Baby Makes 4...?

Well hello again! 

I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, but it hasn't been for lack of things for me to talk about, as these last few months have been particularly busy for my family. I have on a number of occasions wanted to share the news on the journey we've been going through but alas there are somethings that need to be keep quiet until they are ready to be shared.....

One of the most frequently asked questions since Sophia's diagnosis was whether or not we would consider having another baby, knowing the chances of having another child with albinism is 1 in 4. I have to say I am constantly shocked that this would actually cross people's minds, but it does, and trust me they not only ask, but most of the time offer an opinion on the topic. What I have found sadly is that most people believe that it would be foolish for my husband and I to ELECT to have another child, knowing how strong the chances are that they would also have albinism....

Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I really wish that when forming such opinions that people would take the time to educate themselves... however most do not, and the truth is that I cannot, and should not waste my time rationalizing to everyone the decision to try for another baby to those that sadly will never understand. 

That being said; becoming a parent is (in my opinion) the most amazing/life changing thing I have ever/will ever do. When we decided to try for a baby, we made the decision to welcome the opportunity to be responsible for the life of another...we decided that we were ready to take on all the rewards AND challenges that parenthood bring about, but most importantly, we decided that we could LOVE a child. So I guess what I'm getting at is this; every child has or will have their challenges, some children have those more visible right from the start, but some have challenges that may take years to come about. Anyone who could possibly have a child and then regret that decision when challenges arise, should not be parents.

  Yes, I know Sophia will have challenges, yes, I know she has albinism, but to me deciding to not have another child because there is a 25% CHANCE that we could have another child with albinism, would be like saying to Sophia that we regret having her because she wasn't "genetically right." If it so happens that our second child has albinism then we will be better prepared to handle the challenges the second time around... 

  So what do I say to those that feel that we should not have another baby? I  say that I love Sophia more then anything, I would NOT change anything about her, and I honestly believe that she will be a better person BECAUSE she has albinism. Sophia has opened our eyes to a world we would not otherwise know and has made our lives infinitely better in every way. Why would we not want another???

AND ON THAT NOTE, I am very excited to announce that we ARE in fact expecting BABY #2 this fall!!