Our Little ExtrasA Mother's Day Down Syndrome celebration

Our kids have a little extra. A little extra enthusiasm, a little extra innocence, a little extra charm. Oh, and did I mention an extra chromosome? The one on the 21st pair that inspires so much fear in parents-to-be. I suppose at one time all of us were fearful about Down syndrome. But take a look at our faces. Who knew how much joy lay ahead? Having a child with Down syndrome has helped me see there’s infinitely more to life than intelligence, beauty and “perfection.” Each of us moms has received a gift we never would have thought to ask for, bringing lessons we never knew we needed to learn. The greatest surprise is this: Our lives with our children have been less about us helping them reach their potential than about them helping us reach ours.

Catherine and Nolan

Theresa and Candace - I hope you know what you were in for when you asked for pics!! We all love sharing pics of our children and while I'm rarely

in them, the ones I was in I couldn't choose between. So I'll let you choose. She always makes me smile and I love the close ups. But I also love the beach picture as one that would probably best give hope to new or expectant mother's that life with a child with DS is more like than unlike

you always expected it to be. But as you say, it just has a little extra! Theresa Moffitt, Mom to Candace, 6 with DS and Dawn 5

Katrina and Audrey

Andrea and Reece - I am the Executive Director of the Reece's Rainbow Down

Syndrome Adoption Ministry at www.reecesrainbow. com We promote the

international adoption of children with Down syndrome exclusively. We work in 26

countries and have 125 children on our site waiting for grant donations and adoptive

families. In only 9 months, we have found adoptive families for (30) children with Down syndrome worldwide.... completely volunteer

and non profit. Thank you for doing this Mother's Day project! Sometimes I am so

busy with the adoption ministry that I forget to take time and remember that I am a mom

first. It is amazing how far one can come from the initial grief and shock of this

diagnosis, to a feeling of "my cup runneth over" with pride. I don't think I am worthy of

the gift Reece brings to my life, but apparently, God does.

Barbie and Emma

Michelle and Morgan - Morgan turned 5 in May and is our middle child. She is a joyful, confident, happy, typically developing child who has made our lives

complete! Thanks for asking, Michelle Summers

Kristen and Ethan

Pam and Brigid - Honestly, it's hard to put into words how I feel about my little strawberry-blonde beauty, Brigid. She is absolutely, most certainly, the most exquisite gift from God that I have ever seen. I am not worthy of such a gift of love from our Heavenly Father. In her, I see the perfection of Christ – in the

way she loves unconditionally, in the way she enjoys and appreciates the little things, and in the way she reaches out to those who are uncaring and

unsympathetic to her. And as every mom of a child with DS knows, those hugs and kisses are from Heaven. Even though she will be eleven this year, she still smells like a baby –my husband says it’s the smell of Heaven that

stays with her. She has changed our family’s life forever, and in a way more wonderful than I could ever have imagined. Everyday I hold her rosy little

cheeks in my hands, gaze into her eyes, and say a prayer of thanksgiving for my little angel, and then I hear her say, “I lud you, Momma.” Life is exquisitely

good. Pam

Dani and Quinn

Angelica and Gabriel - We had just finished a meet and greet with the Wiggles at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA and were anxiously awaiting the start of

the show! Gabriel had just turned 4 years old and was recovering from a tonsillectomy. He's such a trooper!

Irene and Maya

Amy and Kiernan - I love this photo of us together. We were in the studio after a formal family photo session

and we were just playing on the floor and the photographer snapped this

shot. This photo shows my daughter Kiernan's wild at heart God given spirit

that we cherish so much. We feel blessed to have been chosen to be

the recipient of one of the Lord's most precious gifts. She has taught her family, friends and her community

invaluable lessons in her short time she has been here with us. Her

unconditional love, joy and happiness touches everyone.

Rebecca and Matthew Henry Jacobsen

Sarah and Jacob - Jacob is 2 years old and is my inspiration. He has been through so much in the past 2 years and has strength and courage beyond his

two years. He touches every heart he meets and is a true blessing in my life. He adores his 7 year old sister, Hannah and she loves him unconditionally. Thanks

for including us- Happy Mother's Day! ~Sarah Koon 

Dawn and Eian

Angie and Dominic - This picture says it all about my precious little boy, Dominic. He has a the most beautiful smile and a belly laugh that is so contagious.

