Congresswoman’s baby has Down syndrome

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ new baby has been released from the hospital and is home with his parents after treatment for complications of his premature birth, but he has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

A letter from the Eastern Washington congresswoman released Wednesday by her staff said Cole McMorris Rodgers, who was born about four weeks premature, was allowed to go home after about three weeks in the hospital. He successfully underwent surgery for an intestinal blockage, the letter said.

“We are thrilled to be new parents,” McMorris Rodgers wrote.

A more significant medical issue is a diagnosis that he has Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome.

“This news has been difficult to get our arms around, like every parent, we have hopes and dreams for our children,” she wrote. “Although initially stunned, we are embracing our son and preparing for what may lay ahead.”

Children with Down syndrome can have a wide range of mental aptitude and physical ability, and the effects for Cole won’t be known for several years, she said.

“Thankfully, Cole appears to be in excellent physical health,” she wrote. “We will monitor him closely as he develops, and like all parents, we will strive to ensure Cole has every opportunity to reach his full potential.”

McMorris Rodgers has been on maternity leave this month but plans to return to the office and for floor votes part time in June.

The family expects to return to Eastern Washington during the August recess “to show off our new son,” she wrote.