Really Emily? Really?

While we don't make a huge deal about Down Syndrome in this house, it is talked about. The kids are aware that Micah and Abby both have it. They recognize the features and understand that it takes Micah and Abby a little longer to learn things, talk, walk, potty train, etc than kids who don't have DS. (Though in some cases, not any longer at all!)

For a while Emily associated Down Syndrome and Ukraine. Emily was barely 4 when Micah came home so her understanding of DS and adoption coincided. Sometimes she would see a child with DS in public and say, "Look mom, that little girl is from Ukraine!" And I would do my best to re-explain the uniqueness and beauty individual to Micah-- and to Abby.

The other day, Ashley, Emily and Micah were eating breakfast at the counter before school as I packed up lunches. Our usual morning routine. Out of no where, Emily puts her spoon down and says, "Mom, Micah's birth mom didn't want him because he had Down Syndrome, right?" Surprised by such a weighty subject from a 6 1/2 year old at 7am, (and admittedly a little proud my daughter just used the term "birth mom") I said, "You're right. Because she didn't understand."

After thinking for a minute she said, "Do all kids in Ukraine have Down Syndrome?"

*sigh* Slightly irritated because we've been over this several times in the last 3 years, I tried to explain it again. "No, Emily. There are kids all over the world who are born with Down Syndrome. Ukraine has just as many kids with and without Down Syndrome as we do here, or anywhere else in the world. But Micah's birth mom didn't know he had Down Syndrome until after he was born, just like I didn't know Abby had Down Syndrome until after she was born-"

But before I could go on, she interrupted, "Abby has Down Syndrome?!?!"

"For pete's sake, Emily. You already knew that. Just go get ready for school."

Oh Emily. OH Emily. I love you so much, you dingy girl, you. <3