Dominic is 3 1/2 and he is truly a blessing from God.....as all children with Down Syndrome are. What would this world be like without our happy angels?

Heather and Lily - Lily means so much to me. Even though she is only 8 months old I have learned so much from her. She has taught me joy in the little things. It's also amazing to see her affect other people. Lily brings joy

where ever she goes. She is truly my Sunshine.

Ria and Matthew, 17 months.  "We enjoyed the sunshine on this fine windy spring day

Jessi and Danial - We knew that Danial was going to be born with Down Syndrome when I was 5 months pregnant. They asked if we wanted to keep him. My husband and I did not even talk about it. He was part of our family already, he would be joining his big brother Dominick. He has changed out lives for the better. He has taught us what patients is, and what small miracles look like. Most parents

take the small things for granted, we have learned to celebrate them.

Barbara and Laurin from Switzerland

Avery and JenniferI'm mom to three sons - one 8 plus 4-year-old twins. Avery, a fraternal twin, was diagnosed

with Down syndrome at five days old. Both my husband and I are writers, and we live in a small town in the mountains of Montana. Because I felt as if I were learning everything for the first time (I

was a newborn mom all over again), and because our resources were limited, I turned to

books. I read everything I could, and when I didn't find what I was looking for, I made my own: it's called Roadmap to Holland (New American Library, 2008). In it, I write about things as I learned them, in my journey as

Avery's mom. I also have a blog for parents of children with Down syndrome, Pinwheels, at http:// jennifergrafgroneber g.wordpress.com.

When I was a new mom to Avery, I remember feeling overwhelmed, mostly, and I was sad, because I thought I'd lost the child I'd been

dreaming of while I was pregnant. I didn't know, then, how much I would come to love Avery.

Love makes all the difference.

This is my little ray of sunshine, Marissa. She had heart surgery at 4mo old and she is now 7 mo old and doing fantastic

Linda and Bridgette - My name is Linda and I am the mother of Bridgette, our 26 month old with Down Syndrome. I found your blog ‘Mommy Life’ and love it!!! Bridgette is our # 3 child (my oldest daughter Kathryn is 5, and son Kevin age 4. Bridgette was our surprise baby and we did not find out she had Down Syndrome until 2 hours after she was born. She has been surprising us ever since with daily wonderful miracles and we are so blessed to have this little angel with us. We also homeschool and are loving it! Thank you for your website, your support and your inspiration

Chris and Maggie

Lisa and Cannon - I must say, when Cannon was first born, I did not

realize the gift we were given. He is just 9 months old now and I can't imagine a world without my little

guy. He is absolutely amazing! This is an amazing project you are

doing. I wish you the best of luck.

Addison and Peyton

Brigid and Elsie - Elsie is 8 months old, and we found out about her Down syndrome while I wasstill on the operating table at delivery. From the moment she wasborn, God showered me with grace.  Elsie continues to be a wonderful blessing for our family.  I've come to believe that God gives us Down syndrome babies toprovide a clue about how He feels about us.  Elsie can be screaming at thetop of her lungs to be picked up out of her crib, and the second I walk intothe room she breaks into a smile that lights up her entire face!  And Ithink that's how God feels about us when we come near to Him (only more so).Fr. Benedict Groeschel tells a similar story--how, in Europe of old,whenever a person with Down syndrome entered a room, everyone in the roomwould make the sign of the cross because they were in the presence of God.I think that through Down syndrome people we are able to begin to comprehendthe truth about ourselves--that God is crazy in love with us!

Christina and Sofia - Born April 15, 2007 bringing love and pure joy to my heart and soul

Hi, I've found the most beautiful pics of babies & kids with Down syndromeon your Picasa account. I've been looking for such pictures for a couple of weeks 'cause we've got our own baby with trisomy since April 14th this year, but none of those which I found have been so pretty & touching as these are! - - - - Attached you can find 3 photos from Poland with mom Gosia and her little Jasiek, you can add them to your gallery if you wish :)

Rita and Pascal - Ich habe den Link von meiner Facebook Freundin bekommen, und möchte gerne Ihnen auch ein Föteli von Pascal senden zum veröffentlichen!

