October 12th- Brianna and Lorelai

“Having a child with Down Syndrome (and Autism) has been a surprise, and has taught us a lot. The biggest lesson I have learned on this expedition has been to celebrate. Celebrate every major and minor victory. Celebrate our time together. Celebrate the journey. Celebrate knowing her siblings will learn from her. Celebrate how hard things can be and how much we learn and grow as parents. Celebrate getting chance to make a difference. Celebrate learning to be her voice, an advocate, a cheerleader, and her champion. Celebrate watching her grow. Most of all, celebrate life; it can be unexpected, messy, challenging, triumphant, remarkable, surprising, awesome, and joy-inducing. All three of our children take us to all of these places daily. No matter how may chromosomes they have, every child gives us reasons to celebrate.”

– Brianna, mom to Lorelai