“I had the most glorious pregnancy. Everything went right and all was perfect. Even after having multiple Level II ultrasounds (only due to my age) everything was always perfect. We did not know if baby was a boy or a girl, we wanted it to be a surprise. Well, what a surprise we got. I delivered at 39 weeks and was so excited driving to Waterbury Hospital knowing that today was the day! Mike and I couldn't wait to meet our baby! Everyone in the room yelled “It's a Boy!!!!”  The second he was shown to me through the cesarean curtain, I knew. I knew something wasn't right. He did not look like my other son, Landon. Bonding was hard the first few hours after birth because all my family and friends were passing him around in awe at how perfect he was. I couldn't do anything but lay there with this pit in my stomach. Once family left, we were told they suspected Thayer has Down syndrome. Our world came crashing down at the thought. I didn't sleep for nights or eat for days. Googling everything I could on Down syndrome. It's funny how things happen in life. One of my oldest girlfriends texted me one night and said "I met another nurse who also has a son, a little older than Thayer, with Down syndrome. I told her you would reach out". And so I did. I met Kristen Robles through the grace of God. She told me everything was going to be ok. She told me to message the CT Down Syndrome Congress and get involved. The outpouring messages I received from moms all over was really unimaginable. My inbox was flooded with kind words, words of encouragement and many play dates! Through 21 Strong we have met so many families and made many new friends. I received a welcome package from the CT Down Syndrome Congress on my doorstep days after I originally reached out. It was the kindest gesture ever. The support that 21 Strong has provided Mike and I is truly something I cherish and will for many years to come. I am very new to this new journey and life. But I could not imagine it any other way. Thayer is perfect. Our family is perfect.”
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~ Joy