Ich beschäftige mich sehr mit dieser Behinderung, denn ich habe eine eigene Gruppe erstellt im Facebook. Unter dem Namen: Menschen mit Down-Syndrom haben ein

recht respektiert zu werde. Gründerin ich selbstMit lieben Grüssen

Rita Zieri

Donna Marie and her mom Laura at the Ronald McDonald house after atrail septal defect repair in Schneider's Children's Hospital.

Gloria and Gloria - Our walk together was wonderful at Howarth Park in the summer of 2006. Gloria Jr. is my best friend and companion wherever we go. She is an inspiration to me in so many ways I don't know where to start. She touches everyone  around her with this unconditional Love that comes from God. I have meet so many beautiful and lovely families all because of her.  I  feel so very blessed that our Lord Jesus chose me to be her earthly mother.  Gloria Sr.

Sylvia and Zachary - aka Mr. Sunshine. His smile lights up even the darkest of rooms

Berneeta and Ben -Benjamin was born three weeks early.  We had no idea that he would have DS.  When he was 20 minutes old, we were told the doctors suspected it. After we were told this, the adults in the room-my husband and I as well as my

parents and sister- were all crying.  My daughter, not quite four at the time, said, "I don't know why you are all crying, I finally got my little brother and I am happy."

Boy, did that knock us for a loop.  She was right.  It has been over 18 years since that day and he has been such a blessing and a joy. His sister is still as in love with

him as she was that first day. He is sensitive to the feelings of others and knows when you need a hug.  When he was little, his favorite statement was, "Are you

happy?  Me happy!"  Well Ben, Me happy!!! (and all because of you!)Berneeta

Ellen and Elijah

April and Austin - Hello,  This Austin and me this summer.  He is 12 now and it is hard to believe.  Twelve years ago I thought I had my life all planed out and then I had Austin.  He has been a stubborn little angel.  I have delighted in being his mother.  Being Austin's mom has shaped my character in ways I never imagined.

Cari and Nick

Easter day with my little boy Hudson, he is our little superman.  He is such a fighter, he has had heart surgery and is recovering sooo well.  My name is Ashley and my husband is Ryan and our other little one is sister, Ella.  Hudson was such a surprise to us but I have to say that everytime I look at my little Hudson I see a little bit of God revealing himself to me.  I believe that one day in heaven all of the angels will have those beautiful almond (down syndrome) eyes!!

Anna and Mitchell

Liita and Nathan - Nathan is 2 years old, and is an absolute joy. He's running, loves trucks, sunshine and flowers and has learned almost 100 signs so far. He charms everyone he meets with a magical smile. He is our gift. I write about him often on my blog: http://wintertreedesign.com/blog

Jeanette and Carter

Yece and Victoria - Husband/dad Victor writes: "I was devastated when my wife called me and told me our brand new baby was down syndrome I complained, screamed and cried to God. I don't have to tell you how much my mind has changed over her five years of life, but I'll tell you this. We decided to send her to regular classes against all recommendations from the school district,we worried about teasing and loneliness, but the total opposite has happened. Her teacher is in love with her, sometimes she is surrounded by loving kids who just want to be around her or help her out. She just captivates some people's hearts.Mommy - Yece Navarro, Daughter - Victoria Navarro, A very "lucky" blessed Daddy

Dawn and Shaun

Patty and Grace - We found out when she was five weeks old. After crying for a day we educated ourselves and moved forward and it has been a beautiful, difficult, scary, wonderful ride. Thank you God for entrusting us with the life of this child!

Kimberly and Charlie

Rose and Alianna - Alianna has been such an inspiration to me.  She seems to know just what to do. She always looks into my eyes...really looks, and I see her and she sees me and we are so perfect for each other.  I always knew that I would have the "perfect“ baby, but I never knew how right I would be.  She is what our family needed, and only God knew that.  He never ceases to amaze me.  He knows me better than anyone.  He knew I needed Alianna and Alianna needed me.

