felt as family members.
I have to say that it has been an amazing journey to watch these kids grow & develop. They both are incredible. Oh the stories we could tell. God has been with them and blessed them through it all. He's answered so many prayers.
I believe that He'll do the same for you and also for Noah. Every child is special and so is every parent. We've never met but you have my support and prayers.
May God bless you as you enter this new phase of life.
Rick, I can't express how happy I am to hear Noah is here and his digestive tract is "all systems go"! I can't imagine how emotional all of this has been, but just knowing that God's plans for our lives (and the lives of our little ones,)are always exceedingly and abundantly greater than we can think or imagine makes me really excited to see what He has in store for your family. I hope I get to see him and his adorable face here soon-and who doesn't love the "new baby" smell?
You all have my prayers and joy. You're going to be fantastic parents!
My friend at work, Shawn McCombs sent this to me. I appreciate your faith in God and am happy that God's plan for you includes such a wonderful little guy! I am sure he will teach you more about life than you are able to teach him!
Congratulations! What a beautiful post. I have a 4 year old with Down Syndrome, her name is Lila. We knew that she had Down Syndrome before she was born but I believe the range of emotions was still the same as you are feeling right now. There is a huge network of people standing by, ready to help, support, and whatever else you may need. We stick together and help each other out. It really is like a big family. Welcome to our extended family! Can't wait to hear more about your family! God Bless You!
Rick, he's gorgeous. What a wonderful time in your lives for you and Abbie! We're thrilled for you both and will be praying for him to start sleeping well (my new boy is 5 months, so sleep is precious to us!).
congratulations on your beautiful baby boy. When our daughter was born she too surprised us with her DS!! What a wonderful blessing she has been to our family!! She is 4 now and surprises us everyday!!!
Praying all the best for you, Abby and wonderful Noah! Our prayers are lifted for beautiful and happy days as a family!
#1 is so true. One of the worst reaction I think we got was my husband’s boss said, “Well, were we going to throw you a baby shower but now that we know he has Down syndrome we don’t think it would be appropriate so we’ll get you a gift card” (which they still haven’t done but really, who cares?) When my husband told me that I said, “So wait, my son’s life isn’t worth celebrating now because he has Down syndrome?!”
wow…I can’t believe that!!!! So sorry to hear that.
You will find that people say some pretty stupid things. I’ve learned to be ok with it thought…they just don’t know what to say.
Congratulations on your little boy. We didn’t know Zek had Down’s until he was born and I understand the emotions. He’s now almost 7 and a total blessing.
So awesome! Thanks for sharing.
We have started a site with daily videos on Noah’s life. Feel free to check it out —> http://noahsdad.com