Our 7 year old daughter, Lexi, is quite a girl indeed. She has Down Syndrome. She has West Syndrome. So — what’s she like?
I’ll tell you just a little bit, if that’s ok.
She smiles. She laughs.  She gets upset when you brush her hair.
She eats (like a hungry bear). She drinks whatever ends up in her sippy cup. She hates cheese.
The cheese-hating thing still baffles us.
She communicates (doing sings like more, drink, bye). She doesn’t do much talking yet (besides the occasional da da — and that’s me).
Like everyone with Down Syndrome, she loves likes puts up with most people.
Like everyone with West Syndrome, she’s cognitively delayed. They’ve done quite a bit to intervene early (and often) to help her develop. As a 7 year old, she’s about 1 year old.
Apologize for it? Don’t. Feel bad for us? Much appreciated, but it’s ok. We love Lexi. She loves us.  God has been very, very, very good to us.  His grace keeps us thankful and energized to keep up with her spunk.
Chances are that she’ll give you a hug, but watch out – she might give you a swat, too. She’s in a punchy mood that we’re hoping to help her get past.  That’s the spunk part.  I’m pretty sure she gets it from her mother.  Or maybe me.  I’m not sure.  I’ve already said too much there.

Lexi teaches us about grace and what it means to follow Jesus.  His love and mercy, new every morning, are what keep us going.

Lexi teaches us about other people, especially about compassion for people with disabilities.

Lexi makes us smile and laugh.  This is especially handy on rough days.

She’ll give you a hug, but might follow it up with a spunky little swat.  That’s just her way.