Kelly and Alexis

Lisa, Michael and Alex- Our family adopted Michael and Alex in 2005. They were born to 2 different families on the same day. We are so grateful that God intended for them to live as “twins” in our family. My 25-year-old brother, Stephen, has Down syndrome. He has always been a blessing to our family, and God has used him to inspire my husband and me to adopt children who have DS. Every child who has Down syndrome definitely has “something extra” and we are blessed to know them.

CJ and Jaina

CJ and Emallee

Stephanie and Aiden - What a wonderful idea!! Here is a picture of Aiden and myself. I knew prenatally of Aiden's diagnosis and what a year it has been. We have gone from not knowing if he would survive birth to heart surgery 5 months later. It has now been almost a year of him teaching me what miracles truely are. We have started a public blog for family members to share their stories of what having a child with Down syndrome means to them. Please visit http://47pieces.blogspot.com and feel free to email for the id and password to add your story.

Jessica and Joey

Michelle and Tullie - Tullie surprised us by showing up 9 weeks early. Then we were surprised (shocked may be a better word) again when she was diagnosed with DS. She was in the NICU for 6 weeks before she was able to come home. It was scary when she first came home, because we were venturing into something that we knew nothing about. By God's grace we have been blessed by having Tullie healthy and strong. She is a joy and a wonderful asset to our family with a lot of smiles and hugs to share with everyone. We have been blessed.

Jen and Riley

Erin and Grayson - Grayson has been the greatest blessing to our family. We thank God every day for sending him to us.

He is adored by me, his father Joe, 6 year old sister Mackenzie, and 4 year old brother Hayden. -Erin

Kris and Zachary

MaryKay and Daniel -Our son, Daniel, will be 5 on July 23 and he is truly a blessing from God. He has taught us so much about God's unconditional love and His amazing grace. He has never met a stranger and his smile is infectious. People are always commenting about how cute he is and anyone's who's ever spent any time with him just falls in love with him. Our daughter (almost 3 years old) is very good at encouraging him and helping him. Thanks for doing this project; it truly is a wonderful tribute to our kids!

Amy and Joseph

Christie and Carly - We adopted her when she was 5 weeks old. She has been such a joy to our lives and has taught us more about life and determination than anyone can even imagine. -Christie

Kelly and Kennedy

Cecile and Elise - Elise is 1 year and 5 months. She is my second kid. My eldest is 10 years old and his name is Enzo. At first it was hard, but we accepted her right away through the help of my relatives and friends. We love her dearly. She is the light of our lives. She made our family stronger. We are doing everything to raise her well, to be able to reach her full potential. She's currently doing physical, occupational and speech therapy. She's not yet walking but hopefully soon! She already has 4 molars (2 lower and 2 upper), she also has 2 front lower teeth. She's so cute and very adorable! Thank you Barbara for creating a project like this for mother's day.

Michelle and Kayla

Friederike and Cecilie - Hello, this is a picture of my daughter Cecilie (Feb.25.2003) and myself last year in October on a sunny day in the Netherlands. We actually live in Germany, but we were there for a vacation. Regards from across the Atlantic, Friederike

Catherine and Alexander

Sherrill and Trent - This little boy has taught me what life is all about. Love has no boundaries. I have been blessed.

Angie and Sydnie

Susan and Duncan - Duncan was born by emergency C-section. I was told the next day he had Down syndrome. I had seen my son for only a few minutes at that point as I was recovering and Duncan was in the NICU. The doctor neglected to wait for my husband to share this news with us, and thus began my ongoing mistrust of the medical establishment in regards to the emotional well being of my new family. To a new mother I would say don’t listen to what the establishment tells you about your child and your child’s life trajectory. As you get to know and love your child, your child will show you what he or she can do, and your job is to simply love and support that child in reaching his or her potential. (Gee, that sounds like a pretty normal parenting experience.) The details of how you raise your child and the services and schooling are different, but your experience of loving and caring for your child are not. Drop any preconceived ideas you may have and give yourself over to this new and wonderful journey! Susan

Deveri and David

Amy and Jimmy - Hello, I have two children with Down syndrome. Jimmy my oldest son has been an inspiration in my life. I have learned so many things from him including unconditional love and how to laugh at the littlest things. He has been the light of my life since the day he was born. I was a young mother and when I was told Jimmy had Down syndrome, I knew God must really love me! I had someone special that not every mother gets, a child with Down syndrome! As I held this precious gift from God, I knew my life was going to be changed but in a very good way. Watching him grow up and face challenges that I have never had to, and watching him do it with a smile has been so inspiring! He has such an outgoing personality that draws people near him. He was even elected to the Homecoming Court in his senior year, and that's out of a class of over 400! I'm so proud of him and everything he has accomplished. He is definitely my hero!!

