Miss Alayna Brown is our own private angel. We didn't know Alayna had down syndrome and while it was an emotional day for us we really didn't care. We chose to have a baby and as far as we were concerned - there is a no return policy on the gifts that God gives us. We remember being sad and scared for her because we didn't know her future and we didn't want our beautiful baby girl to ever be denied anything - - or for anyone to ever hurt her - - either intentionally or unintentionally.

Her daddy was amazing and while it was a shock, he didn't focus on diagnosis down syndrome. He focused on how much he loved Alayna already, how much sunshine she brought to us, and everyone around us. Alayna's Daddy calls her "The cure" because she can cure a bad day and any sadness. Its' so true...

The first week of Miss Alayna's life was challenging because Alayna was sick with a sluggish liver and many tests were run on her to determine the seriousness of the illness. Luckily after some sleepless nights, doctors, priests, love and prayer, her little baby body began to kick in gear and start doing what it was supposed to do so we could take her home. We also took Alayna to her first Buddy Walk when she was just 17 days old.

From the very beginning Alayna's mommy has kept her on a pretty tight schedule and we think that it really helps. Alayna began sleeping through the night within a month of being home, she loves to eat all types of foods because we made her food at home and froze it for her each week, all natural for this angel baby.

Everywhere Alayna goes, she brings love, and we think that's the extra that she has to give to the world. Alayna has extra love, smiles, hugs and sunshine and she doesn't discriminate.

We have been concerned about all the usual things, her health and development, when would she walk, when would she talk and would she be ok. Alayna began walking just around 18 months. Alayna just participated as the youngest of three flower girls in her sister's wedding and she was quite a beauty. As the two older flower girls dropped the rose petals, Miss Alayna was being a good girl and picking them up for us.

Alayna is beginning to string words together and trying to talk. She uses sign language and has a repertoire of about 20 signs. She really communicates quite well. She loves baby dolls and music. Alayna is in a typical pre-school with typical children and it's really wonderful that she is just accepted as any other kid. This is one of our biggest desires, hopes and dreams for Alayna - to be accepted just like everyone else.

Alanyna and others like her with DS deserve the same chances, choices and opportunities as everyone else in this world. She may do something a little slower and it may take her an extra step to learn or accomplish - - but she will get there on her on time.

We cannot imagine a world without Alayna in it...give our kids a chance.