The Upside of Wes: Wes

Wes Henry
April 23, 2012
5lbs. 11oz., 18.5"

In late November of 2011, my life entirely changed. No longer was I becoming a mom to what I believed in my heart to be a girl, but a mom to a boy with a little something extra. Initially I was distraught, but soon {and I mean soon} thereafter I just fell even more in love with my child than I already was. I knew that belonging to the designer gene club was a really awesome and exclusive club to be a part of. Only a handful of people I knew or more accurately, knew of were so lucky to be touched by someone so awesome. I know that there are moms and dads out there who hate it when they’re told that their child with a disability is a blessing, but to me,Wes and his extra chromosome is a blessing.

Waiting on Wes: A Love Story

Maybe it was mother’s instinct, or just pure hope, but I knew Wes would have Down syndrome even before he was planned. Three years before finding out about Wes, I would dream about my future baby and a child with Down syndrome would always resonate in my mind. This image did not scare me. What I found worrisome is that my expectations would not come true. Besides, what were the chances of having my “dream child” anyway?

A year ago was when I began to pursue this image of my child. At this time, I began to read blogs I found by way of Facebook stalking friends and high school classmates. This is when I became aware of Kelle Hampton {Enjoying the Small Things} and Erin Witkowski {Ski’ing Through Life}, a friend of a friend who a year earlier had a little boy with Down syndrome at just 25. I watched her video about “Grady’s Secret” and I was envious of the gift she was given.

Grady's Secret

I know, you may think I’m crazy for thinking this, but I did and I still do. Grady is an amazing little boy, and I just wished that I could connect one way or another with Erin at the time because I was so impressed by her strength.

Fast forward several months later, my dream of having a child with Down syndrome came true and my friendship with Erin just bloomed! It was like I won the lottery twice over. Honestly, what I have now is way more than the lottery can ever give me.

I hope you continue with us on our journey, and welcome Grady and Wes into our world with open and loving arms!