Jennifer and Mia Fancesca

Amy and Caleb - Caleb is my youngest son. He was also born with Down syndrome but on the other side of the world. Caleb was born in Russia in 2002 and I adopted him in 2005. He is also my special blessing and my miracle child. I call him that because I wanted so badly to be a mommy again and God guided me to Caleb. When I first saw him, my eyes filled with tears of joy. What a beautiful little boy who was to be mine! Now, I really felt blessed and loved by God! He was giving me two special children with Down syndrome! Caleb has been such a delight to watch grow and learn. To be his mommy and be the one to hold him and laugh with him and teach him everything he has missed out on from being in an orphanage has been amazing! His beautiful eyes light up and he lets out a laugh that can make everyone laugh with him. He has stolen the hearts of our family, his teachers and friends! I am honored to be Jimmy and Caleb's mom! Amy Winkle

Kelly and Marissa

Maxine and Dominic - Just sending a couple of snaps of me and my sweetie Dominic aged 3. He's funny and sassy, always full of mischief and his cheeky smile, lights up our world. Bet you can relate to that eh Best wishes Maxine Waith Manchester UK

Rebecca and Elainah

Mary Ann and Frankie - This is my son, Frankie, born November 27th 2006. He was 2 1/2 months early and spent one month and one day in the special care nursery. He is my first son and my last child and is mama's little punkin pie!! Mary Ann

Dana, Brice and Brenan

Beth and Kylie - Kylie's name in Chinese means beautiful and victorious. She truly has lived up to her name. Kylie was born while we lived overseas. God has shown us time and time again that he will provide all her needs. Life with Kylie is beautiful. Thanks, Beth, http://proclaiming-peace.blogspot.com/

Susan and Catie

Kelly and Will - Will and I enjoy a quick pose together at Easter just after church. He was much more interested in reviewing the bounty of his Easter basket, but was good enough to take a moment with mom. Even though it is generally assumed that Will is always smiling because he has Down syndrome, the fact of the matter is that he more often puts a smile on a stranger's face. I could not imagine my life with someone like Will before he arrived, now I don't want to imagine where I would be without him. Kelly at http://www.willswebplace.blogspot.com/

April and Juliet

Elisha and Elijah - Elijah has been a miracle baby to us all. When he was prenatally diagnosed, it broke my heart and was told so many horrible things about DS. I was scared for him, and I was scared to death what he was going to look like, and how he was going to be. If I would have known then, what I know now, I would not have been scared. He is a beautiful baby boy. Even though he's over a year old now, he's still opening hearts; and opening minds. He is a great baby. He has had many hurdles; more than most of us as adults, but he's a strong boy. I wish all mothers of children with DS knew how special their babies really are. -Elisha

Marci, Marc and friend - "Proud Mom (Marci) with son, Marc (far left) and friend, Shea, all dressed up to go to their first high school dance!"

Jessica and Nash - My Mom forwarded your blog asking for pictures of Mom’s and babies with DS….so I am sending a picture of myself and my son. This was taken a few months back, just before he had 2 open heart surgeries. He is doing great. As for what having a child with DS has taught me……”God’s plan is so much greater, and better than our own!” Jessica Solberg

Myra and Megan

Phyllis and Chase - Chase is the youngest of my four children. We didn't know Chase had Down Syndrome until he was born. We had declined prenatal testing because it would not have made any difference. We left everything in God's hands. God never wastes a life and we know God has a special purpose for Chase. He is an amazing little guy and incredibily tough! He has had heart surgery to repair an AV canal defect and we're ready to get on with life now that surgery is behind us. We were scared at first but we have found that he is far more alike than non-alike the other kids. Like any other baby, he needs lots of love and attention. He is a wonderful baby and we are blessed to have him in our lives!

