Rockin' the Extra Chromosome

My little brother, Woody, was born on October 10, 1997. He was by no means an ordinary newborn. Woody was born with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is caused by an extra 21st chromosome. In other words, Woody was an extraordinary newborn. Born five weeks early, he was teeny tiny, weighing only 3 pounds, 7.5 ounces.

He never let his size get in the way though! As a toddler he liked to run...run...and run some more! Curiousity was never lacking. Someone was always nearby to make sure he did not wander off, or get into something he shouldn't! Even though he can be a wild man, we all love him "heapies and gobbies," as he would say. :)

About Woody

 

 

Woody loves the beach, just like our whole family! This picture was taken in Florida in 2002. This is still where you will find him on the beach...right by the edge. He has never liked to go all the way into the water at the beach, but he loves to get his feet wet!

 

Obviously that doesn't effect him in the pool though! Woody could swim for hours nonstop and he loves to swim underwater.

 

As you can see, Woody and Jessie are really close in age. When they were this age they were often mistaken as twins! Even now they are the same height, weight and they still look similar.

This picture was take in 2007. Woody LOVES to ride the mower. He isn't allowed to drive, but he sure loves sitting on the front for a little ride down the street. Every time I mow he sits outside and waits for me to finish so I can take him wherever he wants to go.

 

This is obviously a more recent picture, taken last year. Woody and Slinky are the best of friends...or at least Woody would like to think so! Sometimes Slinky just endures the "lovies" that are dealt out by Woody.







 

 

The last little tidbit I will share about Woody is the most important, at least to him! This is a picture of "Barney." When he wears this hat, don't forget to call him Barney or there will be trouble!! He got the name Barney because the hat looks similar to that of Barney Fife's from the old TV show, Andy Griffith. Don't you see the similarities? :) Andy Griffith is another one of Isaac's favorite past times.

 

 

 

That all said, Woody is a huge blessing to our family. He has taught us so many lessons about love and acceptance. I don't know what we would do without him! He is truly rockin' that extra chromosome! :)