Amy and Mayson

Megan and Katie - We didn't know Katie had DS until the day after her birth, and we struggled in the beginning to come to terms with what our future with her would hold. A kind nurse gave us the "Welcome to Holland" poem, and it made such a big difference. Seven months later, here's what we've discovered...life in Holland with our "Katiebug" is wonderful! She's a happy, sweet, smiley, snuggly little cutie with an infectious belly laugh. She has a big brother who adores her, and the feeling is mutual. We are truly blessed!

Carol and Gabby - Gabby is 17 months old. We adopted Gabby (Gabriella) last year. She has been a sheer delight. I can't imagine a starting a day out without seeing her big smile.

Deb and Tommy - Tommy was only with us for a year....oh, but the impact this sweet little boy made on our family. We are forever changed in such a positive way. Not a day goes by, that I don't think of my sweet Tommy. I miss him so much. We found out that Tommy had Down syndrome when I was 18 weeks pregnant. The doctor who gave us the diagnosis told us to go home and get into bed (at 1000am in the morning) and think about the "quality of life" of our child. She then told us she could schedule a termination the following week. No other information was given to us. Hmmmm, this sweet angel from heaven changed our quality of life for the better for one short year when he was with us....I LOVED being his Mom, and then....forever, for having even known him. He was adored, loved and cherished, he too, had the quality of life that others could only hope for.......It is in his memory, that we continue to do what we do for others with Down syndrome. Deb Dougherty www.caringbridge.org/va/tommy

Tara and Emma Sage - Emma Sage and I on the Ferris Wheel in the Toys R Us in New York City

Karla and Emily - I knew the moment I first saw you that God had sent me a gift, only I didn't understand the greatestness of that gift yet. Now, 4 years later, I understand it much more. You, my sweet Emily, have taught me more about life's importance, love, patience, understanding, self-lessness, joy, and what being a mother truly means. "You are what makes me special".

Michelle and Christopher

Sally and Charlie - Charlie is my third child and my first son. To quote Jerry McQuire, he 'completes me'. I could never have anticipated the happiness he has brought. I'll admit his diagnosis at birth was intimidating for my husband and I, not least because we already have two beautiful girls who are also disabled. He has brought a sense of calm and joy to us all. He is the best Mother's Day gift anyone could wish for and I hope one day I make him as proud as he has made me!

Stephanie and Kimber

Obelia and Sandra - Since Sandra's birth,our family has had a special bonding. She has taught us the virtue of patience and being appreciative of little discoveries we see in her. I was inspired to put up a support group for Filipinos with special children here in Singapore.

Jill and Lucy Kay - Lucy Kay truly is our gift from God...she's our third child and the only one we created without the help of infertility specialists. Lucy is a happy, healthy, loving, intelligent, curious, gorgeous baby girl. She has an ever-present smile and spends her days exploring her world and crawling around after her brother and sister. We are so blessed to have her!!

Bernadette and Bernice - On Oct. 12, 1994, a very precious blessing was born into our family. Bernice, was the best gift from God. Having the extra chromosome made growing up more challenging. Her development is surely nothing spectacular if she was a child with no disabilities. But, given that she has Down Syndrome, every milestone and achievement of hers is definitely a result of so much effort and hard work on her part. However, all her achievements are not really the most important to us. Just hearing her say “I Love you”, getting hugs from her so many times a day and receiving daily cards and notes from her is what makes Bernice extra special to us. Nothing can replace the joys she brings to our lives. So, dear co-parents with special children, it may be more difficult and challenging for us to raise our little precious ones but we were chosen because we are highly capable of loving and caring for them. Let's keep enjoying our special blessings! They will always make us proud.

Terri and Liliana - Liliana just turned 2 and has been such an added joy to our family! Our 4th baby, she surprised us at birth with the Down Syndrome diagnosis, and has continued to surprise us with the joy, patience, and love she teaches us every day. I think back to those first days after finding out she had DS, and today I think, “What was I so worried about?” I often remember a quote I heard a few months back (author unknown): I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I’ve ended up where I intended to be. Terri Thanks!

Jen and Emmy - Our third child, Emmaline Kate, was born 2-21-07. We were not aware that she had Down syndrome before her birth. Although my husband and I suspected it when we first saw her, it did not make hearing the doctor's diagnosis an hour later any easier. We experienced a wide range of emotions in the days that followed. I would never have imagined myself being the parent of a special needs baby, but now I cannot imagine being anything else. She has already taught me to value the little things (like big ear canals) and to not take anything for granted (like the smile she gives whenever she sees me). Emmaline is such a blessing to our family and we love her just as fiercely as our typical son and daughter. God knew that she was the right baby to give us and we are so thankful for all she brings to our lives. Every Mother's Day is special, but this one is especially so because of this little angel from heaven.

Belinda and Christian - Christian is the youngest of my six children and the only boy. Now he is 2 yrs and 8 months. He will be celebrating his 3rd birthday on Aug. 20. When I was informed of my husband that my only son has Down Syndrome, I really cried a lot and asked so many questions with guilty feelings but now I together with my family have learned to accept that my son is a "Special Gift" of God. Now we are trying our best to help him and support him with his medical check-ups and therapies. I always pray that God will help us overcome these challenges in life. Hearing different stories from parents like us made me stronger, and also gave me also many ideas on how to handle some problems that I may encounter.

Cameron and Cam - My name is Cameron and I have two daughters. Ella is about to turn 3 and Cam has just turned 1 year old. Cam has Down Syndrome. The Lord has certainly blessed our family and we can't wait to see what he does in the lives of our girls! Cameron Hicks, Birmingham, Alabama

Julie and Samuel - This is me, Julie, and my son, Samuel. He is my 10th child and my 9th son! I felt so sad when he was born because I did not know that he was really a bundle of joy in disguise. He is so much like all of my other children, but a little more funny, sweet, innocent, happy, and content. He brings to our family a special kind of love. He helps us all to see the true dignity of a person and how precious is each day of life. What a blessing he is!

Guisela and Grace - Grace is our 6th child - first girl in a house full of boys! Two hours into her life we discovered she had Down syndrome. With tears in his eyes and sorrow on his face my husband sighed, "Our lives will never be the same." Those were gray days in our lives, those early days with Grace. But as all moms here have discovered, once that tiny bundle begins to smile, sit up and get a personality we see the truly remarkable gift they really are. Grace was no different. She is now one, and loves to watch her brothers play. They simply adore her. She has brought a tenderness to their hearts and sweet joy into our lives. I thank God everyday for blessing our lives with this precious child. Today, with joy in his eyes and a smile on his face, my husband can say, "Our lives will never be the same!"-and it is a good thing. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Brenda and Joey - We have 8 adopted children, five of whom have Down Syndrome. Our first three children were genetically normal, but when they got older and we decided to start a second family about 6 years ago, we actively sought out and prayed for a Downs baby. Our first was Joseph, and we fell in love with him immediately.

Brenda and Benjamin (1)- . . .we decided to keep adopting these beautiful, angelic, innocent, playful, loving, joyful children. Our next "Downser" was Benjamin, a beautiful little boy of Russian extraction.

Brenda, Abby (2) and Benny (1) - Then came Abigail (3), who's mother was from the Dominican Republic. Then came Zachary (4), an older Downs child with FAS and moderate autism.

Brenda and Leah Sun (5) - And finally came Leah, a beautiful little angel with a teenage Korean birth mother. Leah died this past January at the age of 5 months. We miss her terribly, but we are also grateful for every minute God gave us with her, and for every minute He's giving us with our other Downs children. After 5 Downs adoptions in 6 years, we're taking a little breather, especially after Leah's tragic loss. But we're open to more if God sends them our way and gives us the strength.

Giovanna y Diana

This album was created by Barbara Curtis

mother of 4 sons with Down syndrome: 1 by birth, 3 by adoption.

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megamommy12@gmail.com

• http://picasaweb.google.com/BarbarasMommyLife/OurLittleExtrasAMotherSDayDownSyndromeCelebration

• www.MommyLife.net.

! Gracias por tu interés !